[[ Veronica's Pov ]]

I regained consciousness after an unknown amount of time. Opening my eyes groggily, I discovered myself back inside my pink-walled bedroom. A sudden hope hit my mind.

Was it a dream?

My hope didn't last longer when a mechanical voice rang from my bedside snapping me back to reality,

" Enough of acting?"

I snapped my head aside only to see him sitting with his legs crossed on the armchair. He looked so disheveled. A few buttons of his t-shirt were unbuttoned revealing his sweaty collarbone inside. His thick locks of hair seemed messy as if they hadn't been combed for years. He looked like a pure mess, a mess that I had created. A burning cigarette was hanging between his forefingers as he hauled up from the chair before making his way towards my bed.

My heart raced in anxiety violently. He was looking for nothing but a complete devil who could suck my soul anytime. He spoke in his voice,

" Get ready now! We will leave within an hour for C Nation."

I whispered looking away from his emotionless glare,

" But my dad.."

" He will be fine as long as you cooperate with me.", his threatening voice cut off my words. I went silent for a few moments and supported my heavy arms to sit up.

I spoke after going through an internal battle inside,

" What.. what about Victoria? Have you found any traces anywhere?"

His expression changed faster than flipping a page. A dark layer of hatred quickly appeared on his expression. I regretted the second time for asking too much.

He took a domineering puff from his cigarette and bent down slightly to look through my fearsome eyes. Fanning hot breath on my lips, he replied between his gritted teeth,

" You are in no position to ask about her."

My tears threatened to fall but I stubbornly held them in my eyes. Breathing erratically, I managed to squeeze out a few words harshly,

" It doesn't prove that I am at fault, Mr.Davidson."

I pronounced his surname to create a clear distance between our relationships. His face grimaced before taking another puff from his cigarette and spraying them on my nostrils.

Immediately my stomach tightened into a heavy pain when the smoke traveled down to my stomach. I understood what was going to happen when I struggled to breathe this time.

Still fighting with my breathing regulation, I heard his disgusted voice on my face vaguely,

" If I find out that you are behind everything Veronica, I will make sure that you regret each moment for coming into this world."

I couldn't register his words anymore. My breathing had started to work out erratically and soon I was lacking oxygen in my stomach.

My hands went up to rub my chest in the hope that it would stop anytime soon. My asthma attack didn't come back, was it?

I had recovered a long time ago. He gave his final words before puffing another one and making his way outside,

" Faster! "

My vision started to turn blurry around me. I straddled the bed before reaching for my drawer. I scattered through the staff but my inhaler was nowhere to be seen. Knowing that he wouldn't give a damn, still, I pleaded through my irregular breathing,

" B.. Blake...My..My inhaler..."

His track halted abruptly before turning around and staring at me coldly. His emotions didn't change at all upon watching my struggles. Instead, he cracked into a hilarious laugh before spouting venomously,

" Another Play, Veronica. You can keep dreaming that I will let you."

He attempted to walk out but fortunately, my old servant made a sudden appearance. She ran onto me with her white apron and spit non-stop,

" Young Lady? Young Lady? Are you all right? Has your asthma attack come back?"

I waved at her as an indicator that she should find out the inhaler first. Luckily she was a smart kid and went through all the drawers in a while.

Soon she found it lying in a corner and passed it on to me. As if my life had gotten back, I inhaled the medicine deeply before exhaling a relaxing breath.

Blake watched us from the doorway like a show. His expression expressed that even if I would die like this, he wouldn't care.

A chuckle escaped through his lips as he spoke with sarcasm,

" Karma is a bitch."

Well, he had already assumed that God had punished me for the sin which I had never committed before.

He took his leave without sparing a single glance and strode through the stairs downstairs. My maid cast a hateful glare on his retreat before cursing under her breath angrily,

" Such a devil."

She faced around to speak to me with a gentle smile,

" My lady..how..how are you feeling now? Any better? What did he do to you? How can a man be so ruthless? Didn't he know that you are suffering to breathe? "

I ignored her accusations. Though Blake was being mean to me a moment ago, I could understand his emotions. Anyone could be angered to death if he assumed that I could be the planner behind his family's death.

The sound of his boot tickling against the marble floor was gone. I heaved in relief that he was no longer around me. I was away from the devil momentarily.

