Pawn in the Devil’s Game

The so-called 72hrs that monster gave me had elapsed.

I stood fixed in front of the mirror. My head replayed in slides, scenes of despair from two nights ago. There is something shame does to a person; it strips you of your worthiness; that small voice whispering in your head and telling you how unworthy you are—that's how I felt as I walked all the way back from Sergio's house. I felt so small and insignificant.

I recalled how I had stood outside Sergio’s apartment, banging on the door.

“Sergio! Open up!”

Only to be met with silence.

I had been here three times, loitering around and looking out for a shadow of him; he was the man I loved. I needed to know why he said all those things to me.

By my third visit, I had met the caretaker, who informed me that the house had been sold and the occupant had evacuated earlier. It did not make sense to me. It was as if he had vanished.

Something was wrong. I just knew.

I swallowed the lump in my throat, hot bile heating up in the depths of my gut. I didn’t believe for a second that he had just left town on his own.

It was so sudden, too many things processing all at once in my head . I maybe wrong but I had some reasons to believe someone had a hand in the whole seperation.

Don Pedro Lorenzo came to mind. But I wasn’t sure because my relationship was one only my aunt and I knew about.

Did she tell him? No, Never, she would never.

I should have known Don Pedro wouldn’t stop just claiming me. No, he had to ruin my life and now that I think of it, I hated the air he breaths even more.

I remembered his angry words, his bitter accusations, and his sudden, mindless and quiet exit. “You’re nothing but a cheap slut!” he’d shouted, and then… nothing. He’d just disappeared.

What came over him?

For a moment I was tempted to sprinkle holy water or burn some incense to ward of the evil energy Don Pedro had brought upon me.

But then it was in moments like this I missed Aunty Nora. She had it all in her to talk me out of anything and I felt a type of way for not even going to check on her.

How was she faring?

Just the thought of her made my chest ache in different ways. The poor lady did not need the stress and heart ache that monster was putting her through. I missed her warmth, her voice, her reassurances. She was the only family I had left now.

Would she be disappointed in me?

Would she tell me to fight harder, or would she tell me to still run?

I sighed, shaking my head, adjusting my skirt in front of the mirror. I hated the reflection of the woman all dressed up to go slave around at the office for a man she did not like!

Just then the thought of going to Don pedro’s house crossed my mind.

But going to nasty piece of dog shit’s house meant I was giving in. It meant he won. It felt so cringe.

I could see his stupid smile stretching from cheek to cheek and wished a volcano could erupt at the peak of his pointed nose and wipe off that stupid smirk on his face.

Oh God, I hated that man!!

I wasn’t ready for that. No way! I just cant surrender and let that fool think he can tell me what to do.

He may have all the money and power, but he will never have me reduce myself to his lap dog.

To hell with him. I will find alternative ways to get my aunt.

Just as I turned to leave, my phone rang.

I picked it up without looking at the number. “Hello?”

A woman’s voice, soft and hesitant, answered. “Miss Moretti?”

I frowned. “Who is this?”

“My name is Rosa. I am one of the housemaids at the Lorenzo estate.”

My breath caught. “Why are you calling me?”

“It is your aunt.”

I froze. It felt as though there was a latch on my tongue.

“What about my aunt?” I managed to ask.

“She is not well,” Rosa said quickly. “She has not eaten for days. She keeps asking for you.”

Panic shot through me. “What do you mean she hasn’t eaten?”

“She refuses to eat or drink anything,” Rosa whispered. “She is very weak, Miss Moretti. She needs you.”

I felt cold shivers run down my spine as I gripped the phone tighter.

That bastard! He was starving my aunt!!!

I didn’t even hesitate. “I’m coming.”

I was thrown into a state of confusion, I did not know I had worn my shoes wrongly, in the process twitching and also twisting my ankle.

I yelped as I ran along.

***

Don Pedro POV.

I turned my attention to Rosa after she ended the call with Tessa.

I had instructed her to.

The poor lady stood timidly, her hands held together in front of her like a child waiting to be dismissed.

She had been working for me for years. Somehow she had never complained.

“You played your part well, Rosa,” I mumbled, my voice oozed with approval. “Convincing. Believable. Almost like you truly cared for the wretched old woman.”

Her eyes warmed up to meet mine for a brief second before she lowered her face again. “I only did what you asked, Don Pedro” Her voice was soft.

She had always done whatever I asked of her.

I enjoyed her meekness.

That was the kind of obedience I demanded from those who served me.

I hesitated for a few minutes before speaking.

“And for that, you will be rewarded.” I directed my stare toward Franco. “Make sure she gets whatever she needs.”

Franco gave a curt nod, his expression as unreadable as always. “Understood, boss.”

“Sir, I have a humble request, I will like to request your permission to travel back to see my husband who has been unwell” she spoke up abruptly.

I was mildly irritated by her request but I was in a good mood so I obliged.

“You can have 3 days off and nothing more” I said coldly.

I was not so generous. But she earned it.

Madam Rosa’s fingers tightened around the fabric of her dress, as if unsure whether she was free to leave.

I let her squirm for a moment before waving a dismissive hand. “You may go now, Rosa. Your job is finished.”

She lowered her head quickly, eager to escape my presence. “Thank you, Don Pedro.”

Without another word from her, she turned and slipped out of the room, the door softly shut behind her.

I leaned back into my chair, stretching my legs out before me, and let out a slow sigh.

The game was set, and the pieces were moving exactly as I had orchestrated.

Lifting my glass to my lips, I took a sip of whiskey, savoring the burn that trailed down my throat.

“Let’s see how she doesn’t come running now,” I murmured, more to myself than to Franco.

From the corner of my eye, I saw him step closer, arms folded over his chest. “You really think this will work?”

I turned to him. “Think?” I let out a short laugh. “I know. It’s her aunt we are talking about. She’ll come. And when she does…” I exhaled, rolling my glass between my palms, “she won’t be leaving.”

Franco nodded once, his facial expression held nothing.

That was what I liked about him—he never questioned me outright, never doubted me.

He simply followed orders,was he should.

“Everything is in place,” he confirmed.

I tilted my head slightly. “The flight?”

“Booked.”

“The honeymoon location?”

“Secured.”

I sighed in satisfaction. “Good.”

I set my glass down on the desk.

My voice reduced slightly as I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees. “I don’t make mistakes.”

“No, you don’t.” Franco said.

“Call my younger sister, Regina, and find out what time she would be arriving for the wedding” I said. Rising up.

“Alright sir”

“I told her not to come but she just has always been a pin in my neck, women like these things”

“Yes they do”.

We both left the study together, today I was going to marry that woman, Tessa, whether she liked it or not.