Key To My Heart

15. "I'd rather die."

(1294 words)

*ETHAN's POV*

It had been 24 hours since I had spoken to Anastasia. My instincts were telling me that something was wrong. I couldn't help but worry if she was okay or not. Not being able to control myself further, I stormed out of my home with my car keys in hand and drove to her house. I parked my car at the end of her street and walked to her house. Her bedroom lights were off. The only light to be seen was coming from the living room. Maybe she's there? I couldn't possibly ring that doorbell though. Her parents might be home and this wasn't how I planned on meeting them.

I walked back to my car and sat inside before dialling a number on my phone. "Hello...Brandon, yes, I want you to get me Anastasia's call details right now." I said before hanging up. I blew out a puff of air. I needed to see her. She was like a drug. My drug.

Well, stop misusing your resources.

Her words came into my mind, making me smile. I'm sorry Anastasia, but I have to misuse them right now. I need to know that you're okay.

Time ticked by and my impatience kept growing with each passing minute. After what felt like ages, my e-mail ringtone made me snap out of my thoughts. I quickly checked it. Brandon had e-mailed me Ana's call details like I had asked him to. A lot of calls were made to someone called Elsa Adams. I quickly dialled this Elsa's number.

"Hello?" She picked up on the fifth ring.

"Is this Elsa Adams?" I asked.

"Yes?" She asked.

"I'm Ethan Woods." I told her and felt her stiffen at the other side.

"E-Ethan Woods? Why are you calling me?"

"You're Anastasia's friend?" I asked her.

"Yes, I am and you're also probably calling to ask about her. No, I do not know where she is. She's been missing for the past 24 hours."

My eyes widened. "Missing? How? When?"

"I have no idea. Her parents are really worried too. I mean, if she was kidnapped or something, the kidnappers would've called for ransom, right? But they got no such call." She told me.

"Do you have any idea what could've happened to her?" I asked her desperately, worried out of my mind.

"I really have no idea, Mr. Woods. I'm really worried too." She said.

"Okay fine. Thanks." I said and quickly hung up before placing another call. "Find Anastasia Kaden. I don't care how hard it is to find her. Search the whole city if you have to. FIND HER AT ALL COSTS." I commanded before hanging up. I let out a breath of air, my heartbeat quickening. I'll find you, Ana and I won't let anything happen to you, my love.

———

*ANA's POV*

I regained consciousness some time later. I didn't know what time it was though. I didn't know whether it was day or night. There wasn't even a single window. We were definitely not in Aaron's house because his house had no such room.

I felt hungry and thirsty. Exhaustion had taken over me and I was numb all over. I couldn't move. The ropes were biting into my skin. It was beyond painful and uncomfortable. I let a few tears escape my eyes. Will I make it out alive from here? What will become of me? Are these the only moments I have before I die? If so, I'd like to see that beautiful face one last time. That face that made my heart beat fast. That face that belonged to Ethan.

"I see you're conscious again, little one." Aaron said as he emerged from the staircase that led down to this room. I glared at him with the little strength that was left in me.

"Let me go, Aaron." I said in a feeble voice.

"Is my baby thirsty?" He asked, holding up a bottle of water. I felt tempted at the sight of it.

"I'm not your baby." I deadpanned.

"Aw yes you are. You're all mine." He said, kneeling down to caress my face with his rough hands. I tried to move away from his dirty touch but failed. I couldn't help but look at the water bottle with longing. He noticed me eyeing it.

"You want this?" He asked, holding up the water bottle. I didn't reply but kept looking at it.

"You may have it if you say that you're mine." He offered.

"Never." I breathed out, feeling weak and as if I might faint again.

"Say it or I'll starve you to death." He growled.

"I'd rather die." I said.

"Is that so?" He said and stood up. I screamed out in pain as he kicked me in the stomach once more. I was unable to help the cries that left my mouth. "You deserve this, you little bitch." He said and quickly disappeared up the staircase, leaving me there to cry alone.

———

I was still lying there, motionless, feeble, extremely hungry and thirsty. It would've felt better to just die instead of facing this torture. You can see why I left Aaron. He was violent, crazy, stupid and horrible. I felt footsteps coming down again. Oh no, he's back. I squeezed my eyes shut. "Anastasia," He said softly, caressing my cheek. I squeezed my eyes tighter. He seemed mentally unstable to me sometimes. He would behave like an animal and then later, he would act all nice as if nothing had happened.

"You're hurt, baby. I'm sorry. We can make everything alright again. You can come back to me and I'll keep you happy," He said. I was in no condition to say anything. I was weak beyond belief.

"Come on, baby. I know you love me, you've always loved me."

"Ethan..." my voice was barely whisper. Ethan was the one I loved. I was sure now. I loved him.

"What did you just say?" His voice morphed into an angry one as he gritted his teeth.

"Ethan." I said again, my voice slightly stronger now. I opened my eyes to see that he was clenching his fists at his sides.

"Say that again. I dare you." He said, pulling out a small knife from his pocket. I gazed at the knife and smirked, a newfound courage within me.

"Ethan." I said with so much content, strength and pride. I watched as his eyes darkened and he made a move to slash my throat. But I guess I wasn't meant to die that day.

We heard cars stop outside, making Aaron stop with his hand mid-air. I watched as his eyes widened and he muttered a few profanities under his breath. I felt my stomach flutter with hope. Will I finally be rescued now?

Aaron turned on his heels and ran up the stairs really fast, leaving me there on my own. I felt slight fear at the tip of my stomach. What if no one comes to save me? I heard footsteps upstairs. "Anastasia!" I heard Ethan's voice call my name. My eyes lit up at hearing his voice. Ethan...my Ethan...he's here.

"Ethan!" I said but my voice wasn't loud enough.

"Anastasia, where are you?" I heard him call again.

"Ethan!" I said again in an alarmed tone. My heart was beating rapidly, worrying that he might not find me. A few tears left my eyes. I tried to shout so he could find me but I couldn't as I was too weak. I began to feel dizzy and before passing out, I remember a pair of strong warm arms holding me tight and a kiss being placed on my head and then everything went black.