The Mystery Diaries

ONE

I wasn’t supposed to live..I was supposed to die….it’s all because of him—

It’s because he saved me!!— I didn’t want to live—

I wake up

I’m horrified. It was just a dream I keep telling myself. But, no— this is my reality.

It’s 2 am in the morning and I’m sweating. I think it’s tears running down my eyes. I don’t know why I’m crying because of a dream.

I know why. I’m glad I’m alive. I’m not. I’m glad he saved me.I wish I died. I shake my head. Wipe my tears off, trying to push the bad dreams away. I have other things to focus on than thinking about the past.

I walk up to the kitchen for a glass of water. I suddenly get chills down my spine, I feel like a scene repeating from the past. Like a flashback.

I remember I have a party to attend which my boy friend invited me to come. I was so excited for it that I wrote it on a paper and sticked it to the fridge. He says it’s really important. His mother must be coming. I wonder how it will be, good or bad.

Always. always Theo’s mother has hated me. I don’t know why, but she doesn’t like me. I hope she likes me one day.

I go back to bed. I’m not sleepy at all, because of a nightmare or I could call it as my past. I take my phone from the charger and scroll through Instagram. Noticed I almost reached 6 million followers. It wasn’t because of me. Everyone hates me. Ever since I met Theo, my life has been wonderful. He saved my life. I never thought I will use social media. He wouldn’t give up his pouting until I started using social media. He even made me post stuff. I felt better someone cared for me. For the first time in years.

I wish I could make Theo’s mom like me, I really wish that. But I don’t know why she hates me. so much. Probably because she thinks I’m a gold digger and I’ll take her son’s fortune away.

Almost 6 million followers on Insta. And all because of him. Of course because he is a saviour and a hero. Why does he love me instead of all the pretty, popular, or rich girls out there….? I always wonder.

Almost everyone in town knows him, not as an ordinary person but a nice, kind guy, who is here when you need help. I see him like that too. But a little more than that.

I feel sleepy. I keep my phone in the drawer and sleep.

———————————————————-

TWO

I am awake by 7 am and feel excited about tonight’s party. I really hope every day that Ms. Elise AKA Theo’s mother would like me one day. She thinks I’ll cheat on Theo, making her precious son depressed. The party is at 6 pm, still 11 hours to go…..

Today is Sunday which means I have nothing to do. Even though my friend, Lia has invited me to her house for a chat but I don’t feel like going anywhere anymore. Theo and I always go on dates on Saturdays, looks like he’s really busy for the party today. Of course it’s his friend’s daughter’s first birthday.

I wish I could save lives like him. He was always a hero. I always thought hero’s didn’t exist until he came into my life. I don’t feel like dying anymore. I wonder how many lives he has saved after he saved mine, maybe 15? Or 10? I guess so. He’s like a light to my dark.

I now feel like going to Lia’s. I text her that I’m coming over, and she was surprisingly excited. She told me she was bored and needed someone to talk to. Maybe I do too.

I went to her home when her mother looked really happy when she saw me. She always adored me. I go up to Lia’s room. We chatted so much. We wore her outfits. It was really nice. She even let me borrow her dress for tonight. She is my best friend.

I’ve known Lia for 10 years now. She’s a cousin of Theo. I met her when I met Theo. She became my friend as she was very close to Theo. We never fought. Not yet.

Before we know it, it was already 4pm. Only 2 hours before I see him.

So I excuse myself from Lia’s house and get back to get ready. I wear a maroon coloured dress which looks elegant that Lia let me borrow. I style my hair into something my mom taught me and it looked awesome. I miss her.

I reach the location Theo sent me, I exit the cab I took here and as I look at the building it’s big, of course it’s big. I enter the large hall where the birthday party was going on.

I think I see Theo. As I enter his eyes shifts to me. I see him smile at me, he looks handsome as ever.

———————————————————————

THREE

I walk up to him, every second I am with him feels like I am free of every problem, stress and anger. I can’t exactly explain what he does to me, the joy I feel, the butterflies in my stomach, he’s just, perfect.

As I walk through the hallway I spot his mother walk up to him before I can, and engage him in a talk, as in distract him from me. But he turns to me like he’s waiting for me to hug him. When I reach to him, he pulls me into a hug. I hug him back too. I don’t know exactly but I think I see a little bit of jealousy in Ms. Elise’s face. It’s not my place to tell.

As I pull back from the hug, Theo says,

“missed u babe. You look stunning.”

“I missed you too” I say smiling

He smiles again.

“Good evening Ms Elise” i say to her. Smiling nervously. I have no idea what she’s gonna reply.

“Good evening, Ashley” she says with a forced smile on her face. It’s clear she doesn’t want to talk to me. She turns to Theo. And I think she is whispering but it’s loud enough for me to hear it.

“She doesn’t deserve you, Theo. She’s just after your money.” She says “I know a girl, she is prettier than this…girl and unlike this girl, she isn’t a gold digger—”

Theo cuts her off

“Stop it mom. She isn’t a gold digger and actually loves me! Unlike your the girl u know!”

I feel guilty for both disappointing Ms Elise and becoming the reason for the fight between Theo and his mother. I step a little close to them and, calm Theo. I don’t know why but I see Ms Elise stare at me with anger and irritation. She finally speaks.

“How much do you want?” I’m so confused.

“What….? I don’t under—“

“I said how much money do you need to leave my son? 1000$? 100,000? Name your price I’ll give it to you” she says but something in me tells me that she isn’t joking.

I think I hear Theo saying “stop it mom!” but I ignore him and say.

“Ms Elise I don’t need money. I love Theo.”

“I know you’re little games, Ashley. and I know girls like you.

“Girls like me..? What do you mean—“

“I know girls like you! You just love men for money and cheat on them!! I still think you slept with Alex—“ I’m so angry right now I could slap her but I won’t.

“Ms Elise. I told you I love Theo and Alex is my friend. Just because I’m silent doesn’t mean you have the right to insult me” I snap. I hate when she brings Alex, my friend between us.

“Oh, you finally show your real face. Look here Theo, look how your precious girlfriend is yelling at me”

“I didn’t yell—“

“Mom, you’re making a scene here” Theo finally speaks. I notice some people are staring at us.

“Go on, blame it all on me. Of course your girlfriend is innocent” Elise says. Yelling at Theo.

I think almost everyone is staring at us.

Theo gently holds my waist and whispers to me.

“Let’s go get some air, ok?” he smile almost reaching his blue sparkling eyes.

I nod.

He takes my back leading me out.

“I’m so sorry, my mom’s just not in mood right now” he says his eyebrows tight. She had a hard time today.

“No it’s ok, I can’t blame her for hating me.”

He runs a hair through his silky brown hair.

“Hey, hey look at me.” He lifts my chin up and makes me meet his eyes.

“She doesn’t hate you ok? She just doesn’t know much about you yet.” He says “She’ll love you once you both get to know each other well. I’m sure of it.”

“Maybe” I say.

He pulls me by my waist and my heart beats faster than ever. He leans in to kiss me when his mother walks to us. As soon as I see her I pull away.

“What happened—“ Theo asks

“Your mother”

“mom.” He says. His eyes darting away from me to her.

“Theo, my son I’m so sorry that I insulted your girlfriend. I realised my mistake. I need to talk to her.” Elise says. I wonder what changed he mind from hating me so much to accepting me. Something is not right. She was just insulting me.

“Of course mom, I’m glad you accept her”Theo says.

Theo walks away as his mother requested. He turns back and smiles at me and he’s gone.

“What changed your mind, ms. Elise?”

“Changed my mind? what are you talking about?” I think I understand what’s going on.

I give her a confused look

She takes a bundle of cash from her purse. Takes my hand and puts it in my hand.

“Ms Elise I don’t need this. I already told you!”

“I don’t need you in my son’s life you gold digger!” She shouts loud enough for my ears to burst.

“Im not a gold digger ms Elise I told you I love him—“ my patience is going thin.

“You cheated on my son with Alex!!” She shouts

“He’s my friend!!” I shout too

“You’re a slut!!” She shouts louder than before.

That’s it I’ve had enough. I’m glad we’re both alone outside. No one is here. Yet.

“Breathe, Ashley, don’t snap. But then— she called me a slut. I broke.

“I’m not a slut! But you’re sure acting like one right now!” What have I done now?

“How dare you call me a slut! You have no idea what you have got yourself into!”

She then falls on the ground, and starts screaming.

She drops. Not falls— drops, like an actress on cue. My heart races. Oh no, no— she’s setting me up.

Theo runs outside to the sound of the drama and asked,

“What’s going on here? Mom, why are you on the ground?”

“This girl slapped me! I was just trying to apologise for my behaviour earlier but she— she suddenly told me to shut up and then she took money out of my purse” she says pointing to my hand where she gave the money to me “and slapped me so hard I fell”

“That’s not—“ that lying bitch!

“I thought she was worthy of being your girlfriend but she showed her real face now”

“I swear Theo, I didn’t do anything”

Theo rubs his temple, looking around at the staring guests.

He orders his friend to take care of his mother and takes my wrist. He pulls me to to the parking near his car and he’s killing me with his gaze.

His hands were always gentle. But today when he gripped my wrist, I felt…. fear and I hated that I did.

“Theo, you believe me right?” I hear myself say.

“Can I believe you?” He asks.

“Of course you can”

It starts raining.

“Let’s go inside”

He pulls me into his car and he starts the car. I have no idea where he will take me.

——————————————————————-

FOUR

It’s heavily raining after a while ago, I can feel Theo’s gaze on me. He finally speaks his voice accusing,

“Why would you do that, Ashley?”

“You believe her over me? You know I won’t do that—“

He cuts me off.

“Why would she even lie?!”

“I don’t know! Maybe because she hates me and want me out of your life. that cunning

Bit—“ I didn’t even realise I was cussing. I let my anger get me.

“Ashley! She’s my mother! Don’t you dare talk shit about her!” I messed up.

“I lost my mind, I’m so sorry!” I feel guilty now.he stops his car in the middle of nowhere.

“Get out of the car! Now!” His voice aggressive with hatred.

“It’s raining—“

He cuts me off “get out!” He stops the car, I don’t know where but I do know he’s not as kind as he seem to everyone. Maybe I didn’t mess up but he just did.

