Kathryn Oconor a girl in her early 20s who under unfortunate circumstances got raped and while still trying to recover from the rape, witnessed a horrible murder scene that kept haunting her sleep causing sleepless nights. The murderer having seen her face was hell-bent on taking her life as he kept stalking her. She figured out she was pregnant and decided to relocate to another city for her and her child's safety not knowing the murderer will keep following. In her desperate moments, to save her child she dropped the child in front of a gate and ran away to draw the murderer's attention to herself. What will happen to the child? Will Kathryn find a way out of her unfortunate situation? What about the man she slept with?
Chapter 1 THE MASKED PARTY
On the first floor of the EL'havanna Hotel in Ros'hambourgh, California. A large spacious ballroom, decorated with a crystal chandelier at the centre of the ballroom reflecting glittering gold lights on the faces of the masked guests. Various flowers decorated the sides of the room, and classic music played from the orchestra on the left side of the room. The room was filled with elegant-looking business tycoons laughing and chatting among themselves.
A tall handsome man in his early fifties is seen greeting his guests at the room's entrance.
One of the guests walked up to him with an elegant-looking woman 'Good evening Mr Wilson, a fabulous event you've got going'
Thank you. I hope you came with a heavy pocket to contribute to this charity event.
The guest chuckled lightly, but before he could reply, a tall, young, handsome, masked-looking man in his late twenties stole his attention-and that of every other guest present-and exuded a cold aura.
All the women at the ball were smitten by his good looks in his expensive black tuxedo, which featured a golden mask that complemented the shiny Rolex wristwatch on his left hand.
Mr Wilson walked briskly towards the entrance to welcome him.
Mr Anderson, thank you for gracing us with your presence this evening' he said with a handshake. It is an honor to have you here.
He replied nonchalantly ''It's a pleasure''.
Mr. Wilson collected a glass of champagne from a waiter passing by and called the guests' attention, 'A toast to today's event and our honored guest, Mr. Anderson.' A thundering applause came from the guests after they raised their glasses for the toast.
Amidst the revelry, a figure moved with purpose, weaving through the crowds with ease her mask glinted in the light, a delicate filigree of silver and gold. She made her way to the Cellar, where a waiter stood poised with a tray of champagne.
The figure's gloved hand brushed against the waiter's as they took a glass. For a moment, their eyes locked and a small almost invisible drug was given to the waiter. The waiter's expression remained neutral, but his eyes flickered with a hint of unease.
''The man in a golden mask and black tuxedo'' she said quietly while pointing to Lucian Anderson.
She moved on, disappearing into the crowd as the waiter approached Lucian. He smiled and offered Lucian the drink, his movement smooth and practiced. Lucian took the glass, unaware of the drug added to the champagne.
***************************************************************************
In the cellar of the hotel, Kathryn embraced her friend ''Thank you very much for this opportunity, Lily. I never thought I could make $1500 in just a night, just for working as a waitress''.
Lily replied, "Don't bother, sweetheart. What are friends for? I also wouldn't have known about this job opportunity if I hadn't been working here myself."
Kathryn left the cellar, on her way to the restroom, when the manager of the hotel suddenly stopped her handing a tray with a bottle of water on it to her ''quickly get this to room 206''
Before she could respond, a sharp voice cut through- "Now!"
KATHRYN POV
I stood outside room 206, my heart racing as I knocked hard on the door. But there was no response. I turned the doorknob and opened the door, revealing a dark and foreboding space.
Something about the silence unsettled me. The air inside was thick, suffocating. Every instinct screamed at me to turn back. But I stepped inside anyway.
"who's here?" I called, out, my thin voice echoing off the walls.
As I fumbled for the light switch, a low deep voice spoke up, sending a shiver down my spine.
"what are you looking for here?"
I swallowed hard, trying to find my voice................. I came to drop off the water you requested"
The darkness seemed to press in around me as I sensed his lingering gaze. I backed away slowly as I saw his silhouette moving towards me.
The tray of water dropped from my trembling hands as he pushed me forcefully against the wall.
Before I could react, he spun me around and my head swam.
I started struggling, kicking, and pushing as he dragged me forcefully towards the bed.
I felt a warm liquid run down my cheeks, and the next moment, my shirt was torn open.
"please stop!" I cried out
"Shh," he said and I felt his mouth on mine, muffling my cry..............
I knew, at that moment, that my life would never be the same again.