Chapter 29 His Meltdown!

Paroxysm of Rage, that clouded my mind was uncontrollable. All I can see was that one face whom I despised like anything. Anyone wouldn't have hated another soul to such an extent. But the most gruesome point was the stepping-back figure of that bitch. Why was she afraid now?

Was she worried that she will be thrown into hell?

"Why are you stepping back, you bitch?"

"Did you step back when all of us were begging you that night?"

"Did you show any mercy on us?"

My vengeful voice roared around the room but that whore didn't stop moving backwards. A sudden urge to tie her took over me, but then my heart didn't cooperate with the idea of seeing the way, her body was shaking up in fear. Why was I affected by her scared form? Certainly, I never felt a thing for her then why was my heart aching at the mere thought of her being in this helpless state?

"Stay put!" I yelled and she stilled in her place. Her big blurry eyes staring at me with some unknown emotion that reminded me of something familiar but at that moment, I only wanted to inflict pain upon her. So much pain that even in her ten births, she won't obsess over anyone.

Grinding my teeth, I marched up to her while she was trying to say something, but it seemed as if her voice was choked in her throat.

As I approached her, I grabbed her neck, pressing it tightly. She coughed but it didn't halt the fury inside me.

"What did you thought, you slut? That you got to ruin my life once so you will ruin it again. No, Carolina today justice will be served. You will pay the penace of snatching away my innocent families lives. Remember, my siblings? How they were begging you to leave them? The same fear was present in their eyes that night but you didn't pay any heed to it. My old parents were crying in front of you, but you didn't even heard them. I begged you on my knees to stop. I was crawling in front of your eyes like an insect, hoping that you will see my vulnerability, but you didn't. You didn't, Carolina. Why didn't you? You claimed to love me? Was that your fucking love in name of which you killed so many people? I hurt you, then why did you killed my family and left me to bear this pain for an eternity? Why? Speak up! Dammit!"

My hands kept on pressing against her neck, as my roar kept on increasing. And with the roar, the intensity of my burning desire to revenge her was also reaching the peaks. Her eyes were flickering, while tears were cascading down but I didn't show any ounce of mercy on her. I was in my own world of hatred today.

"Dan...iel. Dani....Daniel!!" She fumbled in a low whisper after several attempts. Her painful whisper was invoking some different vibe inside me, but pushing that thought away, I screamed at her, "Don't take my name. You don't have any right to even utter my name from your shitty mouth!"

"Good bye, Rodriguez. Have fun in hell!" I smirked at her like a starved predator who enjoys eyeing his prey. Her grip on my wrist was loosening, indicating that her breathing was going down slowly and steadily and soon her work will be over. But I wasn't feeling that sense of satisfaction. Why was I not happy?

I turned my attention to the knife in my other hand while my eyes were stuck on her face. My grip on her neck has loosened somehow as I was preparing myself to stab her in the heart. I didn't care for any consequences. I was hungry for my revenge. I wanted justice for my family and I will get that by hook or by crook.

I gathered all my strength and raised the knife to stab her. Her blurry eyes shut on their own accord, while her hands fell to her either side.

But before I can even stab her, the words that left her mouth left me in a paralyzing state.

"I...love....you....Daniel!"

My hand fell down on my side, while the knife too slipped from my hand as my lashes began to battle against their own will seeing the person in front of me.

A gasp escaped my lips as I saw the girl in front of me, looking at me with defeated and tired eyes.

"Serena!" I called as realization dawned upon me that it wasn't that bitch Carolina whom I was ready to kill, but it was my Serena; my love.

She was trying to catch up on her breaths, rubbing her throat but her eyes were stuck on me as she eyed me with guilty eyes.

"Daniel!" Her whisper once again broke my trance in which I was lost since the second I realized that I was about to hurt her. I stepped back from her in shock. My feet stumbled as my body began to shiver in exasperation. My tears were now falling freely from my eyes.

Reaching a safe distance from her, I looked at my hands, with which I was about to commit the biggest sin of my life. Regret flashed over me, as my eyes once again met Serena's who has somehow managed to gather herself.

