It wasn’t supposed to happen, but it did. Something shifted between us that day. Something that neither he nor I could ever forget. Like a secret handshake or a newborn language only the two of us could understand. It would always play in my mind like a broken record player.
“Are you okay?”
I nodded and accepted the bottle of water Chad handed to me. The water washed the bitter taste away. Percy leaned against the wall nearby and watched us with curious eyes. The images once again replayed in my head.
When I puked all over his shoes, I was expecting him to be infuriated. However, the aftermath was different. Chad was speechless while I stared up at him in shock and horror. My cheeks were flaming and tears stained them after heaving. Humiliation is what I felt. I stood and took a box of tissues sitting on my desk and offered to wipe the leftover food from his shoes. Nevertheless, Chad refused and wiped it off himself. I remained silent as I waited for him to clean his shoes and dispose of the used tissues. I knew his shoes smelled, but Chad didn’t complain. Instead, he urged me to follow him down. The elevator ride was filled with awkward silence, at least to me.
When we arrived at the lobby, Percy greeted us. Although he appeared calm on the outside, I knew Percy was wary of Chad. Must be Dad’s doing.
I gave Percy a glance and saw that he wasn’t looking at us, eyes glued to his phone.
“I’m sorry,” I muttered, head lowered and hands squeezing the bottle as I waited for his reply.
Chad grinned reassuringly and sat down beside me. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone.”
Hearing his words, I let out a sigh of relief and gave him a small smile. “Thanks. I appreciate it.”
“Miss Maxwell.” I looked up to see Percy approaching us. He mumbled a soft apology for the interruption before proceeding to his next words. “Your dad wants you to come home this instant. Your mother is extremely worried about you.”
I closed my tired eyes, the bright lights in the lobby giving me a headache. Retreating to my dim office seemed like a good idea now. Even the thought of hightailing it to my penthouse, which was 45 minutes away from here, was already heaven. No one would argue at me and blame me.
“Would you like me to prepare your car, Miss Maxwell?”
But then again, if I don’t go… Mom and Dad will be disappointed in me because I chose to follow what I wanted than what is said to be done. With a defeated sigh, I nodded.
“I’ll take her there.” Chad’s sudden suggestion made me glance up at him in surprise. The determined look in his eyes and posture said it all. She’s coming with me.
“Mr. Montgomery, it’s my job to—”
“No, it’s all right.” I interjected, and stood up. Percy gave a curt nod and watched us walk out of the building.
Chad chuckled deeply. “Are you sure your bodyguard doesn’t fancy you? He seems reluctant in me just sending you home.”
“He doesn’t. He was just given strict orders,” I mumbled curtly. Strict orders to keep you away from me. My eyes hovered on Chad for a few seconds as we waited for the valet to fetch his car. His blond hair danced in the gentle wind, blue eyes staring at space and hands protected inside the pockets of his jacket. Is this man even capable of doing such things as Dad claimed? I averted my eyes away and nibbled on my bottom lip. Don’t judge the person by his or her appearance. If he’s capable of such things, then I have nothing else to do but let Dad imprison him. Giving him another glance, I tightly pressed my lips together. But, what if he’s innocent?
He seems…approachable. Or is it just the liquor making me see things this way?
“Is there something wrong?” His question snapped me out of my train of thought and I widened my eyes at him.
“Huh?”
Chad gave me a small smile. “If you’re worried, just relax. I’m not going to hurt you.”
I laughed nervously and brushed back my hair. “I’m not nervous,” I answered, and averted my gaze away. His car strode in, the engine roaring and coat shiny against the bright lights. The grin that made its way on Chad’s face suggested that he was proud of his car. I fought back a snort. Men and their cars.
“You coming or what?” Chad gestured to the open car door. I nodded and climbed in.
Just as Chad slipped into the driver’s seat, I watched as Percy stared at us with guarded eyes. I lowered the window and gave him a smile to reassure him. It’ll be fine, I mouthed to him.
The car zoomed away and down the road, Percy disappearing from my sight. I released a breath and leaned back, feeling exhausted. The world seemed like a hurricane around us. Just a blur. I closed my eyes and tried to relax my body and nerves. I mentally thanked Chad that he didn’t step on the pedal, sending us to oblivion.
“You all right?” His question drifted towards me in a soft tone.
I mustered a smile. “Yeah.”
“So, tell me what made you break down back there?” I felt my cheeks turn red in heat as I try to come up with an excuse. That’s when he let out a chuckle. “You can tell me. I promise I won’t spill your secrets.”
I cracked a smile. “Just life. The pressure made me crack.” Chad hummed and turned to me when the stop light turned red.
He raised an eyebrow at me. “So, you’re human after all. And here I thought the great Miss Maxwell was a saint.”
I rolled my eyes at him, nodding nevertheless. “I am, if you failed to see that. I, too, get pressured.”
“Don’t sweat it. If it makes you feel better, I do too.”
“Why are you suddenly like this?” I had to ask him, my curiosity getting the best of me.
He shrugged. “Because comforting my business partner is the right thing?” The boyish smile he cast my way took my breath, rendering me speechless. “Why? Am I not allowed to comfort you?”
