Chapter 2

"Get away from me!"

I fought back with all my limbs.

"David, you cold-blooded monster! You'll get what's coming to you!"

The kidnappers heard the commotion. A coarse roar came through their megaphone.

"What's all that noise?! If you keep making a goddamn racket, nobody's leaving today!"

David's face paled. He clapped a hand over my mouth.

"Shut up! Do you want to kill everyone?!"

Consumed by rage, I bit down hard on David's hand.

"You bitch!"

David kicked me in the stomach.

"Ugh! You... you actually dared to hit me!"

I curled up in pain.

He showed no hesitation, looking down at me.

"That's a lesson for you. If you cause trouble again, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

Then, he turned towards the megaphone and yelled.

"Sorry! My wife is worried about our child, she's having a mental breakdown! I'll handle it right away!"

The kidnappers' voice came back, full of disdain.

"You better handle it quickly! If you don't, the kids' release will be delayed!"

At those words, the surrounding parents instantly erupted.

"What's wrong with Sarah? Her child is precious, but ours aren't?"

"Exactly! Delaying our kids' release, how selfish!"

Accusations and curses, like countless sharp knives, stabbed into my heart.

I fought desperately.

"No, the order is wrong! My daughter is supposed to be released first—"

The people around me cut me off.

"The list has been announced! Whoever paid more gets their child released first, it's not up to you!"

"If you keep delaying and anger the kidnappers, what if they kill all the kids?"

Just as I was about to explain, a burly man grabbed my throat.

"You bitch, I'm telling you, if anything happens to my son, I'll make sure you die a terrible death!"

I couldn't breathe, casting a pleading look at David.

But he was completely unmoved.

It was as if I, his wife of six years, was a stranger!

Cold tears streamed down my face.

The grip on my neck tightened, and I was on the verge of blacking out.

I faintly heard my daughter's voice.

"Mommy, Mommy, help me!"

I snapped my eyes open, seeing Lily being pushed forward.

A grim-faced kidnapper held up a megaphone and shouted.

"To prevent anyone from secretly calling the police, the child last on the list will now serve as our hostage!"

Just like in my previous life, I could almost see the kidnapper's sharp blade slice across my daughter's pale throat—

"No—"