Chapter 6. A New Beginning
When Vanessa realized she was resting on the cold, hard floor of a moving van, her eyes opened and her body ached. Her mind was mixed up for a time, she was reminded that she was not safe by the little whine of the motor and the scent of gasoline. Her heart raced as she realized that Alec, the man she believed would keep her safe, had abandoned her. Her heart pounding, she checked herself as the memory of the explosion came before her eyes. She was still living. She managed to survive somehow. For the moment, this pleased her.
The rope was still biting into her skin, and her hands were still bound. Her body was weak, but her intellect was sharp, and she shifted uneasily. She heard low, irate murmurs coming from the front of the van.
"Are you a moron? "We cannot murder a pregnant woman!" a guy yelled, his voice piercing with annoyance.
"She's a liability," said another. She will cause problems if we allow her to go. Would you like Alec to pursue us? We cannot take the chance.
Vanessa's throat tightened with each breath. Expecting a child. They were aware. Despite her panic, her hands automatically protectively went to her stomach. Since they discovered what they were about to do to her, the baby was her one chance and the only thing preventing her from losing it all.
The first man disputed, "She's worth more alive." All we have to do is hold her captive and force Alec to pay for her return.
Vanessa felt a bump in her stomach. A ransom? Alec refused to pay. Isla was his choice. He had abandoned her to perish. Her chest was pressed down by the bitterness in her heart, which seemed like a physical weight.
The debate was cut off when a third voice said, "Shut up, both of you." "We'll decide once we arrive."
Vanessa fought back tears as she closed her eyes. Despite her fear, she refused to give them the joy of witnessing her break. She could make it through this if she made it through the blast. For her baby, she had to.
Vanessa was flung sideways when the van abruptly came to a screaming stop. With her heart racing as mayhem broke out outside, she bit her lip to contain her cries. Footsteps beat, voices yelled, and then there was the unknown sudden sound of gunfire.
Her thoughts changed, what was going on? In an attempt to understand the noise, she pulled herself together. She briefly became blinded as the van's doors swung open and light streamed in. Men in dark suits rushed in, moving quickly and strategically.
“Get her!” one of them shouted.
Their hands seized Vanessa, severing the cords around her ankles and wrists as she flinched. Her body was not strong enough to fight.
"Who are you?" Her voice was hardly audible as she said boldly.
They lifted her with ease and said, "We're here to help."
Vanessa wanted to believe him, but she no longer found it easy to trust anyone. As they moved her from the van into a sleek black sedan, she remained silent. As the car sped away, she felt fatigue take over and her body slumped against the plush leather seat.
The drive seemed to go on forever. Vanessa's mind went haywire. These dudes were who? What had saved her? Did they even support her?
After a while, the vehicle arrived at a magnificent estate, with a vast home visible through the tall gates. Vanessa's eyes were wide with shock. The location's immaculate gardens and expansive area gave it the appearance of something from a movie.
"Where am I?" More to herself than to anyone else, she said quietly.
The men remained silent. They led her inside, where a butler nodded to them and escorted her down a long corridor. With each step, Vanessa's heartbeat accelerated. Her senses were keenly aware when her bare feet pressed against the cold floor.
A large office was shown as the butler opened a pair of double doors. The space was luxurious, with floor-to-ceiling bookcases and furniture made of dark wood. With his back to her, a man was standing at the window.
"She's here, sir." Before leaving and shutting the doors behind him, the man in the suit made an announcement.
Vanessa felt her breath catch in her throat as the man turned slowly. He had silver-flecked hair, was tall, and had blue eyes that appeared to see right through her.
His voice was deep and measured as he said, "Vanessa."
"Who are you?" Her rage replaced her terror as she demanded.
He stepped forward and introduced himself as Richard Archibald. "Your dad."
At first, the words did not register, and Vanessa blinked. "My what? That isn't possible.
Richard softened his attitude and remarked, "I know this is a lot to take in." However, it's the reality. I just recently learned about you. I would have been there for you if I had known sooner.
Vanessa clenched her fists; what on earth was he saying? Her mother passed away and left her alone, thus she never had a father. She's hearing this now. Following all that she has endured? Her voice trembled as she asked, "You think I'll believe that?" "How come you never bothered to look for me in all this time that you've been alive?"
"I didn't know," Richard admitted in a regretful tone. "I never heard from your mother. It was nearly too late when I discovered the truth.
With a sour chuckle, Vanessa folded her arms across her chest. "Is it too late? Do you believe you can just come up and make everything right now? When I needed you, where were you? When was I by myself?
"I cannot alter the past," Richard stated firmly. But now I can keep you safe. You and your kid.
He was aware of her pregnancy.
How did you find out? He stepped forward to touch her after she asked, but she retreated.
"Avoid touching me."
"I completely understand how you feel, but you have to believe me, I know you're pregnant because I did a background check on you, and I'll protect you and your child," he said, sighing as he moved his hands instantly.
His remarks were like a kick to the stomach. Keep her child safe. All that mattered was that. Alec had left her behind. She was now by herself. Her only hope was this man, whoever he was.
At last, she replied, scarcely raising her voice above a whisper, "I'll stay." "For my child."
With a glimmer of relief on his face, Richard nodded. "This is a safe place for you. I swear.
"You must make me a promise," Vanessa stated.
"Talk!"
"Are you aware of my child's father?" Richard lowered his head when Vanessa asked.
"Who? Is it in honor of your deceased husband? Or did you have a romantic partner? He claimed to know everything about her, but in reality, he didn't, and she moaned when he asked.
Vanessa didn't answer.
"Leave me in my room."
"This is your home now, and the butler will make sure you settle in well."
Vanessa's thoughts returned to Alec as the butler escorted her to her room. He had made a clear decision. Isla had been left to die because he had chosen her. Her heart heaving with pain and rage, she balled her fists.
She couldn't believe she had a wealthy father and that this was her life today; it all occurred so quickly and was incredible.
She put a hand on her stomach while a tear trickled down her cheek in the silence of the opulent room. "Now it's just you and me," she said to her unborn kid in a whisper.
She would need to exercise caution. Nobody was able to identify the father of her child. Not even Richard. There was no other way to protect them.
Fear swirled in Vanessa's mind as she gazed out the window. Although she didn't trust Richard, she would take advantage of this opportunity to fortify herself and get ready for whatever lay ahead.
She also vowed never to let anyone harm her child ever again.