She took a step forward as if to hug me, but I showed my hand, "No. Stay away from me."

"I will end up hurting you. I was going to kill you in my rage. No. Go away from here." I blabbered absent-mindedly. I didn't know how I was sounding to myself or to her, but all I knew that we both were dying in this pain.

"I said go away!!" I screamed and turned around, I slammed my fist into the dressing mirror. The mirror broke, while the glass pieces were piercing my skin but I didn't care for this pain.

"Daniel!!" Serena called out horrified seeing me bleed but my eyes were stuck to another piece of glass. And before Serena can approach me, I grabbed it and slit my wrist with it wanting to end this lifelong pain for once.

I started to breathe heavily, as my wrist bled making my vision blur while my body started to slump down. I held the nearby wall, while I felt her feet running in my direction, but I didn't dare to meet her eyes, not after the trauma I put her through just a few minutes back.

"Daniel!" I heard Serena crying holding me by arm, while I shut my eyes tightly not wanting to see those tears of agony. Despite my all doings, she was here for me and it just doubled my guilt ten times more.

"Why did you do this?" She yelped gripping my arm as I slumped down on the floor. My back rested on the wall while I found it hard to keep my eyes open.

"I deserve this only." I managed to utter as she rubbed my palms frantically.

"Keep your eyes open. Okay. I will get help". She went hysterical, but before she can run to make a call, I gripped her wrist tightly halting her steps.

I was finding it hard to. inhale and exhale while I can sense her deep gaze on my face. From my blur vision, I can see several questions on her face, while I took my time to answer them.

"Don't... save... me. Let me.... go".

"You are mad. Have you lost your mind?" She yelped angrily pulling out of my iron grip. I wasn't made easy for her, but she was using her all strength to pull free. I saw that extreme determination, and then before I knew, it she raised her other hand, and SLAP.

I heard her sobs as due to the sudden action I fell on the floor in my own blood. She stood up and ran towards the bed, madly searching for the phone as I can gather with the way her movements were around the room.

"I need ambulance now." I heard her yelling on the phone, and as I assume she was dialing the paramedics. I saw her hazy figure approaching me still on the phone, as I fought the urge to close my eyes forever. I wanted to take in her every feature before I drift away from her.

"John. Come fast. Daniel cut himself. He is bleeding. Please save him". She was begging on the phone while I wanted to stand and console her that it was for the better. I was not able to handle my own life now.

"Keep your eyes open darling. Nothing will happen to you. You have to live". She consoled me taking my hand in her, and tying a cloth on my wrist, to stop the bleeding.

With great effort, I raised my hand to wipe her tears, but my hand fell down before I can even touch her soft cheeks.

"You have to live for me and Nathan. You have to live, Daniel Price. Did you hear me? You will live!" She roared like a wounded tigress shaking me now, but I was losing my strength.

"I...am...sorry....," I didn't know for what I apologized; maybe for all the pain I have given her till date, but as my eyes gave up, I saw myself drifting to the night which leads to. our breakup which still turned my body cold. Because I can bear anything, but I can't bear her walking away from me.

Past

It was the last day of Serena's internship in the Rogers, and today finally she was going to be awarded the certificate of excellence from the team. In the past few days or more like I should say since the night I have spilled Carolina's name from my tongue, we have drifted apart a great deal. We were no longer a couple whose lives revolved around their love.

Surely, we did live together but our relationship was going down the drain in a way that even if I wanted, I wasn't able to stop that unwanted thing. My insecurities were all over the place, and I don't even remember when was the last time I have paid attention to her.

She was busy in her work while I purposely kept myself busy in my work. I loved her, but yet I wasn't a man enough to explain my fears; while she thought that as my manly pride but only if she knew the turmoil I was undergoing then she would be beside me, in my arms as I lay on the bed all alone.

I received the call from the Rogers, earlier that day to Grace them with my presence at the party after the distribution of the certificates; but I didn't want to go. Not because I was jealous of her success but I was hurt that she didn't care to inform me herself but someone else was doing it for her.

