Chapter Four

Dakota stumbled backwards as her legs suddenly felt like jelly. She had to be hearing things.

“Why are you so bothered anyway? It’s not like you’re in love with her.” Her sister sneered.

Her heart began to beat wildly in her chest. 

“I may not be in love with her but that was a bit too much. It’s almost like you want her to find out about us.” Ryan pointed out.

She couldn’t believe what was happening. This had to be some kind of cruel joke.

“Maybe I want her to find out, but she’s so naive and gullible, it makes me want to gouge my eyes out! She can’t even see what’s right in front of her.” Her sister revealed contemptuously.

Ryan let out a frustrated sigh. “Because she trusts me.”

“And look where that got her.” Diana snickered.

The walls seemed to be closing in on her. She suddenly felt like she couldn’t breathe. She willed her feet to move, but they remained glued to the ground. It felt like a sharp knife was being dug repeatedly into her chest with the amount of pain she was feeling.

Someone had to be playing a cruel joke on her. This couldn’t be real. With the little strength and last shred of dignity left in her, she quietly walked away. She had no idea where she was headed, all she knew was that she had to get away before she turned into a crying mess.

Her mind was so jumbled and disoriented that she didn’t even stop as she collided with a tall figure.

“Miss Stone?” A deep gravelly voice called out to her.

Dakota stopped, but didn’t turn around. It was him. She couldn’t let him see her like this. Heartbroken in more ways than one.

She forced a small smile and turned to face him. “Mr Persson. Is there something I can help you with?” 

He stared straight into her eyes. “Is everything alright?”

Plastering on a neutral expression, she nodded. “Yes, I’m fine.”

Elias advanced close to her with a slight frown. “You don’t look fine, Miss Stone.” 

She took a step back unconsciously. His frown deepened. “I…I need to go.” As if things couldn’t get any worse, she could feel her vision starting to blur. As she turned on her heels to escape, he caught her wrist. She jumped at the unexpected contact.

“My God. You’re shaking.” He observed.

She stared at his big hand circling her wrist and then looked up at him. “It’s uhm…it’s nothing. I said I’m fine.” She lied.

“You’re lying.” His tone sounded angry.

“So what if I am? What’s it to you?” She asked, her patience wearing thin.

Elias seemed genuinely perplexed, like he was also wondering the same thing. “I have no idea.” He replied honestly, surprising her.

Dakota felt exhaustion seeping into her bones. “Right. Can you let go of me now?”

He looked down at his hand on hers in disbelief and quickly released her wrist. Unconsciously, she brought her hand to her chest and touched the place his hand had held. She shivered, as a sudden chill came over her.

She barely registered what was happening until he took off his jacket and came to stand behind her. 

Her eyes widened in realization. “What are you doing?” She started to protest.

“You’ll need it. It’s cold outside.” He responded, as he draped his jacket on her back. His jacket was so large and warm, that she felt better immediately.

“Thank you.” She whispered. And with a curt nod, he walked away.

Dakota stared at his retreating figure with conflicting feelings, until he was out of sight. She couldn’t fathom why he was being kind to her when he didn’t have to.

Her mind reeled back to the shocking betrayal she had witnessed earlier. Unfortunately, Diana was right. She had been so naive and gullible that she couldn’t even decipher what had been happening right under her nose.

She laughed bitterly. She had been a fool and they all knew, except her. How could she have been so blind? Ryan had never loved her. He had only stayed with her to be close to Diana. The absurdity of the situation made her sick to her stomach.

Covering her mouth, she ran towards the nearest restroom to throw up the contents of yesterday’s meal. Traitorous tears ran down her cheeks as her heart broke all over again. There was nobody on her side, no one to turn to.

Her stepfamily didn’t need her. They already saw her as a burden. She glanced at her reflection in the mirror. Her hair was coming out of its band and the mascara she had applied was streaming down her face. Grabbing a handful of tissue, she dabbed a little bit of water into it and began to clean up her face.

Satisfied with how she looked, she tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. She touched the jacket Elias had put around her. It was incredibly comfy and it smelled so good. Diana and her mother would have a fit if they saw his jacket on her, although her sister had no right to claim Elias as hers when he certainly didn’t feel the same way. If he was smitten by Diana, he wouldn’t have given out his jacket so easily to another woman. 

A thought slipped into her head. Maybe, she could use this to her advantage. Crying and wallowing in self-pity was not going to change anything. She had to take back control of her life before it was too late.

The first thing she was going to do was leave that house. She would never be truly free if she didn’t find a way out of that place.

A plan began to form in her mind. She had to speak with Elias while she still had the nerve to. It wouldn’t be here, as Mother and even Diana wouldn’t let it happen. Her blood boiled at the sight of the engagement ring on her finger. 

Forcefully, she took off the ring, threw it into the trash bin and exited the restroom.

Some shoppers were already leaving, after making some purchases. Dakota caught sight of Diana and Mother in a conversation. Ryan was nowhere in sight. Mother threw her head back, laughing at something Diana said. Her heart tightened at the sight. She was never going to have that kind of relationship with Mother. 

She wasn’t even sure she wanted a relationship like that from a family who didn’t care about her.

“You must be feeling better now, Miss Stone.”She stilled at the sound of Elias’ voice. He came to stand by her side, tall and imposing.

As she proceeded to take off his jacket, he stopped her. “No, keep it.” 

“Thank you, but I’m not cold anymore.” 

“Please, I insist.” He pressed, his gray orbs boring into hers. She tore her eyes away at the intensity.

She nodded, giving in. His jacket felt so comfortable on her anyway and it created the perfect situation for what she planned to do.

Mustering all the courage in her, she spoke out. “Mr Persson, I have a proposition for you.”