THE CULPRIT

JANE

"Are you alright?" I inquired with concern, as David struggled to regain his breath, coughing out blood. 

Damian and his dad had departed, leaving us alone in the company of the thug for about 20 minutes.

He managed a weak nod "I'm so sorry, Jane" he replied. "This is all my fault, and now you're caught up in this mess. I'm truly sorry" he said, his eyes was filled with so much pain, as if he were on the brink of tears. 

"I'm glad I'm here with you. You don't have to go through this alone". I whispered, the sense of helplessness weighed heavily on me. "I just wish there was something more I could do to help".

His gaze bore into mine for a while before he spoke out "I'm so sorry" he apologized again "For everything, my actions, for trying to push you away, causing you pain"

"I do understand" I replied cutting him off "But don't ever do that again" I smiled.

"I promise," A faint chuckle escaped his lips. "I'll get us out of here, I promise," he assured me. 

His sincere eyes held my attention and hope sparked by his words.

"I trust you, David," I said with trembling voice as tears welled up in my eyes, my words wavering as the reality of the situation came crashing down upon me. The thought of missing my final exams due to being locked up in this place was overwhelming. "I know that I shouldn't be here but preparing for my exams, but… I don't know, I just can't think straight, I don't even know what I'm doing, I don't even know if this is rig…"

"Jane!" His words stopped my rambling, staring right at me "we will get out of here soon"

I gave a slight smile which he returned it, his face still undeniably handsome, despite the bruises and blood stains.

"You have an upcoming exam?" he asked

"Oh, that, it's nothing big." I tried to brush it aside with a casual response. I knew he could see through my lie, but he didn't press further. Instead, he continued to stare at me with a gaze that made my heart swell, I couldn't help but gaze back at him.

The gate's creaking announced an incoming presence, causing both of us to turn our attention toward the shadowy entrance. A man in his early thirties emerged, his footsteps deliberate and measured, dressed in a crisp grey suit. His attire was understated, yet it gave off a certain sophistication. 

Slowly, as he stepped into the light, his face was revealed, showing a handsome young man with well-groomed hair and a somewhat serious countenance, which paradoxically rendered him hot. 

"I'm sorry I'm late," the man apologized, his words hanging in the air.

"Mr. Martins?" David called in a bewildered tone, and the sense of disappointment that flickered in his eyes left me questioning if this was one of David's acquaintances.

"Hi, David," the man greeted him with a gentle smile.

* * *

DAVID

I knew she wasn't telling the truth about her exams being no big deal, but I didn't want to press her. It only made me more eager to find a way out of this place so we could escape as soon as possible.

The gate groaned open with an eerie creak, revealing Mr. Martins.

"Mr. Martins?" I questioned in shock at the sight of him

"Hi, David," he replied with a gentle smile.

I couldn't bring myself to say anything else, seeing Mr. Martins, my trusted assistant, left me speechless and weakened. It dawned on me why Damian warned me about being concerned about who would take care of the company's affairs in my absence. I stared at him in disbelief, and that moment, the physical pain inflicted by Damian became more apparent.

Bowing my head, I began to wonder if I had been a bad boss all along, if I had been handling things incorrectly. Thoughts rushed in, making it hard for me to think clearly. 

"What's wrong boss? Not happy to see me?" Mr. Martins asked breaking the silence

"What are you doing here?" "Why are you here?" I inquired, trying not to believe he was involved. Maybe he was coerced I wanted to believe. "Don't tell me you're the one behind all of this," I implored, searching for any sign of fear or coercion in his countenance but he bore a plain expression, devoid of fear or intimidation.

"And what if I was?" He pulled out a chair from a corner and sat in front of me. 

Mr. Vincent and Damian entered the room shortly after and stood a few distance away from us.

I looked him in the eye, his expression emotionless. "I treated you well, why would you?" I said to him, confused about why he would betray me.

"I know that," he replied. "I mean, it was all part of the plan".

"What else do you want?" I asked

"Everything you have," he said with a serious demeanor. 

