chapter 9: infectious

Tessa POV

"stay with me for 2 weeks, and i will offer you the deal you are here for, then you can leave freely or i will lock you here and you will never leave”.

the words kept echoing on my head unstop.

‘ what have i gotten myself into’

‘God no’

i stood there frozen

‘so I'm trapped’

‘this wasn't the plan’

he is clearly threatening me, leave freely or be trapped forever.

What does he really want? What happened to Harriet?, isn't she with him again?.

As I approached the door, attempting to step out, I noticed the door was locked from outside.

‘it's definitely over’

“Elvis let me outttttt!!!!”. I screamed but received no response.

‘oh God, taught he has moved on, he broke up with me himself for crying out loud’

I continuously banged on the door but received no response.

I slumped against the door, tears streaming down my face, fear gripped me, the thought of my daughter fuels my vulnerability even more.

What will happen if he finds out about her?.

stay with him for 2 weeks?

what for?

he isn't giving me any chance.

Why does he always do this, always threatening me to get what he wants?

i promised to go back to canada in 3 days time, now i have to stay for 2 weeks?

I stood up, cleaned up my face and picked up my phone to call Rolex.

“Hi, Meave" the voice came over immediately the call connected.

“how are you doing, how is it going over there”.

“It's all fine, uhmm.. i have a little personal issue to settle here, so i might not be coming back for sometime” i said going straight to the reason i called.

“Are you alright?”. he asked, noticing I'm sounding off. I know it's definitely obvious in my voice.

“no..no I'm fine, i just need to settle some issues before coming back to Canada, help me talk to shally, i know she will be very disappointed”. I said , trying to sound calm and composed.

“Maeve, if you need anything or someone to talk to, you can always come to me, okay?" he replied gently" and as for shally i will handle her, take your time okay?”.

As I hung up the phone, a mix of emotions flooded my being. Happiness washed over me, thinking about Rolex's kindness and understanding. Regret pierced my heart, wondering what could've been if I hadn't come back for this project. Sadness lingered, knowing I still have to face Elvis.

Rolex's words echoed in my mind: "Take your time." His support felt like a lifeline, a reminder that I wasn't alone. I felt grateful for his presence, his empathy, and his support.

sitting here won't solve anything.

I stood up, planning to go freshen up, when the door suddenly opened and the servant walked in carrying a food tray, while a bodyguard trailed behind her.

She placed the tray on a nearby table, her expression normal. "Your meal, ma'am," she said softly before leaving, peaking through the door, I can see a glimpse of the bodyguard obviously keeping watch outside the door.

‘So I'm a prisoner now?’ i thought with a bitter smile

*********

I don't know how long I have been sleeping but I felt a heavy weight pressing down on me, making it hard to breathe or move.

I tried to shift him gently but he didn't seem to dodge, still deep in slumber, unaware of my discomfort.

As I gazed at his face, I noticed a slight resemblance to my daughter, the similarity tugging at my heartstrings making me feel a hint of sadness.

Having him sleeping in my arms feels so weird. I can't help but wonder how I got to this stage.

He draws closer, his face coming in very close contact with mine, sending a shiver down my spine. Suddenly, his lips brush against mine, which shocked me into stillness.

For a moment, I'm frozen, unsure of how to react. His eyes suddenly locked onto mine, his gaze still heavy with sleep, yet with a playful smirk on his face which told me he had done it on purpose, I felt a flush rise to my cheeks.

I quickly pushed him, and he tumbled out of the bed, his laughter echoing through the room. as he laughed i couldn't help but wonder what he found so funny, the situation?

my reaction?

or something else entirely?.

His carefree laughter was infectious, i tried maintaining a stern look, but ended smiling instead.