Was I so indifferent to her all these days that she didn't even have any hope from me?

With the same annoying and heart-aching thoughts, I walked to the mini-bar, pouring myself a strong shot. Lately, this has been my only time pass.

Get drunk and wasted. Maybe I hoped that this will numb the tension I felt every second of the day. Thus, I kept myself engrossed in my drinks. Serena had tried to stop me often, but I have shunned her away telling her to mind her own business.

I haven't missed the look of the hurt cross her eyes, but I didn't care. Her closeness with Liam affected me in a way that forced me to think about Carolina. And anything which reminded me of her was more or less like destruction in my eyes.

I didn't realize that I was already high when the clock struck midnight. My eyes drifted towards the door hoping for Serena to appear but when she didn't, I threw my glass on the floor in frustration.

Grabbing my car keys, I stumbled out of the apartment holding the walls and other stuff I could get my hands on. The watchman tried to stop me, but I pushed him away from me.

I drove around the street, literally saving myself from getting killed but that wasn't my concern. My concern was Serena. And for some reason, I knew that what I might witness now will never mend the gap between us.

I halted the car in front of the Rogers, while I can hear the loud blasting music. Howling, cheering, shrieks, thrill-filled the surroundings as I can sense everyone lost in their own world.

Taking support of few cars in the parking lot I finally reached the entrance door. The security who already knew me, let me in after a thorough check earning glares from me.

What did these fools think? I was a goon or terrorist?

I made my way inside the banquet in which the party was being hosted. Everyone was lost in their own bubble while my drunk eyes scanned the dimly lit hall for Serena, and there I saw her standing with Liam in a corner.

From what I assume they seemed to be kissing or this is what I thought. I might be wrong because I was drunk and there were high chances of my vision betraying me, but I can't forget the images of my own infidelity to Carolina.

With the way they stood absolutely close, with Serena's hands on his shoulder while his hands I assume were cupping her face, anyone can assume that they were kissing.

My blood was boiling, while my fists closed by either side. My jaw hardened as I had this burning urge to kill that bastard with my own hands.

Grinding my teeth, I marched up to them in long strides, pushing away people on the way.

"You bastard!" I grabbed him by his back collar pulling away from Serena while the DJ stopped, and the lights came on as every eye turned in our direction.

"How dare you kiss my girlfriend?" I yelped punching him straight on the jaw as he fell on the ground with blood oozing out of his lips. His cheek turned blue.

"Daniel!" Serena tried to pull me away as I was kicking Liam in his belly.

"Shut up!" I showed her my index finger-snapping my head in her direction while several gasps filled in the room at our exchange.

"Daniel, please stop it. People are watching." She pleaded to hold me by my upper arm while I pushed her away making her fall on the ground.

Ignoring her, I grabbed Liam and punched him again with my all strength. I don't know at whom I was angrier? At her for not making an effort to explain me, or at myself for not being able to trust her despite loving her.

Security people came to pull me away, while Liam tried to dodge my attacks but to no avail. He was still weak in front of my strength as I wanted to kill this rage inside me by punishing him.

I knew in my mind that I was a hypocrite. I have cheated once and today I was not able to handle my own girlfriend, cheating on me. But more than that cheating, I was afraid that I will become another version of Carolina if Serena crossed the line.

"Daniel, stop It! I didn't kissed her for heaven's sake" Finally Liam burst when he saw I wasn't going to halt. My hands froze in the air as I peeked a side glance at Serena who was crying uncontrollably while her best friends Alina and Jessylyn held her. They gave me disgusted looks.

"You are a psycho, Price. We were also standing here with them. Didn't you saw us?" Alina began with a glare pointing her index finger at me. But I maintained my straight face ignoring the pounding of my chest in my rib cage.

"Something went in her eyes, so he was just helping her because we were having our drinks. Are you freaking crazy? Don't you realize her love for you?" Jessalyn shouted this time. I looked at Serena for once, who was eyeing me with hate, fury, and rage.

