Chapter 4 The Decision

The moment Dante left, and the heavy door clicked shut behind him, I let out a breath I didn't even realize I was holding. The room was eerily silent now, except for the faint sound of the curtains rustling from the breeze outside. My hands trembled slightly as I took in my surroundings- ornately designed ceiling, walls adorned prettily with paintings that looked centuries old, and furniture so lavish it seemed to belong to royalty. A massive chandelier cast warm golden light across the room, making the room seem more extravagant which suffocated me all the more.

I swallowed hard. I had to think. I had to act. Or else...

Dante Valenti had kidnapped me and was now claiming me as his wife-as some twisted form of payment for my measly father's sins. Adrian was also being used as leverage and his life was at risk. I had no idea where he was, or if he was even alive, but the thought of him suffering because of me made my stomach churn badly.

I needed to get out of here. Now.

I bolted for the door and twisted the handle, only to find it locked. Of course. Think, Isla, think.

My gaze darted around the room, and then my eyes landed on the massive bed. A ridiculously stupid idea formed in my mind. I chewed my lip before shaking my head at myself. Desperate times called for desperate measures as they all say.

Dragging the silk sheets off the mattress, I began tying them together, making the knots as tightly as I could. I remembered seeing this method in all those telenovelas my mamma used to watch religiously-where the heroine would escape from a cruel captor using only her wits. Or some dramatic ladder like this. I used to laugh at those scenes before, thinking how unrealistic and over the top they were. But now? Now I was willing to try anything. Anything to leave Dante and his stuffy mansion and stupid debt-collecting offer behind.

Once I finished making my makeshift rope, I ran to the window and pushed it open. The cool night air hit my face. I peeked down and nearly cried. It was a three-story drop. If I slip while coming down, Dante would have to make do with doing his stupid wedding at my funeral.

"No, no, no," I muttered. I squeezed my eyes shut, taking a deep breath. It wasn't as if I had any choice really.

Swallowing back the lump of fear, I tied the sheets to the bedpost nearest to the window and tugged at the sheet rope with all my strength to make sure it held and wouldn't give way. Then, gripping the fabric tightly, I hoisted myself over the ledge and began to climb down very slowly and very carefully.

The silk almost slipped under my hands which were now sweaty, and my heart pounded so violently I could feel it in my throat. Inch by inch, I descended holding my breath. My eyes scanned around my surroundings, making sure that none of Dante's button men would spot me and drag me back inside. After some time, I felt my toe graze the gravel on the ground and I jumped down, taking a deep breath before I began stealthily walking in search of Adrian. I had no time to waste.

Dante's estate was enormous, like all those houses you see in magazines like Forbes that belong to wealthy old billionaires. Towering perfectly manicured green hedges and gardens stretched for what seemed like miles, marble fountains glistened under the moonlight, and there were several multiple archways leading to different wings of the estate. The main house loomed behind me, all dark stone and massive windows, Dante's fortress of wealth and danger, where many had probably lost their lives.

I crouched low, moving as quietly as I could. Security guards and button men patrolled the grounds, and they gazed sharply around scanning the area. I had to be careful.

Then, out of nowhere, I felt a pull in my gut, which meant my instincts were trying to tell me something.

Adrian is around here.

I didn't know how I knew it, but I did. I followed the feeling, creeping across the estate until I reached the stables. The scent of hay and leather filled my nose, and the soft whinnies of horses echoed in the quiet night.

Where would they keep him? My eyes scanned across the area, searching for anything out of place. Then I saw a large wooden plank on the stable floor that seemed...off. As if something beneath it had been disturbed or shifted recently.

Holding my breath, I carefully moved the crates stacked on top of it. My fingers found the edge of the plank, and with a grunt, I heaved it open.

A trapdoor.

A rope ladder led into a dark abyss below.

I hesitated, staring into the void. I had no idea what was waiting for me down there.

But Adrian was down there. I knew it.

Gripping the edge of the opening, as I lowered myself, I took a deep breath and began climbing into the darkness.