chapter 3

As I looked around, I couldn't help but notice that someone was watching me. My hair is also standing straight up.

I hugged myself and took a good look around. My gaze was riveted on the old structure, and I continued to blink because there appeared to be a shadow of a person in one of the rooms on the second level.

I'm not sure what the shadow is because the structure is quite far away. I simply turned away, no longer feeling the horror.

"What's the meaning of this video, princess?" I was in the van with my brother, Isaac, and Isaiah.

They showed me the footage of Bettina manipulating me. Because Alexa had actually posted it on Facebook, I took a deep breath.

Maybe I should disconnect from her. I don't need a plastic friend like her. Perhaps she will lead me to tragedy.

"When Bettina found out about me and Haru, she was furious," I explained.

"Then why did she hurt you? Why not her boyfriend?" cynically replied Brother Isaiah. "You can't blame her; I'm actually guilty because they broke up because of me." I can see the horror in Brother Isaiah's eyes.

"They broke up?" He inquired again, and I nodded. Isaac, who had been silent previously, spoke out.

"They broke up, bro, so you now have a chance to date her, but oh, I forgot. You had a chance for a long time, but she doesn't want you." Isaiah flung stones at Isaac as a result of what he said.

My eyes couldn't help but notice Isaiah's flushed cheeks.

What!? Don't tell me he has feelings for Bettina. As far as I know, she doesn't care about him.

Apart from that, I see nothing wrong. Bettina Chavilire is a doll that is completely human. That's why I could tell Haru was proud of her when they were together.

"I just wish everything would be okay; I don't feel safe knowing that someone is mad at me." I feel bad for them.

Perhaps I should try talking to her again. I'll apologize privately, and even if I have to do it again and again, it'll be fine as long as she loses her rage at me.

When we returned home, my family and I ate happily together, as is customary. After that, I went straight back to my room to study.

I can't help but get tired of my life at times. We are wealthy; I can simply obtain anything I desire.

But, because I am the governor's daughter, I am not like other young people who have left the party. Dad values his name, which is why he is harsh with us, particularly with me.

And I'm not sorry about it. I know he also wants to protect me from wicked people who wish to harm our family.

I just got out of the shower. I'm simply wearing my black lingerie, which was given to me by a friend.

I couldn't help but blush when I saw my reflection in the body-size mirror since I could see the outline of my body because this dress was so attractive.

I've never worn it before because I'm used to wearing pajamas. I simply happened to see it in my cabinet again, so I tried it on.

Before going to bed and lying down, I hung up my towel. I also brought my recipe book with me to learn more about cooking.

I'm not sure how long I was reading, but I was just looking at my balcony door when I realized it was open.

I scowled, remembering that I had never been there, so how could it be opened?

I merely rose up to close the door before walking to the balcony. I was going to close it when I noticed the black rose petals on my balcony.

Who placed it here? Is it possible that someone broke into my room while I was away? But it wasn't there when I got home from school a bit ago.

I took a deep breath and looked down from the balcony. I'll just hire a maid to clean up this mess and ask whether anyone else entered my room while I was gone.

I was going to turn around when I heard someone talking behind me.

"I didn't expect you to be this beautiful and sexy little mermaid," a frigid, baritone voice echoed around the room.

I'm not sure, but my heart began to beat spontaneously as a result of the terror that had abruptly left my body after hearing that voice.

"But too bad, that soft skin of yours will be destroyed." Despite my fear, I mustered the confidence to confront the man behind me, but I had no idea what awaited me.

After he hurled three knives that cut into my arm and leg, I instantly sat on the ground, moaning.

I stared at him in terror, and I couldn't help but be astonished by his fiery eyes, which couldn't express even the tiniest mercy for me.

Exodus is the criminal the cops can't find, and he's there in front of me.

"Sleep, little mermaid; you should rest because you might not be able to rest later." He said it again, and I couldn't even talk to ask for help since my eyes were tearing apart.

I opened my eyes as soon as I recovered consciousness. I entered a strange room.

Because it was so black, I couldn't see anything. My body is in excruciating pain, and it's not just because of the wound here. I'm also attached to my surroundings.

Because I'm sleeping in a glass box rather than a bed. I shook and moved to sit down, but that was all. I was taken aback when the small light switched on, allowing me to view my surroundings.

I couldn't help but inhale because I was in the basement and could see the torture devices even in the glass jar on the wood in front of me that contained just people's insides.

I couldn't help but hide my mouth and whimper softly out of dread. I was especially astonished to find shackles on both my hands and around my neck.

"You're awake," I heard that terrifying voice say again.

I cautiously turned to my side and was astounded to see a man dressed just in his underwear seated like a king on a wooden chair.

While inspecting a human skull, he wore a black mask that revealed only his lips. His body is likewise covered with tattoos and scars, and his aura exudes evil.

Exodus is the name of this individual. This country's most wanted serial killer

He locked his gaze on mine before curving his crimson lips into a smile. "Scared?" he asked a little sarcastically.

Because of my fear of him, my tears just kept falling. Is it possible that I will perish? But I still have the rest of the morning to find out.

I haven't even realized my ambitions. I haven't been able to say goodbye to Daddy yet, and one more thing I'd like to avoid if I die is dying in a hospital.

"Am I your next victim?" I forced myself not to stutter, even though I was praying for my protection on the inside.

I'm not ready to die yet. Please, not right now. I'm still hoping to live. I still have a lot of things I want to do in this world.

"Isn't it obvious?" he sarcastically questioned before rising. He placed the skull he was looking at on the neighboring table before strolling over to a torture table.

"Hm..what should I do to you?" He questioned him coldly as he selected one of the blades.

I chewed my lower lip before wrapping my quivering hands around myself. "My father will give you money; please spare me." "I don't want to die yet; one more thing, I don't remember anything; I did something bad to you; you could kill me."

I sound desperate enough to beg for my life. I'm willing to give him money or whatever he desires. I simply do not want to die right now.

"I don't need your money, but there is one thing I want you to do," he replied, and I felt rejuvenated.

He dropped the large knife he was holding and walked gently towards me.

I felt myself harden as he carefully lowered his head before whispering in my ear.

"If you want to live, you must help me kill your father; are you going to accept my deal, My Little Mermaid?" He laughed softly as I appeared to have given up any chance of escaping him.

He wants to take my father's life. But I can't offer him that.