I lowered my head and focused on my hands instead. “No. It’s not that it’s wrong or anything…” I trailed off, not knowing how to explain it.
“Why? Doesn’t your boyfriend wipe your tears?” Chad joked and let out a soft chuckle.
“He doesn’t.”
My answer and honesty clearly shocked him, if his wide eyes were any indication. I smiled bitterly. I guess I am unlucky when it comes to guys. The lights turned green and we were once again speeding down the road. This time, silence coated itself around us.
The sudden swerving of the car and Chad taking us to another location made me sit up in confusion. “W-where are you taking me?”
Chad refused to answer and continued to drive us down an unfamiliar road. Well, at least to me it was. I placed a hand over my hammering heart, the feeling of uncertainty hanging in the air. I let out a soft gasp when the car came to a halt. The engine died and Chad released a breath. I stared at the surroundings. The whole place wasn’t dark or lonely. Few people passed by and the convenience store across from us wasn’t empty at all.
“W-what’re we doing here? I should be on my way h—”
“Who is he?”
I blinked a few times before I stammered out, “W-who?” When Chad’s eyes landed on me, I felt my blood go cold, matching the way he was staring at me right now.
“Who is the guy? Is he really your bodyguard? Well, whoever’s your boyfriend, he sucks. Badly.” Chad’s sudden outburst made my eyes widen. “I mean, what kind of guy doesn’t comfort his own girlfriend? That makes no fucking sense!”
“Chad…”
“No! Your boyfriend probably doesn’t probably love you if he does that. Are you sure he’s not using you?”
It probably wasn’t his intention, but if it was, it really drove a knife into my heart. The pain made me suffocate. I bit back a sob and wiped the tears from my eyes.
“I-is it a sin?” I mumbled out. Chad stopped and turned to look at me in confusion.
“What?”
“Is it a sin to love someone who just keeps hurting you? I know that it’s foolish but when you love the person so much, you ended up forgiving him in the end. Is that a sin?” I took in a deep breath and softly smiled as I remembered it all clearly.
“It was in the middle of September. I didn’t feel excited for school that day but I went on anyways. I guess determination sizzles out too early. If I didn’t go, I wouldn’t have met the person who would cause me happiness and pain at the same time.” When Chad didn’t make any means to stop me, I continued. “I wasn’t attracted to him at first, but when he did, I felt myself being drawn to him like a moth to flame. It was a wonderful feeling to be noticed by the guy you had a crush on, how innocent it was.”
Those gray eyes that made my heart beat a little faster. That voice that caused my whole body to shiver every time it went down to a whisper. And that smile, it gave me a warm feeling every time I saw it. Every time it was directed at me. He was handsome and I fell for his charms without effort.
“Before I knew it, we were a couple. My first boyfriend. I was quite sure he’d be my last. He was quite happy to introduce me to his friends. I was floating up and up, I didn’t think I would be able to come down. Back to reality. We dated until we graduated college. He was persistent that I would go with him, but Dad already made up his mind and sent me to Harvard.” A small smile spread across my face, the memory of him crossing my mind. “Before I went to Harvard, he proposed. I was absolutely ecstatic. I didn’t waste time in telling my parents about it. They, too, were happy for me.” Except for Harvey, of course. He never liked suitors coming to our house. Even up ‘til now.
My smile faltered and I fisted my hands. “I thought a long-distance relationship would work out between us. I was wrong to think that it would.”
“What happened?” Chad questioned softly, speaking up for the first time.
I glanced at him, tears brimming in my eyes, and smiled cynically. “We decided to marry after college. I waited for years until we graduated. That’s when it all ended. I made sure that I would see him despite my hectic schedule. I would always call and video chat him when I had the chance. I didn’t realize that wasn’t enough for him. Until—”
I cut short, not knowing how to tell him. It’s a shame to my part and my parents never knew about it. So, why am I telling this man? I felt my breath hitch when I felt warm hands on top of mine, squeezing gently. I decided not to face him, knowing all too well that if I did, I might break down in humiliation.
“Come on. You can tell me, Rachel. I promise I won’t tell anyone.”
“Are you sure?” This time, I looked up at him, eyes narrowed at his face. Chad wasn’t taken aback and probably my tears made the bite of my stare disappear. I heaved a sigh and nodded. “He started to… convince me for the first time. To have…” I swallowed hard. “To have compulsion with him.” When Chad gave nothing away, I continued. “I was afraid but I knew he would understand if I declined. He was all right at first until he kept trying. I grew cautious around him without even knowing that it was noticeable. He kept reasoning that I was his fiancé and that I should let him, saying that we would get married soon.”
The images went back, like turbulent waters. This time, I didn’t hold it back. Just letting it flow.
“He started hurting me. From harsh words to hurtful shoves. I didn’t fight back, knowing that he was stressed because he couldn’t get any job. I tried to help him but he refused it. Saying that if he wanted success, he would do it on his own. Until one day, I caught him in a bad mood. It didn’t seem like it since he asked me to go to his place. I never thought that my fiancé would act like a criminal and haunt me down. It was in the middle of the night and none of his neighbors were awake to hear my screams. And if they did, they didn’t act like it.”