“Fine, go run back to your precious mommy!” I snap, exiting the car and walking away with a middle finger I held up at him.

I think he drove away. I feel the rain water rushing down at me like it hates me. I am fully soaked by now and feeling cold as hell. I’m scared right now, really scared. What if something happens like it had before? The thought of it was killing me. My hands shaking, not only my hands. I’m shivering like hell right now. I did a mistake. But he didn’t have to do this. What if I die here? Or what if that happens, the things he saved me from. I stoop overthinking. I walk a few steps when I see a bench and a man sitting on it. Why would he sit in the rain? Is he drunk? I walk to him, I meant the bench and sat beside him. I know I’m dumb since I’m literally approaching a stranger who could do anything to me. Even kill me. He glances at me, have a eye contact for a second or two and he breaks it. But I realised that he’s crying. It’s not noticeable because of the rain but his eyes, I just know it by the look on his face.

My mother was a psychologist. She taught me psychology when I was a bit young and I’m sure he’s crying. I think I should ask him. Should I?

“Why are you crying?” I ask coldly not exactly knowing what to say. I know it’s none of my business but I asked because I was curious. And bored.

I think he is surprised, he turns his head to me and staring at me like I’ve said something wrong. He looks pretty with his pitch black eyes and his black hair. Just like mine.

“How’d you know?” He finally asks

“I figured it out.”

He laughs for a moment before starting at me again and speaks. His laugh was really fake like, he was forcing it.

“Can you figure out why too? You read right through me like a book, unknown girl?” he’s still staring at me like he’s seen a ghost.

“Betrayal? Abandonment? Love? Which is it?” I ask him, now I’m staring too. He’s quite attractive I think. I know i shouldn’t talk with a stranger I found in a strange place but I did anyway.

“Who even are you?”I can see the amusement in his eyes.

“Am I right?”

“You’re half right. But I don’t understand why you are here. it’s raining darling, and I feel guilty not giving a pretty girl my jacket.”

He takes his jacket off and puts it on me.

“I took a good guess then. Thanks for the jacket though, I appreciate it” I smile to him, shivering.

“What’s your name? Of course I can’t forget to ask your number—“

Before he can finish a black BMW car appears in front of us. It’s Theo’s. I’m shocked to see him return. He must’ve regretted it. He should.

I stand up. Returning the jacket to the pretty stranger. The stranger looks confused, he has no idea what’s happening.

Theo gets out of his car and takes my hand. He’s now soaked with rain too. He looks concerned, his hatred for me a while ago has disappeared.but how dare he touch me after what he’d done. I won’t forgive him very fast.

“Ashley, I’m so sorry. Im so stupid for abandoning you like that, I’m so sorry. I messed up ok? Im sorry!” He’s begging me to forgive him. Now he took my hand to lead me to the car.

I take a quick glance at the pretty stranger, I think he’s whispering my name. He must’ve heard it when Theo said so. Maybe I’ll meet him again or not.

I get in the car. Theo is both driving and talking to me, apologising but, I don’t talk a word. Of course I’m angry at him. He left me alone in the rain, a place I don’t know, what if someone had kidnapped me? I felt I hate towards him a little.

He reaches out for my hand but, I pull away. He then keeps his hand on my thigh. I feel more annoyed now. Doesn’t he get that I’m angry? Doesn’t he get that I’m ignoring him and need space? I can’t keep my mouth shut when he’s doing nothing but annoying me, he’s getting on my nerves!

“What the hell is your problem?!” I snap and yell at him.

“I’m so sorry Ash, I didn’t mean to do that. I was really upset that you were talking shit about my mom”

“First of all, you don’t believe me that I didn’t do anything to your mom and second, you left me alone in the middle of nowhere plus it’s raining and then you appear out of nowhere and pull me in your car! You think that doesn’t piss me off?” I say a bit louder “am I dreaming? This doesn’t make sense! You don’t make sense!”

“Look I’m gonna explain everything when we get home ok? I’ll tell you everything”

“Who’s ‘we’? You and me? Or u and ur lies?”

“Please, Ash you need to calm down a little bit“

“Theo, just because you saved my life from those guys doesn’t mean you own me!”

“Oh my god! Why are you bringing that up now? I never said I own you!”

“But you’re acting like it!”

“I’m sorry, Ash for what I did today.”

I finally look at him.

“I hope you forgive me soon.”

He stops the car. I look out of the window to see my house. He stopped at my house. I get out of his car and feel like turning back but, I don’t. I walk up to my porch without turning back and open the door, close it without turning back. I look through the window till I see his car which is soaking wet in the rain go after what felt like an eternity.

I quickly change myself into my pjs. I feel cold from the rain. I brush my teeth quickly cause I’m too tired to do anything. I fall on bed. I feel like passing out.

I wonder who that fine stranger was. I wonder why he was crying on a bench when it was raining. I notice it’s still raining, lightning, I feel the horrible thoughts, past. come to my mind.

The past. The past which traumatised me. The past which changed me, forever. The past which I can never forget. The past

That—

I pass out from tiredness.

It was my 13th birthday. I was excited I became a teen, so excited that I called all my friends from school to my party. Little did I know it was gonna be the worst day of my life.

I was the popular girl, cheerful girl, funny girl everyone knew. I never knew it was going to be the worst day of my life.

My friends just left after my birthday party was over at exactly 10:30. I was still happy about a large number of gifts. when my sister came out of the bathroom, her eyes red and puffy. She had something in her hand it was white and long. I wonder what it was. So I go to her and ask her what that was. She ignored me and went to our parents room. I didn’t mind it that much and started unwrapping my gifts. I was so happy I got so many gifts when I heard my mom and dad yelling.

I thought they were fighting again but, they were yelling at my sister. I don’t exactly hear what they’re telling but, I heard them say something like “you’re just sixteen!!” That’s all I heard, everything else was just inaudible. I wonder what that was about…I decided to peek in a little and as soon as I opened the door Sally, my sister pushed the door which made me fall on the ground and hurt my elbow. I realised she was just going out of the door. I started to cry.

She apologised but, mom and dad rushed to me and I think they yelled at Sally, I heard them say,

“Oh! First you get pregnant and then you hurt your little sister?! Are you even in this world?!” Mom yells at her making her flinch. I now realise that the thing sis had in her hand was a pregnancy test and, she was pregnant.

“Mom I didn’t mean to—“ Sally tries to apologise but mom cuts her of by yelling again.

“I don’t need you in my house, Shally! Not if you want to keep the child in you!” I think Shally is starting at me now, with tears in her eyes and a bit of— no, a lot of jealousy. She runs out the door. Outside.

“Are you ok, sweetie?” Dad asks me.

I nod.

“Let’s get you to bed” mom says, gently taking my hand and leading me to my bedroom.

I was really tired from the party so I sleep after the moment mom walked out of my room. I wake up feeling thirsty, so I go to the kitchen for a glass of water when someone from behind covers my mouth and nose with a napkin. I drop the glass on the floor which I was drinking the water from and I think I fell unconscious.

When I wake up, I’m on a bed, a strange one. It was really dusty. I sit on the bed wondering where I was, my eyes scanning the whole room. The clock on the corner of the room had stopped working. The broken table beside the bed had nothing but a pot filled with dead flowers and dust. My eyes land on the door, a metal one, the door finally bursts open when, my sister in black clothes and a mask enters the rusty door.

“Sis?” I ask her

“I’m not your sister anymore Ashley.”Something tells me that she’s serious.

“What are you talking about sis? Where am I?”I ask my voice tired and hoarse.

“Ever since you were born my life is hell! Mom doesn’t even care about me now!! She hates me!! Because of you!!” she yells at me in a accusing tone.

“Sis I don’t know what you’re talking about.”I’m starting to get scared.

“I will take my revenge today! I will show you what I’ve been through till today!” I was scared so much that I could feel small tears find their way out of my eyes.

“What do you mean…?”

As we were talking, some scary looking men burst out of the door, I think there were 7 no, 8 men. They had a weird looking tattoo. I saw them giving Shally, a ward of cash and then they took my wrist with a tight grip and, dragged me out even tho I was crying and begging them to let go of me.

They dragged me till the woods, it was all trees and plants. The thorns were poking my leg as I was wearing a dress, my birthday dress. I was crying, shouting, begging but none of them seem to work. I almost lost hope. Why would my own sister sell me to human traffickers? I thought it was the end of my life.

When I was almost passing out when, some boy stood in front of the men. I think he was screaming to let go of me, but I couldn’t quite hear it because of my tiredness and hurt. I was shocked to see the boy’s bravery but, it was 8 against one. The men seemed to back off from him. I’m was so confused until, I saw a sniper in the boy’s hand. He kept it pointed at the men. I heard one of the men whispering to each other that, he was the son of the mafia. Mafia. I thought they were only in movies until now. One of the guys go near the boy, he shot him. The boy shot one of the traffickers. The man who was holding me, threw me to the ground and ran away screaming. The other men did the same.

I fell to the ground, my hand slightly injured by the small thorns in the plants. The boy who looked a bit older than me, has silky brown hair, sparkly blue eyes, extended his hand to lift me up. I give him my hand. As he lifts me up, he asks me, “are you ok, pretty girl?”

I blush and nod

“I’m glad you’re ok.” He says with a wide smile on his face. He still holds the gun stiffly in his hands.

“Who are y-you?” I ask feeling hurt in my arms and legs. I can’t clearly see right now. It’s all blurry and blurry.

“Let’s get you all cleaned up—“ before he could finish, I pass out on his chest.

When I wake up, I’m in a large, luxurious room on a white, king sized bed. I’m all bandaged up. I’m wearing something like a night dress, other than my birthday dress. The room looks like it belongs to someone rich. I don’t feel pain anymore. I turn my head to see a lady who looks a lot like a nurse, sitting on a chair, beside the bed, who’s smiling at me.

“Are you feeling ok now, sweetie?” she asks with a warm smile.

As always, I nod. I sit up in bed.

The door opens when I see the same boy who saved me. The lady seems to go out of the room when he entered. It was a bit embarrassing that I passed out on his chest.

He smiles at me, which makes me blush. again.

“How you feeling now, pretty girl?” He winks at me.

“I’m okay.” I say blushing.

“You need something?”

“How did you know they were taking me?” I ask, ignoring his question.