[[ Blake's Pov ]]

I hate her!

Every nerve of my body screamed telling me that I hated her from the core of my heart. She was acting again a few moments ago!

She was doing fine but why did she start to feel suffocated then? Did she think that I would let her go just because I would pity her for being sick?

No way! I wanted justice for my unborn child!

I strode downstairs slowly and saw my so-called father-in-law sitting down there with his pale face. He jumped on from the sofa after finding me and whispered more likely in pleading,

" Blake, Veronica.. Please don't do this to her...Her career would be shattered if you take her away now. For Christ's sake, Victoria is already gone."

I felt another round of pain stimulating my heart when he talked about Victoria. Our life could have been perfect with her baby bump growing now. That night when she told me that she was pregnant, I had gone almost crazy in excitement. She planned for the whole night telling us how she would raise our child as a perfect human being.

Those words repeatedly rang in my ears. My pains all turned to rage after finding Veronica's involvement in everything.

I cast him a death glare before speaking with disgust lacing out my voice,

" You should thank me for letting her be alive so far. If you utter any more words, I will simply burn down your empire. Trust in my words! "

The old man's face was horrified but nothing compared to the pain that I felt for losing my unborn child. She or he was innocent and Victoria. She was the love of my life.

I ignored his existence before heading outside with my large strides. As I came near the entrance, I encountered a bunch of over-excited reporters who had been trailing me off since last night.

I stopped facing the shouting and screaming crowd in the opposite direction. I made a signal of huss as they all went dead quite almost instantly.

My threatening words fell out icily,

" Anymore shouting and I will see who can have his hands tomorrow for writing headlines."

They were all just a bunch of idiots. They only cared about how to make random assumptions and got a popular headline for tomorrow's newspaper. My warning did work though.

Taking a puff from my cigarette, I spoke tugging my fist inside my pocket,

" One by one! "

They all nodded with understanding. The ironic gate stood between us like a third wheel as one of the female reporters asked from the other end,

" Mr.Davison, the citizens want to know what you are going to do with Veronica Knight. Now she is a promising star and your family, are you going to put her behind the jail or any investigations going on?"

I pondered after hearing her series of questions. It was a perfect opportunity to destroy the name of 'Veronica Knight' from the world of modeling. One rude word from my mouth was effective enough to lose her most valuable resource " The Rira Fashion Show", one of the highest demanding cloth brands in the world. Victoria was their runway model for years. Then Veronica scouted this rare opportunity very recently. If any model managed to showcase her talent on their runway, the supermodel of the year title would be hers. Everyone knew all of it and that's the reason, her dad pleaded numerous times.

My eyes danced in amusement when I imagined the scene of her breaking down after the news.

How would it feel Veronica after losing your most valuable opportunity?

*** CHAPTER THEME SONG:

Stand Still By Sabrina Claudio ***

[[Blake's Pov ]]

Blame me for anything!

My hatred for Veronica Knight was stronger than anything. I pursued my lips together in an attempt at spilling out everything. Her cries would satisfy my inner demon the most.

My phone vibrated in my pocket. Pausing my intention for a while, I slipped my hand inside to take out the phone. My brows pressed together when I saw the caller ID. It was a call from my Granny who lived in foreign for years. She had deducted every connection with me since the day I married Victoria. She firmly believed that women from the modeling industry were no good for my career or our family business.

I pressed the answer button despite having so many grudges for her. Since my parents died, she was the only relative left for me.

The call connected at once. Without saying anything, she ordered in her old grumpy voice,

" Don't utter anything nonsense in front of the reporter, Blake."

I was furious at her words. After ages, she had called me to boss around. I held the urge to be rude. Yet I had something to say to vent my rage.

I replied icily,

" Who are you to command me?"

There was dense silence from the other party. I felt happy to give her a taste of her own medicine. Her breathing heavied before reasoning patiently,

" I have heard everything, Blake. I am so sorry for your loss. I told you at the beginning that don't marry her. You never bothered to listen to me. The presses and news are waiting for another topic to pen down. Besides the girl who was suspected of this incident is also from your in-laws. For god sake, don't respond to the reporters anymore. Keep quiet until the incident is fully investigated, You hear me?"

