Even if you want to forget it so badly, you just can't. It haunts you and slowly kills you inside until you can't fight it anymore. You won't be able to tell anyone because they wouldn't understand. You'll go insane, so out of touch with reality, and once that happens you don't know how to get up. You can’t escape. You'll suffocate and die because of the memories.
“Is she going to be all right?”
“Don't worry, Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell. She'll be fine.”
Those voices... A soft groan escaped my lips, the throbbing pain in my head the first thing to greet me as I slowly sat up, hands supporting my weight until I was able to do so alone. I scanned my surroundings to see my mother and father, still wearing their formal attire. Both of them stared at me with concern and fear in their eyes.
“W-what... What happened?” I frowned at my voice, croaky as if I hadn’t drunk for days. Mother must have realized, as she grabbed the glass of water sitting on the nightstand and gave it to me. The comforting scent of my room eased my worried thoughts as I drank the liquid and noticed the woman wearing a stethoscope around her neck. I didn't have to guess to know that she was a doctor.
The woman smiled warmly at me. “You'll be all right, Miss Maxwell. You have nothing to worry about. You just have to rest and refrain from stressing yourself. Okay?” Turning to my parents, she nodded at them. “I must be off now.”
“Thank you, Dr. Venice. We'll give you a call if something occurs.” Dad said, shaking her hand before bidding farewell. Carrying her black bag out of my room, Dr. Venice left, closing the door behind her.
I looked down and saw that I was still wearing my evening gown. I took a small glance at the clock, only to find that it was five minutes before eleven in the evening. Mother grabbed my hand and squeezed it.
“Rachel, I'm glad you're okay. Please don't do it again! We were all worried! I was panicking the moment I saw you, unconscious in Chad Montgomery's arms!” I shifted my gaze onto my father, who remained still, head down and hands crossed over his chest.
“I'm all right, Mom.” I reassured her, squeezing her hand back and smiling.
She shook her head, much to my surprise. “All right? Rachel! Is this about that guy again? Did you somehow manage to see him at the hotel?”
My smile faltered at the notion. Biting my lip, I forced the memories back, not wanting them to flood my mind once more.
I shook my head to ease her thoughts. “No. Of course not. I...have forgotten about him. I guess I just worked too hard to have passed out like that.”
Mother released a breath of relief and slowly nodded, taking in my statement.
“Who's the last person you talked to at the party?” Dad suddenly asked, which caught me by surprise.
“C-Chad Montgomery.” I answered, not knowing where he was going with this. Why is he suddenly asking me this?
“Damon, what is it?” Mom questioned, approaching him.
Dad ran his hands through his styled hair, which was now messy, probably due to running his hands through it a lot of times. He closed his eyes, the wrinkles evident in the corners of them. His age was definitely catching up to him.
“Dad, what's wrong?”
Opening his eyes, he turned to me, face all serious. “From now on, don't hang out with him.” Before I could even ask him why, Dad raised his hand to stop me. “It's not safe to trust anyone at the moment, Rachel.”
“Damon, are you saying the Montgomerys’ did this?” Mom demanded, giving him a questioning stare. When Dad didn't answer, she scoffed. “Damon. You're seriously blaming this on them?”
Swerving in her direction, Dad frowned hard at her. “Have you forgotten that they're our rivals?” He boomed, silence cutting through them for a moment before he went on. “Helen, you seem to have forgotten that they're still our rivals. What if they did have a hand in this?”
Mother shook her head, not taking his words into account. “I can't believe this... No! I won't believe this! You honestly think that they intended this to happen? Is that it?”
“Mom, Dad—”
Dad let out a frustrated groan, waving his hand in the air as if he was dismissing the thought. “Forget it! We're not fighting over this!” With that said, he walked out of the room without another word, the door slamming behind him.
Mother opened her mouth as if to speak, but closed her lips, before heaving a sigh.
“Mom…” I murmured, not liking how their conversation ended.
Instead of showing her dismay, Mother just smiled as if nothing had happened between them. “Don't worry, Rachel.” Those three words did little help to ease my worry towards them. No, they only caused my concern to grow. Taking a seat by my side, Mom took my hand and gently caressed it with hers. “By the way, can you tell me how you and Chad Montgomery became partners? I'm a bit curious.”
I couldn't help but laugh sheepishly at her words. How could I tell her?
“W-well... Um... We became partners…” I couldn't find the right words to describe our alliance. Especially the part where my company had needed to endure hardships until Chad had come to the rescue. If I tell them that, I would lose my chance to become an independent woman in the eyes of people.
Mother stared at me with full interest. “It's okay to tell me, dear.”
Swallowing, I took a deep breath to relax myself. “Well, it was out of the blue, actually. He came to my office and we both talked.” Please don't ask more details. Please. I waited expectantly as she let my words sink in.