“It’s complicated.”

“I need to know please—“

“Do you wanna be friends?” He asks me, changing the subject.

“Answer me.”

“You’re so stubborn and pretty” was that an insult or a compliment? I think it was both.

“Ok.”

“What?”

“I’ll be your friend. Now answer my question.”

“Smart and pretty.” He walks to the bed and sits on the side, his eyes never leaving mine.

He stares at me for a while so I stare back. He finally speaks.

“I’m Theo, what’s your name, pretty girl?” He winks at me.

“A-Ashley” I stutter

He repeats my name as if he’s trying to remember it for the rest of his life.

“How old are you, Ashley?”

“Turned thirteen today.”

“It’s your birthday today?” He looks shocked. Really shocked. “no wonder u wore a pretty dress”

“What about you? How old are you?”

“Three years older than you pretty girl— I meant Ashley. I like your name but, I’ll call you Ash.”

So he’s 16. Same age as my sister. I think I already have a crush on Theo.

“You still haven’t answered my question.”

“Is it necessary?” He asks with a nervous smile on his face. He’s still attractive though.

“Just tell me.”

“Fine. I’ll tell you just because you have a crush on me” I look at him narrowing my eyes, cringed

“I don’t have—“ he cuts me off.

He told me that, his dad is a mob boss and Theo heard him on the call where he was talking his guards to bring ‘the girl’ to a location on a call. So he told me that he knew where the location was. He grabbed one of his father’s gun and ran to save me.

I get it all now.

“Thank you” I say. My voice low, almost below a whisper.

“You don’t need to thank me Ash” he said “friends don’t thank each other” he smiled at me and I blush. Again.

The past which haunts me for life has a little bit of fairy tale…maybe.

___________________________________

FIVE

I think I have a cold. It’s 5am in the morning and I wake up with a sore throat and a blocked nose. It’s all because of the stupid jerk! I hate that it’s Monday. I hate going to work as his secretary. Every single day. Or maybe only today cause I have to face him after what happened yesterday night.

I can’t clear my head off because of yesterday. So I take a quick walk to the nearby park which me and Theo always used to hang out. Why am I thinking about him even now? I hate that I love him so much!

I reach the park to see Frieda, the gossip girl. She’s my friend too. Even though I didn’t like gossip. She made it a little fun to listen to. She waves her hand at me as soon as she sees me, so I do too. I go to her and sit beside her. When she tells me the old and funny things that was happening in her neighbourhood. One thing that caught my attention was about some man who is going to destroy this city because of some reason and no one knows that.

I laugh.

“What’s so funny?” She asks, her eyebrows raised.

“Destroy the city? Really? You need to stop seeing too many fantasy movies.” I still can’t stop laughing at her joke.

“What’s wrong with fantasy movies! And I heard it from an old man ok? It’s not like I make it up you know!” She rolls her eyes.

“Yeah right” like I’d believe it.

“And he’s searching for something too!”

“Ok? I don’t really care.”

“Whatever. So, how’s life with Mr. billionaire?” She asks curiously.

“I don’t wanna talk about it now.” I really don’t.

“Fighting already? Don’t worry it’ll be ok. Just so you know I’ll always be there if you want to talk about it.” She says smiling at me.

“Thanks, Frida. Really.” I look at her freckles shining from the sun as she smiles. Her red hair lied in a bun which is likely to be untied in a few seconds.

She nods.

I look at the time at my watch. I’m shocked. Shit it’s 7:00. I have to be there in 30 minutes and I’m not even ready!

I rush to my house, waving bye to Frieda.

I have no idea how I’ll work with Theo after last night. I’m still mad as hell. God, help me get out of this mess.

______________________________________

SIX

I reach his company on time. ‘RHODES’ written on the top of the building. I see this building everyday but never get bored. Its bigger than the apartment i live in. I hate to admit but, Theo has a good taste too. I enter the luxurious building and everyone greets me as I do. I reach Theo’s office and I take a deep breath before I push the door open.

“Good morning, Ash.” Theo says with a smile on his face, his eyes crinkling at the corners. He’s sitting in the chair in his office working on his computer. He never took off his eyes from me work even if I didn’t look him in the eye.

“Good morning, Mr. Rhodes” I say forcing myself to smile and to forget about last night.

“Mr. Rhodes, really? That’s what you call me now?” He lightly laughs which annoys me more.

I bring him coffee and I leave it on his table the way he likes it, black and a little bit of sugar.

He looks stressed by his work. He must have a lot to do today. Oh I almost forgot.

I look into his schedule to see a restless day today. For me too. I can’t believe he’s so busy today and I have to stay with him the whole day near him. It’s gonna be a lot of awkwardness today.

As I was working in his office, he finally turns towards me and asks,

“You still mad, my Ashy?” Why would he call me that? That sounds like the high school couples calling each other.

I laugh sarcastically feeling cringed.

“First of all, don’t call me that, Theo. Second of all, yes”

“Finally! You stopped the Mr. Rhodes thing!” He walks up to me and sits beside me.

I roll my eyes and moved a little bit far from him. “I’m working, Mr. Rhodes. go away”

“You know you shouldn’t talk to your boss like that”

I raise an eyebrow without looking at him.

He narrows his eyes and says. “How about a date to your favourite boba shop?” He asks moving close to me again.

“Yeah, right.” I say moving away. He thinks he can bribe me? How naïve.

“Come on, I’ll give you a day off today.” He makes the face which I hate. The puppy face.

“You have a lot of work today, Theo. You’re not going anywhere.” I finally look away from my laptop and look him in the eye.

“What if I have a lot of work? Change my schedule. I can do plenty of work tomorrow. Now, I want to spend time with my girlfriend. I don’t want to do anything.” He says “even if you deny, I won’t work for the whole day.”

“Change ur schedule? Are you out of your mind?! You have so many important meetings today!” I say raising my voice little bit more.

He runs a hand through his hair. “Yes, you’re right. But, it’s not important as much as you, Ashley. Let me make up to you. Just tell me what I have to do. I’ll do anything.” His eyes sparkling with sincerity. And I blush a little.

I avoid looking at his eyes, wishing he wouldn’t notice it.

“I’ll do anything! We could go shopping. Oh wait! We could go to the park! We could get ice cream or whatever you want! Let me make it up to you Ash- please.” I don’t know if he’s begging but it makes me feel bad for him.

I look away from him staring at my laptop and say, “boba sounds better.”

His face lights up with amusement, his smile almost stretching up to his eyes. “Let’s go, before you change your mind” he stands up taking my hand and tangles in his.

Maybe I can forgive him. Every one deserves a second chance and everyone makes mistakes anyway.

———————————————————————-

SEVEN

After a long date with Theo, I had to walk home alone. It’s because he had night shift not that he didn’t care about me. It was chilly around here I’m almost shivering. It’s what now 11:45 pm? Yea, I can manage.

I heard someone, something calling my name. Never-mind I take my words back that I can manage. I turned around to see…..nothing. Just the cool air passing through me. Well it should be my imagination or something I thought, when 4 giant looking men who had mask on their faces and had tattoos which signified mafia…I had seen that before…it was—

before I can remember, one of them tries to cover my mouth and nose with some cloth when a strong, muscular arm holds the giant guy’s hand. I turned around to see the face of the man who….i saw at the bus stop..? Why was he here? Is he staking me?

“Long time no see, Ashley.” Stranger finally spoke, holding eye contact, plus holding the guy’s hand.

I stand there staring him with shock.

His dark black eyes staring at mine…and I can’t take my eyes off his.

“Let me go, young man or you won’t be returning to your family today for sure” the giant man finally spoke, his teeth clenched and he looks like he’s about to smash the stranger’s pretty face. Why am I calling him pretty? Get yourself together, Ashley. He’s a total stranger plus I have a boyfriend for god’s sake!

The stranger spoke nothing but his actions spoke louder when he clenched his fist so tightly that he could crush a stone. He punched the giant man. Ouch. The blood was pouring down his nose and it was painful to look at.

He looked at me again, so did I.

“Who is that kid?!” The giant men started talking to each other when one of them who looked like a leader of the gang came forward. He was face to face with the stranger. I don’t see even a little bit of fear in his eyes…not even a little bit. He kicked the leader directly in the face so fast that the leader couldn’t even react. He fell to the floor with a loud bang. Who was he..? Why is he here? Why did he— millions of questions form in my mind. I don’t know what is happening but I’m so freaking sure that I have never once in my life have been so interested in a stranger, or I could say ‘pretty stranger’ it sounds more accurate.

The giant men after seeing their boss getting beaten up staring rage quitting.

The memory floods back into my mind. I remember now…they were the one…the mafia tattoo, was the one I saw when they were taking me to a place that I could never leave. Theo’s dad…why would he send them to me? Again? What does he want from me? After 7 whole years.

“Hey.” A deep voice woke me from my thoughts. I completely forgot about the stranger.

“Are you following me?” I ask my voice not too high.

“I wish.” Such a short sentence, but sounds too creepy. I know it’s not safe to talk to a stranger who I’ve known for what an hour?

But I have no idea right now why I feel safe around him. He just beat all those guys like a hero. He saved me. Just like Theo did.

“Are you scared?” He asks, his voice now softened.

“Of course I am. The giant guys come out of nowhere and you, how did you even find me here? You just eat those guys like they’re feather light. It’s hard to understand what is happening here.” I think I spoke too much cause I think I see a small smile there. And a laugh too. I don’t think I said anything funny.

“What’s funny?” I ask with my nose scrunched.

I almost gasp when he touches the back of his hand to my face, his touch so light I almost can’t feel it. But I feel warmth, I feel so comfortable that I close my eyes when he spoke again with a deep voice.

“I’ll tell you all about me when it’s time, Ashley. Soon. Very soon” I open my eyes to see him gone. He disappeared into thin air?!

I look around like I’ve seen a ghost. Or did I?

I cover my mouth which is wide open in shock. I probably look like a lunatic right now. Where could he possibly have gone? What did he mean by ‘very soon’ that part was surely creepy. I only see two unconscious giant men. I probably— no definitely have to run home right now! It’s too scary out here! Or am I mentally unstable and imagining things?! I probably look like a maniac while running home at almost past midnight!

______________________________________

EIGHT

I lay in bed, looking out the window wondering if what I saw was true or am I mentally unstable. I should probably check up with a doctor.