Though her words made sense, I was blind to my grievances. I growled at her words angrily,

" You weren't by my side all this time. What made you think that you could order me?"

Her words came out softly,

" But I am here for you now when you need me the most. Have you ever needed me in all these years, Blake?"

She was right! Victoria was full of mind. Instead of pursuing her, I spread my hatred towards her more and distanced ourselves further.

The call was spent in silence for a while. Hearing no more words from me, she cut off the call. The beep tone of the phone took me back to reality.

I inhaled deeply before looking up at the over-excited reporters. A part of me was scowling, and refined as a coward.

I tore my eyes from them before locating my BMW parking on the garden side. Picking up lousy steps, I strode over to my car.

The reporters screamed in madness and threw several punches at the ironic gate but nothing worked out.

I made up my mind!

I stole a look from my wrist and started a countdown.

She should be here anytime soon or else I would add another punishment for her.

[[ Veronica's Pov ]]

I saw everything through the window. He just skipped the reporters and walked over to his expensive car. I had not much time left here.

I heard my maid bickering in a low voice. She imposed him like a complete devil and was putting clothes in my suitcase. My eyes traveled toward the image that was hanging on the wall.

It was a picture of me and Veronica. The picture was taken just when I landed down from the plane. We both looked perfect family.

I sighed caressing the hem of the frame and murmured painfully,

" I wish that you were here, Victoria."

The maid announced closing off the shutter with a thud,

" Your bag is ready, Young Lady."

I was jerked off from my painful memories. I hummed with a faint smile and started dragging my suitcase outside.

I found my dad downstairs. He was sitting across the couch with his head hanging down. It seemed like he had aged in a day. Sorrows were engulfed around his body. He looked so vulnerable. I felt so guilty for him.

I called him softly,

" Dad! "

He looked up at me numbly. Pains were evident in his old eyes. He stood up before walking toward me. Pulling me into a tight hug, he murmured in my ears,

" Veronica.. Don't go.."

I held back my tears and responded between my muffled sobs,

" I have to go, Dad..For the sake of Victoria.."

His shoulders jerked lightly before uttering one fearful line,

" What if Blake kills you, Victoria? What will I do in this life alone then?"

I sobbed hard between my replies,

" At least, you won't be bankrupted, Dad. Have you heard any news of Victoria?"

He released me from his hug and replied seriously,

" Oh yes! I forgot to inform you. Blake has done a DNA identification of the whole ship. Victoria's DNA wasn't found anywhere among the burning ashes."

My eyes flaunted in hope. I murmured beaming into a sadistic smile,

" It means..She may be alive out there somewhere."

My dad nodded wiping off his tears with his palm,

" Yes. At least I hope so, Veronica. At least you will be free from this crime."

I nodded repeatedly and replied with a faint smile,

" Being the murderer of my sister feels too heavy, Dad."

My dad sighed and encouraged me after planting a sweet kiss on my forehead,

" Take care of yourself, Veronica. After this mess is done, I will send you abroad again. This city is too toxic in front of your naiveness."

I hoped for the same. At least I wouldn't be called a murderer.

My dad led me to the doorway from where we could notice the screaming crowd of reporters. I genuinely suggested it to my dad who had a deep frown between his brows,

" Dad... Ignore them and don't step out of the house for a few days."

We exchanged a few words before making my way toward Blake's parked car. Out of habit, I pulled out the backdoor door to step in but It was locked.

I frowned before watching the glass piling down. His expressionless face came into view and his voice sounded like a devil,

" You are just an outsider. Sit in front beside my driver."

I swallowed the uneasiness before compelling his bossy command. I slid inside his instructed seat and looked at his tough demeanor through the rearview mirror. He was worrying about no emotions. In my eyes, he felt as though he was hiding himself from this world.

I questioned my nervousness,

" Where are we going now?"

He responded without humiliating me this time,

" C Nation."

I decided to go quiet but my phone ran disrupting the odd atmosphere that we were in. My expression turned deathly pale when the caller ID showed up.

It was no other than the managing director of " The Rira Fashion". I was trembling to press the answer button. Inhaling a deep breath to lighten up my mood, I finally received his phone call.

