Chapter 13

Liam

The day took forever to pass. The hours seemed to have stopped, only to remind me that I had been a big idiot once again. I bitterly regretted it. And I have no idea how to deal with this feeling that is consuming me. I haven’t known how to do this since I got involved with Ana. She is different. She seems too fragile, the opposite of my ex-wife.

Julie woke up, ate, and went back to sleep. This time, in her room. It was still late, the sun coming through the cracks of the windows, illuminating the whole room.

I took the chance to go through some pending reports. Selena was driving me crazy, and to avoid doing something stupid, I preferred to solve things at home until Julie got better.

I opened the laptop on the email tab and there was everything I should be focusing on, but how? How can I do that if my thoughts turn to Kyra every single moment?

I thought about calling. Sending some message, but I preferred not to do any of that. She needed time and so did I. I need time to do something that can allow me to apologize for the two times I was a huge jerk, but I don’t know how to do it. That’s why I called the best person I knew:

"Alex?" I heard his laugh when he answered, as if he couldn’t believe it was me. "Remember my daughter’s nanny? I was an idiot with her and I don’t know how to apologize for that."

"I’ll be there in half an hour. How’s Julie? I saw Rafael in the parking lot and he told me she wasn’t feeling well." — That bastard doctor, always meddling where he shouldn’t. "But then… are you in love with her?"

"No," I answered immediately, without thinking twice. "Of course not. I just want to apologize because she is my daughter’s nanny and Julie likes her a lot. And I don’t want to be a bad impression on her, not yet."

"I think it’s not just Julie who likes her." I didn’t answer, and maybe my silence gave away more than I intended. "Ok… I’ll bring what I learned from Mary, and a bottle of wine. Do you want anything else?"

"Is that all? Bring something else, I don’t know how to do this anymore…"

Before he answered, I remembered that I’m not dead yet. I think I rushed when I called him, without much need.

I sent a message asking him to forget what I said. He didn’t reply, but he saw it.

Kyra

I always knew people are a well of ingratitude. But since when are you humiliated for doing exactly what you’re told? I am following all the rules, yet I’m still humiliated at the first opportunity he has to do it.

I went back to the apartment I had rented and, for the first time, I wondered if it wouldn’t be better to just go back. Marcos will find me sooner or later anyway, I just need to be prepared for when that moment comes. But what was tightening my chest was the fact that Marcos is Ana’s brother. Could it be that he and Liam know each other — damn it, how didn’t I think of that before — of course they know each other, fuck…

I grabbed some clothes I would use a lot in the coming days. With forecasts of heavy rains, storms, and snowstorms. Not rare or fancy pieces, but warm and comfortable enough.

The few things I had that were still worth something, I didn’t think twice — I took pictures and listed them on selling apps — at least I could use the money to pay Liam.

I heard knocking at the door and remembered what I was running from. I grabbed my protection utensils — the ones I bought — and was ready for anything. Because I knew it wouldn’t be Liam.

"Isabelle, open the door. I know you’re in there." The voice that had always destabilized me was haunting me once again. "Don’t play hard to get now. You took the game too seriously and hid too far away, I almost couldn’t find you."

I didn’t answer. I didn’t give him any certainty that I was standing by the window. Ready to jump at any moment.

"I see… you don’t want to talk to me now. But I’ll wait, because I have all the time in the world for you and I can also visit you at your work. I think it will be nice to see Liam Blackthorne again after years."

"What do you want?" I opened the door and saw him, the same as always. Handsome, but rotten inside and out. "I have nothing to talk to you about. Don’t you think you’ve ruined my life enough already?"

"Ruined your life? Isabelle… I just… I thought you’d enjoy it."

Of course! I loved seeing my intimate photos and videos leaked by my own boyfriend. In friend groups, adult sites, and illegal sales to disgusting men. He disgusts me and I can’t explain the repulsion I feel for him. But he would never come back just to torment me, he always comes looking for something, and this time would be no different.

"What do you want now? I know all of this isn’t just to mess with me. So tell me what the fuck you want."

"Well, well… looks like the kitty is showing her claws." His gaze went into the apartment and his expression wasn’t the best. "I’ve seen you in better situations. Right now, I don’t want anything, but if I find out you’re seeing someone, I’ll remind you of the past."

After he left, I kept packing my things, because he never acted on impulse. The bastard always thinks of the worst way to traumatize. After I finished packing, I took a quick shower before going back to the mansion.

As soon as the gate opened, I felt lost again. I should just turn back right there. Abandon everything and leave, like last time, but what good will it do to live running away forever?

When I entered the mansion, I went straight to the room, placed my bag by the door, and went to check on Julie. And she was much better than in the morning.

"Kyra" — I didn’t turn around, but I felt my body shiver when he touched my shoulder. Moving a lock of hair behind my ear. "I’m sorry for what I said. For the rude way I treated you, for the second time. I’m sorry."

"It’s okay. I’m the one who should apologize, Mr. Blackthorne." I answered, tired of any kind of interaction. "Do you need anything?"

His delay in responding made me notice something that wasn’t my business. The kitchen was lit by candlelight, I smelled the aroma and thought: lucky the woman who was invited.

"Not at the moment."

"I hope I didn’t interrupt anything, sir." I didn’t wait for answers, I just went upstairs, entered the room, and locked the door temporarily.