Chapter 14 As they waited , Sharon and the man who had taken her hostage began to talk about family , about children , about marriage . He told her he used to have a good life . A gentle wife , a clever daughter . A home filled with warmth . He'd only wanted to give them something better . So he took a risk - invested in a project that promised a good return - and ended up losing everything . Swindled , broken , ruined . we debt , I'll still end up behind bars . But I don't want my family to be chased by " I know , " he said miserably , " even if 11 creditors . They deserve a quiet life . " His words left a strange feeling in her heart . Outside , the police shouted , negotiators tryi calmer . His hands had stopped shaking . to keep things from slipping out of control . But the man , once on edge , was now " So , rich people's lives aren't so great either , " he said with a bitter laugh . " If it hadn't been me today , you'd probably be dead by now . I lost money . You , on the other hand , might've lost your life . " " He glanced at his watch . Too much time had passed . Whis eyes returned to her , there was something different there . A flicker of sympathy . " Thanks for talking with me , " he said . " You know , maybe I'm not the unluckiest one here . Go ahead . You can leave . " He moved as if to let her go . But the police , watching everything , misunderstood his gesture . Gunfire tore through the air . He crumpled instantly . Warm blood splashed across her face . Her mind went blank . She had never seen death like that . Never seen life snuffed out right in front of her . The moment he hit the ground , officers and paramedics rushed in . They helped her out , brought her to safety . And Carter never called her back . She ended up in the hospital for checkups . It was there , in the hallway , she ran into Kelly - fresh out of surgery . Only then did Carter remember her call . " You called me earlier , " he said . "Said you were kidnapped ? " Nate scoffed nearby , voice dripping with mockery . "Oh please . If she was kidnapped , why is she standing here without a scratch on her ? Must've been a stunt . Just trying to get your attention . Look at her , Carter . Not even a bruise . What a lousy performance ! " Kelly , pale but conscious , added softly , " Sharon , if you find it such hassle to bring me the medicinal soup , then don't . But please ... don't joke like that again . " Between the two of them , they made it sound like she had staged the whole thing . Like the kidnapping never happened . Like she had made it all up to steal Carter's attention . But he could've known the truth . It wouldn't have taken much . A quick check , a phone call , a glance at a report . He didn't bother . All his attention was still on Kelly . It was as if Sharon's life , her pain , her fear , never existed . Something inside her began to wither then . Quietly . Irreversibly . Even now , he still thought that call - those few desperate words were nothing but another of her games . Chapter 14 +25 E Sharon looked at him , her face devoid of emotion . " If you think I'm playing around , " she said , " then let's meet at the courthouse tomorrow morning . Nine o'clock . " She'd brought up divorce too many times . It had long since worn down Carter's patience . " I don't have time for your nonsense , " he replied coldly . " And I hate women who throw the word ' divorce ' around like a weapon . You've picked fights with Kelly again and again , and I've let it go . But enough is enough . " Sharon stared at his face and let out a laugh . " If you don't want me bothering your precious little sweetheart , " she said slowly , " then sign the papers . Otherwise ... " Her red lips curved slightly . " As long as you refuse , I'll make sure Kelly never knows peace . " A flicker of annoyance passed through Carter's eyes . His gaze on her had shifted . He no longer saw her as a person - just a nuisance , a loud and irrational woman . Chapter 15 +25 BONUS Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!