The Billionaire's Daughter

Chapter 28: Crazy

Franco

When the security team arrived at the hotel suite, I explained Romano’s motives. They didn’t believe

me at first since it was their comrade I was accusing of kidnapping but after showing them the box with

his handwriting, they believed me. One of the guards identified also the gift wrapper as something he

saw from Romano’s things.

“He is deliriously obsessed with Saphira. From the moment I met him, I always sensed something bad

from him. He was different whenever Saphira is near. He looks at her differently, as if he was eyeing a Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

prey or dinner. I always feel the need to guard her away from Romano.”

“Have you told Saphira about what you observed?”

“Yes Rob, I did. But she wouldn’t hear about it. She said he was only doing his job and watching her

was his job as security. She also told me that at one time they were close like they were friends. But

then when she left for vacation last year, when she came back, he was different, like he was never her

friend before.”

“What could have happened to trigger this craziness?”

“Maybe he was crazy to begin with. I don’t know, but I have this feeling that he took her. He may be

planning this for some time now. He was the one sending all those gifts based on the wrappers and the

handwriting for the notes. No wonder he can sneak in untraced, he knows her schedule and he can

approach her anytime he wants.”

“I remember when Saphira and I have our nightly dinners, he always look at me with so much contempt

and hatred. I thought it was only my imagination or I was just thinking too much, but now I realized, he

was being territorial. But why, Saphira was never his to begin with.”

I almost lost my train of thought when I heard Rob admit that Saphira and him were having “nightly

dinners”. Wait, was that a date or what?

“Franco? Were you listening?”

“Huh? Ah. Yes. What was that again?”

“I said, now that we have proof we have to call her parents.”

“Sir, I already discussed with Senator on the phone about the situation. She will use their connections

and influence in the military, police and CIA to find Ms. Saphira. They will be sending additional men to

find her. Currently they are in Milan and cannot fly back due weather problems.”

“Great. Thanks John. Their influence and contact will be a great help for us. Please work with my

security team to find her. We will be doing a search of our own. Just update us when you have news.”

I just hope Saphira is safe. She has been missing for more than 12 hours. Peering out the window, I

was praying to God that He help us with our search. When I saw something that could probably help us

with our search.

-0-0-0-0-0-

Romano

“Shit! They figured it out! Now we have to get out of here. How can I take her away now that they are

all on to me?!”

I left the telescope perched near the window of the suite I rented. It was just across the Hotel from

where Saphira was staying and the room where Rob and Saphira’s security are having a meeting is

very much visible. I even wired the place and the CCTV so I can watch them hear everything they are

saying. For me to monitor whether we can leave safely and to avoid any hassle in trying to be invisible,

I had to use my skills from my previous jobs.

I left the earphone, monitors and telescope. I was pacing back and forth, trying desperately to think of a

solution to my problem. I knew I just have to do one thing before all of this blows out on me.

I have always been fascinated with Saphira. The moment I was introduced to her as one of her

personal guards, I was mesmerized by her charm and beauty. She was always polite and kind to me.

There was one time we became close as friends can be. She shares her food and during the drive to

and from school she always asks me some questions about my life and well being. Never did she treat

me as a guard, until one summer after her return from her vacation with her parents.

After that trip, she was aloof and distant to everyone including me. The usual banter and jokes we

shared vanished and a gloomy Saphira met me. I tried to reach out to her but she shut me out.

I still remember that day vividly.

“Hi Ms. Saphira. Are you feeling alright? You look pale and sick. Would you like to see a doctor?”

“No thanks, I’m fine Romano. Thank you for your concern. Can you just please give me some silent

time? I have a lot of things on my mind.”

“Maybe I could help?”

“No. I don’t need any help. I just want to be alone. Just please, some quiet time for me.”

“Saphira, I thought we were friends? Why can’t you tell me what you are thinking?”

“I told you I want some time alone. Please, if you can’t give that to me, leave you post and I will have

someone replace you for the meantime.”

When she rejected me, I almost gave up. I wanted to help her but she doesn’t want me. Perhaps she

never did and was just pretending to be nice to me during the few weeks we have been close.

I remained by her side. She returned to her normal self but still there was sadness in her eyes.

Whenever she was near and never did we make any other conversation aside from the Good morning

and Good night greetings that all her guards are expected to do.

Things got better, because of her new friend Franco, whom I really despised. He changed her. She

became another person, cheerful and sweet. She was always happy even when her parents were not

in town. She forgot everyone around her when Franco was with her. She forgot about me.

I tried to woo her by sending her gifts and notes. I made her smile but it was not enough. She still does

not want anyone but Franco. When the conference was planned and they were both going, I knew I

had to do something. I could have beaten up her best friend so he would not be able to go with her but

fate meddled for my sake.

I thought my plans could run smoothly. I could pursue Saphira once she is away from her friend. Since

she is alone and do not have anyone to turn to but me. But another prick came into the picture. He has

money and influence. With the poor guy, it was a difficult fight, now how am I supposed to compete with

this rich prick Rob?

I watched his every move, how he looked at her with so much longing. How he always tried to make

her happy. When they became closer, I knew I lost my fight. She will never be mine. So I had to take

action. Rob or Franco will never have Saphira. She belongs to me.