Chapter 43 Chapter 43
Selena
“You…you are hurting me.” I tapped his hands vigorously, but he only tightened his grip on my neck, his eyes deadly cold as he glared at me.
I was wrong. What was I thinking talking to him that way?
He was Theodore Mateo. If he could kill without a care then anyone daring him face-on was up to hurt themselves.
“Who the fuck do you think you are to lecture me?” His voice was low, its edge rough, its intensity shaking my resolve as he gripped me.
Searing pain throttled my throat. “Please… you are hurting me.” I managed to rasped. My voice choked out, my breath ragged as I fought for air.
My body being in the air jail, my legs hurt and I could feel pain resonating all over my body from being held by the neck.
Theodore was taller and bigger than me, he could crush me easily and even bury me without anyone knowing.
Who had searched for me? Halley? Josh? Little Martin? He will probably kill all of them and lay them beside me.
My eyes burned and I let the tears fall as I looked at him. It was like I could see him, but couldn't. He was too cold, his gaze too thick to cut through, like he couldn't see me and my pain.
The strength in my hands weakened, and I found myself unable to grasp his hands, so I let go, letting my hands fall to my side.
He was cruel. There wasn't an inch of empathy as he watched me, his grip tightened.
I was a fool, I shouldn't have done that, maybe I should have submitted myself as a witness to the police. But I had thought he had been human. Maybe because he had helped me with Noah without requesting anything.
I was wrong.
Theodore Mateo was truly cruel. A devil.
I closed my eyes, letting the pain flow in. Suddenly, His hold on me softened and then I was dropped harshly on the floor. I gasped. My body hits the floor.
“Get out. Now.”
I watched as he climbed the stairs, my hand on my neck, my throat burning from being dropped harshly. I coughed.
I didn't wait for him to turn back, before forcing myself up and walking out the door.
“He is crazy,” I muttered, coughing as I still held my neck inside the cab, now going to the hospital.
“Who Miss?” The driver asked through the rearview mirror.
I shook my head and muttered nothing. I didn't think he had heard me.
“You are sure you are fine? You have handprints on your neck, we could visit the station if you want.” His eyes trailed to my neck, and I smiled.
“It isn't a big deal. I’m fine.” I nodded at him.
Were strangers or drivers all nice now? They weren't back then.
No one was ready to help then. No matter what, they all cared for themselves.
I closed my eyes as memories flowed in, then to the beginning.
On the cold rainy night, my name was yelled and I rushed out to the little restaurant reception, my hands went wet from washing the plates.
Seeing my boss with three other hefty men like him has cast fear in me and my legs trembled as I looked at them. The city was dangerous and I’ve been trying not to fall victim to one of their kind.
“Boss, you called for me?” I had asked, my eyes moving round the room. My boss, Mister Diego snarled, angered, but I was confused.
“How dare you steal from me?” He growled, his eyes spitting flame. My brows creased.
“ What do you mean sir, I didn't steal anything.”
The men all looked ready to hurt me, each second feeling like they were closing up on me. My heart could only beat faster as I watched them.
“All the money I kept in the wellhouse is gone, and you are the only one who has access to it except me. Tell me Selena, how did you take it out so easily?”
I didn't take it. I’ll never take what belongs to another person. never, so I opened my mouth to defend myself.
“I’ll never steal from anyone, Mister Diego. I’ve always been grateful that you have let me work here. What could I possibly use all the money in the warehouse for? I’m just a child.” I voiced out, my voice breaking as I looked at him.
I was just fourteen and after multiple trials to get a job, everyone had rejected me except him. Though I wasn't paid enough for all the work, it was still better than having nothing.
But my reasons must have pissed him off more. He started laughing.
“That's why you took from me because you think I won’t suspect you. Tell me, were you upset that I only paid you half?” He yelled, moving closer to me.
I moved back, “Mr Diego, I will never hold that against you, in fact, ……I—”
His palm struck my cheek in a slap, and before I could regain myself, I was pushed to the ground and the two men stormed at me.
I opened my eyes to look outside.
It wasn't something new, father would hit me after getting drunk so I was used to it. But that day marked the beginning of something dark.
That night, I had finally crawled to the road, hoping anyone would help, so I waved for the cabs to stop. That was the first night I met Halley who had come to eat with her family.
The sounds of my phone ringing drew me out. I picked it up and it displayed Halley’s name.
“Whatsup girl. Martin’s grandfather is taken out of the operating room to a room you prepared. The operation was successful and the doctor said he’ll be waking soon. Where are you?”
Relief washed over me and my face broke into a smile.
“I’m close to the hospital, I'll be there soon.”
Someone called for her and she ended the call. From there, I tapped my feet anxiously. I wanted nothing more than to know who was behind his assault.
Finally got to the hospital, I sprinted out of the car to inside the hospital.
Before leaving the hospital, I had asked for him to be moved to a private room after the operation was successful.
So I moved to the new room.
I wasn't expecting him to be awake, but the sounds of Martin's crying and him comforting him filled my heart with warmth as I entered the room.
Martin was in his arms, his hands rubbing his back gently, consoling his heart.
As if noticing my presence, he turned to me.