chapter 2

[Serena's point of view]

"Why did you say that to Bettina?" I asked Haru. We are here in the school garden. Near the old building that is no longer in use.

"I really don't mean to say that but she pushes my limit. I'm fed up with her jealous behavior, I guest this is the best for both of us especially since we're getting married." he smiled so I couldn't help but feel happy.

"So you choose me?" I asked skeptically. He laughed before ruffling my hair.

"The truth is I really like you Serena, I don't know when it started but I just felt that I like you." I swallowed one after another.

I can't believe that he likes me, that means there is hope for both of us. This is the happiest day for me.

"W-then, are you planning to date me?" after I said that, I immediately looked away because of the shame I felt.

What is that Serena? It's not because he said he likes you, he also wants to date you!

The smile on his face disappeared, making me even more nervous. He held my hand before looking me in the face "Sorry but I don't do courting. Also, we're getting married right? So that just means I don't have to court because you're my girlfriend." he smiled again before kissing my hand.

I just smiled even though I felt disappointed. Since then, I have never been courted by anyone.

I'm the only girl in the family, so my dad and brother are very strict with me. I thought I would feel that about Haru, but it turns out he's not flirting.

On the other hand, I still can't help being happy because I've had feelings for Haru for a long time and just him admitting to me is enough.

"By the way, wait for me here, I'll just buy food ok?" I nodded and smiled.

"All right." he immediately left so I was left alone in the garden.

As I looked around, I couldn't help but stop because it seemed like someone was watching me. My hair is also standing up.

I hugged myself and looked around carefully. My eyes were fixed on the old building and I still blinked because there seemed to be a shadow of a person in one of the rooms on the second floor.

I'm not sure what that shadow really is because the building is also quite far from me. I just looked away and didn't feel the horror anymore.

"What's the meaning of this video princess?" I was in the car while Isaaic and Isaiah were in the car.

They showed me the video where Bettina was tweaking me. I took a deep breath because Alexa actually posted it on fb.

Maybe I should cut our connection, I don't need a plastic friend like her. Maybe she will bring me to disaster.

"Bettina got mad when she found out about me and Haru." I explained.

"Then why did she hurt you? Why not her boyfriend!?" Brother Isaiah said sarcastically "You can't blame her, I'm actually guilty because of me they broke up." I can see the shock in brother Isaiah's eyes.

"T-they broke up?" he asked again that's why I nodded. The smiling Isaaic, who had been silent earlier, spoke.

"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 immediately threw a stone at Isaaic because of what he said.

My eyes couldn't help but notice that Isaiah's cheeks were red.

What!? Don't tell me he likes Bettina? As far as I know, he really doesn't like it because it's too artistic and cursed.

Well aside from that I don't see anything wrong. Bettina Chavilire is a totally human doll. That's why I can see how proud Haru was of her before when they were together.

"I just wish that everything would be okay. I don't feel comfortable knowing that someone is angry with me." I am sorry for them.

Maybe I should try to talk to her again. I will say sorry in private and even if I do it again and again it will be ok as long as he loses his anger towards me.

When we got home, as often happens, my family and I ate happily together. After that, I immediately went back to my room to study.

Sometimes I can't help but be fed up with my life. We are rich, everything I want I can easily get.

But because I'm the CEO's daughter, I'm not like other young people who are over the party. Dad keeps his name that's why he is strict with us especially me.

And I don't feel bad about that. I know he also wants to protect me from some bad people who want to do bad things to our family.

Chapter 3

Now I just finished taking a shower. The only thing I'm wearing is my black lingerie that one of my friends gave me.

I looked at my reflection in the body size mirror and I couldn't help but blush because I could see the shape of my body because this dress was so sexy.

This is the first time I've worn it because I'm used to pajamas. I just happened to see it again in my cabinet so I tried to wear it.

I hung up my towel before going to my bed and lying down. I also took my recipe's book to learn more about cooking.

I don't know how many minutes I was reading but I just looked at my balcony door when I noticed that it was open.

I frowned because I remembered that I never went there, so how can it be opened?

I just stood up before going to the balcony to close the door. I was about to close it when I was stopped by the black rose petals scattered on my balcony.

I opened the door even more before I went out "What is this?" I wondered.

Who put it here? Did someone break into my room while I was gone? But a while ago when I came home from school it wasn't here yet.

I took a deep breath before peering down the balcony. I will just call a maid to clean this mess and I will ask them if anyone else entered my room while I was gone.

I was about to turn my back when suddenly I heard someone's talking behind me

"I didn't expect you to be this beautiful and sexy little mermaid." a cold and very baritone voice echoed around.

I don't know but my heart beat spontaneously because of the fear that suddenly left my body after hearing that voice.

"But too bad, that soft skin of yours will be destroyed." even though I was afraid, I gathered my courage to face the man behind me, but I did not expect what would meet me.

I immediately sat on the ground while moaning after he threw three knives that cut into my arm and leg.

I looked at him in fear and I couldn't help but be stunned because of his red eyes that could not show even the slightest mercy for me.

He.. He is Exodus, the criminal that the police can't find is right in front of me.

"Sleep little mermaid, you should rest because you might not be able to rest later." he said again and I couldn't even speak to ask for help because my eyes were completely falling apart.

When I regained consciousness, I immediately opened my eyes. I found an unfamiliar room.

I couldn't see anything because it was so dark. My body hurts so much not only because of the wound here. I also feel a sense of attachment to my place.

Because I'm not sleeping in a bed but a glass box. Shaking, I moved to sit down but that was all I was surprised when the small light turned on so I could see the surroundings.

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

I couldn't help but cover my mouth while weakly crying because of so much fear. I was even surprised to notice that there were handcuffs on both my hands and around my neck.

"You're awake." just like before I heard that scary voice again.

I slowly turned to my side and was immediately stunned to see a man wearing only pants while sitting like a king on a wooden chair.

He had a black mask on his face that only showed his lips while he was examining a human skull. His body is also full of tattoos and scars while his aura screams evil.

This man is Exodus. The most wanted serial killer in this country.

He focused his eyes on me before a smile curved his red lips "Scared?" he asked with a touch of sarcasm.

My tears just kept falling because of the fear of him. Am I going to die? But I still have the morning to find out.

I haven't even made my dreams come true. I haven't been able to say goodbye to Daddy yet and one more thing I want if I die is not at the hands of a criminal like him.

"Am I your next victim?" I mustered my strength not to stutter even though inside I kept praying for my safety.

I don't want to die yet. Please don't now. I still want to live. I still have a lot I want to do in this world.

"Isn't it obvious?" he asked sarcastically before standing up. He placed the skull he was examining earlier on the adjacent table before walking over to a table full of torture.

"Hm..what should I do to you?" he asked coldly while choosing among those knives.

I immediately bit my lip before hugging myself with my trembling hands "M-my dad will give you a money just please spare me..a-I don't want to die yet a-and one more thing I-I don't remember anything I did something bad to you-so you could kill me."

I sound so desperate, I even beg for my life. I'm willing to give him money or anything he wants. I just don't want to die, not now.

"I don't need your money but there's one thing I want you to do." I seemed to be revived because of what he said.

He dropped the big knife he was holding before slowly walking towards me.

I seemed to stiffen where I was as he slowly lowered his head before whispering in my ear.

"If you want to live then you must help me to kill your father. Are you going to accept my deal, My Little Mermaid?" he laughed softly while I seemed to have lost hope to save myself from him.

He wants my father's life? but I can't give that to him.