Nodding a few times, Mom stood up. “Okay. Well, you rest now. I'll deal with your father.”
As she left the room, I held my breath until the door behind her clicked shut. Rubbing my temples, I sighed to myself. What should I do? What happens if they find out?
Shaking my head, I went under the covers. No, they probably won't find out if you're careful. I'll make sure they won't. But...what if they do? I scratched my head and groaned. Oh, if only I hadn't gone to that balcony, none of this would have happened! I would have endured the embarrassment and the party would have continued as planned. I would have just had to explain on the way home and the problem would've resolved itself by morning if I was lucky. I would be sleeping sound tonight and...
Absentmindedly, I softly touched my lips as I felt my whole face light up in a bright red color. And...I wouldn't have been kissed by that jerk.
Pulling my hair hard, I let out a silent scream of frustration.
***
“Are you all right, Miss Maxwell?”
For what seemed like the hundredth time, I forced a smile at the concerned girl. Ever since I had arrived at the office after three days of rest, Arianne Howard hadn’t stopped asking about my welfare every second. She won't even let me lift a folder stacked with papers! They weren't even heavy.
“I will be okay if people would stop asking me if I am.” I stated, having enough of the nonsense people threw my way every time they saw me.
After my humiliating scene at the gala, people would stop and stare the moment I would walk in. I didn't have to hear them or even ask what they were thinking, for I already knew. Mom and Dad were always on the tip of their toes, even Harvey was careful around me. It was maddening.
“Sorry,” she mumbled, and slowly walked out, leaving me all by myself. Dropping my pen, I heaved a sigh and ran my hands through my hair. Standing up, I maneuvered my way to the glass walls and grabbed the cup of coffee Arianne had made a few minutes ago.
Maybe I should take a vacation.
Sipping the strong beverage, I stared at nothing in particular as the steam moistened my nose. Wiping the damp area, I set the mug aside and reached for the folder on top of my desk, intent on reading the contents. Avoiding the internet was not much of a hard challenge, but finding out what the media had to say about my fainting episode was very tempting. What did they say about me this time...?
“Sir! Please don't barge in there!”
The doors swung open and I sharply swerved to see Chad Montgomery, in the flesh. Arianne stood behind him, flustered and completely irritated at the sudden audacity of this man. Setting the folder back, I waved for Arianne to leave us and she did, hesitantly. Once we were both alone, I couldn't bring myself to stare at him, but I had to. Unable to meet his eyes, I stared at his sleek black jacket instead of his smug old face.
“You're here.”
“So are you.”
I crossed my arms. “I can't just leave my company alone. Even when I'm sick, I have to be here.” No one tells me what to do.
His black, spotless shoes moved across the room, slowly dispersing the distance between us. “To be honest, I wasn't expecting you to be here, Maxwell,” he admitted softly, much to my surprise.
I had to ask him on this one, meeting his eyes. “Why? Were you expecting me to be in bed all day, bemoaning how humiliating it was for me?” If what Dad said was true, that this man has motives, his response would probably be curt or somehow in a joking manner towards my question.
“No. From what I know, you're not that kind of person.”
I found myself staring at his fingers caressing my palm, finding his hands warm. A contrast to my cold ones.
“Are you all right?” he inquired in a small voice, eyes scanning my face.
Trying my best not to scoff at his face, I took my hands and clenched them at my sides. “A lot of you have been asking me the same question, you'll be getting the same answer.” Faking a smile is easy for my mother during those times when she's around people she doesn't sit well with. Maybe I have that talent too.
“Maxwell, I—”
“Maybe it's time for you to go back to your office. You already saw me standing on my feet, all well. That's enough for you.” Before I punch your pretty face in half for kissing me so suddenly, you jerk. Pointing at the door, I watched him frown hard at me as if what I said had offended him greatly. Then, he started laughing. Is he actually laughing? Has he gone mad?
Clearing his throat, Chad shook his head and inhaled sharply. “You're really something, Maxwell. Really something.” With a blink of an eye, he was already standing a few inches from me. I sucked in a breath, surprised. He smirked. “You're an interesting woman, Rachel. You hide your doubts and fears under that strict face. It may work on some, but not on me. I'm smarter.”
“What's that supposed to mean?”
Chad mindlessly shrugged, backing away until he reached the door and opening it halfway. “Hey, I'd love to chat, but you happen to have kicked me out a few seconds ago. Try not to push yourself too much, darling.” He winked and left.
Darling? I shook my head at his confusing replies. He has completely lost his mind, I guess.
After sending a few emails, Arianne walked in and gave me a new set of paperwork. I inwardly groaned in frustration.
“If you want me to, Ma'am, I'll hold off the incoming papers so you can rest.”
I waved my hand in dismissal. “No. It's all right, Arianne. I was prepared to sign all of these.”
