Chapter 31

Freshia Ava’s POV

Eros came with a large bouquet of roses in his hand. The man was wearing a white shirt that was deliberately unbuttoned to the top and the sleeves were rolled up to the elbows, combined with light gray slim-fit trousers and a pair of white sneakers that supported his appearance that day. He walked closer to me.

“Hi, congratulations on your graduation, Freshia.” He said when he arrived near me while holding out the bouquet of flowers he brought in front of me.

I smiled and immediately took the bouquet of flowers he gave me. “Thank you, Eros. But how do you know that today I graduate?"

“I saw your post on social media, Freshia. You said that today was your graduation day.”

I nodded my head. "Aren't you busy, Eros?"

Eros shook his head. "No. Therefore I also want to invite you to dinner at the restaurant I have prepared for tonight, Freshia. Do you want it?"

"Why did you bother to prepare dinner, Eros? Even though I should be the one treating you today."

"It doesn't matter. I would love to be able to do something on your special day.”

I smiled again for the umpteenth time. Eros' presence was a surprise that I didn't expect and his plans always amazed me. "In that case, okay. Thank you, Eros.”

That evening, at half past seven, I heard a bell ring from the door of my apartment unit. Today I returned to my apartment because Amara also returned to her parents' house so our dorm room was empty. I saw from the intercom that Eros was already at the door of my apartment unit. I, who was ready, immediately took my bag and went to the door to open it.

That night, Eros brought a driver to drive the car, while he and I sat next to each other in the passenger seat. I really couldn't control the pounding in my heart when our hands touched as he took my hand in his. I also do not reject this treatment. Finally, we arrived in front of a very famous Japanese restaurant.

When we entered the door, a waiter was standing there to greet our arrival. When Eros said his name, the waiter immediately took us to a room that seemed to be reserved for certain customers who had booked a private room. Now, there were only the two of us left in the room after the waiter served us the appetizer.

“How have you been, Freshia?” Eros said starting our conversation in that room.

“Okay, Eros. How about you?"

"Fine too. I have a lot to finish lately so I can't see you often. So, I think my arrival on your graduation day is the most appropriate moment.”

“Yeah, I really didn't expect you to come. You managed to surprise me, Eros. Thank you."

“My pleasure, Freshia.”

Then after that the waiter came into the room and served the main course that evening and we ate it quietly. There was no conversation whatsoever until we finished eating the main course. I had just cleaned the corners of my lips with a dry tissue before I felt a sudden dizziness attack my head. I spontaneously held my head. Just as I was about to ask Eros for help, my consciousness started to fade. But before my eyes completely closed, I looked at Eros who was in front of me, and caught a grin on his lips. What does that grin mean? I thought before finally my consciousness completely disappeared.

***

I don't know where I am now. My eyes seemed very difficult to open, but my body could still feel all the touches. Including the touches and strokes that I get on the back of my hand. Then not long after, I felt my body being lifted and carried into a room, until finally I felt a comfortable base as my bed.

I felt that the person carrying me was very careful when placing me on the bed. Then my whole body shivered when I felt a warm kiss on my forehead and both cheeks. It didn't stop there, the next treatment I received made fear suddenly spread through my body. The low voice was heard whispering to me something, “Just be patient a little longer. The time is almost here, my darling.”

I felt like screaming as loud as I could when I remembered that the voice was a very familiar voice. The voice that I also heard in dream-like events but always disturbed my sleep, and also the voice that I knew belonged to Eros when he hugged me. Is he really Eros? I said to myself.

I tried to open my eyes from the effects of the anesthetic that I apparently got at my dinner last night. I am very sure because my body is in a stable condition and it would not be possible to suddenly faint if there were not a high dose of sleeping medication that was deliberately given to me. A few minutes later, my eyes finally opened.

I found myself in my apartment unit room alone. So I used this as an opportunity to ask for help. My thoughts immediately turned to Amara who was the only person I could ask for help and rely on.

I could hear the dial tone on the phone end, which meant the call was picked up. But just as I said one sentence to Amara, Eros' figure appeared from behind the slightly open bedroom door. The expression on his face at that moment was one I had never seen before. That face was flat but gave off a strong intimidating impression.

“Amara, help me now,” I said, full of fear. But Eros quickly walked towards me and snatched my cell phone.

“Hello, Amara. I'm Eros, Freshia's apartment neighbor. Right now she has a fever, but don't worry, I've treated her by compressing her with warm water," Eros said casually. His facial expression changed to normal and his tone was still like Eros who usually chats with me.

I, who was very surprised by the figure who was now in front of me, could only remain silent. My mind is still processing what is actually happening now. Then Eros was seen hanging up the phone and putting my cell phone in his trouser pocket.

“Why do you have to ask Amara for help, instead of asking me, Freshia?”

I looked into his eyes which showed a cold look. This man is not the Eros I know. It felt very foreign in an instant. But instead of speaking, I shed tears in front of him, while biting my lip hard.

He even smiled. Then his hand wiped my tears and let go of the bite on my lips. "Don't cry. Where's the smile you always show me, Freshia? Don't you know that I really miss that smile? A sincere smile that is my favorite and I want it to be only mine. You, and everything you have, belong only to me, Freshia.”

Instantly my tears came out uncontrollably, feelings of disappointment and annoyance combined. I was so stupid and naive because I just realized that this man was really a dangerous person.