Chapter 4: He found me

    No no...

    I was probably dreaming or hallucinating. he couldn't possibly have found me.

    I stumbled backward, my pulse thundering in my ears. I rubbed my eyes hard, convinced I was hallucinating. But when I looked again, he was still there.

    Like my worst nightmare brought to life he sat on my couch, in an all black attire again, legs crossed with a glass of wine in his hand like he owned the place.

    "Hello Ayanna," his deep voice echoed through the living room, calm and composed.

    "You thought you could get rid of me with a simple note and cash."

    I gasped, my legs trembling in fear.

    How did he know my name?

    You're famous Ayanna. He probably saw you on TV or on the cover of magazines.

    Okay that was a logical explanation. But...

    I couldn't find my voice. My mouth opened and closed yet nothing came out. All I could do was stare at him with wide eyes. I watched as he rose to his feet, his gaze never leaving mine as he stalked toward me, his steps silent and unhurried like he had all the time in the world.

    I felt my heart pounding against my chest but I couldn't move. It was as if an invincible force kept me rooted.

    He stopped an inch away, towering over me like a god. Everything about him screamed sin and dominance. He was beautiful too. Like an art piece brought to life. Was he truly a gigolo or had I mistaken him to be one? I desperately hoped the latter was the case because then he'd be easy to handle.

    But this man didn't seem... easy to handle.

    Slowly he brought out a piece of paper and a stack of cash from his pocket. One I recognize because I'd given it to him in hopes that he'd forget everything and stay away from me.

    "Even some trash are discarded reluctantly. But the way you tossed me away so fast... it's quite disheartening."

    "Wh...what do you want?" I finally found my voice, taking a step back to allow myself breath but he step forward with each step I took backward so I stopped.

    "Tell me what you want_ you want more money. Perhaps a car, a house too?"

    His eyes turned darker and he scoffed as if my offer meant nothing.

    "Money, car, and a house, I could easily get. I want something else. Something priceless."

    Okay. A gigolo who doesn't want money nor a car or house. He wanted something priceless but what was priceless? Power. Fame.

    He tilted his head to the side as though he could read my thoughts, his lips slowly curling into a smirk. He stepped forward, closing the gap between us and I held my breath, trying my best to stay compose even though all I wanted to do was run away. Disappear to a place he'd never find me.

    "You said forever, didn't you?... You could have me forever," he said.

    I paused, searching his face for a sign that he was joking, there was nothing. He look dead serious.

    No.

    I'd only said that in my drunken state I didn't mean it all at.

    "Look... I was drunk okay. I should never have said that."

    "But you did. Every moment from that night is forever imprinted in my mind. I wouldn't forget even if I tried to. So you must keep your words to me."

    He couldn't be serious. I shook my head.

    "No. You can't... No," I mumbled, stepping back this time he didn't close the gap between us.

    "I'll give you more money. Any amount. Just name your price."

    "I already did," he stated, turning his back to me before I could utter another word. I watched as he set the stack of cash and note on the couch.

    "Have a goodnight Ayanna," was the last thing he said before leaving my house.

    I stood there shaken, feet frozen in place even after several minutes had passed. I stared at the direction of the door like he'd appear again.

    What have I gotten myself into?

    That night, I tossed and turned unable to sleep each time I closed my eyes a certain intense grey eyes stared back at me.

    How did he find me? Though I was famous, my home address was strictly confidential. I hadn't even given him clues or leave any behind that day.

    Oh God this can't be happening.

    It wasn't until the early hours of the morning that I managed to fall asleep. I woke up at noon to a phone call from my father.

    "Come home Ayanna, let's have lunch," was all he said before hanging up. No greeting or how are you. Typical Mark Coleman style.

    I groaned as I got out of bed, showering and dressing up before I headed downstairs.

"Ma'am you're awake. I'll prepare something for you," Judith said once she saw me.

"Thanks Judith. But I'm going over to my parents house. I wouldn't mind a cup of coffee though."

Judith nodded, rushing into the kitchen and returning minutes later with a cup of coffee...

