Chapter 1: Fire

LAURA'S POV

"I didn't expect this place at all," I said, forcing a smile.

"Well, anything for you, my love," Christian said. I looked down and gently cut the meat into pieces, but stiffened as I felt his intense gaze on me.

"Is anything wrong?" I asked, raising my head to stare at him, and he shook his head negatively. I didn't push further and ate it. He seemed relieved and gently reached for his drink.

I really wanted to ask why Xena sent me a photo of him with his ex-fiancée, but those words couldn't leave my mouth. I just continued to eat.

His phone rang and I stared at the caller. It had no name, but I could feel my tummy flip in discomfort. He reached for it.

"Excuse me," he said and walked off. I gazed at his disappearing back and bit down on my lip. I picked up my phone. I began to type but froze as a sharp cramp twisted through my stomach. I held my tummy and gently rubbed it. It felt like a hot burning sensation. I gulped down some water, but it didn't help. There was no one around as he had bought the entire restaurant.

I stood up. "Christian," I called out, yet I heard no one. When I finally sighted him in the garden. "Thank goodness, Christian, I have to go, my tum-" My entire body went still at the sight. On the bench was Christian thrusting deep into his ex-fiancée Mina on the chair. I stood there speechless, trying to find my words, yet nothing could escape from my lips.

I made a step forward, but my knees buckled and I landed straight on the ground. I held onto my tummy, the pain hit hard... and he seemed to notice me then.

"Take me to the hospital," I called out weakly. He stared at me, but didn't stop and continued to thrust into her.

"Christian," I called out again and he stopped. "Shut the fvck up!" he yelled. My chest tightened, as this was the first time he had ever yelled. I coughed out blood and he seemed satisfied.

"Took you long enough," he said and my lips parted. "What did you put into my food?" I asked. He sighed and pulled out, zipping his trousers up.

"Just a little pill. Wouldn't kill you, but it'll damage your organs," he said and I gritted my teeth.

"Isn't that same as killing me?" I yelled out in rage and he froze before laughing.

"True."

His ex, Mina, gently pulled her gown down. "She's so pathetic," she said and eyed me from head to toe. "And dirty," she cursed, covering her nose.

"What stinks here?" she muttered again. I wanted to curse at her and Christian but I had no strength left in me... why would he do this? I loved him. I took care of him. I even gave him everything I owned.

"What?" I moved to voice out and he sighed. "I did like you a tiny bit... after all, you were wealthy. You could take me out of poverty and being known as the illegitimate son of my family," he sighed and glared at me.

"Well, but then you had to exercise your power over me, belittle me, and make me feel small!" he yelled and I shivered.

"I never did any of that! I just gave you a job in my office, so you wouldn't be idle at home," I said, struggling to breathe properly, and Mina rolled her eyes.

"You belittled him. In your office? So he should serve you?" she asked and walked closer to Christian, holding his arm.

"Too bad, we are now together," she said and moved closer, placing her lips onto his. They kissed softly and my heart tightened. It hurt so much seeing him being so intimate while I was dying.

"Did you ever care about me?" I asked, fighting back the tears about to fall.

"No. Laura, you were just convenient, besides you aren't the first woman I have scammed... I can't believe there are still stuck fools around," he added and clapped his hands, like he was enjoying a show.

He walked closer to me, crouched down, and held my cheeks. "Don't worry, the poison wouldn't kill you..." He paused and his eyes glistened.

"Something else will," he said and I spat straight in his face. He wiped it off, glared at me and..

POW

His hand cracked on my face. It hurt so much, yet I dared not cry.... I wouldn't shed a tear for him... I hate him, I thought bitterly

"Don't worry, I will take care of your wealth and family for you... especially your sister," he added, licking his lips and I clenched my fist.

"Don't you dare touch her," I muffled out in pain while the blood slid down the edge of my lips.

POW

Another slap landed and then a kick to my face, my body shook violently. My nose burst open at the impact and warm blood rushed down my lips. Before I could even blink, Mina was holding a gallon in her hand.

"What are you doing?" I asked in fright. She just smirked, turned the cover open and walked towards me.

"Christian, what are you doing? Would you burn this entire building down? You want to kill me?" I asked in panic and he smiled.

"I can just pay for this building!" he said and I gritted my teeth. I wanted to scratch that perfect face of his. All five years wasted on him...

"I curse the day I met you," I crawled angrily. He just smiled. She poured the gasoline around me, the bushes, then finally on me...

I held onto her leg. "If he kills me, you'll be his accomplice. Please don't do this." It was my last resort. Even if it meant I would kiss her feet to live, I would. She sneered and kicked my hands away, forcing a cry from my lips. 

"Accomplice? Laura, we were never here," she said and Christian held her waist. She crouched down and held my chin “Besides, a rich woman should’ve known better than to fall in love.”

"Right, baby," he said and pecked her lips. It turned raw and provocative. I could only watch. My legs couldn't move. I felt paralyzed in place.

They parted and she lit the matchstick. Seeing it lit up and they had no fear, no remorse, I knew I was doomed.

The fire landed on the bushes and flames engulfed the surroundings. I coughed out my lungs as I inhaled the smoke. They just watched and walked off. I gazed at them. “The staff had been dismissed hours ago. So don't bother screaming," Christian said.

"How could you? You bastard!" I screamed in my head. The flames welcomed me and a broken scream tore from my lips.

"Help!"

I could feel the flames melting my skin. The ringing in my ear intensified. Was this how everything would end? With me dying? I left everything behind. I left almost everything under his name. My mum, my siblings...

I regret ever meeting him, I thought, accepting my death, when I heard the door creak open and a silhouette figure rushed towards me.

"Can you hear me?" he said, but my vision went blurry and everything went silent.