Chapter 8 A ride home

Zelda's brother, Michael, meant everything to her. Growing up with a mother who was more concerned about her appearance and keeping her violent, gambling husband appeased, Michael had always stepped in to protect her.

He took the brunt of their mother's neglect and their father's wrath, sacrificing his own well-being for her sake. Despite their age difference, he had been her rock, always there to shield her from harm.

On that fateful night when she was taken to the Fergusons' home, Michael had just returned from a camping trip. After receiving a call from their father, who had been drinking, he rushed home, anger bubbling beneath the surface.

The moment he arrived, he found Zelda bleeding, having suffered at the hands of their father. Without hesitation, he pushed their father away and cradled his sister in his arms, desperate to protect her.

His first instinct was to take her to the Wenger family, who had cared for Zelda until she was six. But they were nowhere to be found. In a panic, he turned to the nearest house, which happened to be the Fergusons’. It was there that James Ferguson intervened, saving Zelda and ensuring she was adopted into his family.

This turn of fate meant everything to Zelda, and she held Michael close to her heart, grateful for his protection and support.

As Zelda thought about those difficult times, Hammer's voice broke through her thoughts. “Should I take you home?” he asked, a gentle smile on his face.

“Thank you,” she replied, grateful for his presence as he opened the car door for her. Once seated, she fumbled with her seat belt, trying to fasten it, but it snagged.

Hammer leaned into the car to help, his proximity surprising her. She felt a mix of warmth and nervousness as he effortlessly untangled the belt. “Thanks,” she said, smiling as she shifted away slightly.

He stepped back, closing the door before taking his place in the driver’s seat.

As he started the car, they were unaware that a man was watching them from a distance, his gaze fixed intently on them.

Upon arriving at Jian's apartment, Hammer instinctively got out to open Zelda's door, but she hesitated. “It’s alright, I can manage,” she insisted.

“Not a chance,” he replied, with the confidence of a true gentleman. He swung the door open and offered her a hand.

“Thank you very much, brother,” Zelda said, a touch of warmth in her voice.

Hammer smiled, “It’s no problem at all.” His teasing tone made her laugh, momentarily lifting the weight of her worries.

But little did they know, the man who had been following them was still lurking nearby, watching their every move.

“Have a safe journey, Hammer,” Zelda said, watching as he climbed into his car. He waved goodbye, and as she turned to walk away, a heavy sigh escaped her lips.

The reality of her situation settled in: she was not heading back to her husband, James.

This was not the life she had envisioned for herself. This was the beginning of a new Chapter.

As she approached the apartment building, the night enveloped her in darkness. She immediately noticed the dimness; the flickering hallway lights cast shadows along the walls.

Her friend Jian lived in this modest apartment. They had been neighbours and schoolmates, growing close over the years. Jian had chosen this place as she finished her studies, a decision born out of necessity rather than luxury. The apartment was far from perfect…. like many affordable options, it came with its own set of quirks and issues. Tonight, the dead lights in the hallway served as a reminder of that.

Just as she was still lost in her thoughts, someone suddenly wrapped their arms around her, pulling her close. Startled, Zelda instinctively screamed, her heart racing. But before she could make a sound, a hand clamped over her mouth, and a low voice murmured,

“Just calm down.”

The familiar voice sent a shiver down her spine, accompanied by the overwhelming scent of his toxic masculinity. Recognition washed over her, and she visibly relaxed, though her instincts still screamed at her.

With a swift movement, he turned her around and pinned her against the wall beside her.

“What do you think you’re doing?” he whispered and shouted at her.

"What do you mean, James?" she asked, trying to steady herself.

"I'm asking you….what do you think you're doing?" he repeated, his tone cold and accusing. "What was that out there?"

"I... I don’t understand," Zelda frowned, genuinely confused.

"You think you can make a fool of me?" James’s voice was sharp, laced with an anger barely restrained. "Just falling into other men's arms while you're still married to me? I want you to remember that you're married, Zelda. I am your legal husband. We’re not divorced."

"What do you mean by saying that?" Zelda asked, her voice low but steady, challenging him despite how she felt.

James laughed bitterly. "What I mean is, you can’t just jump into other men’s arms, showing affection in the streets like you’re single. How long have you been doing this? With that man out there, how long have you been sneaking behind my back? Was it before I left? Or after? Is this the real reason you want a divorce, Zelda?"

Zelda’s eyes widened in disbelief. "No, no," she whispered, but the disgust she felt was already starting to surface, twisting her face in anger he couldn’t see in the dim light.

"You wouldn’t just leave me without a reason," he continued, his words dripping with scorn. "You must have found some other bed to jump into. That’s why you married me, right? Because you knew you were turning twenty-one, and the Fergusons wouldn’t support you anymore. So you set me up, made sure you’d have a place to go…and now that I don’t want to give you something that would solidify your position in my life, you’ve found someone else. Admit it, Zelda. You’re nothing but a gold digger."

The words struck Zelda like blows. She clenched her fists, trembling, trying to hold herself together. But something inside her snapped. Without a second thought, she raised her hand and slapped him, the sound cutting sharply through the silence.

James staggered back, stunned by her reaction. She had never raised her hand or voice toward him before.

For a moment, he looked at her, shocked and furious. He clenched his jaw, fists shaking as he restrained himself, then took another step back.

Taking a deep breath, he turned and walked out of the apartment, leaving her standing there alone.

Zelda leaned back against the wall, the weight of everything crashing down on her. Tears filled her eyes, and as they started to fall, her silent sobs filled the empty space.

Zelda ran to the first floor, her vision blurred by tears. She pushed open the door, stepped inside and caught sight of Jian by the window, who hadn’t noticed her yet.

"So, Are you and James are back together?" Gian asked casually. "Did he drop you off?"

But as she turned and saw Zelda’s tear-streaked face, her expression shifted. Immediately, Gina rushed over, pulling Zelda into a comforting embrace, stroking her hair and holding her close.

"What happened?" she whispered.

"James... he’s so mean. He doesn’t want a divorce," Zelda choked out. "If he’s so interested in being with Susan, why doesn’t he just let me go? Why does he have to keep me tied to him?"

"Is that why you’re crying?" Gian asked softly, concern deepening in her gaze.

Zelda shook her head. "I’m crying because… he accused me of cheating on him. He thought I was with Hammer."

"Hammer?" Gina echoed, surprised.

"Yes," Zelda replied, her voice wavering. "Hammer is my brother's doctor and he only gave me a ride home, and James saw us together. He called me all sorts of names. He thinks I'm... that I would... I just…" Zelda broke down again, the pain too much.

Gian held her tightly. "I know. Don’t cry, Zelda. Do you know why he won’t let you go? It’s not love. It’s because he doesn’t want anyone else to have you. If he doesn't have you no one else can."