CHAPTER THREE: Carl

(Tiana's POV)

Finally able to open my eyes after maybe a few minutes of feeling something unexplainable, I slowly stood up and peeped to see her lifeless body being carried away by the men, and for a second I didn't know how to feel.

I crawled out a few minutes after the men took her away. I saw her bag on the floor and picked it up. I checked, and there were a few makeup cosmetics, her phone, her ID card, and her passport, “Fiora Fabio.” That's her name, and she really looks identical to me. Still shocked and unable to move, I heard a car honking, and I looked to see Carl in the driver's seat, and he screamed at me to get in the car.

I got in without thinking about how he found me here, for now all I want is safety. How selfish, someone just died in place of me. The whole drive to Carl's house was silent, as we both didn't say a word to each other.

We got to his house, and we walked in, with me walking beside him without noticing the environment because I was still in shock.

Sitting in his living room, after drinking the water he offered me, now I'm noticing how large, beautiful, and expensive his parlour is.

“Who are you?” I asked, looking at him for answers because there's no way a regular tattoo artist would be this rich.

“I am right there in your body, baby” he said as he looked down to my lap, which thankfully is not visible due to my long dress.

“Come on, let me show you to your room so you can wash up. You don't look exactly nice” he said, giving me a weird look before he started walking towards the stairs, and I followed behind without saying anything.

“Here is your room; wash up and wear my shirt while I go get you some clothes, and you must be hungry. I will order food when I get back; it won't take long, he said, smiling before leaving and closing the door behind him.

I walked downstairs after a long shower, putting on his white button-up long-sleeve shirt. I saw him arranging the food on the dining table and joined him.

We ate quietly with him staring at me every now and then.

I stood up to take the dishes and wash them after eating.

I was washing the dishes when he suddenly appeared behind me, held my waist, and whispered to my ear.

“I didn't know my own shirt could be this dangerous” he whispered, breathing into my ears. I don't know why, but that little action of his sent shivers running down my spine.

“Leave me alone, Carl.” I said, trying to sound natural.

“Fine, I will, for now, get done with the dishes and change into something that's not as dangerous as what you're putting on now; the clothes I bought you are on the couch; I will be heading out for a bit; I won't take long; I will get you a phone while coming back;” he said calmly before stepping out.

I changed into a comfortable dress once I was done with the dishes. I lay down on the couch, as l am feeling really tired. I haven't been able to close my eyes and sleep since I came to Owkridge. Deep in thought, I eventually fell asleep.

(FABIONA MANSION)

“What do you mean you didn't find my granddaughter?”

“Sir I swear, I searched everywhere and didn't see her.”

“You must no longer love your life.”

“Sir, please, I promise to go back and look for her”

“No need; I will have my capable men do that. You're useless; lock him up and don't let him out until I say otherwise.” Fabio ordered and two of his men immediately seized the driver, dragging him to heavens knows where.

“Go out there and search everywhere for my granddaughter; search every single CCTV footage in the airport and around the airport; and make sure to come back with my granddaughter if you don't want your heads cut off.”

Fabio was still boiling in anger when his daughter Francine and her husband Dave rushed inside.

“Father, what's going on? Where's my only daughter?” Francine asked, sobbing.

“Calm down. I already sent my men out, and they would definitely come back with my granddaughter. Take her to her room and calm her down”

Fabio said to Dave, who helped his wife up and took her upstairs without a word.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(Carl's House)

Carl came back and saw Tiana sleeping on the couch. He carried her to her bedroom, covered her properly with the blanket, and slowly closed the door, careful not to wake her up, before proceeding to make dinner for them.

Carl was almost done making dinner when Tiana woke up and came downstairs.

(Tiana's POV)

I woke up still feeling tired. I robbed my eyes and realised I was lying in my room.

I had fallen asleep on the couch in the living room. So, I assumed Carl was back, and did he carry me from the living room to the bedroom? I blushed at the thought.

I perceived a pleasing aroma as I walked downstairs. I followed the aroma to the kitchen and saw Carl cooking. God, he looks so down to earth handsome even when cooking. He turned around to see me staring at him.

“You're awake. Hold on a bit. Dinner is ready” he said to me before turning to focus on what he was doing.

After dinner, we went up to our different rooms without saying much to each other. I slumped down on my bed after bathing and started scrolling and trying to download some apps on the new phone he gave me earlier.

(FABIONA MANSION)

“Sir I don't think an ordinary person is behind this as they made sure to clear up every piece of evidence and trace”

“So you mean you couldn't find my granddaughter?”

“Sir, we tried everything we could but nothing. Every CCTV footage inside and around the airport was destroyed. There were cars in the parking lot of the accessory shop she went into, according to the driver, He said she told him on call that she would kill time in the accessory shop while waiting for him. We questioned the owner of the accessory shop but_” he didn't get to finish what he was saying when Fabio held his neck and started strangling him.

“Find every single person who parked their vehicle in that parking lot at that time and check their dash-cam. Do that with immediate effect and come back with a good result if you don't want me to slit your throat” Fabio said before letting go of his neck. He bowed immediately before running out coughing.