Ties to Dust, Hearts to Strangers

In a flash, a powerful force shoved me forward.

Dexter screamed, stumbling into Leah's arms. At the same time, I felt a grip, reeking of sweat and cheap cigarettes, seize my arm.

The cold gleam of a knife pressed against my neck. The blade sliced my skin, drawing a thin line of blood.

But Leah was too busy soothing Dexter, who was shaken. "It's okay, Dexter. Don't be scared. I'm here."

She never turned to check on me.

When Dexter's eyes scanned my bleeding wound, he raised an eyebrow at me smugly.

Then, he clung to Leah even tighter. "Leah, I'm so scared! This place is filthy. Can you get me out of here?"

Leah steadied Dexter, ready to leave.

The kidnapper barked, "Nobody moves! You think you can just leave? Call that filthy rich guy from the Norton family now. Tell him to get 100 million dollars in cash here in 30 minutes. Otherwise, I'll kill his son!"

As soon as the words left his mouth, Dexter grabbed Leah's arm. His voice was trembling as he said, "Leah, let's go. I can't stand it here anymore. He's just trying to scare us. He wouldn't dare actually kill anyone. If he does, he won't get the money!"

The kidnapper's anger flared at the words, and the knife dug deeper into my neck. "Pretty boy, you think I'm a coward? Try to leave, and I'll make good on my threat. You'd better call!"

The cut deepened, and blood dripped from the blade onto the ground.

My face was turning pale from the constant blood loss. When Leah saw that, her eyes were filled with conflict.

Dexter, sensing her hesitation, let out a loud cry. His body went limp as he fainted.

"Dexter!" Leah gasped, pulling him into her arms. Her moment of doubt and struggle crumbled at once.

She clenched her teeth, as if making a decision. Supporting Dexter, she forced out a few words to me. "Melvin, I'm so—"

Just then, a gunshot echoed.

A bullet lodged itself perfectly in the kidnapper's forehead, sending the knife crashing to the ground.

Behind me, I heard a heavy thud, and the grip on me vanished.

I stood frozen, forgetting even how to breathe.

Leah was clearly caught off guard by the gunshot. The shock even caused Dexter, who had been faking unconsciousness in her arms, to snap his eyes open.

Immediately after, the figures of the special forces charged up from the first floor, and Dad was among them.

He immediately rushed to me and pulled me into his arms before shouting to the team, "Medic! Hurry! My son's neck is hurt! Stop the bleeding!"

It was only then that I belatedly realized it was probably the result of the messages I sent from the car earlier.

The wound wasn't deep. A few bandages would do.

Once I was sure it wasn't serious, I gently pushed Dad's hands away and walked toward Leah.

Leah opened her mouth, her eyes darting around, like she was finding the right words to say. "Melvin, I—"

But I didn't want to hear her explain. I slapped her hard across the face.

Her head whipped to the side, and she was dazed.

I raised my hand again and landed another slap.

The second slap was so strong it sent Leah stumbling, crashing to the ground.

Before I could strike again, the stunned special forces members and medical staff finally reacted. They rushed forward to pull me away.

Dad also came over, trying to calm me down. "Melvin, you've still got a wound on your neck. Don't let your emotions get the better of you. Let's go to the hospital for a checkup. The police brass are on their way. They'll make sure we get the answers we deserve."

I shut my eyes, trying to hold back the surge of emotions threatening to break me.

Then, I followed Dad away from the scene.

Shortly after, Leonel Marks, the police chief, looked at Leah's dejected state and pointed a finger right at her face. "Forcing one hostage to trade places with another? This is an absolute disgrace to the force! Leah, you're suspended for investigation!"