I walked up to her and before I can hold her, I was held back by someone. I turned around to come face to face with the cops who were glaring at me. Of course, my love story is incomplete without them.

"You are under arrest Mr. Price". I forwarded my wrist with a bored expression glaring at that asshole whose eyes were stuck at Serena.

Serena stepped forward, maybe to butt in, but before she can open her damn mouth, defend me, or even apologize to that arse, I showed her my palm silencing her.

"I don't need your so called favours. Enjoy the night with your best friends." My tone held mock, sarcasm, and jealousy at all these people who can have fun without anything to worry about, while here I was trapped in the shittiest past which was also the cause of his own actions.

I looked around the room to see enraged looks of all, and there I had this another insecurity about myself, "Didn't these guys ever cheated on anyone? So why was I the only one who was punished in the most severe way?"

With this, I turned to the cops, who were shaking their heads at me as if even they can sense that I was not in any state of explanation.

"He is such a bastard. How did he even got someone like Serena?"

"I pity the poor girl for having him".

"He is a manwhore".

Whispers after whispers were in the air while my fist was itching to punch these assholes. What did they even know about my love for her? Who has told them that all relationships are perfect?

Serena was standing there like a statue listening to every single thing without even battling her lashes. If I was hurt by others, then I was hurt more when she didn't take up a stand for me. Didn't she promise to stand by me always?

"Let's go!" I started to walk away, but I might have neared the guy who called me manwhore, and without any prior warning, I punched him straight making his nose bleed. The cops held me back, instantly while all looked at me horrified. I knew I will be on the front page of the newspaper tomorrow.

"Before calling anyone manwhore, check the amount of girls you might have slept with". With this, neither did I turned back, nor I glanced at Serena. I regret coming here to this place or even falling in love. Should have known that I was a cursed scoundrel.

I didn't care for the rest of the two days which I spent in the prison, but on the third day when I was bailed out, I was only greeted by the sight of Liam and Serena along with Jenna.

My eyes met Serena but she looked away as if my gaze was also making her feel like insects were crawling up her skin. Glaring at Liam, I signed the papers and scurried out, with Jenna running after me.

I didn't know whose idea it was to bail me, neither did I care because I would be too pleased to end in prison. At least I won't be worried about facing the stupid past of that horny vampish bitch. May she rot in hell for another ten decades and God forbid her any other birth.

I didn't go to my apartment because I had too much to hear from the board, who were literally pouncing on me like mad bulls. Thus, I spent the rest of the week in the office.

It would be a lie if I said I didn't miss her, but I didn't dare to call her. But not able to handle these awkward feelings, in the new week I finally went home in the morning hoping she will hear me out for once.

But to my shock when I entered my home, the color drained out of my face seeing her packing her bags.

"Are you going somewhere?" She didn't look at me but continued her packing.

"I am asking you". I raised my voice a little. This was it, she marched towards me with an infuriated look, and directly her palm met with my cheeks.

"What the hell do you think of your self Daniel Price? You humiliated me infront of thousands of people, and then like a shameless jerk, you didn't show up here. Is this what you call, your love for me?" She accused me. Her furious eyes were screaming the feeling of loathing for me.

"Tell me where is your love? From the past two years, you have been making a fool of me while here I did my level best to keep up with you but what did you do? Made a mockery of our relationship infront of the world. Didn't you for once thought how I will cope up after you so bluntly disgraced my loyalty? The looks people are giving me after your stunt, the taunts that how I am a fool to love you? Doesn't it all mean anything to you?" Tears pooled up in her eyes while I raised my hands to wipe them but giving me a mean look, she moved back from me.

"Don't try to console me when you yourself are the reason of these tears. You haven't given me anything but pain, Daniel. I thought maybe seeing my love you will open up, but no. Instead of changing, you have become a psycho monster. And I no longer have the desire to live with you and get myself insulted amongst the public. I am breaking up with you, Daniel Price. I hate you." She burst to wipe off her tears while I felt as if someone stabbed me with a knife.