His voice came out as professional through the call,

" Sorry for this sudden call, Veronica. But I thought of checking on you."

I tried to soothe my cracked voice,

" I am well, Mr.Jake. Thanks for being concerned. Is there something that you need from me?"

Jake responded from the other end with a polite voice,

" No. I just called you to inform you that you are still on our team. Rumors like this happen in this industry. As long as you start working out, everything will fall into place naturally. The public will forget about it after a few months. But...are you participating in this week's fashion show?"

I was going to respond to him politely. But my phone was snatched from my back by a powerful hand. I was startled before looking back at Blake who just had my phone in his palms.

He pressed the phone directly into his ears and responded to him coldly,

" Veronica won't be joining any fashion shows anytime soon, Mr.Jake. Her manager will notify you again when she is back at work. For the time being, don't trouble her."

He was rude and showed no politeness. I heard Jake's questioning voice through the speaker vaguely,

" Who.. who are you?"

Blake gave his answer in short,

" Blake Davison, Veronica's brother-in-law."

He ended the call without saying any more words. Throwing the phone on me, he warned with his murderous eyes,

" If you accept any more professional work during your days with me, I will forget my promise, Veronica. Do you think that they are being patient with you just because they truly admire your work? No! Since Victoria isn't here any longer, they just wish to use you as her replacement."

I bit down my tongue painfully. Blake's words hit the core of my heart. He might be speaking the truth but through these years, I had never relayed my relationship with Victoria nor did I ever seek any help. I worked my ass off, trying hard to reach a noticeable point but when I achieved my goal, everything was shattered. Now my contract with The Rira Fashion wasn't solid enough. Denying their shows would only push me away from working with them in the future.

Future? I didn't even know when I would get out of this hell.

The car drove away through the backdoor without even notifying the over-excited reporters who expected to seize an opportunity of blocking us when we passed the door.

The roads were all empty except for a few emergency vehicles. The car went straight into his mansion. I frowned trying to understand why we were here rather than the root of the C nation.

He climbed down from his seat before straightening his collar. Without entering the house, he started to proceed towards the backyard.

I stood there bewildered but luckily, the driver showed a little sympathy for me. He spoke dragging the suitcase near my feet,

" Miss Knight! Please follow him to the backyard."

I inquired out of curiosity,

" But aren't we going to C Nation?"

He responded respectively,

" Yes, we are. The president doesn't visit local planes. He has his private jet."

Oh, Rich people!

Well, I belonged to a prominent family too but my father wasn't lavishing enough to spend a million dollars on a private jet. I nodded with understanding before trailing the driver off closely.

Before taking my final step, I took a glimpse of his house. I didn't get much time to observe yet but it looked huge more likely a castle from a fairy tale.

I hurried my pace when the driver signaled to me.

We arrived at the backyard of his mansion. Awe escaped through my lips when I discovered his silver-colored jet.

He turned around to face me and pointed at the jet,

" We are going to board through this jet. Remember to take your suitcase. I don't wish to spend a penny on you."

I rolled my eyes at his words as if I was waiting for it. His driver brought the suitcase behind me and was going to put the suitcase inside the jet.

But his stern voice cut off his actions,

" Wait, why are you serving her? She isn't your Mistress. Leave her suitcase here. She can take it on her own."

The driver seemed hesitant and cast me a pitiful glare. I assured him with a smile and took the baggage from his hand,

" It's okay. I am strong enough to take it with me."

Without waiting a moment, I started to take the stairs with my suitcase. It felt too heavy and I was palpating.

God knows what my maid put into it!

When I was at my second stairs, Blake's anonymous ringtone rang disturbing the peaceful night here.

Then all I heard was Blake's anxious loud tone,

" What? Do they have a piece of news about Victoria? Are you sure?"

My pace froze as overwhelming happiness spread through my veins.

** CHAPTER THEME SONG:

Willow By Taylor Swift **

[[ Veronica's Pov ]]

I sprinted around almost stumbling on my feet but I managed to stand straight for the support of railings. I was sure that I was looking like an over-excited child.

Blake ended his phone call and connected his deep unfathomable eyes with mine. For a moment, my heart skipped a bit. He was looking like a pile of broken glasses who didn't know how to fix himself. The darker shade of night made it almost impossible for me to identify what lay behind his face.

