The chapter contains mention and some description of rape, violence, neglect, foul parenting and strong language. If you are triggered by such things, please, skip the chapter.
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Heaven Beiley.
She was a masterpiece.
With a body, face, and voice like hers, she embodied nothing less than perfection.
Ever since I first laid eyes on her at the age of 10, I sensed her uniqueness.
Perfect material to shape into what I desired.
Regrettably, life didn't keep her in my orbit. My best friends mishandled her a little, and after they cast her onto the streets, she vanished just weeks before her 16th birthday.
But that chapter was closed.
Following Ashton and Alexa's revelations, I enlisted the services of a personal detective who, at long last, located my elusive doll.
The detective neglected to inform me that my little doll was somehow linked to Ares Romano—a mistake he was currently rectifying.
"Mr. Watts, I regret to inform you that I couldn't uncover any information about Mr. Romano's connection to Miss Beiley. He is an exceedingly private individual, there are no photographs of him with her anywhere, and there isn't a single article hinting at his potential association with her. Nobody seems to know anything, or, at the very least, they are unwilling to discuss them."- the detective's report brought me no joy.
"So, after forking over 60,000 pounds, all you've got for me is this collection of her photos and an address that turns out to be a damn skiing resort?"- I inquired calmly, swirling whiskey in my glass.
"It's either she's intentionally keeping a low profile, or she's connected to Mr. Romano and, consequently, under his protection. That means he's keeping her personal information hidden from the public."- the detective responded mildly, maintaining his composure. However, I was rapidly losing mine.
I wanted my doll in my possession, right where she was destined to be from the moment I laid eyes on her.
"You're going to search the entire country and bring her to me. I don't care what you have to do to get her: kill anyone in your way, kidnap her, drug her—I need her here, and you were paid to make it happen."- anger and frustration seeped into my tone as I gripped the glass tighter, my gaze cold and unforgiving.
Without sparing another moment on the detective, I dismissed him and he closed the door on his way out.
I settled into the plush armchair next to the crackling fireplace, my eyes fixated on the dancing flames as I reached for the folder resting on the coffee table.
Within it were three priceless photographs of my doll.