That day in the rain, Theo saw him too, the stranger couldn’t be my mental illness if Theo saw him too. So it’s real. He could be a ghost cause ghost can be seen by two or more persons. But why would he save me? From the bad guys? And what was that about “I’ll tell you all about me soon” thing?

I’ll probably never sleep if I don’t stop thinking about this shit.

Wait…I forgot almost forgot about the tattoo thing. Should I tell Theo..? The thing is I don’t know. He’s already to stressed up of work. It’s too much for him. Maybe I should keep this from him, for now. Maybe I need sometime to think or some air.

I get up from the cozy bed. No matter how cozy it is, I sure can’t sleep with so much tonight. The cold of the floor travels through my feet to the rest of my body. I grab my jacket and head to my balcony. There it is, the air I was seeking for. It feels so great to be here. I wear the jacket and sit on my favourite swinging chair. That was the only furniture I took from my parent’s house after I mom died. She drove too fast to find me on my birthday and had an accident, I still blame myself for it. I won’t even forget a single second of that day. From that day my dad became an alcoholic, told me to buy him drinks with the money I saved. I eventually moved out after school and found myself here. Theo helped me a lot in this process.

And I’m really thankful for it. I start to feel tired and my eyes close itself. Before I knew it I was asleep on my balcony.

———————————————————————

NINE

I yawn looking at the beautiful morning sky while stretching my arms to the sky.

“Good morning, sweetheart.”

Did I just hear a voice? Didn’t I lock my apartment?!

“Who…is there?” I ask no one.

“I’m a ghost, boo”

Im scared as hell right now. Is it the stranger again?!

“It’s me, idiot.” Theo comes out the kitchen with two cups of coffee in his hand. One the way he likes it and the other one the way I do, The Reverse Latte.

“You scared me!” I shoot him an annoyed look cause who does that?

“Why’d you fall asleep here?” Should I tell him? It’s better if I do.

“Actually, it’s just—“ the doorbell rang. I wasn’t expecting anything though.

“You always say you want to eat pizza for breakfast right? I thought, why not make it true?” No way he did that for me. I did yap to him about eating pizza for breakfast was exiting, never expected he would do it!

“You really did that?” My eyes sparkle from his behaviour. Why is he so nice today?

“Anything for my Ashy.” I act annoyed as he calls me that but I secretly like it.

“Let’s eat before it gets cold, smart ass. I still have to brush so don’t eat without me. I’ll punch you if you do.” I run to the bathroom to make it quick.

“I can’t promise that!” He says when I’m in the middle of brushing. Such a pain in the ass he is.

And the rest of the morning passes as we drink coffee and pizza which was so much better with Netflix, but the best part was, he was there. He was there with me. But I still wonder why he came here.

“So…I want you and my mom to make up.”

I knew he wanted something from me. He just wasn’t brave to ask that to me directly. Instead he became extra nice to me.

“And what do you expect me to do? Apologise?” No way in hell I’m doing that.

“Um…I mean..” I thought he was just being kind. He just wanted me to apologise to his mother, even though she was the one at fault. This wasn’t fair. I wasn’t gonna agree to his words just like that.

“So this entire situation exists only because you wanted me to apologise to ur mother?” He was manipulating me all this time

He opened his mouth to speak but he couldn’t do so.

“Cat got ur tongue?” I ask with a low voice, when he lowers his head with guilt.

“She told me to say this to you. My mom…she told me to make you apologise…I told her that it wasn’t ur fault….I’m so sorry, Ash…” now I feel guilty for accusing him…maybe I should understand him better…

“It’s fine.” Elise must’ve manipulated Theo to ask me to apologise. Poor Theo.

He hugged me unexpectedly while we’re sitting on the sofa. He must’ve suffered so much. His dad left him and his mom is a manipulative liar.

“It’s fine, Theo.” I hug him back. I pat his back to comfort him. He’s so warm.

———————————————————————

TEN

I’m utterly drained out after a full day’s work with Theo. I have to be with him wherever he is. That’s a very hard job if you ask me. Well I do get paid enough, but still it’s a very tuff job.

I lay on the sofa in my chamber when Theo enters without knocking.

“Rude.” I say sarcastically. I mean even if he’s the CEO, doesn’t mean he can’t respect my privacy.

“Sorry, can’t help sneaking into ur chamber. It’s very fun.” He sits beside me takin my head on his lap while I lay on it.

“Is all ur work done?” I pout wanting him to stay with me.

“I don’t know, you tell me. You have my schedule” I know I do, but it’s too far away, and I don’t want to get up from this comfort.

“It’s too far tho.” I pout again

“Lazy brat.” He says rolling his eyes sarcastically.

I mimic his action and roll my eyes too.

“Yes. Yes I am free for the day. I’m all yours.” He says with a wide smile.

That was the most joyful thing I have heard today.

I look him in the eyes and smile.

“Whats so funny?”

“Do you know what that means? If you’re free, so am I!”

He throws his head back and starts laughing.

“You’re unbelievable” he says while laughing uncontrollably.

“You don’t know how happy I am!”

“believe me I do! I’m happier than you are. I don’t have any meeting today!” So we’re both free today.

“It’s not everyday we get free time. Do you want to spend this day with me?” He asks his voice softer than before.

“How could I ever say no to that question?” I get up and sit facing towards him.

“Movie?”

“Hell yea.” He’s so damn adorable.

______

We had lot of fun today. We went to a movie, also a restaurant for dinner and we were at his house right now, on his bed. Him and I.

The same house he bought me when he saved me from the mafia dudes. He says that his mom is out in Japan for some business. Thats the only reason I agreed to stay over at his place.

“I’m not even sleepy” Theo speaks with my head on his shoulder.

“same here”

Should I tell him about the incident that took place that night? Is this the right moment? I can’t decide.

“I had a good time today” me too Theo. But I’m having a hard time deciding whether to tell you the truth or leave it as it is.

“Me too. I didn’t want it to end.”

He looks at me in the eyes with a smile on his lips. God he’s so irresistible.

I have decided. I’ll tell him tomorrow morning at work. Where he’ll be too busy to worry about it. It will At least clear my head.

“Good night, Ash. Love you.”

“Good night, Theo. Love you more.”

“I love you infinity.” I smile at his words making me blush.

———————————————————————

ELEVEN

“Only if you two didn’t meet, my son would be happily in relationship with a woman who is obedient and rich unlike you.” Are the words which came from the lady who hates me ever since she met me.

I don’t know what I did wrong but ever since the day Theo saved me, she hated me. No reason or maybe there is. She thinks that I’ll take her son away from her. She makes me feel insecure, and definitely not confident.

I lay in his bed, alone with pancakes and a note that says

‘good morning, Ash. Sorry I left you alone, I’m going to an emergency meeting. See you soon :)’

on the bedside table and also with thoughts about Elise. I don’t know where that came from. Must be my overthinking shit. You still remember that day of my birthday, when Theo took me to his house, the exact house I’m standing on, Elise stared at me like I was an alien or a ghost or a monster, anything which isn’t human.

“What is that filthy thing?” She questioned Theo, pointing her finger at me. “And why the hell is she dirtying ur bed?” She moved close to me and Theo. “I told you many times. Don’t bring any of ur filthy friends to our house!” She slaps Theo on his face. His cheek redder than it was before.

That was the guiltiest thing I have felt in years.

It was still on my mind. After all these years…I was never going to forget that day and the first encounter with the Rhodes.

————-

I wanted to sleep more, because this is the first night I slept without those horrifying nightmares, plus this bed is so comfortable!

Who would want to get out of here? Well I really have no choice but to accompany my ‘boss’ every day.

I almost forgot…the incident..that night. I have to tell him. I think it’s important or maybe it feels important. I don’t know. I’m so unsure of this. Hell I hate taking decisions.

I turn off the shower. Drying my hair and getting ready for work ASAP.

“Morning” I smile as wide as possible “and those pancakes were delicious.”

“Morning, babe.” He takes his eyes off his computer and looks at me. “I know they were.” He said, winking at me.

“Um..actually..can we Ta—“

The phone rings.

Perfect timing. Really a freaking perfect timing. Just as I grabbed the courage to say it. Someone interrupts. Great. Just great.

“Hello?” Theo asks. “Really? That’s great. See you soon, mom.”

‘Mom’ just as I hear the word I almost surpass a flinch. Of course it’s her. It has to be her. How does she even get to know how to ruin my life perfectly?

“What was that? I ask Theo just after he hangs up.

“My mom just came from Japan. She’ll be there in—“ he looks at his expensive watch. “10 minutes.” He returns his hand back in his thigh.

“She’ll be here, Like ‘here’?” I ask controlling every emotion passing through my veins. Every emotion, except happiness.

“Yes? is that going to be a problem?” He asks looking confused.

Well, shit. God knows what that evil witch planning against me again. I haven’t seen her after we got into a fight that day. God save me from the witch.

——————————————————————-

TWELVE

“Oh my gawd! Do you know how much I missed you?!” The witch says to Theo without even noticing me right beside her ‘precious son’. She didn’t even glance at me when she came. “I’m so happy to see after so many days!” I roll my eyes in my mind, judging her. What’s the use of judging her anyway.

“How have you been, Ashley?” Elise questions. She doesn’t even look at me properly. She’s looking at everything in the office except my face, and it’s annoying as hell.

“I’ve been fine.” I answer, matching her personality. I mean what else does she expect with the crappy personality of hers?

She’s not the only one with the bitchy attitude here. I mean I’m not always rude to others. In fact I’m never rude to anyone, unless they are an ass. For example, this witch, who’s pissing me off by not even nodding to my response, instead she’s taking with her son, actually whispering. And that pisses me off more. Do I really look invisible or something, or can she only see Theo, her so called ‘precious son’?

I really want to go home now. It’s been an hour since she came and I’m on the corner of the office sitting on the couch with my phone so I don’t look desperate, while Elise, I mean that witch is laughing and joking with Theo.

UNKNOWN:

“did you tell him?” I get a notification on my phone.

The hell? Who the fuck is that? And what the fuck do they mean by that? And who’s “him”? That’s creepy as hell. Should I reply? Or is this wrong number or something? I guess it is.

