Chapter 18: EIGHTEEN

J A D E

He walked closer and sat beside me on the bed, staring into my eyes. I looked away, refusing to meet his gaze.

"You're falling in love with me."

I snapped. "I said, was! Not anymore, Markov. Never. Ever. Again. Please, leave. Just please, leave me alone. Let me heal. Please."

He stood to his feet, sighing and walked out of the room, slamming the door behind him. As soon as he was gone, the dam of tears suddenly broke and I was bawling my eyes out.

I curled myself on the bed, hugging my knees tightly. I wanted to be away from here. I wanted to forget about everything. I just wanted to forget.

I cried and cried, not stopping for a second. My heart was aching and my soul was torn.

I had never felt such pain in my entire life.

I had never felt this hurt.

Not even from the maltreatment I had received from Mason and his father. The last time I had cried like this was the time I found out about my parents' death.

I heard a single knock on my door and immediately looked up, thinking he had returned but I was met with Eliza standing by the door, something unfamiliar in her hands.

“Can I come in?” She asked softly, noticing the tears in my eyes.

I nodded and she locked the door behind her, stepping further into the room. “Alpha sent me to bring this to you.” I took Eliza so close as my friend and I had almost forgotten that she worked as a maid for Markov.

She was more than just a maid to me. She was a friend I never had. Herself and Ava.

I glanced at the beautiful yellow dress adorned with shiny silver stones and lace in her hands. The dress was so gorgeous, it would make anyone look like a million dollars.

“I’m not attending the ball.” I said, looking away.

I felt the bed dip and Eliza touched my face softly, setting the dress aside. “What has he done to you?” The concern in her voice was evident, her eyes were filled with sadness.

I was shocked by her question and I had to swallow hard, not knowing what to say.

Should I tell her? Would she even believe me if I told her?

But, she had lived with him for years. Surely, she’d know the real him and the facade he had been covering.

“Is this what he does to other girls? Has he done it to you too?”

Eliza seemed confused by my words. “I don’t know what you mean. He doesn't let any girls near him, let alone touch him.”

“He took my innocence last night.”

She gasped, her hands flying to her mouth.

“You didn’t consent?” She asked.

I shook my head.

That was enough of an answer.

I could see her face turning from shock to anger, then to sadness. “Markov would never do that…”

I suddenly turned towards her, shocked by her words. “Are you calling me a liar?” My voice was filled with rage.

“No no! I don’t know how to explain this, but did you notice any changes in him when he was… doing what he did to you? Like, was there a change in his demeanor or something close to that?”

“I did notice how his eyes had turned red when he was being rough. I don’t know, it was probably because he was so angry, but he was really aggressive. I couldn't even tell if it was him or not. He was hurting me, Eliza. But when he stopped, it was then he seemed to realize what he had done.”

“You have been a genuine person to me, Jade. And I know you don’t deserve any of this. But, there is a lot you don’t know about Alpha Markov, but I have sworn loyalty to him and can’t betray my Alpha. But, I just want you to know that he isn’t like this. There’s a lot more to the story than what meets the eye.”

“You might not believe it, but Markov has his reasons for everything and the fact that he cares for you, a lot. More than you think. That man has never been able to care for another person in his entire life. I’m not justifying what he did to you, it was utterly wrong and I feel absolutely sorry. I can’t even begin to imagine how betrayed you must be feeling, but I also want you to know that there are other factors involved in all of this, Jade. You will understand soon enough. Just promise me that you won’t give up on him just yet, okay? Markov needs you more than you think, Jade. Promise me. Please.

I swallowed hard. How could I possibly promise such a thing?

She held out her pinky finger, waiting for me to seal the promise.

I looked at her, wondering how the hell I was supposed to promise something like that. I couldn't promise such a thing, not after what happened.

But, seeing the desperation in her eyes, I reluctantly locked my pinky with hers.

She hugged me tightly before getting up.

I didn't know what I had gotten myself into.

I couldn’t understand why she was protecting him. But, there must be something that everyone wasn’t telling me. They seemed to know something I didn't know.

But, the question was…

What could that be?

What is the secret that they have sworn not to unveil at all costs? What could it be that was making them keep secrets from me?

And if they had a reason, then what was it?

The thought was killing me, driving me mad.

I wanted to find out what it was, but the only way to do that was to ask the Alpha himself.

But, could I even bear to hear his voice or look into his eyes?

I couldn’t, no, I wouldn't.

He was a monster.

A fucking monster.