Chapter 10: The Trap of Asher
Asher and Janet's parents sat in Asher's apartment, shrouded in cigarette smoke and half-empty wine glasses. The air buzzed with desperation and fury. They were far from defeated—if anything, the humiliation of being thrown out of Luca's mansion had lit a new fire in them.
"She's officially his wife now," Janet's mother hissed, pacing the room like a cornered animal.
"And she will ruin everything," Asher growled, slamming his glass down onto the table. "We were supposed to hand her over. Now that bastard is in control."
"We can't go back to him without her," Janet's father added. "That man doesn't give second chances."
The room fell silent for a moment, before Asher's eyes darkened with a new, deadly thought. "Then there's only one way to fix this... We kill her."
Janet's mother turned to him. "What did you say?"
"If she's gone, there's no leverage. Nothing to sell. Nothing to betray. It ends everything."
They all looked at one another. No words were needed. Their twisted agreement was set.
---
Meanwhile, back in Luca's mansion, the morning sunlight streamed softly through the tall windows of Janet's room. She was seated at the elegant study desk, her notebook open, but her pen idle. Her mind couldn't focus on anything.
The memories haunted her like shadows—her wedding forced at gunpoint, her parents' betrayal, Asher's fury. And Luca, the man who had once been a broken boy, now her unexpected husband and protector.
Her phone vibrated.
A message from an old contact: Lisa.
Lisa: "Janet? It's been so long. Can we meet today? Please... just an hour at the usual café. I miss you."
A spark of warmth flickered in Janet's heart. Lisa was her childhood friend—the one who used to share lunchboxes, secrets, and dreams with her. They hadn't talked in years. Maybe, just maybe, a piece of her old life could still exist.
She typed back: "I'll be there. What time?"
---
Luca, meanwhile, had left the mansion early for an urgent meeting. But not before instructing his guards and maids firmly:
"Janet is not to leave. Keep eyes on her. She is not safe beyond these walls."
"Yes, sir," the head guard had replied, bowing slightly.
Janet knew they were watching. She could feel it in the way the maid's eyes lingered too long, or how the footsteps outside her room never seemed to disappear. But she also remembered something else—the hidden door at the back of the library she had discovered by accident days ago.
She quietly slipped out of her room, careful not to alert anyone. Her footsteps were silent as she crept down the hallway, reaching the vast library. She counted the shelves and books, just like before, then pushed gently.
The door creaked open.
Beyond it was a narrow corridor that led outside the estate. Overgrown and forgotten, it was the perfect escape.
She covered her head with a scarf, slipped out, and made her way through the winding roads until she reached the quiet little café she and Lisa used to visit.
But something felt... off.
The café was empty.
No music. No chatter. Just silence.
Janet stepped inside cautiously, the wooden floor creaking beneath her feet.
A figure stepped out from the shadows.
Lisa.
She looked nervous, her face pale and her hands trembling. Her smile was strained, and her eyes darted around the room.
"Lisa?" Janet whispered, confused.
"I... I'm sorry, Janet," Lisa murmured, eyes welling with tears.
Before Janet could ask what she meant, another voice sliced through the still air.
"You always loved being the savior, didn't you, Janet?"
She turned.
Asher.
He stepped forward from behind Lisa, his presence like poison in the air. Dressed in black, a cold smirk painted his face.
Janet's breath caught. "Asher..."
Lisa's voice cracked. "He made me do it, Janet. He said... he said he'd kill me if I didn't bring you here."
Janet backed away. "You tricked me..."
"I didn't want to!" Lisa cried. "Please believe me, Janet!"
But Janet couldn't speak. Her chest heaved as panic rose. She was alone, vulnerable, and no one knew she was here.
Asher moved closer. "You thought Luca could protect you forever? He might be strong, but you? You're still just that naive girl who believes in love and loyalty. Look where that got you."
Janet looked around, calculating her options. The café had only one exit—the one behind Asher.
Her phone.
She reached into her pocket subtly, praying that Luca's contact was still open.
Her finger hovered, shaking, and then—she hit call.
Asher didn't notice.
But miles away, in the backseat of a black car, Luca's phone vibrated. He looked down, eyes narrowing.
Janet.
He answered.
"Janet?"
Nothing but the faint sound of voices and footsteps. His body went cold.
"Turn the car around. NOW," he barked.
Back at the café, Janet was still backing away slowly, eyes flitting between Lisa and Asher.
"I don't want to hurt you," Asher said with mock sympathy. "But you've left us with no choice."
Just then, Janet's phone slipped from her hand and clattered to the floor.
Asher's eyes widened. "What did you do?"
Janet didn't answer.
He lunged for her.