“Wrong number.” I type, and click send. Short and sweet answer thats it. Nothing to be scared of. It’s that simple. Why would I freak out over a small matter like this?

“I’m sure this is the right number, Ash.” The reply comes in like 5 seconds.

Ok, calm down, Ashley. Calm freaking down. I’m literally freaking out right now. How did they know my name? Should I tell Theo? No, he’s too busy with his mom. I shouldn’t interrupt h—

UNKNOWN: NEW MESSAGE.

should I click it? I don’t know…..the moment of truth. I click it.

“I’m sad you don’t remember me 🥲. We met in the rain remember?”

Pretty stranger?? It’s him? I don’t remember giving him my number though. But it makes me less freaked out. Wait why does that make me less scared? It’s still a surprise how he got my number and what was he talking about when he asked “did you tell him?”. Should I the stranger that? I guess I should. But there are more important things I should ask first.

“Why are you texting me? How did you get my number?” I text him. I’m going directly to the point.

“Woah, too many questions. I’ll answer one at a time. I don’t like answering questions, so make it quick.” He sends it pretty fast.

I look around noticing Theo still busy with Elise. Doesn’t he care about me? Why doesn’t he— I’m overthinking again.

NEW MESSAGE:

“First of all, I’m texting you because I felt like it. Second, I got your number by…you can say, a friend. I got it from a friend.” What does he mean “his friend”? Why would his friend have my number? This makes no sense. I’ll not ask him the entire thing now. I’ll just ask him the things which are important to be asked.

“What did you mean, when you said the first text?” I ask, with. Curiosity in my eyes. Wanting to know what he really meant.

“That night, when those guys attacked you, did you tell him, that those guys were sent by his dad? Did you even tell him about anything that happened that night? You know who I’m referring to.” He texts back.

What? how does he know they were sent by Theo’s dad? Something isn’t right. How does he know things about me, like my number, and personal things?

“Who really are you?” I ask him. Thats the thing that is bugging me since I met him in the rain. I really want to stop calling him ‘pretty stranger’ and know his real name. He knows everything about me, but I never mentioned anything about my life. It’s obvious that he’s been stalking me, but why would he?

“I’ll tell you when we meet next time, Ashley. I wish to see you soon.” He didn’t answer my question. He went offline…why am I feeling sad? It’s not like I care about him or his name, right…? My brain says otherwise. There are so many things that don’t make sense here, like when I met him in the rain, why was he crying? And also when I mentioned it, he was looking shocked. Also when he saved me from Theo’s dad’s people, how did he know where I was? And he texted me to tell Theo about that night? I am grateful for him for saving me from getting kidnapped.

Maybe I should tell Theo. He may know something about why they did that. I should maybe consider the stranger’s advice. I know that Theo is not a guy to keep secrets with me, so I shouldn’t do so too. Finally I’ve decided. I will tell him, no matter what happens. I. Will. Tell. Him. No. Matter. What.

Well not now, but maybe when the right time comes, and definitely today.

I return to my office. Knowing there’s no work for me in Theo’s office today. I sit on my chair which is more than comfortable. I lean back to the chair, staring up at the ceiling.

I really want to know his name. It’s not fair, that he knows my name, but I don’t know his. When will the ‘soon’ arrive? When will I see his face again? Maybe I’ll wait, so will he.

______________________________________

Thirteen

A WEEK LATER

“You look like shit.” Lia exhales. “Aren’t you happy that Elise is going back?” She looks at me with concern in her eyes.

Yes Lia, I am looking like shit right now. Feeling like one too. Cause Theo is literally going with Elise. To Europe. That really feels like shit right now. And here I am i at Lia’s house, because she told me we’d go shopping. Little did I know it was her plan to make me come for yoga classes, cause she was ‘too scared to go alone’. I’m pissed off right now.

“You better take me shopping” I say my voice hoarse from my emotions and a fucked up situation.

“I’ll even take you to an amusement park. My treat.” Lea said. Thats the only good thing that came from her mouth.

“When does this end btw?” I ask with a frown on my face.

“Soon.”

After the yoga classes, we went to shopping which was very fun to shop with Lea, and was better than shopping alone. I remember I came here with Theo once. He bought me a Versace bag and a dress. That asshole. Why am I even thinking about him? Just because his mother asked him to go, he really did. So annoying just to think about him.

“Can we go to the best part now?” Lea exclaimed.

“Whats the best part?”

“The amusement park, of course!”

“Lead the way.” I smile at her. Wanting to enjoy the rest of my evening without thinking about him.

—————

We went to various games in the amusement park. Ferris wheel, roller coaster, and many more games. It was actually fun. I’m not a park lover, but I actually loved today. Maybe it was because Lea was a good company. She even paid for my rides and the for the hames we played. Maybe I should do this often.

“Let’s go bungee jumping!” Lea shouts, as I can’t hear her with her low voice.

Did I hear that right? Bungee jumping? There’s no way she said that, right? She knows I have fear of heights!

“What?!” I shout too, to be audible.

“Bungee jumping!” I did hear that right.

“What do you mean bungee jumping?!”

“You don’t know what that means?”

“Of course I know what that means! You know I have a fear of heights right?” I can’t believe she doesn’t know it.

“Yea, it can cure your fear of heights.” No it can’t.

“what the hell—“ before I can argue, she takes my hand and takes me to a place which is like a hill or whatever, a big text written in red. “Bungee jumping”. Oh hell nah. Even the image of the text makes me scared.

She takes me to the mountain where a man holding the harness leads us to the top of the mountain. Oh god. My acrophobia is being triggered right now, just by the sight of it. Holy shit.

“You’re going first btw.” Lia says with a casual smile on her face. Like hell I will.

“no I’m not gonna go first—“ I gasp at the last word, when Lea pushes me off the mountain. I already feel dead, when I realise….the man didn’t put the harness on me yet. I’m going to die.

———————————————————————

FOURTEEN

I open my eyes. Am I in heaven? Am I dead or alive? I don’t understand any of this. Lia…she pushed me. I fell. I went unconscious. And now? Now I’m here in a room. A room painted white to show luxury. Expensive items kept to match the luxury of the designs on the wall. So elegant. The bed so soft, I could dive in it. So comfy, it could cure my insomnia and nightmares forever.

I touch the fabrics of the sheets of the bed. This is pure luxury. Where am I?

I pinch myself to know if this was real, or it’s just a nightmare. No it couldn’t be a nightmare. It had to be a dream.

Ouch. That hurt. This is real then? I look down at myself and realise that I have changed clothes? Oh I’m not gonna complain about the fabric of these pajamas. They’re so smooth I could collapse in them and never wake up.

A soft swoosh — the door slid open.

A familiar man, well dressed in a suit and polished shoes, black eyes and black hair, enters the room. The stranger. The pretty stranger.

“You.” I whisper. Him again? It’s been days since I saw his pretty face.

“Yea, me.” He says with a smile. His smile so comforting, I could look at him all day and never get bored.

“Who are you..?” I ask, with curiosity filling my mind.

“You should be asking, why you’re here. Or why you’re not dead yet. Instead you’re asking who I am? You’re an interesting one.”

Right. I completely forgot about that. Just how dumb I am.

“As I said, I’ll tell you the next time we meet and this is the next time.” He answers. I wonder what his name could be. I’ve never been so curious about someone’s name this much.

I look at him with curiosity.

“You can call me Sire.” Sire. What a unique name. His name matches his personality. Pretty and dangerous. But that doesn’t sound like a real name though. Well maybe it is.

“Nice name.” I say in a low tone. He’s now sitting at the end of the bed, while I completely forget how I was saved or how I was bought here or who changed my clothes. But I don’t bother breaking eye contact with him. And then, I woke up to the reality. The scene when I was pushed by Lia, flashes before my eyes. And the urge to want the answer for all this. I can’t explain. I break the silence

“How did I come here?” I ask him.

He looks at me, smirking. but I can feel him remembering something. Something painful, something so cruel. “Thought you’d never ask.”

“Answer me.” I say. Seriousness in my eyes.

“I’ll tell you some other time.” He says. Now this really pisses me off. He can’t do this all the time. He’s so freaking mysterious. But I don’t care. I need the answer to this. Right. Now. I sit up on the luxurious bed and go closer to him commanding an answer. He moves back a little but that doesn’t bother me. I will get an answer from him. It’s now or never.

“I said tell. Me.” I demand.

“Stubborn girl.” He looks at me, smiling. That smile. The smile I once found attractive, now pisses me off.

“I’m not joking.”

“So am I.”

Thats it. I see a pocket knife on the bedside table and suddenly a mischievous plan comes to my mind. If he saved me, he obviously wants me alive. I take the knife and point it against my neck. “I demand an answer or you’re gonna see my dead body now.” I take the pocket knife an inch closer to my neck. He doesn’t look shocked at all. He looks at me with his cold black eyes.

“I know you value your life, Ashley. I know you wouldn’t die until you find someone. Or something.” He whispers. His voice echoes into my mind again and again. No one knows this. Not even Theo. I thought he was a stalker who knows what I do. That’s what a stalker means. Who is this guy? And how can he know something that no one knows? I’ve never even talked about it, let alone think about it. The only thing I know is this guy isn’t normal. And I’m sure as hell that I have to get out of here. Doesn’t matter how he saved me. Doesn’t matter how I got here. Or even who this man is. Nothing matters now.

But. Is there something more he knows? Something I don’t know? Something he wants to tell me? I want to ask him everything thats bugging me my whole life and ask everything about him and the other part of me wants to run away from here, not because I’m scared of him, but scared of what he knows and I’m scared of the things he knows about me even I don’t know.

What do I do now? Should I run?

I’m looking at him in shock for the past 50 seconds and not even a word has came out of our mouth after he said that. I don’t want to talk to him anymore. I fear the words that will come out of his mouth after this.

“You look scared.” He spoke after sixty one seconds, maintaining the earlier cold face. His smile from before faded.

“How do you expect me to look? Happy? Exited? Should I be jumping in happiness?” I snap. Cause I don’t know what to say.

“You don’t have to be scared from me. I’m harmless. To you.” He says softly. What does he mean ‘to you’? Doesn’t matter.

“How do you know that? And don’t you dare tell ’I’ll tell you the next time we meet.” He laughs as I say that. His cold face breaks. How can he switch emotions like that so fast? One second he’s a cold man who looks dangerous and the neat second he’s a man with pretty face and a wide smile. He’s a psycho.

