His Hidden Family My Ruined Marriage (Liana) novel Chapter 23

Chapter 23 Left Behind

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Elian’s heavy gaze immediately found her. He paused for a few seconds, then walked further into the building.

Seven or eight kidnappers stood up as he entered, each holding a knife.

For a moment, Liana felt a surge of fear. He shouldn’t have come alone. What if these men didn’t keep their word? There were already three captives. What if they hurt him too?

“Elian, don’t worry about me! Take Liana and Theo, go! Anya was the first to speak, her voice trembling with urgency.

Only then did Elian’s gaze shift from Liana to Anya. His eyes narrowed further. “You hurt her?”

“That’s a false accusation. Ms. Forrest cut herself struggling when we grabbed her. Until you choose, we haven’t laid a finger on either woman or your son,” the kidnapper leader explained, not wanting the blame.

He didn’t want a feud with Elian; he just wanted money and then to disappear.

“They didn’t hurt us. Theo’s health is frail, Elian. Please, take Theo and Liana and go. I’ll be fine. If they try to shame me, I’ll kill myself first. I just ask that Liana be a good stepmother to Theo.”

Anya’s tears fell freely as she spoke, looking from Eliano Liana.

“Mr. Locke, your side chick or your wife? Choose. We keep our word. Money for a person.” The leader addressed Elian again.

“Liana and I are in the process of divorcing. She and I are no longer connected. You shouldn’t have taken

her.”

Elian’s gaze was fixed on Anya’s chest, which still seemed to be bleeding. His eyes remained narrowed, but he couldn’t help glancing at Liana.

She sat there quietly, as if already detached.

“Don’t worry about that, Mr. Locke. Just take the one you want. The one left here… well, we’ll take good care. of her. Consider it a favor,” the leader smiled, continuing smugly.

“Elian, I’ll really be fine. Theo might have a hard time adjusting at first without me, but he’ll get used to it. I just want you and him to be happy. And Liana… you should treat her well too. After all, she is my sister.”

Anya continued her desperate plea.

“What are you talking about? I’m not leaving you here.” lian’s voice was angry. He then looked at Liana again, his tone laced with guilt. “I’m sorry. I should have divorced you sooner.”

Liana’s tear-filled eyes stared at him. No sound came ou

That apology made it all too clear.

He had made his choice.

He chose Anya and Theo.

Even though she knew this was the outcome, it still felt ke being pierced by a thousand arrows.

10:42 Wed, Feb 11

Chapter 23 Left Behind

Elian walked toward Anya and Theo. He picked Theo up and said to Anya, “Let’s go.”

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“That’s enough. Just knowing you care is enough. Take Liana. She’s innocent. These men wanted Theo and me. I was afraid you didn’t want us anymore, so I went to beg her. I didn’t know the kidnappers followed us to her place and took her too.” Anya shook her head, refusing to go.

“We’ll talk once we’re out of here.” Elian’s inscrutable eyes held Anya’s, trying to keep her calm.

“No. And my grandparents… I begged them to go see Liana. Since coming back, I’ve felt so insecure. I asked them to plead with her to divorce you. I didn’t know you still loved me. Elian, really, this is enough. I shouldn’t have come back. I shouldn’t have come between you and your wife. Take Liana. Please.”

Every word from Anya sounded sincere, filled with remorse.

Liana listened, her heart turning to ashes.

“Ms. Forrest, you’re truly a proper lady. Your sister? Not so kind. She’s just sitting there, waiting for a miracle where Mr. Locke takes her instead,” the leader commented.

Elian shot a cold, dangerous look at him. “I choose Anya But if you lay a hand on Liana, try me.”

“So it’s true, like the news said. You were forced into marrying Mrs. Locke. Your heart belongs to Ms. Forrest.” The leader crouched beside Liana, looking from her to Elian.

Elian’s eyes swept the room, then settled on Liana. “Yes.

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