Alex
It felt like my heart was being ripped out of my chest as I walked back into the hall, putting a smile on my face again.
Was she truly the lady from that day?
How was I to know when she had dressed so simply, like a common lowlife.
There's no way that was my fault. No, not when she caused it all. Besides, I wouldn't have acted any differently; they were all the same. Silly lowlife bitches. I scoffed, rolling my eyes and running my hands through my curly hair.
I got to the shore that day when I received Enzo's call saying Bianca wasn't there. Little did I know the silly woman I had encountered was actually Bianca herself. How pathetic.
My jaw clenched. The mere thought of Enzo stirred a bitter pang in my heart. I felt like stripping the damn bones from his body, especially after what he did to me two years ago.
He was a damn backstabber and would certainly get a better taste of what awaits him. As for Bianca, she wouldn't learn the truth, at least, not now. The marriage must proceed no matter what.
That's my only way to get back at the Smiths. The memories from ten years ago flooded my heart with greater grief. Everyone else may have forgotten, but I certainly can't forget so soon. Not when it had haunted me with every single breathe.
I kept the smile on my face, even though my heart was pounding and I was boiling with rage inside. But certainly, a greater sense of uncertainty creeped into my spine.
The crowd clapped as I entered; a loud roar filled the air. I looked around, and there they were, Bianca and her mother, smiling brightly at the podium. The blue light shone on them.
I walked up to them.
"I'm sorry I kept you all waiting. That was important. So sorry," I said apologetically, taking her hands.
"My lady, shall we?" I added, and she smiled.
But beneath that smile, I saw something stronger, hesitation, resilience, and something else I couldn't quite place.
That alone stirred greater dread in my heart. She was mine, mine alone. I would have her just the way I wanted, and there was no going back.
The party continued and soon came to an end. I made sure to say those sweet, well-crafted words to her to etch myself into her heart before heading back home.
Seated in my room in the dead of night, my heart stirred as everything resurfaced, bitter, painful memories from ten years ago that wouldn't let me find peace.
I tried to shove them aside, but again, I couldn't, no matter how hard I tried. Each scene invited deeper dread, and my teeth gnashed.
I found myself storming to the wine stand, grabbing a bottle of whiskey. I emptied its contents into my mouth. The burning liquid slid down my throat as I squeezed my eyes shut, reliving that awful day.
She could have stopped her parents. She should have. But she didn't. She just stood there and did nothing.
I took another full gulp of the liquor, and a loud groan escaped my lips.
"Gosh!" I muttered, slamming the bottle into the glass wall. The shattering sound of glass echoed through the room,
Amidst it, the burning pain shot through my arm. The sting intensified, and I looked down at the cut, blood stained the floor, the scent filled my nostrils.
Just three more days, and everything would be settled. Freaking three days, I reminded myself, letting the blood drip onto the cold rug.
*****
The Next Morning
"Get that car out and make sure it's discarded. Replace all the cars with new ones," I instructed Jerry, my personal assistant, then dropped the phone onto the headrest.
I moved into the washroom, letting cold water run over my head. The chill crept down my spine.
Everything is going just fine, I muttered to myself as I stood under the stream. The thought of Ella crept into my mind, along with memories of how good she was.
No doubt, I disliked women, but I kept a few as sex slaves, and Ella was one of my favorites. I'd definitely be calling her over for the night.
A smile tugged at my lips as I remained lost in thought, when I heard my phone ring from the bedroom. I ignored it, but after the third ring, I turned off the shower, grabbed a towel, and wrapped it around my waist.
I stepped into the room and saw it was the security guard at the gate calling. I swiped to answer, he never called unless it was something important.
"Sir, there's a lady here named Bianca. She wants to see you," he said.
For a moment, I took the phone away from my ear, glanced at the screen, then brought it back.
"Let her in," I said, lowering the phone. My heart clashed with thoughts as I stood, pondering.
What was she doing at my house? Shouldn't she be busy with the wedding plans?
I thought it through, but still couldn't wrap my head around it. She came without calling?
It's true we didn't know each other that well, but I'd learned she was strong-willed and stubborn, exactly the kind of woman I wanted.
I smirked, changed into a singlet and joggers, brushed my hair to the side like I always did, and made sure I looked good.
Once I was satisfied I looked like the perfect handsome guy, I walked to the living room, but she wasn't there.
I looked around, frowning in confusion. Didn't the gatekeeper let her in?
I was about to call him but decided to check the door myself.
Opening it, I found her standing there, holding something that looked like a package in her arms. Her expression was unreadable, but there was a definite frown.
That alone stirred something inside
me, something I wasn't entirely sure I recognized in those piercing eyes locked on mine.