Kidnapped by Love: My Ex Left , but a Mob Taught Him

The storm lashed the cliffside warehouse, saltwater spray crashing against rusted windows as I tugged at the ropes binding my wrists. Outside, Calvin Thornton stood on the moonlit beach, his arm slung around that blonde bitch's waist while they watched the tide swallow driftwood-just like he was swallowing her tongue. His voice crackled through the walkie-talkie, casual as if ordering takeout:

"Keep her tied down. Let the saltwater air teach her a lesson-maybe she'll finally realize I'm not her goddamn life preserver."

My nails dug into the damp concrete. Three days without food, my silk dress now stinking of fish guts from the abandoned cannery. When the burly kidnapper named "Bones" leered at my trembling knees, I remembered Calvin's last words: "You're too clingy, Elara. Maybe a near-death experience will make you interesting."

Thunder split the sky as I shimmied out of the torn dress, the fabric catching on a splintered beam. Bones' cigar smoke choked me as I wrapped my bare arms around his leather-clad waist, forehead pressed to his gun holster. "I'll be good," my teeth chattered against his belt buckle, "I'll do anything-just don't let the tide take me like. like driftwood." My nipples hardened from cold, but his palm on my spine felt like a branding iron.

Two days later, when Calvin's polished loafers echoed through the warehouse, I was slumped against Bones' chest, his coat draped over my nakedness. The kidnapper chuckled, brushing a strand of vomit-stained hair from my face. "Your girl's been real cooperative," he said, pinching my bruised hip. "But she's fucked-can't even stand after begging for water all night."

......

The sound of crashing waves echoed through the rundown warehouse via the loudspeaker.

Calvin Thornton's voice was careless, carrying a tipsy laziness from drinking:

"Josephine Waverly, you really have all kinds of tricks to cling to me now."

"Yesterday, you pushed my mom to pressure me into marriage and failed."

"Today, it's this kidnapping act?"

"If you want to die, then go ahead. Don't delay me watching the seatide with my baby."

"Calvin Thornton!"

Tears of fear streamed down my cheeks, dripping onto the rope binding my hands and feet.

I shook my head and desperately explained:

"I'm not acting, I didn't plan this!"

"I don't even know why Auntie suddenly called the media and announced our engagement!"

"I'm begging you, please believe me just once-please come save me!"

"Heh, save you? Sure."

Calvin Thornton sneered coldly and said flatly, "Ninety million, right? I'll pay."

The kidnapper immediately responded:

"Five hours from now, East River Bay-money first, then-"

"Forget the girl."

"You can keep her tied up. No rush to rescue."

Calvin Thornton's voice was filled with clear contempt and mockery:

"Let her learn to behave. Don't come bothering me again-this is good."

"Consider the money your reward for training her on my behalf."

"You're serious?"

The three kidnappers exchanged glances, doubtful.

Calvin Thornton laughed coldly, the smile laced with a strange, cruel undertone:

"As long as you dare touch her, I'll dare to pay."

Tears burst forth. I closed my eyes in utter despair.

Calvin Thornton, so this is how much you loathe me.

"Calvin Thornton," I cried as I begged him one last time, unwilling to give up,

"I really was kidnapped."

"I don't need to be trained-just save me, and I'll never bother-"

"Mr. Thornton, the seatide!"

A sweet, cheerful laugh suddenly rang out through the phone.

The girl on the other end said joyfully:

"It's so beautiful! Mmm-mm."

The sound of lips pressing and tongues entangling-

even on this end of the phone, it was loud and clear.

It wasn't hard to imagine how deep and passionate that kiss was.

Despair engulfed my heart. I gave up struggling completely.

Sitting on the ground, I stared blankly at the only ring Calvin Thornton had ever given me,

worn on my index finger, and laughed.

Calvin Thornton, who swore to marry me and protect me forever-

how did he change so much along the way?

"I'm sorry, Calvin Thornton. I was wrong."

"Clinging to you all these years on my own-I'm sorry."

"I won't do it anymore."