Two hours passed before Matt came in. He had gone to the study to collect some documents, but on his way downstairs, he noticed the silence in the house. Something didn't feel right. The whole place was too quiet, almost deserted.
He called out once, but no answer came. Then, faintly, he heard a banging sound. It was coming from the storeroom. Curious and worried, he walked quickly in that direction.
"Hello? Is someone there?" Matt asked.
"Yes! Please, help me!" Thalia's muffled voice cried from inside.
Matt unlocked the door and pushed it open. Thalia stumbled out, her eyes adjusting to the dim light. She looked exhausted and shaken.
"How did you get locked in here?" Matt asked, concern in his voice.
Thalia explained everything, from Vicious dragging her to the storeroom to locking her inside. When she finished, Matt sighed heavily.
"I'm sorry," he said softly. "But you need to understand… Vicious doesn't tolerate disrespect. Not even from his closest friends. That's just the way he is."
Thalia looked at him, her eyes filled with both confusion and relief. "But you're different. You're kind… not like him or the others."
Matt gave her a small, sad smile. "I'm not part of them. I just… assist Vicious as his personal assistant. I don't get involved in their business."
"Then why?" she asked. "Why would someone like you, who seems so gentle, be around people like him?"
His eyes darkened for a moment. "Because once, Vicious helped me when no one else would. I owe him my life. This is my way of repaying him. He trusts me, so I stay."
Thalia studied him quietly. There was something honest in his tone, something that told her he was not lying.
"Have you eaten?" Matt suddenly asked, trying to change the subject.
"I'll get something to eat soon," she said quietly.
"No," he insisted. "You need your strength. Come on.
and would you also eat with? Thalia asked. Fine I'll eat with you. "Matt finally agreed
Thalia smiled faintly at his kindness. They sat together, sharing a simple meal. She made sure Matt also ate, even though he tried to let her finish first. For the first time since she was brought here, she felt a flicker of comfort as they chat about different topic of interest.
When the meal ended, Thalia whispered, "Thank you."
But Matt's face grew serious. "You should go back to the storeroom. If Vicious finds out you're not there, it won't end well."
Her heart sank. Reluctantly, she returned to the dark room. Matt locked it from outside and left, his footsteps fading down the hall.
Thalia sat on the cold floor, hugging her knees. Her thoughts swirled. Why did I ever cross paths with Vicious? If only that day had gone differently…
Hours later, deep in the night, Vicious returned. His footsteps echoed through the house. He called her name once. No reply.
"Thalia!" His voice grew louder, more impatient.
Still, silence.
Suddenly, it struck him—he had left her in the storeroom. He opened the door and found her asleep on the floor, her hair falling messily around her face. For a brief second, something unreadable crossed his eyes. But it vanished as quickly as it came.
He kicked the door lightly, waking her. "Get up. Go make my dinner. You have thirty minutes."
Thalia opened her eyes and looked at him with anger burning quietly inside. She didn't speak, only obeyed. She walked silently into the kitchen, preparing his meal with trembling hands.
Vicious ate in silence, his sharp eyes occasionally flicking toward her. When he was done, he stood without a word and left the house again after a call.
Thalia dropped into a chair, her strength drained. She whispered to herself, "How long will I continue like this? Two months. Just two months. I can survive this…"
Her eyes drifted to the empty table. A sudden wave of loneliness washed over her. For the first time since being taken, she longed to hear a familiar voice. She reached for her pocket, but then remembered—her phone. She had lost it when Vicious dragged her away. Even if she had it, he would have taken it by now.
Of course, she thought bitterly. He wouldn't allow me to call anyone. He'd think I was calling the police.
Tears welled in her eyes, but she wiped them quickly. She had to be strong.
The night stretched on, heavy and endless. Thalia curled herself on her bed, her heart pounding. For a moment, she thought she heard footsteps again, but the house was silent.
Silent… too silent.