Chapter 92. Vulnerability

Victoria’s POV

More sounds followed: shouting, the scuffle of feet, the metallic clink of a weapon falling to the ground. The chaos around me grew louder, filling the air with tension and fear.

Tears poured down my face as I tried to process what was happening. My breaths came in sharp gasps, and my mind raced with horrible possibilities. Had he been shot? Was he lying somewhere, bleeding out because of me?

“No,” I whispered to myself, shaking my head even though no one could see me. “He can’t be hurt. He can’t be…”

Suddenly, I heard footsteps. Heavy, deliberate, and they came closer.

I froze, my breath hitching. Was it one of the kidnappers? Or Dominic? I couldn’t tell, and the uncertainty made my stomach churn. The footsteps drew nearer, each step making my heart pound harder against my ribs.

“Dominic?” I called out shakily, my voice barely above a whisper. “Is that you?”

No response.

The tears wouldn’t stop as I pressed mysel