Smiling, she left and went back to her station, letting me sign the remaining paperwork in peace. Nothing much happened for a few hours.
Licking my lips, I couldn't fight the hunger that began to overwhelm me. I even imagined a hamburger sitting next to my pen holder. Glancing at the time, I realized that it was past my lunch time. Putting my pen away, I stood up and took my bag, deciding it was time to take a break and get a bite to eat. Arianne was even happy when I left, encouraging me to eat a lot. Blushing madly, I walked to the elevator and pressed the ground floor button. The ride down was short at this time of day, all employees already finished with lunch and busy working.
The moment I stepped out of the elevator, I was greeted by Percy and the rest of the bodyguards. They had doubled a lot more recently, much to my displeasure, but it was for the best. Following me out of the building, the car drove towards the entrance and I climbed in.
“Let's go to the nearest restaurant.” I said, fishing for my phone when I heard it ring. The driver softly replied and we drove away, Percy sitting in the front while the other bodyguards rode in a different car. Seeing Francine's name on the screen, I hurriedly pressed the answer button before the call ended.
“Hey, Fran.”
I smiled as she rambled. “Where are you? Are you eating properly? Does your head still hurt? Give me details!” After finding out that I had fainted, she had continued to call every day to check up on me. She had even come to my house to see if I was still alive, where she chastised about me not taking care of myself before almost crying in front of me. I’d had to deal with her being emotional since it was her time of the month.
“I'm fine, Francine. Stop worrying, will you?”
Instead of doing so, she continued to ramble. “Please take care of yourself more. I don't want to see your grave at the age of twenty-five. I have to die first before you do, remember?”
Giggling, I nodded. “Yes, yes. I understand.”
“Are you seriously laughing? This is not a laughing matter! I'm being serious here! Wait... Have you lost your mind already? You didn't eat lunch on time again, did you?”
“Actually, I'm on my way to eat lunch,” I replied softly, the car slowing down until it stopped in front of an Italian restaurant. “In fact, we have arrived. Are you happy now?”
“Yeah, yeah. Eat a lot, okay? Eat your vegetables and don't stay up too late tonight.”
I rolled my eyes at her words. “Don't worry, Grandmother, I will. I'll also make sure to drink milk tonight.” I laughed as I climbed out of the car, Percy holding the door open. “Thank you, Percy."
“Good. All right, Rach, have fun eating.”
“Miss Maxwell.”
Hearing my name, I kept my phone and followed Percy to the entrance. Even if there were only a few people inside the restaurant, the feeling of them staring at us as we were led to the restaurant's secluded area was uncomfortable. Sitting down, the usher gave me the menu and waited as I scanned through it.
“I'll have Carbonara, a glass of orange juice and a gelato.”
“Will that be all, Ma'am?”
Nodding, I took my phone out and waited for the food to arrive. Scanning the text messages I had received, I stopped short the moment Percy's phone rang loudly, making me look up. At the same time, the waiter came back with my food.
“Here's your order, Ma'am.” The young man said, setting the dishes down.
“Thank you.” I stared at the pasta with hunger, as if I hadn’t eaten for years.
“Enjoy your meal.”
I most definitely will. Digging in, I fought back moaning in delight at the delicious pasta. Wiping the sauce that stuck to the corners of my lips, I drank my glass of orange juice.
“Did you hear? Maxwell's daughter fainted at the party.”
“Is that so? Well, whatever the reason is, it must be horrid!”
Setting my fork down, I turned my head slightly to the right to see two women seated across from each other, gossiping and giggling to themselves. Their faces were so close but their secretive stance wasn’t justified when their voices could still be heard.
“They said she was drugged! Others said she fainted because someone knocked her out.”
“Maybe these things happen to her because she's a brat. I heard she's a spoiled daughter and only wants the best. She's nowhere near her mother. No wonder her fiancé ran off with another woman. Serves her right.”
I bit my lip hard, hiding my clenched fist under the table. They don't even know the truth...
“Shh! Someone might hear you, Kate. They say the Maxwell family controls this place. Rumors say that they take out those who are opposed to them.” One of them warned in a hush to the other, who responded with a scoff.
“Please. If they do control this city, those criminals on the street should be dead right now. Don't believe those rumors. Who are the Maxwells anyway, the government?”
I didn't know what had come over me. All I know is that I was seeing red as I stomped over to their table. Red all over. Hunger gone.
“What is it, Miss?” The woman who had scoffed at my family questioned, raising a penciled brow at me.
With clenched fists, I smiled sweetly at them. “Didn't anyone tell you that you shouldn't gossip about other people behind their backs?”
“Excuse me, but do we have to get permission from someone like you to talk?” she bit back.
I crossed my arms together and sighed in disappointment. “It's truly a disappointing sight to see people spreading false news. Well, don't say I didn't warn you.”