I pressed my lips together before suturing a straight line,

" Any..any news about Victoria?"

To my surprise, he didn't argue with me this time. Pursuing his lips together, he replied patiently, a light coming out from his eyes,

" The police from there discovered a couple from the seaside. They happened to see a woman lying on the seaside but she disappeared when they went to call other people."

My expression relaxed. At least there was a clue of her existence.

Blake's mood dropped noticing the little smile on my lips. He snorted coldly tugging his tie uncomfortably,

" Don't act so happy, Veronica. As long as I find her safe and sound, you will always have to be my suspect. If you are still part of this plan, tell me in advance before I lose my patience with you."

The little happiness that I had vanished away from my mind. I figured out that no matter what I did, Blake would always declare me guilty.

I sighed by taking another stair and sneered at him,

" You know what Blake? You don't understand human words."

I ran inside hastily before he could hit up another round of argument with me.

**************

We boarded the jet around 3 a.m. The ride was quiet without any more argument as Blake was busy with phone calls. I understood that it was out of his territory. Thus he had to use his connections to seek help from the people of C Nation.

The jet landed around 6 a.m. The sun was already up and was glistening with light rays of sunshine. A black car was already waiting for us when the jet landed at the airport.

We reached a middle-sized mansion around half an hour later. Coming out of the car, I observed the place. The mansion wasn't big enough like his own house in B Nation. A flower garden was accustomed to the mansion and highlighted its European style. Everything was neat and clean as if they were deeply cared for by someone.

A fifty-something-like woman welcomed us into the mansion. Finally having some time alone in my thrilled room. I swiped my gaze across the hallway taking note of everything. The mansion wasn't much bigger. Three rooms upstairs and a kitchen with a small room had taken the entire space.

Blake ended the phone call and called the old woman to say something. The woman came to welcome me with a smile. I heard Blake's cold voice,

" She will show you your room. Do not wander around without my permission. This place isn't B Nation."

I shrugged at his lame warning and strode upstairs. Before I could step on the corridor line, Blake's words came out again,

" Wait! "

I snapped my head back with confusion. He resumed running a despised glare on my outfit,

" We will be heading to the police station, soon. Wear something appropriate. You aren't going to a Fashion Show."

I growled inside in frustration. I was exhausted after this damn long journey. But one thing, I knew very well. Disobeying his command would push me into more trouble.

I faked an obedient nod before stumbling towards the instructed direction of my room. I was boiling in rage.

What did he comment on my dress-up sense?

Dude, I was wearing skinny jeans and a long-sleeved T-shirt. Do I need to wear a Sweater now?

As soon as I saw the bed, I crashed against it without second thoughts. A certain relaxation spread through my veins as I tried to find inner peace. But it was suffocating somewhere with all this chaos going around.

I sat up from the bed before pulling my suitcase closer. This room looked very shabby. Only a tiny washroom and cheap types of furniture had taken all the places around. No wonder, he had given me his worst room. He wanted to see me in misery badly.

After changing into a summer coat that reached my knees, I walked over to the window side. The fresh fragrance of flowers filtered through my nostrils slowly. My eyes laid on the chained German Shepherd in a corner. The dog looked so healthy like a stuffed animal. I was always fond of dogs. But my dad was allergic to dogs. Thus I had to give up on my fantasy.

I wanted to run out and play with that dog. But taking a reminder that Blake would look for me within an hour, I paused the idea.

******************

Blake knocked on my door just in time. He entered without hearing my response and stood in the doorway. His deep eyes trailed on my attire once. For some stupid reason, my cheeks heated up.

I spoke trying to erase the awkwardness,

" I hope, it's okay with you now?"

He pressed into a straight line cruelly,

" Well, you don't look like a seductress now."

I gritted my teeth in anger and heard his command,

" Let's go now. The inspector is waiting for us."

*******************

[[ Blake's Pov ]]

She was looking very elegant in this outfit. The childish aura of her body was gone. It suddenly reminded me of my first meeting with Victoria. She was wearing a school uniform at that time.

My car sped away through the narrow paths carefully. C Nation was famous for having natural beauty. Hills and oceans were a very common part of their life.

We didn't talk all the while to the police station. I got out of the car first and asked her to come down. She was obeying me obediently.

