Chapter 17: Village Trouble.

Annie woke up to the whole village working. From chopping wood, to cooking stews and other delicious goods. As she walked out and put on a friendly smile as she waved at the elderly who helped her.

"Are you hungry? I can cook your favorite food." The elderly kindly took Annie's hand as she smiled.

"I'm not quite hungry yet. I'm looking for James."

"Oh? Your husband? He left a few hours ago." The woman went back to her stove cooking.

Annie's mind flew with multiple questions. She thought James was asleep. Where did he go? Why did he leave her alone? Annie quickly ran back to the room to find a handwritten note.

'I am coming back, I'm going get a surprise for you.'

Annie smiled as the warm color pink spread on her cheeks. He did all this just to surprise Annie. Annie went back outside as the elderly prepared a table filled with food.

"You didn't have do make all this." Annie held the elder hand softly.

"Please, call me Kyung. It's just that, your cheeks look very deepen, I didn't want you to starve." The elderly's warm smile quickly turned to worry.

"It's alright. I don't want you to worry so I will eat." Annie smiled lightened the elderly.

The food was so delicately homemade. The warmness from the stove hummed in Annie's mouth as she chewed. The food slowly melting in her mouth, made Annie want more to eat.

"Here, drink this. It will hydrate you." The elderly handed her a glass cup full of homemade juice.

The juice did look a little weird to Annie. But Annie felt pressured because everyone was watching her. She quickly took the cup and gulped it down. Slowly, her visions blurred as for her head felt as if she kept spinning around in circles.

-

Annie woke up to her hands being tied. Annie still had blurred vision, as if cleared up, it was the warm smiling elderly standing there.

"I'm sorry I had to do this to you." The elderly looked down.

"Why are you doing this?" Annie felt as if he trust was betrayed.

"I've been lying to you. My husband if not only the chief of the village but disguised as him. He is actually a large business group owner that wants to take a look at you."

"Why me?" Annie struggled to escape.

"B-because, he said he wouldn't leave the village in poverty if I gave you to him."

"So you care about your village than me?" Annie lightly chuckled.

"Don't act like you don't even know you husband! He made my husband want to burn down the village!"

Annie eyes widen. What did James do to put the village in such danger?

"James isn't like that! He's better than that!"

"That's what you think! He is the one who tried to bankrupt my husband company!"

Annie eyes started flowing with tears. James wouldn't do that, would he? Finally, Annie gave up trying to escape and closed her eyes. She found herself in a luxury car, with a middle aged man next to her.

"Who are you?" Annie immediately asked.

"I'm Kinsgao, Kyung's husband." The man chuckled.

"Why do you want me? I don't even know you." Annie clenched her fist.

"Foolish girl, we're going to use you for bait." The man crackled as Annie tears fell...