The drive to my parents house was about thirty minutes. I heaved a sigh as I turned off the engine, sitting silently in the car for another two minutes before finally entering the house.

Silence welcomed me like always. Although grand and beautiful there was nothing warm about this place. It felt more like a well-glided cage. Father was cold and unfeeling and he was always absence, though mother and I preferred his absence because whenever he was around we had to act cautiously like we were walking on thin ice that could break any second. It was suffocating.

"Welcome young miss," Matthew, my parent's butler greeted when he saw me.

"Thanks Matthew," I said politely.

"Is mother in her room?"

"No miss, she's in the garden," Matthew replied. I thanked him and walked toward the garden. I'd not seen my mother for a while since I was always busy. Even the last time I came I'd been consumed by grief I didn't want her to see me that way.

I spotted Mother as soon as I entered the garden. She sat on a rocking chair with a book in her hand. Though it was upsidedown and she seemed absentminded. 

My heart clenched seeing her like this but I smiled, calling out to her.

"Mom."

 She immediately glanced up, her face lighting up with a smile. "Aya my child, come here," she gently patted the space she created for me beside her. 

"How have you been mother?" I asked as soon as I sat down taking in her appearance. Although she looked well, the glint in her eyes said otherwise. She wasn't happy. But she always pretended to be whenever she was around me.

"I'm alright Aya. How about you my child?" Mother brought her hand to caress my cheek. How are things with you and Alex?"

I wanted to tell her everything. I wanted to tell her that the perfect marriage I thought I had was nothing but a lie. Alex had taken my love and discarded it like it was nothing. I wanted to tell her that her fear of me ending up like her had come true. But I couldn't. It would break her. So I said.

"Things are alright Mom. You need not worry Alex and I are great, he loves me so much." 

Mother laughed. Not a joyous one. But one of someone completely shattered.

"Don't lie to me Aya. I overheard the conversation between you and your father the other day."

I gasped, unable to deny it since she'd heard it herself.

"This was my greatest fear. Everyday I prayed, I prayed that someone would cherish you, that you'd never know pain, my child. I'd asked God to give me all your sorrows and you...all of my joy. Yet...

She broke, tears spilling down her cheeks. 

"Mom, I promise I'm okay," I gently wiped her tears holding back mine because I knew if I cried she'd cry more.

"Alex might have cheated but he didn't break me."

Mother paused, then she chuckled. "You think you can deceive me. I am your mother Ayanna. I watched you grow. I know when you're happy or sad. Listen to me Aya, do not concern yourself with me, divorce Alex if you must."

"How could I mom? You've endured suffering all this years for my sake. I'm willing to do the same for you."

"Listen to me Aya..."

"No mom," I cut her off. "I'll stay married to Alex until I'm able to take back everything Father stole from you and free you from his clutches."

"What can you do Aya? You might be a super model but you have no real power to rival your father. He would crush you with just a flicker of his finger. He'd make you loss everything and never get back on your feet. I don't want that for you my child. I don't mind if I have to keep suffering as long as you keep shinning." 

"Please stop saying that Mother."

"Aya, there nothing you can do to help me, unless you meet a force much powerful to rival your father."

"Ma'am, young miss, sir asked me to fetch

  both of you," Matthew interrupted us. 

Mother quickly wiped her tears, putting on a happy expression as she pulled me with her. It was as though nothing had happened. Like she hadn't just crumbled before me. But of course she was a master at pretending.

Father said nothing to us as we took our seats and we ate in silence. Father didn't condolence talking while eating, ever. 

"Ayanna, you've been behaving yourself haven't you?"

I knew what he meant. He wanted to knew if I was heeding to his words. 

"I am father. I've taken what you said into consideration and you're right. Alex loves me so much if he didn't he would've taken Kate for a wife," I said. 

I needed him to think I was a helpless fool in love who would easily forgive her husband for cheating on her. Only then would he lower his guard and it worked. Father nodded looking satisfied. Then he handed me an invitation card. 

"A masquerade ball will be held next month. Important guest from all over the country will be there. Most importantly the Blackwell heir. You and Alex should prepare. You'll attend the ball with me."