Chapter 4

• After
• The brain has the power to develop defense mechanisms when we are in a situation of danger or extreme fear. In Victoria's case, it involved both.
• First, she was in denial. She believed that everything was just a misunderstanding that would soon be resolved. However, after 3 days, her hopes were dwindling.
• If it's something that can be described, her feeling was like living a nightmare. Throughout her life, she never imagined going through something like this. She remained locked in a dark room, without light, food, or any necessities for any human being to live.
• In addition to the fear of suffering some kind of violence, which luckily did not happen, she was terrified at the possibility of her parents being dead, as the men who kidnapped her did not seem willing to negotiate.
• On the first day, she had the strength to scream and struggle against the door, but her strength diminished as her energy gradually depleted. When she finally believed they were just waiting for some order to kill her, she saw a light hit her sore eyes, affected by the brightness.
• Without the strength to get up, one of the men who kidnapped her picked her up, taking her somewhere. As she arrived blindfolded, she couldn't see where she was, just now realizing that those involved in this were not just anyone.
• There were gold objects scattered throughout the house, and even though her vision was blurry, she could see renowned works of art hanging on the wall. Certainly, many of them are illegal.
• At this point, she could no longer act or fight against the man, who carried her as if she were a rag doll. Upon reaching what seemed to be a bathroom, he threw her on the floor, ordering her to try to get up on her own.
• "Get up, girl. I need to take you soon; you're very dirty," he kicked her leg, seeing that no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't move quickly. "Are you going to force me to bath you, little redhead? I confess I wanted to do that since I saw you."
• The man began to remove her clothes, and even though Victoria tried to fight back, her muscles seemed not to obey her commands. Disgustingly, he began to touch and fondle parts of her body, and even though she was dirty, she didn't care. The fact that she was completely defenseless in his hands, unable to defend herself from his vile acts, was what excited him.
• Luckily, Victoria managed to gather the energy within her to emit a scream that startled him, making him release her immediately, letting her fall to the floor.
• Suddenly, the bathroom door opened, announcing the presence of another person there. This person would not be just anyone, as the man responsible for Victoria recoiled like a frightened dog.
• "Sir, it's not what it looks like. I was about to bring her to you," the abuser retreated against the wall, frightened.
• His imposing figure from minutes ago was completely undone when in the presence of the person, someone whom Victoria had not looked at until that moment.
• "You are a disgusting pig. I don't know why my father insists on keeping you here," he observed the girl lying on the floor, partially undressed next to the bathtub, before addressing the henchman again. "You're lucky my father wants to keep you alive, Carl. Otherwise, I would kill you right now."
• Hearing such words, she gathered the strength within herself and looked at him, watching him towering in front of the door, with an almost pitying look in her direction. The brown-haired man, perfectly combed back, was well-dressed.
• She recognized him immediately, and confused, wondered why he was there, helping her. She wanted to scream, plead for help, and run out of that place. She also wanted to curse him and ask why he prevented Carl from going forward if he seemed to want that by bringing her to this place.
• Victoria felt tears streaming down her cheeks as she saw a woman approach, and a glimmer of hope invaded her after a long time.
• "Oh my God, what did you do to this girl?" she exclaimed angrily. "Get out of here, now!"
• Carl, the vile henchman, left the bathroom at an unbelievable speed, leaving them alone.
• "Don't worry; I'll help you. Can you tell me if I can put you in the bathtub?" she asked before Victoria nodded. "I'm going to touch you now. You don't need to be afraid, okay?"
• The woman was sweet and gentle, not seeming to belong to that place. Even though it was a beautiful and well-decorated mansion, from the way she had been treated, that was not a good place.
• While wetting the girl's hair, she could hear her stomach growl. Disturbed by the fact, she wondered how long they had left the poor girl without eating in that state.
• Upon finishing the bath, she wrapped her in a large towel, which went down to her ankles, supporting her on her shoulders. Even with difficulty, she guided her to one of the rooms.
• "Sit down; you can rest assured. You're safe here," she said, knowing that after what happened, her words could hardly calm her.
• Victoria could see her making a call, asking for something for her to eat. Just hearing about food, she felt her stomach somersault. She had never been so eager for a meal.
• It didn't take long for a maid to arrive with a large tray, filled with fruits and bread, cheeses, and a glass of juice.
• Hungry, she tried to eat quickly, feeling the desperation to eat everything on the abundant tray, but she was too weak. The woman remained leaning against the door, watching her, along with the housekeeper.
• "Poor thing, she's hungry. What did they do to her, Catarina?" she asked.
• "I don't know yet. This is my brother's doing; he asked me to help her. But I'll find out soon," Catarina replied, pulling her blonde hair back, and tying it in a loose bun.
• She approached Victoria slowly, who, even grateful for the help, did not trust her presence at all.
• "Can you tell me your name, dear?" Catarina looked at her, seeing the fear in her reddened eyes.
• "Victoria," the redhead replied with a low voice, not stopping eating the piece of cheese she held firmly.
• "All right, Victoria. Do you know why you're here?"