251: A Captive's Lament and a Desperate Plea

In a plot that even daytime television might reject for being too far-fetched, Emma found herself in the dubious care of Alex, her ex, who seemed to have confused kidnapping for a peculiar form of courtship. The journey in Alex's car felt less like a rescue mission and more like a tour through every red flag in the book. "Great, of all the Ubers in the city, I had to get into the one driven by my emotionally unstable ex. What are the odds?" As the car halted with the abruptness of a poorly scripted drama scene, Emma's heart did a somersault. "Well, this can't be good. Either we're here, or he's just realized he left the stove on." The hotel, while a step up from a dingy warehouse, wasn't exactly Emma's idea of a five-star experience. "Ah, the classic 'captive luxury experience.' I'll be sure to leave a glowing review. 'Was kidnapped, but the bed was comfy.'" Alex's attempts at consolation were about as effective as a screen door on a submarine. "Your concern for my comfort is