𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐕𝐨𝐰𝐬

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟑𝟑

ELENA

As we exit the car, my excitement grows but again, I can't see anything. I hear footsteps and then I feel a cold hand rest on my shoulder. "Butterfly, I need to remove to cloth from your eyes," Zade says and just as I get happy, he adds "that is so that people don't that we are crazy, so you're going to wear a sleeping mask."

A familiar scent enters my nose and I reach for Zade. I ask wear we are and he doesn't say anything but instead, he carries me, probably leading us to our final destination.

"Keep your eyes closed, Elena." He orders and I obey. We're probably in like the corner of the room because I feel a wall touching my sides.

Ugh, no surprise. He just wanted to make me wear the eye mask. I'm stunned when I hear "Ladies and gentlemen, this is a final boarding call for flight 235 to Egypt. All passengers should proceed to gate 12 immediately. Thank you." I hear Zade curse under his breath.

"Zade, are we in the airport?" I ask and Zade sighs when he says "Yes. But our final destination is a surprise so I, fortunately, cannot let you see."

As we make our way through the bustling airport, Zade's firm grip keeps me grounded amidst the sea of hurried travelers. Despite the blindfold obstructing my vision, I soak in the sights and sounds of the bustling terminal, eager to uncover the mystery of our destination.

"Excuse me, sir, miss, can I assist you with anything?" a friendly voice calls out, interrupting our progress. Zade's response is terse but polite as he navigates the conversation with practiced ease, deflecting any inquiries about our journey.

I, ever the inquisitive one, pepper Zade with questions, my curiosity bubbling over despite his attempts to maintain an air of mystery. "Where are we going, Zade? Is it far? Are we flying in the Alton jet?" I chirp, my enthusiasm infectious even in the midst of our clandestine adventure.

With each question, Zade's responses grow increasingly dry, his patience tested by my relentless interrogation. "You'll find out soon enough, Elena. And yes, we're flying in the Alton jet," he quips, his tone laced with amusement as he navigates the crowded terminal with practiced ease.

Despite the rush, my questions persist, my excitement undimmed by the impending departure. "Zade, what if I need to use the restroom on the plane? Can I have a window seat? Will they serve snacks?" srattles off, her curiosity unyielding even as we approach the gate.

With a fond smile, Zade indulges her inquiries with a nod, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he prepares to embark on our journey together. "Yes, Elena, you can have a window seat. And don't worry, they'll serve snacks," he reassures her, his voice warm with affection as he guides us towards the waiting aircraft.

As I slowly wake from my nap, I blink groggily, momentarily disoriented by the unfamiliar surroundings. The soft hum of the engines fills the cabin, and I realize that we're still in the air. Glancing around, I see Zade sitting across from me, engrossed in his laptop.

"Hey," I murmur, rubbing my eyes sleepily as I sit up. "How long have I been asleep?"

Zade glances up, a warm smile spreading across his face. "About six and a half hours," he replies, closing his laptop and setting it aside. "You must have been tired."

I nod, stretching my arms above my head to shake off the last remnants of sleep. "Yeah, I guess so," I mumble, still feeling a bit drowsy.

"Feeling better now?" Zade asks, reaching out to gently brush a strand of hair away from my face.

I nod, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "Much better," I reply, leaning into his touch. "So, any hints about where we're going yet?"

Zade just chuckles, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Nice try, Elena," he says, shaking his head. "But you'll just have to wait and see."