This wasn't the Martins I thought I knew, he looked genuinely menacing and evil this time. 

"Why? Why would you do this, Mr. Martins?" I questioned, my brow furrowing in confusion.

"Well, I think you can call me brother now," he announced unfazed, rising from his seat with an air of superiority. His words hung in the air, creating tension within me.

"What? What do you mean?" I pressed, struggling to make sense of it.

"I am the first son of my dad you see, hidden away because of my illegitimate birth to a maid. Meanwhile, my father then got married to Damian's mother and had Damian, my dear little brother here," he explained, patting Damian's head as he walked about. "Upon my return after our grandfather's burial, I discovered that the family fortune had been handed over to your father. So, five years ago, I struck a deal with my dad, the only way to reclaim the company was to assume a disguise, infiltrate your world as a seemingly loyal worker, gain your trust, and eventually betray you in the most explicit terms." He chuckled, "It's been quite amusing playing this charade, brother. Some days, I just felt like punching you in the face when you assigned tasks and bossed me around, but I always had a plan," he chuckled, his laughter carrying a hint of bitterness. "And here we are."

It was all beginning to make sense to me. My countenance remained composed as I contemplated my next move. If only I had foreseen this deceit, I blamed myself.

"I, brother, am the rightful heir. I am the owner of Kings Travel and Co, I, Martins Vincent," he proclaimed, triumphantly raising his hands in the air. "I am a mastermind man, my plans, my schemes, everything unfolded exactly as intended."

I couldn't help but chuckle in response, attempting to provoke him further. "Quite the captivating story, Mr. Martins."

Martins turned toward me, wearing a puzzled expression. "Everything you once had is gone, Dave," he sneered, lowering himself to whisper it vehemently in my face.

Maintaining a stoic expression, I stared back at him "Nice try, big brother" I responded "But you can't just snatch it all away that easily."

"Easily?" Martins erupted in anger, delivering a forceful kick to the chair to which I was bound. The chair toppled, and I landed on my back.

"You have no idea about the sacrifices I've made, the work I've put in," he spat out. But you need not worry about the details because soon, very soon, you will witness them all, and by soon, I mean in matter of hours" he declared. "However, out of generosity and for the sake of the cordial treatment you've occasionally shown me in the office, I'm willing to strike a deal with you." he continued, lifting my chair and helping me sit upright.

"What do you want?" I asked curiously

"Oh, It's quite simple," he stated as he crouched beside me. "If you publicly announce that you're relinquishing the company to me, confess to the press, inform the stockholders, I'll release you unharmed and there will be no further issues."

I thought about his proposal for a moment. 

"Nice and easy deal right?" he asked

"How can I trust you?" I inquired

"One thing you should know about me, David, is that I am a man of my word."

The offer was absolutely crazy, but I had to feigned consideration, making it appear as if it was an option worth contemplating. "Just that?" I asked.

"Yeah, and you'll have to return to the States and never set foot here again."

"That's way too much. What's in it for me?"

"You get to live and freely spend the rest of your life with the love of your life," he replied, gesturing towards Jane. "I assume this young lady over there."

"And if I don't?"

"I'm afraid you'll end up in a hospital bed like your father, only this time you won't walk away alive. And you won't be going alone," He turned his gaze to Jane. "Everyone you hold dear will accompany you. Isn't that great?"

Anger burned with me as I glared at him, but he grinned wickedly. 

"Fine" I reluctantly gave in after a brief internal struggle, "I'll do it. You'd have to let her go first."

Unexpectedly, Martins burst into laughter. "Do you really think I'd let her go before you've fulfilled your end of the deal?"

"What do you mean? I said I'll do it."

"After you've made the public announcement, I can release her, and you both can leave. Until then, she remains my captive."

"You must be crazy to think I'd leave her here with you"

"Then I'm afraid both of you will meet your end right here" he declared, turning to leave. "You have 12 hours to decide. Choose wisely, little cousin," his voice fading away into the shadows.