Chapter 5

C

Elle's POV

"Huff... Ugh... Uhh..."

Those were the sounds that filled my head as I ran through the alley. It was accompanied by the noise from my feet slamming to the ground as I ran as fast as I could.

I turned back, but I couldn't see anything. It was completely dark, just like the road before me.

It was always dark.

But I knew he was there. He was always hidden by the darkness, and I could never see him coming.

"Nuella! Nuella!" A loud growl echoed from behind me.

He was close. So close I could feel his breath against my neck.

That was when I saw it—the police station. I was close to my haven.

I was about to step onto the clearing of the parking lot when someone grabbed my hair and yanked me backward.

"I told you I would find you," He whispered hot breath into my ears. "You can never run away from me my little princess."

A chill ran down my spine as his cold lips placed a hard kiss on my cheek.

"I'll always find you."

"Argh!" I screamed, jerking up from bed.

I got off the bed and rushed toward the corner of the room to switch on the light.

Relief flooded my mind as I realized that I was still in Raymond's room.

There was nothing to be scared of. I was safe and sound. He hadn't found me.

He couldn't.

That was when something caught my attention. The bed was empty. I was the only one in the room.

How did I get to the room? And where was Raymond?

The last thing I remembered was both of us on the couch after making love. And then, him calling me... Nuella.

I might have fallen asleep after spending hours thinking about it. But sleeping on it didn't answer the question.

How did he know my real name? I couldn't place my finger on it.

Only those from my hometown knew that name. Which was just a few people since I didn't like making friends or interacting with the neighbors.

After Richard and I had gotten married, we moved away and I made sure to have my name changed. So, who told Raymond about it? Was it Richard?

"Oh! You're up!" Raymond's voice cut through my thoughts.

The moment I turned around, a pair of strong arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me towards him.

"If it isn't the woman I kept seeing in my dreams," He mumbled against my lips.

The scene from the dream swallowed my thoughts, pulling me to that place I always dreaded.

I shut my eyes, slightly shaking my head to wipe off the image. Thankfully, it worked.

"What's wrong?" Raymond asked in a concerned tone. There was a frown on his face.

"I'm fine," I muttered as I tried to pull out from his grip. Instead, he tightened it. But it was still gentle—as always.

"Does this have anything to do with Richard?" He lifted my chin with his fingers so I could meet his eyes. His blue eyes had a way of pulling me in. Making me unable to resist.

Suddenly, Raymond loosened his grip on me. He walked towards the side table, picking up his phone.

"I guess the bastard hasn't learned his lesson. I'm going to make sure he regrets ever being born."

The threat sent a chill down my spine and I wasn't even the one at the receiving end. His voice had an edge to it that could make some wet themselves.

Raymond tapped his screen a few times before putting it close to his ear.

He was about to say something when I rushed towards him.

"No, he is not the one. Besides, nothing is wrong," I muttered as I got to him.

He let out a low chuckle. But it wasn't humorous.

"I know you, Elle. I know only Richard can get you this upset and—"

"You're getting it all wrong, Raymond. I'm not upset," I snapped.

His eyes were fixed on me, which made me a little embarrassed.

I looked away, rubbing the back of my neck. "I just... have a lot that I'm thinking about. That's all."

He raised a brow at me. "Really?"

I nodded.

Raymond lets out a sigh. "Fine, if you say so. Just know that I don't believe you. I know something is bothering you. But I'll let you handle it yourself. But meet me when and if you need help. Got it?"

He was about to turn around when I held him back. I didn't want to ask, but there was no way I could overlook it. Not when it had to do with my past.

"Are you finally ready to tell me what's going on with you?" He asked.

I nodded slightly as I swallowed hard.

"Then what's going on?"

"Um... Last night, after we made love—" Raymond's lips tipped into a smirk which made my heart skip a beat. But I ignored him. "You said something...more like called me by a different name."

I snickered. "Okay. Did I use a new word that you didn't like? Was it Honey, or Sugar? Is it that you don't like being called after some foods?"

I shook my head, trying to stop myself from laughing. "It's not that Raymond."

"Then was it?" He asked his smirk still in place.

I took in a deep breath before muttering, "You called me, Nuelle."

I watched as the smile on Raymond's face vanished slowly. Something wasn't right.

"Who the heck is Nuella?" He asked, giving me a confused look. Suddenly, his eyes widened. "Wait a minute, don't tell me you think I'm cheating on you with this Nuelle girl—"

"No, not that," I snapped. "That didn't even cross my mind. Just that you said, Nuelle, my wife. Which isn't my name and—"

Before I could complete the words, Raymond shut me up with a kiss. When he finally pulled out, he took off the sweatshirt he was wearing.

"I don't remember anything that happened after we made love, Elle. So let's just forget about it. Stop overthinking things."

He walked into the bathroom without saying anything else.

I knew he was right and I might've been overthinking things, but a part of me still felt like Raymond...was hiding something from me.