“Lia betrayed you.” He says. What is he saying? Lia betrayed me? Why would she do that? This is probably some senseless shit— “She’s working with Theo’s mom.” This makes sense now. Elise is the one behind this makes sense but Lia? She would never. The Elise part is explainable, but Lia’s? No. She wouldn’t work for Elise even if she gave her a million dollars. Lia never had a shortage of money. She’s always the rich and popular girl in school.

“Lia wouldn’t.” I say surely.

“She just did.”

“She’s not that type of a person. Elise can bribe her with money.” I raise my voice

“Who wants money?” Sire says, his cold face returning. “Theres only one thing Lia wants.” Now my curiosity has reached its limit to the top. I can wait what he’s going to blabber next. I wouldn’t believe him if he said Lia tried to kill me. “It’s Theo.” My eyes widen. It’s actually true. She mentioned this once in high school that she had a crush on Theo. This couldn’t be. This could all be true. Whatever Sire is telling it could all be true and if it is, thats my biggest fear.

I can’t speak. Because I’ve just realised that Lia, my best friend from 10 years. I’ve known her longer than I started to know myself. But never thought she would do this. I get it now. She made me enjoy the last of my day with the games, then voluntarily bought me to the bungee jumping. Even though she knows I fear heights, she chose to kill me that way. The worst way. If she had asked me nicely, I would have been with her. Comforted her. Even listen to her and console her about Theo and make her understand that I love him. But she chose the hard way. The closest have betrayed me. My sister, now Lia. Why does everyone I love start to betray me, even when it’s not my fault? It’s not my fault that my sister got pregnant or that Lia likes Theo.

I’m so deep in thought and betrayal that I don’t even realise the tears dropping down from my eyes down my face and staring the bed. I can’t help but look down to the bed. Because I hate others showing me pity. It makes me feel insecure and helpless and hopeless and pathetic. I realise I am those things I fear I am. Large hands come to hold my face. My tears dropping on his hands. I can’t hold down my tears at the same time I’m ashamed to cry in front of a stranger.

“Calm down.” He says, his voice comforting but not helping.

“I can’t. I can’t even control my tears let alone my feelings.” I cry out.

“Well, the truth hurts. Doesn’t it?” He says.

“Why? Why would she do that? Who even are you? How do you know all this. I don’t understand you. I don’t even understand my life!” I exclaimed with tears on my face.

He tucks a strand of my hair behind my ear and says “can you handle the truth, Ashley?”

I don’t hesitate to nod. Just and he opens his mouth to say something, everything feels dark. Everything is fading. I collapse.

———————————————————————

15

I open my eyes to see the usual bed I sleep in, not the soft and cozy one. The walls, not painted white and golden, just a shade of pink and white. The room not luxurious looking, just the normal one I live in. No it can’t be. This couldn’t be a dream. I pinched myself earlier. I’m sure it wasn’t a dream. It didn’t feel like a dream. I’m in pure shock right now. He was about to tell me. Then I don’t remember anything. Not even a thing. Shit. I have to go back there. Where was it again? I don’t remember. Sire. Sire was his name. He told me that. And he told me something about….Lia. The something I never want to talk about. And I’m in the clothes that I wore before I fell? Where are the soft pyjamas? I miss that feel on my body. Theres not even a scar or a would on me. I fell from such a high place. There should be at-least one, but there isn’t.

I quickly fall in the bathtub. I’ve never wanted to take a bath so bad. I just want to have some alone time right now. Time to think…..about myself, not thinking about others like I’ve always did. My whole life I’ve never giver interest in myself. I cared about anyone who treats me right just once. When I start to like them, it’s like no going back. Why is everyone after me? Trying to get me killed? I don’t understand anything. I wake up in a strange place to meet stranger— I mean Sire again and then what? When he finally is about to say what I wanted to hear, I wake up in my apartment? This is some kind of supernatural shit or some science shit I don’t get. I sink deepen into the tub to relax myself.

Someone drowns me, pushing my face in the tub. I can’t breathe. I hear something.

“You don’t deserve Theo!” The woman says when I realise it’s Lia’s voice. My vision goes back completely.

I open my eyes. It was a nightmare. I check my phone, it’s been an hour since I’ve been asleep. Or I could say an hour since I had a nightmare about Lia to kill me. I think about it to much that I fell asleep plus got a nightmare about that witch. It feels weird calling her that. Even though she tried to kill me, I have that respect, that gratitude towards her for whatever she had done for me all these years. I get up from the tub. Quickly dressing myself for the bed.

———————————————-————————

Sixteen

Im stirring my matcha tea with the spoon and staring out the café’s window. I’m still thinking about it. I can’t process it. I can get it out of my head until I get all the things clear.

“Do you want anything else? You’re stirring the tea for 30 minutes now. Is something bothering you?” Frieda asks me. The gossip girl who loves watching fantasy movies. She’s a waitress here. She says she needs money for her savings as she’s going to college next month.

“No I’m good and don’t worry I’m not easy to bother.” Frieda laughs as I say that. Her laugh so innocent and sweet. The innocence and sweetness I lost years ago. I don’t want any kid to suffer like me. I just don’t want her to worry about others. The important thing that she should prioritise is herself. Unlike me. “I should go back to work. Bye, Ashley!” She waves me bye and starts to serve the customers.

I took a leave today. I didn’t inform Theo about the leave but I’m sure as hell Lia has visited Theo today. To celebrate with him.

she tried to kill me to have Theo all for herself. She visits his office every Saturday. And she’ll come to his penthouse every weekend. She always sits so close to Theo. I always thought it was just friendship, little did I know….she was a bitch. As I was staring out of the window, I saw the men with the tattoo. Mafia tattoo. They got into a black car mostly a SUV. I couldn’t control the urge to follow them with my car. It may be not the safest idea but I can’t really help my curiosity. You know what they say, curiosity killed the cat. And here I am getting in my car to follow them. My car is white and common, so it will blend with the other cars and it’s less noticeable too. I follow them to find myself in front of a mansion. A mansion so big, it’s larger than Theo’s. Is the rumour really true? Could it be Theo’s dad? Well there is definitely a problem. I can’t get in. I parked the car where no guard could see me and there are guards everywhere. I’m front of the gate, in front of the garden, on the porch, everywhere I see there are guards with at-least a weapon guarding them. And here I am with no weapons or any fighting skills. But I do have a pepper spray with me. I don’t honk thats gonna be any use here but I’m proud of myself for finding Theo’s dad’s place. Good job, Ashley. I wish I could go inside tho. I head back to my apartment to see Theo sitting on my porch, his shirt half unbuttoned and his neat combed hair now messy. It’s rare to see Theo like this. His eyes glows as soon as he sees me. He stands up, dusting his expensive pants and approaches me.

“Oh my god, I was so worried!” Theo exclaimed. I was too, Theo. I miss you so much.

“Whats wrong?” I ask.

“I thought you went missing.”

“What makes you think that?” I reply.

“Lia visited. She told that— actually she’s here.” A nerve in my body pops out. I look towards the elevator to see Lia stepping out of it. Her face starts to look shocked when she sees me. Almost like she’s seen a ghost.

And I feel so anger that I could twist her neck right now, but I actually do know how to control my emotions unlike Lia who’s staring at me shocked with her jaw dropping. I maintain a calm face knowing Theo is here and there is no need for him to know this.

“Hey, Lia.” I say, looking directly into her eyes or she would feel that I’m directly staring into her soul. Theo looked between me and her, confused about what is going on here.

“Did I miss anything?” Theo asks, scratching his head.

“I-it’s nothing—“ Lia says, scared whether I’ll tell the truth to Theo.

“Theres a lot you missed. We’ll talk about it later.” I say to Theo to get Lia scared more. She is trying to hide her face from me and Theo but she’s failing badly.

“I should go—“ Lia whispers.

“Yea you should.” I say and smile trying not to be rude to her in front of Theo.

Lia quickly presses the buttons of the elevator but it was to slow that she ran to the stars itself. It felt good to see her scared. I’ve never liked to watch anyone scared but I enjoyed this. Seeing someone I just stared to hate, fear me.

“Tell me about it. What did I miss?” Theo sits on the couch pulling me into his lap as we enter my apartment. The things I want to tell you, Theo. This is probably the best time to tell him. About the incident at night and the Lia thing.

“Listen, I need to tell you something very important. It’s about…your dad.” Theo’s interest peaks when I mention his father and now I have his full attention. I wish nothing goes wrong. “The night when you had work and told me to walk home…some guys followed me. And I saw a tattoo in their arm. You know what I’m talking about.

“What did they do?” Theo raises his eyebrow in rage as he gets what I’m saying.

“They tried to take me away and I…pepper sprayed them and ran away.” I lie at the last part because I don’t want to sound like a mentally unstable woman mentioning that asshole.

“And you’re saying this to me now?” Theo questions with anger as he stands up and stared down at me.

“Please understand, Theo. I had to think about all this.” His face softens. Maybe he does understand me. There’s still one thing to tell him. The Lia thing I grab all the courage in myself and tell him that. I tell him that I fell into the river when she pushed me. So I survived. Of course I didn’t mention the worst part. That asshole, Sire.

“She did that and my mother told her to?! Is that why Lia was acting weird earlier?” He asks his hand on his temple with another hand on his hips.

“Are you mad?” I ask him with concern in my eyes. I hold his hand to make his calm down.

“I’m not mad…it’s just…it’s all because me, you’re suffering from all this. I— I need sometime to think.” He walks out of the apartment. He looked stressed. Maybe I shouldn’t have told him. Or maybe I did the right thing. He needs space and time to think about it just like I did. I’m sure Theo will do something. At least I got the things out of my head. Thats the only thing I’m happy about and the rest all? Fuck it.

______________________________________

SEVENTEEN

“Can we meet?” Was the first thing I saw on the morning. It was a text by Theo saying that he wanted to meet. It’s Monday today. So it’s approximately two days he took for thinking things through. Now I think he wants to discuss what he whats to do now. Maybe like a strategy or something. I quickly reply with “sure” and start to get ready. I meet him at the usual coffee shop near his house. I see him at the end of the room, by the window. He looks tensed. He looks like he hasn’t slept for a while. And I sense something unusual. Like something bad is about to happen. I approach him and smile but he doesn’t smile back like the usual Theo. The usual cheerful Theo. I take a seat when he speaks.

