“Ross,” came a soft, fragile voice from his end, “don’t be mad at her. She’s just concerned about you. This is all my fault…”
“Winnie, this isn’t on you…” And with that, the line went dead.
My hand dropped weakly, the faintest trace of bitter laughter at my lips.
Of course. How could I ever compare to his precious Winnie? Trying to hold on would only humiliate me further.
But what about my baby? My child should have been able to meet me in just two more months.
The mall incident had all been about me, orchestrated because of Ross.
The moment they grabbed me, the kidnappers slapped me across the face, twice, leaving me dizzy and disoriented.
I could just barely make out their bitter curses: “Your husband couldn’t save my wife. Do you even understand that? That so-called ‘medical genius’ – he’s a fraud!
“And I heard his family’s loaded. Kidnapping you means I can get the money I deserve for the loss he caused!”
When I realized he wanted money, a tiny bit of relief crept in.
At least that meant my baby might be safe.
But after eight calls – seven rejected, and one filled with nothing but blame and frustration – I lost all value in the kidnappers’ eyes.
I had never been more afraid.