Chapter 1: Camouflage

The strong smell of gunpowder fills the air. Continuous heavy gunshots were heard. Amidst all the chaos but I cannot seem to open my eyes. My mind were hazy and I feel sluggish. Ah this is bad, they used a stronger drug this time. I wonder who would come save me? my bodyguards? or the police? SWAT team or the military?

How unfortunate of me. Why must I experience this? I'm not a princess. Heck! I'm not even a daughter of the President. I'm just a mere daughter of a City Mayor, but my father, Fedor Lo the Mayor of City I, is an uptight and righteous man. A man that would not tolerate corruption and remains unyielding to anyone; and that is why other politicians and the so called 'businessmen' attempts to covet my father in the dark path. Recently, fathers' camp busted a huge illegal operation that angered multiple unrighteous 'businessmen', in short the syndicates. Hence, why I'm here lying in a cold hard ground. Oh!

How did it come to this? Earlier on, I'm having the time of my life then the next scene I'm lying here in a hard floor, blindfolded and tied tightly my four limbs. I haven't eaten desserts yet! When I get back safely later, I'll forget about dieting and gobble up my favorite food in a buffet!

It has been a while but the gunshots did not yet stopped. Though I'm hearing footsteps from time to time but it sounds so faint. I reckoned, I'm in a secluded room without anyone guarding me since I do not hear someone breathing. Nevertheless, I do not dare move from my spot, because what if there's a trap or something. I ain't risking! I'll just wait here for my savior.

Not! I'm just kidding! Who in the right mind would not have precautions if he or she keeps on experiencing this? Thankfully I always wear a ring knife. At first glance, it would look like a harmless ring full of sapphires but one of the stone is the button to flip out the knife. Ah how sensible of me to not keep this in the jewelry box today.

I cut the rope that tied both my hands first, then took off the blindfold. It took seconds to fully adjust my eyesight in the dark. Next, I cut off the ropes on my ankles. What luck I have! There's no windows in the room and no furniture. It was a more or less a hundred meter size empty room with a metal door, just imagine a room in an asylum. No I did not enter an asylum or any institute for that matter, just an idea from many films. Luckily, I'm not afraid of ghost or else I might be taken to an asylum if ever.

How much longer would I have to wait? Ah! What if I'm already dead? Oh this must be hell! I'm sorry for being gluttonous but eating different kinds and delicious foods fill up the soul, body and mind! Oh wait, nah! Lets just chill here and wait for me to catch a cold in these cold walls and floor, then hopefully they would rescue me just in time or else say goodbye to my unfulfilled life. Shame.

Moreover, these inconsiderate kidnappers! They should have treated me better, maybe father would slightly be lenient or if I die right here then they would not have an advantage over my family! They could have planned it better. Not just leave me here all alone. Although, I'm not that harmed but I've got few scratches and marks because the ropes are tied tightly but still. Ugh stupid men! That's why they have to settle in doing illegal stuffs because they do not use their brain! Cost-benefit principle people, one of the important principle in decision making (and in life!). If the cost you expended is greater than the benefit you will receive then better think twice. Of course, there are other more factors to consider not just financially but also non-monetary factors, but it is one of the main factor to consider to achieve your goal.

Moments later after a long time of my rambling, finally, the gunshots are not that rampant as earlier and heavy footsteps are heard at the other side of the metal door. Constant loud banging resonates the room as they tried to breakdown the door. I heard a faint ticking like a small bomb to forcefully open the door.

"DUCK AND PROTECT YOUR HEAD!" Oh well, hopefully my hands are enough.

After half a minute, the small bomb exploded. Thankfully, the impact was just enough to break open the door otherwise I don't think I will make it if the walls will crumble down. Now, should I act pitiful? like a damsel in distress? Heh.

As I crouch down still with my arms and hands covering my head as I wait for them to approach me. The smell of gunpowder fills the room. It made my hazy made dizzier and it took more than my willpower to try to stay conscious. I need to be vigilant, just because they came for me does not mean they're already my savior. I have to make sure they're on my side first.

"VIP spotted. Mission accomplished. Roger."

I heard a cold deep hoarse voice as I felt someone approach me. As I tilt my head above, I saw a sturdy young man with a sharp nose and chiseled jawline wearing a camouflage military uniform. An Adonis. Ah earlier I felt like in hell but now I'm in heaven. Such weakness for handsome men. He momentarily stopped walking towards me.

"You're Liehl Lo." He stated. Was it supposedly a question? My heart skipped a beat. Was it because of the knock-out drug earlier?

I nodded my head at him and at the same time shivered, due to coldness. He took of his camouflage jacket and covered my shivered body. My heart skipped a beat again. I gripped the jacket tightly due to nervousness. Why am I nervous? It's not like it's the first time I have seen a man like him. Ah, because he's intimidating?

After he made sure I'm covered, he lifted me in a princess style as we walked out the compound. I dared not to open my eyes and see the surroundings. Just by the strong smell of the gunpowder and blood in the air makes me want to throw up. Well, at least now I experience being a princess even if it's just by being carried. All along the journey to get out of the place, we didn't speak with each other as I was in dazed staring at him. Is this love? No! It's just a crush! How dreamy if minus the state I am in.

Outside the premises, many military vehicles, police mobile cars, ambulances, and even press reporters are seen and awaits us. It was not a sight to see bloody people and some dead bodies carried here and there. Chiseled jaw what I'll call the Adonis, carried me towards one of the ambulances to check my state. As I settled down, he took off his jacket from me and not even barely seconds as I opened my mouth to thank him, he started to walk out and leave my side.

"Hey! Thank you for saving me!" He stopped on his tracks for a while but he continued to walk away without looking back as if he did not heard my calling. Hmp! That cold man!

Even though he's cold, he is still handsome and he saved me! Although he's not the only one but still. Ah, I didn't even had a chance to ask for his name. I also didn't saw his name in his jacket. I should have hold on to the jacket tighter. Sigh. Maybe my father knows? Oh let's just forget about it. I'm not a lovesick fool to begin with!

Many men in uniform surrounded the ambulance where I'm being treated at, to shield me from the press. After a while later, my father and two older brothers came to fetch me with worry and teary eyes. How much in contrast with their stern look and body build. As a good girl, I consoled my family as they hug me tight as if they'll take my breath away.

"Forgive Daddy, Sweetheart. Daddy did not protect you well." My father apologizes with a shaky voice as he continues to tightly hug me.

"We'll protect you better from now on. Yes. We'll protect you better." My eldest brother, Theodore Lo, trying to assure me but it sounded like he's trying to convince himself more.

"Liehl Sweety, we'll get justice." Hans Lo, my second brother, said while he gnashed his teeth. He kept on observing me from up and down to make sure I do not have major injuries.

As my father still hugging me, afraid that once he loosens his grip I would vanish away. They told me that my mother, Hansvi Chen, fainted due to severe anxiousness worrying about me, but thankfully she was now out of danger and at home recuperating. Ah, my sweet family. Lord knows how much would I be willing to give and sacrifice for my family.