Achilles Heel

Chapter 4: Revelation and the Rescue Mission

Faith’s POV

The van raced through the darkness, trapping me and making my heart race with panic. Edward's angry and desperate expression was the last thing I saw as we vanished into the night. Would he come for me, though? I was no longer certain. I was unsure of Edward's risk tolerance and the extent of Marcus's betrayal.

Edward in the meantime, was not the cool-headed guy I had grown to know. Though I wasn't present, I could see him yelling commands to his guys while pacing around in rage. He was normally in charge, but he wasn't acting rationally this time. He didn't care how he got me back; he had to.

“Find her by any means!” Calling out to his soldiers, Edward's voice reverberated throughout his mansion. Keep an eye on Marcus. Keep going until you find out where they took her.

He was no longer cool as usual. It was a personal matter to him right now.

My hands were bound tightly behind my back as I was pushed into a poorly lit room. The man who wished to destroy Edward, Victor Moretti, was standing in front of me, grinning twistedly.

"Well, what have we got here?" Victor approached me with a snarl. "Edward's priceless little treasure." You are even more valuable than I initially believed, I must say.

I tried not to show my nervousness by glaring at him. "What do you want from me?"

Victor laughed. Faith, it's not just you. You see, you have the key to defeating Edward, who has opponents everywhere. He doesn't realize how much he cares for you. And I'll crush him as soon as I get him where I want him.

My spine tingled at what he said. Was I Edward's weakness after all?

My thoughts were racing as Victor spoke. I had to get away. I have to stop him from using me against Edward. However, I was restrained and defenceless, and the men securing the chamber appeared too powerful to overcome.

I heard Victor talking on the phone all of a sudden.

"Ensure that everything is prepared," he replied icily. "I'll have Edward just where I want him when he arrives for her. He won't escape alive this time.

My heart fell. Victor intended to murder Edward. And I was solely to blame.

I understood that waiting for Edward to be killed was not an option. I had to move quickly. As I listened intently, I became aware of a minor diversion—a fight between a few of Victor's guys outside the room. It was my opportunity.

Wincing as the ropes sliced into my flesh, I mustered all my power to free my hands. I sprinted through the hideout's cramped hallways as soon as the guard turned his back. I pushed open a door while sprinting as quickly as I could, my heart thumping in my chest.

I was quite near. As I spotted the exit, the chilly night air touched my face. It was only a few steps to freedom.

However, I was yanked back when a hand grabbed my arm. I whirled, gasping, and saw Victor standing there, his angry, hard gaze.

"You didn't anticipate it being that simple, did you?" Victor tightened his hold on my arm and snarled.

"Get your hands off me!" I yelled, fighting him, but he was too powerful."

Victor's voice was low and menacing as he drew me in. Edward doesn't comprehend how much he's already lost, but he still believes he can save you. Faith, you're more than simply a negotiating chip. Edward has made you his vulnerability. And I'll use that to gradually ruin him.

My heart pounded. I was Edward's weak point, not just a target. Victor intended to break him mentally as much as physically. And I was solely to blame.

There were gunshots just when I thought there was no hope left. Edward appeared as the door flew open, his eyes fixed on mine, his face ferocious. With his troops at his heels, he strode into the room.

He yelled, "Faith!" and suddenly he was at my side, dragging me away from Victor.

Despite being cornered by Edward's soldiers, Victor grinned. "Very predictable, Edward," he remarked gloomily. "Always think from the heart. You have become softer.

Edward's eyes were burning with rage. "I'll make you regret the day you betrayed me, Victor if you hurt her."

Even when Edward's men pulled him away, Victor laughed. "You still don't understand? You will fail because of her, Edward. You can't keep her safe forever. She will be the reason why I eventually find a method to destroy you.

Edward remained silent. With the pandemonium of the battle fading behind us, he took hold of my hand and dragged me out of the hiding place. He held on tightly, perhaps too tightly, as though he was scared to release his hold.

I was shaken once we got into one of his cars and the adrenaline began to wear off as we drove away. I looked at Edward, who had his jaw clenched and was looking straight ahead.

"Edward," I said in a shaky whisper. "I apologize. All of this wasn't what I intended to happen.

I could see the stress on his face even though he didn't look at me. He said softly, "It's not your fault," but there was something in his voice that alarmed me. "All of this is my fault."

As we went down the road, the automobile was silent, but I couldn't get rid of the sensation that something had changed. I was saved by Edward, but at what price? Victor's statement that I was Edward's weakness kept repeating in my head.

Edward's voice was low and nearly broken when he finally spoke again when we arrived at the estate. "Faith, I can't allow this to occur again. It's putting you at risk while keeping you near.

My heart sank as I gazed at him. "What do you mean?"

Edward's eyes were filled with turmoil as he struggled to balance his fear that Victor was correct with his wish to keep me safe. Perhaps it would be safer for you to avoid me. For us both.

My stomach turned over. Was I being pushed away by him? Was this the end of what we had experienced?

Edward glanced at me as the car stopped, his expression darkening. "Faith, Victor won't stop. Furthermore, I'm not sure if I can shield you from what lies ahead.

Edward questions if he can truly keep Faith safe, leaving her wondering if staying close to him will only put her life in more danger. Their connection has deepened, but Victor’s threat lingers, and Edward’s doubt leaves everything uncertain.