Do you guys want Leo's and Jason story after this one?
Chapter 22 When I saw Jason, I threw myself at his approaching figure. I really missed him, especially since Mom wasn’t here and I miss her so much. He was basically the second member of my genuine family; I have only these two. He hugged me tightly, and I noticed that there was a tremor in his hands. I hugged him back as tight, now worried I asked him. “Are you ok Jason?” He kissed my head and held me at arm’s length. “I’m alright I was just worried about you. I thought something bad had happened to you.” He glared at Lola, who just shrugged. Leo put his hand on his shoulder and turned him around. “C’mon, let’s splash your face with some water to freshen up, then come and spend some time with your friends.” My friend nodded and smiled at me faintly before leaving. I stood wondering about him. This isn’t just some worry about me. He looked unsettled. “Don’t worry, come here and choose some colors with me,” Lola said, sitting on the floor with Tyler and Jacob, while she spread so
Chapter 23 I paced the entire apartment while waiting for Ariel to get ready for our date; I felt giddy and nervous like a teenager. It has been a long time since I did this. My last date was in my eighteenth with Lena. I pushed the memory away when I heard the soft clicks of Ariel’s heels. The moment I saw her, she stole my breath away. She looked gorgeous in her red silk dress. Those red fabric drapes embraced her curvy figure perfectly, alongside that gorgeous V-neck that outlined her perky breasts. And lay across a banded waist, with a full maxi skirt that has a sexy side slit. Her long caramel leg showing, teasing my eye, and the metallic leather sandals were the best compliment to the complete look. My mind short circuit, I couldn’t speak or even breathe for a minute. Someone cleared their throat. “Ahem, from your silence and your stunned face. I think I did a good job.” Lola’s voice broke my trance. I cleared my throat. “Thank you, Lola.” She walked away, raising her hand
Chapter 24 I woke with a start. Someone was pounding on the door like there was a fire somewhere close. Gabriel grumbled all the way to answer it. He rarely sleeps and when that happens, he likes to wake by himself, not like this. He would be in a foul mood all day. I snickered; a pouting Gabriel is something worth all of this headache I’m getting right now. I yawned and stretched my body, loving the way the breeze caressed my naked flesh. We have been used to going to bed like this, after some rough, playful nights and it has become our routine so far. These few days have been my best since mom has left. It has been a full month now and we talk mostly every night, but she has been busy with her course and the work she could do alongside, but I’m happy for her. Last night, she looked happy and radiant, even though I could clearly see how tired she was. Finally, she was able to do something for herself and I’m not an obstacle which I was through my existence in her life. I have be
Chapter 25 We stood in front of the morgue’s wide doors; Ariel’s smaller figure so close to mine, as if she wanted to disappear from all those prying eyes. Since we arrived at the hospital, every nurse and doctor who wasn’t busy with something came to console her and she was on autopilot. She nodded her head in acknowledgment; she hugged back and said a few thank you. I was way out of my element here, and couldn’t do anything to make this better. My brother said that she has to face her reality to move on or this would turn ugly. I knew that he was right, but it didn’t mean that I didn’t want to help her. Like right now, she stood beside me with one shaky hand stretched out to the door handle and not moving. “We can go back home and come tomorrow if you are not ready.” She raised her glazed eyes to me. “I…I want to do this now or I will never do it.” Michael gave me a look and opened the door for us. Her knees buckled, but I held her tighter and walked inside. My brother
Chapter 26 I sat in the corner, my eyes seeing nothing. Sometimes I feel numb, other times I feel angry. But most of the time, I’m just paralyzed. I think I shed all of my tears by now. It doesn’t matter how hard I try, I can’t shed a single one. I hugged myself, trembling. The dark room wasn’t cold. Nevertheless, my body started to shake. I screamed when the pounding behind my eyelids intensified. “You left me, mom. You promised that you would be beside me when I graduate. You said you would help me choose my wedding dress. You said you would name my first baby.” I wailed. This is too much. Why did she have to leave? And like this! Someone knocked on the door, but as usual, I refused to acknowledge them. I have been here for almost two weeks now, or I think it has been more. I have lost count after the first ten days have passed. I stink, I’m hungry and I don’t feel well. But my mind chose to ignore all of that and had only one thought. “Why am I still alive? I should be the
Chapter 27 I put my arm above my head and closed my eyes. I was exhausted and tired, but for the past few days, I didn’t sleep a wink. I couldn’t. After seeing Ariel fall apart right in front of my eyes, my heart broke and there was a big hole in my chest. With all the money and influence I have, I could do nothing. I can’t bring back the dead. I wish that she could wake up from this nightmare and tell me what to do. I miss her voice, her smile, and her warmth. I miss having her between my arms. I miss my little one, like air, and I’m terrified that I will never get her back. I gritted my teeth and suppressed a curse; the place was full and because today was a weekend everyone was here in the den. I knew I should have gone to my apartment and stayed away from all of this racket, but I didn’t want to be alone. I didn’t want to be in a place where Ariel wasn’t aware of me or this world. Michael has told me she was fine, and this is how she was processing the loss of her mother.
Chapter 28 I yawned and then opened my eyes. The room was still dark but I knew that we were already morning. Last night has been emotional on so many levels. It didn’t just heal me and make me snap out of that trance; I think it made my bond with Gabriel stronger. I know no one would understand this and would think me sick, but him promising me that I will get the revenge I seek was like a balm to my aching heart. Would I regret that decision? Yeah, maybe one day but now I want this to happen. No, I need it to come true. At least my mom would rest in peace knowing that this asshole was dead, too. I closed my eyes again trying to go back to sleep but couldn’t, so I went to the bathroom to take a shower. Gabriel has left me one of his t-shirts, clean boxers, and a towel. My heart clenched at his thoughtful gesture. He knows that I like wearing his clothes. Gabriel had been so kind and patient with me. That moment when I put the knife against his throat I thought about doing it.
Chapter 29 I held my drink in my hand tightly as I watched my men moving around me like a beehive. Leo has been giving me these worried glances as if he wanted to tell me that there is some time to change my mind. But I ignored my close friend and watched my men gather, then call the ones who were still out handling business. This needs to be done now. I can’t wait anymore. It is as important to me as it is to Ariel. This is my vow to her as her lover and protector. And I have been failing to keep that promise. I downed my whisky and cleared my throat as it burned while it slid through my throat. Leo stood up and sat beside me on the couch, but I ignored him. I already knew what he was going to do. “Please reconsider this. At least till Theo is back. I need to be sure that there is someone who has your back. I will be busy to do that, Gabriel.” I stood up and went to the small bar in the den and filled my glass to the brim again. This isn’t from nervousness or cowardice. I ju