Chapter 156
Antonio’s lips curled into a faint smile at her excitement, though there could potentially put her in harm’s way.
However, he wasn’t going to let his fears dampen her mood.
Π
was a part of him that was worried that this was just another situation that
Her career was something he wanted to see take off and seeing her light up with happiness was a sight he’d never get tired of, especially as she wasn’t doubting hrs
“Your first official shoot, he remarked as he propped himself up on one elbow to watch her.
“Yes, I totally forgot about it,” Zabelle said, her voice buzzing with energy,
Antonio nodded, his expression softening as he brushed a stay strand of hair from her face. “You deserve it. Zabelle. I’m proud of you.
Her smile widened, and she leaned forward to press a quick kiss to his lips. “Thank you. I couldn’t have gotten here without you.”
There were so many circumstances that led to her being contracted, but all were thanks to Antonio.
“You did the work. I just made sure no one got in your way.” Antonio replied with a smirk, though his tone held genuine pride.
She chuckled, shaking her head as she climbed out of bed, making sure to grab the sheets with her. “I need to get ready. The shoot starts in an hour.
and I can’t be labe
Antonio sat up watching her move around the room with a mix of amusement and concern. “Where is the shoot happening?”
“At their studio downtown” Zabelle answered absentmindedly as she went into the walk–in closet so she could find the perfect outfit.
Antonio immediately got dressed, after which he followed her into the closet. “Do they have security on–site?
She paused, turning to him with a raised brow. “Antonio, it’s a professional studio. I’m sure they have their own measures in place.”
“That’s not enough for me,” he said firmly, standing and crossing the room to stand behind her. He then reached out for a dress. “Il send someone with you, just in case.
Zabelle turned to face him fully, crossing her arms. “Wear this, it suits you,” he said, handing over the dress to her.
“Antonio, I’ll be fine. It’s just a photo shoot. Nothing dangerous is going to happen.”
“Humor me,” he said, his gaze locking onto hers. “You know you won’t win, please,” he added.
Her expression softened at his plea, and she let out a small sigh. “Fine. But only because I know you won’t stop pestering me about it.”
“Sman woman,” Antonio teased, leaning down to kiss her forehead.
“Now shoes, what do I wear with them and should I wear my hair up or down?” She rambled as she went to where her shoes were kept
As she continued to get ready, Antonio leaned against the door frame, watching her with a sense of admiration that he couldn’t quite put into words.
His wife
She was strong, beautiful, and determined, everything he loved about her wrapped into one incredible woman.
Damn, he was hucky to have her.
“I’ll make a few calls and have the driver ready to take you
you” he said after a moment
“Yeali, yeah,” Zabelle waved dismissively, not really paying attention. Antonio could only shake his head and he left.
The truck rumbled to a stop, its engine roaring before falling silent
The sudden quiet was deafening after hours of movement, but the captive hiding beneath the tarp didn’t dare move,
His body was stiff, his muscles screaming from the unnatural position he’d held during the journey, but he remained still listening intently for signs of activity.
Voices filtered through the stillness, rough and impatient. “Unload it quickly,” one man barked. “We’re already behind schedule.”
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Chapter 156
The captive’s heart pounded in his chest. He waited, biding his time as footsteps thudded against the gravel outside.
Boxes and crates were being hauled out of the truck, the sound of scraping metal and shifting weight echoing in his ears.
Finally, the voices began to fade, and the sound of retreating footsteps signaled his chance.
Slowly, cautiously, he pushed against the tarp, creating just enough space to peek out. The coast was clear.
He slipped out of the truck, landing sofily on the ground. His bare feet stung and he fell to the ground, a sharp reminder of his predicament.
He got up and began to walk. He didn’t know where he was walking to, but he just kept wi
walking
After some time, he took in his surroundings, his gaze sweeping over the bustling city streets.
Skyscrapers loomed overhead, their glass facades reflecting the morning sunlight.
Cars honked impatiently, and pedestrians hurried along the sidewalks, oblivious to the man who had just emerged from the shadows.
He looked around, and the realization hit him like a thunderbolt as he recognized where he was he was in the city. Her city.
A surge of
of emotion rose in his chest, and it was a mix of elation and determination.
He was free, at least for now, and he was closer to Zabelle than he had been in years.
–
The mere thought of her was enough to send his heart racing, even as the practical part of his mind reminded him of the challenges ahead. Even though he was in the city where she lived, the probability of finding her was low and even if he found her, he couldn’t simply walk up to her like this.
He was disheveled, his clothes hanging off him in tatters, his hair matted and unkempt.
He looked very insane, and he knew that anyone who saw him would likely avoid him or, worse, report him to the authorities.
Still, he couldn’t allow himself to falter. He needed to find a way to blend in, and take care of himself until he could figure out his next move.
The
moved cautiously, sticking to the shadows as he navigated the familiar yet unfamiliar streets.
There was a time he was a king in the city, but now he was a nobody and anger clawed at him
His stomach growled, the hunger gawing at him a reminder of just how long it had been since he’d had a proper meal. But food could wait. His priority was survival–and finding her.
As he wandered, his mind raced with thoughts of Zabelle.
Would she know he was the one! Was she under the illusion of Gabriel’s le
Would she even believe him! The thought of rejection was a dagger to his heart, but he pushed it aside. He had to try, and he wouldn’t stop until he got justice.
He ducked into an all
an alleyway, his sharp eyes scanning
his surroundings for anythi
anything useful.
A discarded hoodie lay crumpled near a trash bin, and though it was far from clean, it was better than the one he was currently wearing,
He slipped it on, pulling the hood over his head to conceal his face.
From there, he continued his journey, observing the city’s rhythm and learning its layout. It has changed, and it was going to need some getting used in
He kept an ear out for anything that might point him in the direction of Zabelle, though he knew it wouldn’t be easy.
She
he was likely in a secure location, especially if she was still connected to Antonio Garcia.
Antonio, he was the man he needed to thank for everything he had done for Zabelle.
The fact that Gabriel was always agitated showed just how much Antonio protected Zabelle.
Hours passed, and his feet ached as he wandered aimlessly.
Eventually, he found himself near a public park, and he sat on a bench, his mind racing as he tried to piece together a plan.
He needed money, a way to communicate, and most importantly, a lead on Zabelle’s whereabouts.
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Chapter 156
But despite the odds stacked against him, a flicker of hope burned brightly within him.
He was in the same city as her.
For the first time in years, she wasn’t just a memory or a dream–she was within reach.
And he would do whatever it took to find her.