We entered the police station together. The inspectors shot her a curious glare but I cut them off wisely. The head inspector, Mr.Russell welcomed me with an overwhelming smile. Later he took me inside a room where the couple was sitting down. From their little information, I got to know that they were fishers who lived at the seaside.

Mr.Russell spoke pointing at the curious couple calmly,

" They are the people, Mr. Davidson. I was waiting for your arrival."

I responded with a hum and approached the couple not before pulling out my phone. I showed them a high-zoomed picture of Victoria before inquiring hopefully,

" Have you seen this girl?"

The old couple looked at each other dumbfounded. The old man replied quivering in nervously,

" We..we didn't see her face.."

I persuaded them with a soft voice,

" Please don't be afraid. We mean no harm to you. This matter is very important to me. Do you remember anything? What color of the dress she was wearing?"

I needed every single detail. I clearly remembered that Victoria wore a red velvet gown that night. Even if they couldn't manage to see her face, they might have seen her dress.

The old man wiggled his eyebrows before suturing reassuringly,

" It was blue..Maybe..."

The old woman interrupted voicing in their local language,

" No...It was sky blue..Aahh.. Something like ocean waves.."

The old man corrected emphasizing his words this time,

" No, honey..It.. was green...I remember now.."

I watched them hopelessly. Mr.Russell tapped on my shoulders before indicating to me to leave. Veronica was behind my back. Mr.Russell has been in this profession for a long time. After my questions, he immediately understood that this couple was a fraud. They just cooked up a story after knowing that I had announced a handsome price for the missing girl. They were just too naive to think that we would give them money without verifying their truths.

Mr.Russell spoke looking down at the floor beneath us,

" I am so sorry for wasting your time, Mr.Davidson. I thought that they might become our help."

I waved at him blankly,

" It's all right, Mr.Russell. You tried your best."

I continued staring at him hopefully,

" What about the territories inside the ocean? I heard that there are several living islands."

Mr.Russell seemed to fall into deep thoughts. He explained with seriousness,

" Mr.Davidson, you know that those areas belong to Raven Mafias. Even police don't dare to step on their lands unless they want a horrible death. Besides, I know that you have grudges with them."

I swallowed hard before exhaling a deep sigh. Nodding my head comprehensively, I explained the matter in short,

" It's the truth, Mr.Russell. For a long time, they wanted to expand their territories in B Nation. But due to my control over B Nation, they didn't succeed and held a grudge against me. That's where my fear lies. What if they have abducted my wife or did she end up being in their territory?"

Mr.Russell agreed with my words and nodded comprehensively,

" It can be possible, Mr.Davidson. But the police are helpless in this territory."

I asked with a frown,

" What do you suggest then?"

Mr.Russell fell into a dilemma before suggesting reasons,

" I will recommend you to seek help from Militaries. They are fierce and much more powerful than us. They can take this case if you manage to bring their attention."

I replied pondering in deep thought,

" But I don't know any higher-ups of Militaries from C Nation."

Mr.Russell laughed softly before patting my shoulders,

" With your capabilities, I am sure that you won't need much time to find someone reliable, Mr.Davidson. I have faith in you."

I nodded before sighing deeply. I just hoped that my Victoria was safe and sound out there.

We strode outside together with Veronica. She was quiet ever since she arrived here. My suspension grew stronger on her.

What if everything was a plan for her and the mafia that she was pictured with?

Then I felt another surge of hatred towards her. She looked sad, broken like me but I saw her guilt above everything.

The noises of that old couple neared closer as they were dragged out by the other police in charge. They kept claiming that they had seen the woman but knew nothing about it.

I craned my head back to Veronica before pressing two words,

" Let's go.."

She jerked off before nodding her head robotically. We walked out of the station together and were proceeding towards the car.

She asked a little helplessly,

" What next?"

My mood was unsettled like my emotions. I kinda replied rudely,

" I am not going anywhere without checking in their territories."

I spoke before walking ahead of her. She didn't seem to talk anymore. I was deeply frustrated this time and lit up a cigarette to refresh my mood.

Looking up at the dark sky above us, I murmured painfully,

" Where are you, Victoria? Please come back to me. I need you and..our baby.."