“I don’t think this is working.” What? What does he mean? Not working? I wish it’s not what I think it is. Is his watch not working? Or could it be the car? “I’m sorry, Ashley. I don’t think we are meant for each other.” He looks away. My heart shatters into a million pieces. I can’t see any colour. Everything is black and white. I can’t handle it anymore. I think I’ve heard enough. I quickly get up from my seat, rushing out of the cafe. I hear Theo calling out my name but it just sounds like a whisper. I can’t hear anything anymore. The only thing I know the way to go is to my car and Theo is following me but I’m running now. With my heels. It hurts. But it doesn’t matter. Nothing can compare to the pain I’m feeling inside right now. I drive back home, tears filling my eyes and staring my dress that I wore for Theo. The only man I’ve been looking beautiful for just dumped me. I hear my phone vibrating, knowing it’s probably Theo calling but I don’t bother to stop crying. I fall on my bed. Hiding my face inside the pillow. This is the worst feeling.

_________

Before I knew it, I had fallen asleep. I woke up at morning 4:04. My eyes swollen from crying. I don’t feel sleepy anymore.

Unread:

Theo: I’m sorry, Ashley. I had to end this. Or who knows what will happen to you?

I see his text on the notification bar. He’s a coward dumbass. Instead of leaving me he could at least try to protect me. That would make me more than happy. But instead he chose the coward way. Running away from his problems. Maybe I was too annoying and hard to protect considering his father is after me. I even hated Lia for him. If I see him again I just want to kick his ass. That coward. Uhh I can’t sleep. Like why are all men like this? Cowardly and running away from their responsibilities and problems. I wanna drink something. Maybe a whisky? A bottle is not going to hurt plus I have some in the cupboard when Theo and his friends all came here to celebrate our anniversary. Just the thought of it makes me want to cry. Maybe I do need a fuel. My favourite whiskey, Bourbon.

______________________________________

Eighteen

“My head hurts.” I say to Frieda when I busy the usual cafe. My hangovers are crazy. It’s not like I’m a regular drinker. But I do drink when I feel fucked up. I really need a coffee. I still can’t get over the thought that Theo dumped me. I never imagined our break up would be like this. I still don’t know why he did that. I should have let him finish, but before that I left. Maybe he’s just not the one for me, someone else is.

“Well, you shouldn’t destroy yourself for an asshole.” How does she even know a cuss word like that.

“I didn’t destroy myself tho.”

“You drank alcohol. It’s poison.” She’s so innocent when she says things like this:

“I just drank because I wanted to. It wasn’t because of him.” I lie.

I see Frieda pout. But there is a spark in her eyes that were long gone from my eyes. My mind. Hope. She still has it. It’s like seeing myself a decade ago. All hopeful that I’ll be joyful no matter what happens. the feeling I felt a decade ago can never match with the present Ashley. I have no faith in myself now, nor will I ever again have.

After a while of a conversation, Frieda goes back to her job. I sit there in the corner of the room realising I have no one now. The family I had before. My mom— dead. My dad— god knows where he is now. My sister— I don’t want to think about it. And the only friends I thought I had. Lia— betrayed me. Theo— dumped me. My life has no meaning anymore. And the someone or something I’ve been looking for— I don’t even have an idea about where it is. Or if it even exists. I don’t even know what my purpose of living is now. I don’t even realise my eyes are filled with water now. I don’t want to let it out. I don’t want to feel weak. I look up controlling my tears. Thank god no one can see me when I’m in the corner of the cafe. Am I not supposed to be loved or cared for? Tears fill my eyes again but I don’t bother to control it instead I let it flow. I want to scream my lungs out right now but I fear they’ll report me as a mental patient who has escaped the hospital. I drop my head onto my hands. My face fully covered. I don’t care anymore. I don’t care if someone sees me like this. There’s no point. I get up from the table, my body aching so much, I could collapse right now, right here. But I won’t. I don’t care to wipe my tear stained eyes. I walk to the road crossing the road in the red light. I feel many horns and shouts against me but I can’t hear anything clearly. I can neither see clearly it’s all blur and I can’t even open my mouth. All I know is my tears are running down my face. I don’t know where I’m going. The only thing leading me to this traumatic place is my mind. I reach the place. Theo’s dad’s place. The place that I found by myself. By following the black car. I see many guards but that doesn’t stop me from going in. I don’t stop walking towards the gate. I reach out my purse to find a new bottle of pepper spray. The chance when I got was when the gate was opened for one of the guards there.

I finally come close to the gate of the mansion, so close that I can run in. The guards saw me as I approached the gate. They stopped me with their hands covering the entry of the gate.

“Sorry woman, you’re not allowed here.” One of the guards who looks like a buffalo says. His moustache so long, it looks like grass.

But thats not enough to stop me. I take the pepper spray and spray it directly to the guard’s face. I run inside, knowing more than ten guards are following me but I don’t stop. Some of them who were faster than me were sprayed with pepper spray by me. It was a long way to reach the front door. I gasp for air, but when I look up, I see the door. I try to grab the handle but a guard grabs my hand and pulls me back which makes me step back. I scream for Theo’s father to notice me. I know he wants me. He’s searching for me and here I am screaming on his front porch. I scream at the top of my lungs to grab his attention. The guard not giving up pulling me. Just as I was about to give up, I saw a tall figure standing on the top floor balcony. The figure looks just like Theo and under the moonlight he looks dangerous. He’s wearing a bathrobe with his hair all combed and wearing a watch which looks like it is atleast worth ten grand. He looks down at me with an eyebrow raised. He raises a hand, signalling the guard to stop pulling me back. He takes his bottle of whiskey and poured two glasses of whiskey looking down at me. He tells the guard something in sign language. I think he’s telling the guard to bring me in. The guard bows in front of me and signals me to go in.

“Please come in. We’re very pleased having you here.” The guard says, without stoping to bow at me.

Such level of respect for someone like me? Rhodes must not wanted to hurt me after all. I go in the mansion every step I take is telling me to run back. But I didn’t come here, fighting all the guards just to run. I’ve been running away from myself from all these years but not today. Today I will face my fear. And I will get to know why Rhodes wanted to abduct me a decade ago. This is the day I find out the truth.

———————————————————————

Nineteen

I finally reach the room where the guards led me in. I take a deep breath and knock on the door. A guard opens the door. This guard looks more powerful Ta Han the previous guards who I met. I step in to see Rhodes smoking a cigarette. He looks at me with the corner of his eyes and points two finger at me telling to go. I go to the balcony where he’s sitting in. The view from here is amazing. Even though it’s not my business, I can’t help looking at the beautiful view. It’s like I’m on a mountain with the high currents and air going through me.

“Sit.” A deep voice breaks my thoughts.

Without a word, I sit on the chair which was really soft. But thats not what I should be thinking about now. The point is, I’m here, with Theo’s dad. The person who tried abducting me ten years ago. And I’m here not to become completely lost and comfortable. I’m here to ask or do what I have to, to know the truth.

“It’s a surprise to see you here, miss Ruiz.” He finally says with his cold and deep voice.

I’m surprised he knows my last name.

“It’s a surprise for me to see me here, mister Rhodes.” I say matching his tone.

He smirks and a small laugh comes out of his mouth.

“I never ever thought in my life that Ashley Ruiz herself is going to come here.”

“But here I am.”

“Yes you are and what brings you here, Ruiz?” He asks.

“Didn’t you want me for like a decade? You even tried to kidnap me like a week ago!” I raise my voice.

“Calm down, miss Ruiz. This is not a place for violence. Please have a drink and think of this as your own house.” He says in a calm tone.

“Are you like your wife too? Do you want me to stay away from Theo? Fine done but please leave me alone.”

“Oh god heavens, don’t even mention that woman’s name. She’s a head warmer and definitely not a bed warmer so don’t call her my wife. We’re divorced a long time ago.” He exhales.

I never knew they both hated each other. But that leaves me with more confusion, why does he want me?

“See, the thing is I want something from you. The thing I’ve been looking for, for years and got it after what? A lifetime?” He says.

I have something that he wants? He has everything that I don’t have! And what do I have that he wants? I don’t understand a thing here.

“What do you mean? I don’t have anything you don’t have.” I say, confused.

He throws his head back and laughs. A laugh which is familiar. It’s just like Theo’s. “You’re completely wrong if you think that.” Then he turns serious, looking into my soul. “You have no idea, don’t you?”

“Thats the reason I came here. To know what’s actually going on.” I say.

“You’re not normal, Ruiz. You’re not.” He inhales the cigarette and throws it down and crushes it into pieces. “You’re special. Very special. So special that you can crush people just like I did to that cigarette.” He says, his voice darker with each work he says.

Is he gone mad? What is he talking about? Special? Me? Now way in hell. My face doesn’t seem surprised at all and I don’t think Rhodes is mentally stable. So I don’t worry about it too much. So the reason I came here for has gone to a waste? Uhh I hate this. I get up to leave but a strong hand catches me before I step out of the door.

“Let me go, Rhodes.” I say my voice low.

“You can call me Berlin.”

So his name is Berlin. Just like the name of the place. I wonder why his name is like that. But I want to go home now.

“Let me go, Berlin.”

“Or what? I’m not letting you go until you believe me.”

“Believe what? That I have some kind of speciality? Whoever said that to you is nuts!”

“Can you just hear me out?!” He shouts.

It pisses me off if he shouts cause that voice reminds me of Theo a little too much that I just want to punch Berlin but I won’t. All I wanted was an answer thats why I’m here. So I won’t go without an answer whatever it is, I’m going to listen.

“And please don’t run away.” He says.

“I can’t promise that.”

“I have something you’ve been looking for and I’m sure you don’t want to run away without it.” He says.

“I’m listening.” I sit back down on the seat. He relaxes himself and takes his seat.

“So here’s the thing. I know it’s very hard to believe, but it is the truth. So you have to believe me when I say there are not only humans living here, on earth.” Berlin says, seriously.

“Uh..I know? There are animals, plants, insects, bacteria?” I say nonchalantly and cluelessly.

