Chapter 10: Entangled

I got back to the hospital, and after what felt like forever, Crystal finally woke up.

"Mummy?" she whispered. I smiled. "Yes, baby, Mummy is here." Crystal's eyes locked onto mine, and I could sense her fear. 

"When will I go back home, Mummy?" she whispered, her voice cracking. "Soon, baby," I replied faintly.

"I'm sorry for bringing you here; it's my fault. I know you hate hospitals." She added. I felt my heart break at her words. 

My four-year-old daughter was apologizing for something that wasn't her fault. I pulled her into a tight hug, holding her close.

"It's not your fault, baby," I whispered into her ear. "You're safe now, and Mummy is here to take care of you." As I held Crystal close, I knew that I would do anything to protect her. She was my everything.

*****

Three days later, Crystal was discharged, and I was beyond happy to take her home. I spent a few days at my aunt's house, where I could take care of Crystal. 

After some days, I had to go back to Raymond's mansion. I had been gone for a long time, and I didn't want him to find out about Crystal.

That morning, as I entered the mansion, Raymond was going out with Mitchell. "Hi, Arielle," she said, smiling. "You finally showed up." Mitchell said sarcastically. "I thought you weren't coming back." 

My brows furrowed. Raymond said nothing, like he was mute. They left the mansion afterward. 

I went upstairs and lay on my bed. I hadn't slept well that day; the hospital bed was so uncomfortable. I slept, and when I woke up, I went to the kitchen to prepare dinner. 

The house had not yet been restocked with food, so I decided to go to the supermarket to get some supplies. Getting there, it was a bit crowded.

I had to wait for my turn in the queue. After paying, I proceeded to my car. As I sat down, I couldn't shake off the feeling that someone was watching me. I looked over my shoulder, but saw no one out of the ordinary.

I started the engine and drove out. The cool evening breeze blew through my hair, and the sound of the radio playing in the background helped to calm my nerves.

As I drove, I noticed a particular car following me. Because it mirrored every turn I made, my palms started getting sweaty. I decided to go along a longer route to the mansion and to see if I was just being paranoid. 

The car did the same. My breath caught in my throat. It was indeed following me. I sped up, swerving along the highway, trying to lose the car. 

After some time, I lost sight of the car. Who could be following me? Could it be that Elvis? Has he finally found me? 

I shook my head. I don't think so; maybe I'm just being paranoid, but I couldn't shake the feeling off. I drove around to be sure and also, so the person didn't know where I lived. 

Even though the estate was secure, I couldn't risk it. I sighed in relief, going to the mansion and seeing some of Raymond's bodyguards around. 

When I got inside, I was greeted by the sound of Raymond and Mitchell's laughter and music drifting from the living room. 

They were sitting on the couch, sipping champagne and chatting like lovers do. Mitchell's eyes sparkled with amusement. It made me feel more like an outsider. 

But as soon as Raymond saw me, his expression changed. I couldn't tell what the look was; his eyes scanned me from head to toe.

"Arielle, are you okay?" he asked, his voice low and concerned. 

Mitchell rolled her eyes, and her gaze flicked between Raymond and me. 

I nodded, feeling a flutter in my chest. There was something in Raymond's eyes that made me feel seen, made me feel like he truly cared. I forced a smile, trying to push aside my worries about the car following me.

But I found myself growing more and more anxious. I couldn't shake off the feeling that Elvis was watching me.

I went to the kitchen to cook something to eat. And Raymond came in. He kept glancing at me as he sliced some apples.

After eating, I went back to bed after some time. That night, Mitchell's annoying, loud voice kept disturbing me. 

I wondered why she was here, of all places. I just wanted to scream; Raymond was rich, and out of all the houses and hotels he owned, he decided to bring her here. Since I couldn't sleep, I called my aunt to see how Crystal was faring.

********

At work, I told the workers to hurry up and complete Mitchell's apartment because I was tired of her presence. 

She didn't even have the shame of coming to a married man's house when she was married, just because her husband didn't reside there. 

After work, I entered my car and prepared to leave. I saw a small envelope on my chair seat.

How did it get there, I thought. I picked it up and opened it. I saw a note inside. 

"You were lucky, but not next time," it read. 

My heart sank. What the hell does Elvis want from me? Who was I kidding when I thought I had escaped from him?

My ex-boyfriend is a thorn in my flesh. My mind flashed back to the past. After I gave birth to Crystal, I learned that he had been arrested. 

I moved to another town after my graduation so he wouldn't be able to locate me. After some time, he eventually did. It was as though he kept insisting we get married and stay together. He beat me up when I refused. He told me that if I don't agree, it would be done forcefully. 

I had to run for my life and the life of my daughter. He is a psychopath. The memories I had tried to bury. The beatings, the threats, the manipulation. 

I had thought I had escaped him, but now I realized I had just been living in denial. And now he is back, and it will be the same old story. Tears pricked the corners of my eyes, reminiscing about the terrible memories. 

I knew that I had to take this threat seriously, that I had to do everything in my power to protect myself and Crystal. If he's after me, he could still be after Crystal. 

I quickly called my aunt to let her know about the situation.

"How are you, Arielle?" her voice boomed on the other side.

"I'm not fine, Aunt. I think he's back."

"Who's back?" she asked in confusion.

"Elvis," I said, my voice barely audible.

"Are you sure?" she asked.

"Yes, I'm staring at a note he wrote."

"Arielle, dear, shouldn't we involve the police in this?"

"No, Aunt, I don't want to complicate things, and I don't want people finding out about me and Raymond."

"Arielle, you have to be careful. Elvis is not a man to be underestimated."

"I can take care of myself, but for Crystal's sake, I'll hire a bodyguard to watch her discreetly. And since I'm being watched, I'll have to limit visiting you guys so he doesn't follow me there. I just can't risk it."

"If that's what you want, remember I'm here to assist you with anything, and I'll keep her safe."

"I owe you, Aunt."

"What is family for? Stay safe too, dear."

"I will."

********

I made inquiries about getting a bodyguard from the police. I finally got one. The bodyguard was ready to meet me. I wanted to meet him in person, to make sure that he was trustworthy.

The bodyguard, a tall, imposing man with a kind face, came to my office. We talked for a while, and I was impressed by his professionalism and experience.

I gave him instructions, and everything was set. I escorted him out. We talked some more outside. He had a charming personality.

My eyes darted around, and I was shocked to see Mitchell standing near her car, watching us. 

Why is she everywhere? What does she want now?