The woman named Kate stood and frowned at me. “You're a strange girl, why would the restaurant let people like you in here?”
I guess the woman's loud, annoying voice reached the manager's ears because he came running to see what the commotion was all about. “What's going on here?” he demanded, fixing his name tag with the word Manager written below his name.
The woman pointed her manicured finger at me. “This woman here is harassing me and my friend. What is this crazy woman doing inside a restaurant?”
Shifting his gaze between me and the rambling women, he grabbed my arm and began to pull me away. “Please follow me out so there won't be trouble.”
“Get your hand off of her, Sir.” Percy's voice suddenly cut through the women's complaints. The manager's hand fell as the rest of the bodyguards came up behind him.
“Are you the police? If you are, please escort this crazy woman out of my restaurant.” Percy hadn’t looked so confused in all his life.
“I'm sorry, but Miss Maxwell is not a crazy woman, Sir.”
The manager began to choke on his own words. “M-Maxwell? A-as in Maxwell?”
Percy nodded. “Yes, she's the daughter of Damon and Rachel Maxwell.”
I apologetically smiled at the manager. “I'm very sorry to cause trouble here, Sir. I'll go.”
The two women who stood at the side were all pale. One of their mouths was hanging open in shock as I walked back to my table to take my bag and pay for my food.
“Wait! Wait, please!” The manager yelled as I was about to leave through the door. I waited for him to catch his breath before he composed himself. “I apologize for what happened, Miss Maxwell. Please take this bottle of wine, our finest one, as an apology.”
“It's all right, Sir—”
“Please take it, Miss Maxwell. I insist!” He grinned, handing the bottle to Percy.
I sheepishly nodded. “Thank you.” With that said, we left the restaurant.
“Are you okay, Miss Maxwell?” Percy asked in concern, looking at me through the rear-view mirror.
“Yes. I'm all right,” I answered softly, brushing away a few stray strands of my hair. “Let's go back to the office.”
I heard she's a spoiled daughter and only wants the best.
“I'll be the best role model to Harvey.” I smiled and hugged the little boy in my arms. Mother and Father only stared, smiled and took the boy away from me. Showering him with their love and support. I only stood at the side, smiling. For he deserved it and I did not.
She's nowhere near her mother.
“He's gone, Damon! There's nothing we could do about it! Nothing!” Mother cried after slapping Dad in the face. Dad didn't respond, for he, too, was in shock. “I-I'm sorry.” Mother stammered and fell to the ground sobbing. “I failed at being your wife. I failed to keep our son.” I cried aloud.
No wonder her fiancé ran off with another woman.
“Miss Maxwell?” I couldn't believe it after all that we had been through. I didn't hear my phone falling to the ground and the screen cracking. No, all I heard...was my world shattering into a million, billion, trillion pieces until it was nothing. Nothing. He was gone and there was nothing I could do about it. The image of him and his woman, in bed, was the only thing that stained my mind.
Serves her right.
Serves her right.
Serves her right.
Taking a deep breath, I wiped the tears that rolled down my cheeks and took another sip of wine, feeling the ice-cold breeze of the night fanning my face. Wrapping my arms around myself, I let my own heat comfort me. The silk robe was little use as the cold breeze continued to hit me. My hair flew around. Crickets played their usual tune somewhere in the garden. The lights in the pool were already turned off and Percy's men were patrolling the grounds. Harvey was already asleep. The rest of the staff had already gone to bed. Even Henry was fast asleep.
After a stressful day at work, I had quickly returned home. I finished dinner early and went to the poolside to drink, knowing Harvey wouldn’t come here since he’d be sleeping early due to his tests tomorrow. No one would come, and if they did, they wouldn’t disturb me.
“Rachel, it's past ten. Go to bed.”
Or so I thought.
“I will,” I mumbled, hiding my face from Mother as she walked towards me. I mentally thanked the heavens when she stopped a few feet behind me. “I'm just… getting some fresh air.”
“Rachel, dear... Are you okay? Are you crying?”
“No! No, I'm not.” I replied, quickly wiping my face and composing myself. “I'm just tired. I also want to be alone.” It was silent for a few moments, until I heard her soft footsteps slowly fade.
“All right. Goodnight, dear.”
Glancing back, I saw that she had disappeared, leaving me alone here outside with my glass of wine and a half-full bottle. Sighing, I sat down and set the glass aside. Am I not good enough? I strive to be perfect, is that not enough?
Looking up at the night sky, I stared at the moon in despair. He was probably up there, flying above us. He was to earn everything I was about to get. The company, the overflowing money, everything that my parents owned. He was the rightful heir, not me. Why did he have to be taken away?
“Denis, why did you have to leave your burden on my shoulders?” I cried a tear. All I want is to be free.