Berlin signs and rubs his temple in frustration. “Can you be serious?” He takes a deep breath. “I’m trying to explain something important here and if you won’t listen, it’s not my problem. Don’t come crying to me if you regret not listening.”

I wasn’t joking, old man. I really have no idea what you’re talking about. “Make it fast.” I say looking away from him. He probably thinks I’m dumb.

He sits up straight and intertwined his fingers together, his expression turning serious. “As I was saying there aren’t only humans living here. There are some creatures called Vigils and Shades. The Vigils are the highest rank and can defeat Shades no matter what, but…the shades can detect the smell of a Vigil. If a Shade kills a vigil, it gains the gift of the Vigil. its power is owned by the Shade if it kills the Vigil.” He adjusts himself on the chair, with a little smirk on his face. “Let me get to the point.” He smiles looking down. “I’m a Shade. Remember when I told you Shades can smell Vigils?” His smile grows wider. “You are a Vigil.”

Panic starts to rush through me. I thought he’s taking his mind but I’m he’s a shade and I’m a Vigil, the whole point of me being wanted by him is that he wanted to kill me and take the so called powers?

He gets up from his seat, a pocket knife in his hand. But he stops. “but theres a condition, sweetheart. Shades do not get the fair play here. The Vigil must agree to be killed by the Shade so you know what to do. If I take your little life forcefully, I won’t get the damn powers.” He sits back in his seat.

“Do you think I’m dumb? Why would I do that?” I say with anger in my tone.

“I know. I know sweetie. That’s why I came up with a deal. The thing you’ve been searching for? I know where it is. Or perhaps I could say where he is.”

The blood in my body boils when I hear that. He’s asking for a deal where I have to give him my life and he’ll give me something I’ve been searching for my whole life? This is not fair. I hate that everything has a cost. Even something I deserve to know. Deserve to…have. But it’s not my time to die yet. I’m not dying. Neither am I giving up on him.

“No. I reject this offer.” I say.

“Then I guess I have to torture you to say yes.” He moves closer to me. With his pocket knife.

I get up from my chair backing up until I’m trapped against him and the railing.

I don’t hesitate to jump down the balcony. I close my eyes. Fuck my fear. The fear of heights is just an illusion since Lia pushed me.

Splash.

I realise I fell in the pool. Theres my chance. I rush out of the pool and hear Berlin calling for the guards. But baby, the pepper spray still ain’t empty. I spray the pepper spray non-stop at every guard who comes after me. I spray and I run. I run until I’m out of breath and I find myself in the forest near the mansion. I think it’s Berlin’s property too. I’m not safe until I go to a place packed with people.

I tip toe around the trees. I still hear footsteps of the guards trying to find me. But Berlin messed with the wrong person. Is he nuts or something? What does he mean by what he said? Shades? And what? V- veil? I don’t even remember what the asshole said. All I know is that I’m trying my best to hide here.

No way. I think I see a road. A road that leads to a place that I know. Finally. I did it. I can escape from Berlin now. I take a step forward to get to the road, so happy that I dodged death. A hand covers my mouth and nose from behind. Just a s I was about to turn around, everything went black and the world disappeared.

———————————————————————

Twenty

“Wow, you’re awake so soon? Thats actually impressive.” A familiar voice is heard. I open my eyes fully to see the stranger..I mean Sire. I sit up on the bed. He is looking at me with curiosity and I look around when I see the same room that I was in before. the day when Lia pushed me. But this room…It wasn’t a dream or was it? This could be a dream too but I remember someone made me unconscious in the middle of woods. It could be him.

“Was it you who bought me here?” I ask.

“Who else would it be? I’m the one and only.” He winks at me and it makes me barf. It’s not like I like him anymore. I used to be attracted by him but now? He’s a whole different person according to my perspective.

A flash hits me. As Berlin said if I’m a Vergil, can Sire be one too?

“Are you a Vegil or a shade?” I ask my voice low.

He throws his head back and laughs out of nowhere. I just asked him a simple question. I didn’t say anything like a joke tho.

“Berlin really did tell you that huh?” He stares directly into my soul. “I am nowhere close and weak as those creatures. I’m..you could say, something else.”

I stare back at him not believing in these supernatural things. If I had a superpower I would know, wouldn’t I? “Anyways, why are you kidnapping me more often? Is that your hobby or something?” I ask, smiling.

“I have something more exiting for you tomorrow, Ash. I’m sure you will know what kind of face everyone has.” He points a finger towards my head. And I fall back into the bed.

———————————————————————

21

I open my eyes to see myself being held on the top of a building. A skyscraper. My blood rushes through my body so fast I could barely breathe. This has to be a dream. The cold wind passes through me sending shivers down my spine. I see up and see Sire, the one who’s holding me. He is carrying me in bridal style. I look down to see the people gathered around the building where we are in. I don’t understand what I am doing here, or why I’m with him. But all I see now when I look down, is my fear. Acrophobia. I look at Sire snd say

“What are we doing here?!” I scream.

He just smiles and looks at the other building.

I look what where he’s looking too. Shock is filling my body now. What is Theo doing there. I want to get out of Sire’s arms but you can’t move anything. I feel paralysed. Tears fill my eyes at the sight of Theo. He looks shocked. He looks at me and looks at something else. And again back to me. I look around to see what he was seeing. My eyes are wide open by seeing a train packed with people including young children and many adults stuck in there but the most terrifying part is that the train was flying up in the sky.

Theo looks all stressed up, but I have no idea why. I don’t even have an idea what’s going on until Sire speaks.

“Choose, Rhodes. Choose. Who will it be? The person who you’ve known for your whole life or the hundreds of people that are innocent?”

This was the moment I knew. Sire was telling Theo to choose. Me, or the people. Tears filled my eyes, when I knew he was going to let go of me if Theo chose the train. Or he was going to let the train go if Theo chose me. Why would Sore do something like this? What is going on with him? Who is he really? Tears filled my eyes my eyes. I close my eyes to not feel weak but maybe Theo will choose me. He has known me for a decade now and those people? They don’t even know Theo and Theo don’t know them.

“Devereaux, you can’t do this to me.” Theo shouts for Sire to hear him through the other end.

“Don’t call me that!” Sire shouts back.

Who is Deveraux and why is Theo calling Sire that?

“I will call you whatever i want.”

“Nice talk, Rhodes. I’m dropping both on the count of three so make your decisions quick.” Panick rushes through me when Sire tells that.

“No wait!” Theo shouts.

“In three. Two. One. Zero. Oops.” Sire lets me go. Completely. I don’t see anything that is happening with the train but I still have hope Theo is going to save me. Why do I see him jump the opposite way? And he’s flying towards the train?! I realise I’ve been betrayed. Again. My already tears filled eyes turn completely dry due to high force of the air when I’m falling. I don’t have hope anymore. I was about to hit the ground but someone held me before I was a millimetre away from hitting the ground. I felt happy thinking Theo finally came but to my surprise, it was Sire. I see people staring at us. I felt so uncomfortable for I had social anxiety. Just as I was about to look away from embarrassment, I was teleported. Teleported to a place. A palace like structure but modern. Sire still held me in his arms.

“Saw his real face now? Your so called hero, just abandoned you for some people he didn’t even know. Some people he hasn’t even met in his life.” His expression turns soft. “He doesn’t deserve you, Ashley. Be with someone who does deserve you. Like me.”

What did he just say? He wants me to be with him? Hell no.

“You did all this and you want me to be with you?” I break brew from his arms and stand on myself. I shout at him so loud, it could scared the animals in the forest.

“Calm down. You’re safe with me here. Unlike that Vergil, I can actually protect you.”

“I hate you with all my heart.” I scream not calming down. I can’t calm down. Theres a thing called hope inside me that was once disappeared long ago but the hope had been restored after Theo came into my life and I don’t think I’ll fell the same ever again. Hope is an ugly thing. It betrays you when you trust it. Just like the people who come in my life. Sally, Theo, Lia and even Sire. I thought of him as a friend but he turned out to be a selfish, and an asshole.

Tears run down my eyes and I just don’t want to live anymore. I trip on my own feet and fall unconscious.

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22

Darkness. Then, silk. I open my eyes. I’m back in that room. The white and gold one. The one from before, the one I thought was a dream. The bed is just as soft, but I feel nothing. Just cold. Utterly, terribly cold. The last thing I remember... falling. The wind screaming past my ears. And Theo... Theo flying away from me. I sit up and look around. My head snaps to the side. Sire is sitting in an armchair in the corner, watching me. He’s out of the suit, wearing a simple black shirt. He looks perfectly calm. “It was real.” My voice is a croak. It’s not a question. It’s a statement. A death sentence. “I told you I’d show you his true face.” He stands and walks to the massive window, looking out over a vast, complicated terrain I’d never seen. “He is a fool, Ashley. And heroes always make the same, predictable choice. They sacrifice the one they ‘love’ for the ‘greater good’.” The word ‘love’ is like a hot poison searing from his mouth. “You did that,” I whisper, pushing myself up on my elbows. The anger starts to burn, a tiny, sharp ember in the ashes of my heart. “You made him choose! You put those people on that train!” “I put him in a position where he had to choose,” Sire corrects me, turning around. His black eyes are intense, unsettling. “A choice he would have made eventually.” He walks closer, stopping at the foot of the bed. “Think about it, Ashley. Your sister betrayed you. Your best friend helped to make her fall. What was I doing? You are nothing to me. Except perhaps... Even his father wants you dead for a power-up.” He leans in, his voice dropping to a low, persuasive whisper. “I’m the only one left. The only one who, when given the choice, saved you. I caught you, Ashley. I will always catch you.” “You dropped me first!” I scream, the rage finally breaking free. “To prove a point!” he roars back, his composure finally starting to crack. “To show you that I can’t break the chains that ‘hero’ had on you!” He calms himself instantly, straightening his shirt. “He doesn’t deserve you. I do.” I stare at him. The manipulator. The stalker. The... saviour? My head is spinning. He’s just as bad as they are. He’s worse. But he’s also the only one telling me a truth I can’t deny. “It’s not real,” I insist. “What do you want from me?” I ask, my voice flat, dead. A slow, dangerous smile spreads across his face. “I want you to stop being the victim, Ashley Ruiz. I want to show you how to be the monster they’re all so afraid of.”

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