But gaining my composure, I moved forth but she pushed me away and grabbed her things.

"Don't do this to us. Please. I know I have been an asshole to you but don't leave me. I can't live without you. Please. You promised, you won't go." I begged her to move around the room to every corner she went throwing her stuff in her bag.

"You also made many promises, but did you even fulfill any of them?" She mocked with pure sarcasm while I cursed myself for being a douche to her. But how should I explain to her my instance? For one truth, I had to open up about everything, and I can't do that.

"It's a goodbye Price. I don't want to see your face ever again now." She added approaching the exit door. I stood there like a frozen piece and she walked out of my house and my life; leaving her memories to haunt me adding another tragic trauma to my already tormented soul.

Present

Black! Everything seemed to be as I was walking in someplace. I couldn't spot a thing at first while I felt my throat being dry but there was no. pain inside me like my body was used to for years. It felt as if I was granted my wish finally.

But then suddenly a flash of light fell on my face blinding my vision. I stepped closer to the light and a big smile came on my lips.

There stood my family of five. I ran towards them to hug them, but they seem to be so far, yet so close.

"Mom!" I cried trying to reach out to her but she was shaking her head in denial. I couldn't comprehend the reason for this denial.

"I miss you, Dad. Mom, I want to be with you all. Don't leave me. Take me with you". I begged still running to them but they all were moving away.

"You can't catch us, brother". Josh appeared in the front and I took in my little brother's features, adoring him to no bounds.

"Your life is down there, brother." Ana winked at me while my heart felt the need to hug my sister.

"You have to fufill our dreams, brother". Allison added staring deep into my eyes, giving me her everlasting support and strength.

"You have to live, Baby. For yourself, for all of us but most of all for your family. Your Nathan and Serena. Your son and love, have pulled you back in the world of love and emotions again. Don't let them fail. You have defeated Carolina, Daniel. You have shown her that your love is above her so called obsession to destroy you. She lost, you won, son". Mom encouraged me like she always used to do.

"You have to make me more proud, son. We are always with you". Dad added and I felt as if he was ruffling my hairs.

"You have to live, Dan".

"You will live, Dan".

"For Serena".

"For Nathan".

"And for yourself and all those, who give up on life because they can't handle the challenges. You have to prove to this world that, True love wins always. Obsession can never defeat love".

I heard the chorus voices, ringing in my ears. Suddenly, the light around vanished away and once again it was only black. I felt the air around me increasing while someone was pushing me down, but my blood was pumping up.

And then with another strong gush of the wound, It felt as if I was thrown on the hard Rock, as I felt a pounding ache rising in my head while my eyes were fighting with my mind, to open them.

I heard a few hushed voices as if my ears have frozen too while my entire body ached. It took me a minute to gather my courage to adjust my lashes but still, the surroundings seemed to be hazy. The smell was annoying but then the soft touch of palms on my cheeks, made me feel nice.

"Dad!"

My neck felt so stiff that I found it hard to turn in the direction of the voice but then slowly I did, and it felt all my pain left me.

My baby boy stood there with his tears trickling down his eyes. My poor baby. My Nathan.

I shook my head trying to voice my order for him to not shed a tear because I had this damn thing called an oxygen mask on my mouth.

I felt few people checking on me, while I tried to recognize them but they seem to be some doctors. I looked around the room, more closely for that one person who has given me this peace which was making me feel so happy right now.

"How are you doing, Daniel?" I turned to the source of voice slowly to come face to face with John. He looked tired. Bags were under his eyes as well as Nathan. It seemed both of them didn't sleep for days.

I just nodded not having the strength to even utter a word. How many days have passed since that night? Why does it feel so weird?

Raising my hand a little with great difficulty, I removed the mask and inquired finally, "Serena?"

John's face went pale while Nathan held his hand tightly as if he will burst into tears. My heart started to drop at that very moment, as they both looked at me like I asked them about a ghost.

But where was my Serena?