The horrible memory of being chased like a prey still vivid in my mind. How my fear got the best of me instead of facing him. He looked so evil that I just took off the moment he started whispering how he would take me. It was a terrifying experience. I shuddered.
“Did he…?”
I shook my head and Chad let out a breath. Probably in relief.
“He didn’t touch me that night. I refused to back down and he knew that. I took his sudden resistance as a good thing. I forgave him and he never pressured me again. Eventually, someone took him as a model and he was finally recognized. I haven’t seen him so happy since the day I said yes to his proposal.”
“I suddenly noticed how he didn’t want to spend time with me. I knew he always wanted the job, but I couldn’t believe that he would choose his job over me. On the day of our wedding, I received a video from an anonymous messenger. It was a scandal. I didn’t believe it, but the moment I saw his face there was no denying it. It was him. It was my fiancé’s scandal that woke me up to the fact that all ever he wanted from me was fame and money to support his job. I didn’t show up at the altar and went to New York. Never seeing him again.”
“Did he try and contact you after?” Chad asked.
I shook my head and heaved a sigh. “All I know is that he avoided answering the press and that he dated a few women whom he worked with. Although, I was branded by the media a clingy girl, which was probably what made him leave me. I used to believe that, but now I know it wasn’t my fault. He made those mistakes of his own accord. I didn’t try and stop him.”
When Chad fell silent, I let out a soft laugh. “Gosh, why am I even telling this to you?” I dabbed the tears staining my cheeks. “Here.” I turned my head slightly to see Chad hand over a handkerchief. It probably looked alien to me when I heard Chad chuckle and thrust the cloth to me. “Thanks,” I mumbled.
“Don’t mention it.” He breathed and leaned back, letting out a long sigh. “You know, that guy sounds ugly. In and out. Are you really sure your eyesight is all right?”
“Well, even if he is ugly inside, I can’t deny that he’s handsome.”
Chad smirked. “As handsome as me?”
I grimaced and when I saw his face fall, I let out a laugh. “I don’t know. I never really considered you handsome.”
“What? You mean I’m not handsome?” His childish pout and attitude made my sides sore. “I may not be handsome to you but I am popular with the ladies. Who’s your little ex-boyfriend anyways?”
“His name is Nathan. Nathan Wright.”
Chad scoffed and his lips broke out in a grin. “Ah, you mean the model?” So, he knows who he is. When he saw me nod, Chad shook his head as if in disappointment. “I thought he was handsome. Apparently, I was wrong.” I blinked at him in surprise when he suddenly invaded my personal space. Face so close to mine that I could feel his warm breath against my lips. His intense gaze locked me in place. “Tell me, Rachel. Do you think that man is worth it?”
I sucked in a sharp breath as he lowered his head.
“Tell me, Rachel. Is he?” His face was getting closer, closer and closer… The world around us didn’t stop moving, making me wish I could freeze the moment. Do I want to? My eyes landed on his lips and I suddenly wondered how they would taste.
The sudden ringing of my phone snapped me out of my daze. Both of us jumped apart. Separate once more, I glanced down and took my phone.
Dad.
“We should get going,” Chad mumbled. It was as if nothing transpired between us a few seconds ago.
“Yeah,” I replied softly. The car backed out and back on the road once again. The people slowly turned to nothing but colorful lines, especially the lights. Silence enveloped us, this time for good. The awkwardness was still heavy in the air when we arrived at my parent’s estate. The guard just gave us one look before letting us in. The lights of the mansion were lit which were supposed to be dark by now. I nervously bit my lip when I looked at the time.
11:49 p.m.
My parents are going to kill me. Once Chad’s car slowly turned to a stop, the lump in my throat grew more as I caught sight of my parents waiting by the door along with Henry and Percy. Around this time, Harvey is fast asleep. He probably doesn’t even know that I went missing. Henry walked down the flight of stairs before opening the car door. As I stepped out, my parents came rushing towards us with relief in their faces. Chad got out of his car and stood behind me, maintaining a good distance, which was the best thing for him to do now.
“Oh, Rachel,” Mother gushed, and enveloped me in an embrace. I sighed and looked up to see Dad narrowing his eyes at Chad. He obviously didn’t trust him.
“I’m all right, Mom. I just went to my office to work on something. Sorry if I didn’t tell you.”
“Still, it was a rash thing to do. Go inside now.” Dad’s orders were something I couldn’t avoid and I knew I had to obey. With a soft nod, I followed my mother who beckoned for me. Dad trailed behind us. Just as I was about to take the last step, I heard my name.
“Rachel.”
I turned back to see Chad smiling at me. I couldn’t help but faintly shake my head at him. Even if he was already in front of my fuming parents, he still managed to call my name. This man is impossible.
“Don’t worry. Your secret's safe with me.” He winked and gave me a small wave before retreating to his car. I turned slightly to the side to see both of my parents staring at Chad, lips in a thin line. Or perhaps, foolish. I hid a grin and was ushered in by Henry.