Chapter 30 Chapter 30
Every detail had already been arranged. He had thought of everything. I dropped my bag on the floor and sank into the nearest chair. My hands were still shaking, but not from fear anymore. From exhaustion. The city glowed outside the window. I could see the reflection of the tower across the street, lights blinking like watchful eyes. Somewhere above me, Zaiel and Christine were there, living their lives, unaware that I’d been dragged back into the world I’d tried so hard to leave.
I just sat there, listening to the hum of the air conditioner and the heartbeat in my ears. I wasn’t sure if I was angry or empty. Maybe both. But one thing was clear: I was back where I started. The circle had closed. I stood and walked to the window. The glass was cold against my palms. Down below, cars moved like veins through the city, alive and indifferent. The city lights flickered across my face, and for the first time in months, I didn’t feel like running. I just stood there watching, breathing, and waiting, knowing that the story wasn’t over yet.
The next morning felt unreal, like I was placed into someone else’s life. The hum of traffic rose from the streets below, the kind of constant noise I used to hate but now almost welcomed. It made me feel hidden. Noise was good. Noise meant other lives moving around mine. The apartment looked perfect too perfect. Fresh sheets, new furniture, and expensive appliances that still had the tags attached. It didn’t smell like me, didn’t sound like me. It felt like a stage set built for someone who’d already said yes to living here.
There was a note on the counter. One sentence. Groceries will be delivered on Tuesdays. Do not leave the building without an escort.
No signature, but it didn’t need one. I stood there for a while, reading the words over and over until they blurred. Then I tore the note in half and threw it away. It didn’t matter; whoever had written it would just send another.
I tried to keep busy. I unpacked the few things I’d brought back clothes, the necklace, and a small sketchbook. I put the necklace on the dresser where I could see it, a small reminder that once, for a short time, I’d breathed real air. By lunchtime, the walls started to close in. I showered and wore a pair of new jeans and a t-shirt and stepped outside. The minute I did, the two security details were there. I stopped and looked at them.
“What are your names?”
They looked at each other. “Jax and Rob,” the bald-headed one said.
“Well, Jax and Rob. I’m going to the top floor. I’m going to see Christine Bryce. “Tell the owner,” I said, turning away and walking towards the elevator. When the elevator opened and I stepped in, I realized they weren't going to follow me.
“Aren’t you scared I might run?” I asked.
“Ms. Jansen, It's the top floor. You can’t leave the building without us or without. “ 'The owner,' as you called him", Jax said. The elevator doors closed, and I was left shocked. I wasn't free. Even though he put me here, I couldn't leave; I was on a leash, and he was holding it. When the elevator door opened, I was still in a daze; I stepped out without watching and walked into something.
“My, my, look who it is. I thought you took your one million, and you’re on some beach relaxing?” he said in that same cold, condescending tone. I looked up and was met with blue eyes. Of course it had to be fucking him. I didn't answer it; I walked past him, but he grabbed me by my hand, pulling me back.
“What did you do to your hair? Tessa? What happened?” He asked, his voice much softer. It took everything in me not to break. I just looked at him, and he looked confused. “Let go of me,” I said quietly.
“No, not until you tell me what happened to your hair and what has you looking like the world has ended,” he said, his grip tightening on my arm.
“Zaiel, please let go of me.”
“What happened to you? “Where is the asshole, Tessa?” he asked.
“She’s dead,” I replied, my voice flat, and he let go of me. I didn't stay there; I walked over to the door and knocked. It was opened by a woman.
“Hello, umm, I’m not supposed to let anyone in,” she said hesitantly.
“I know. I’m here to see Christine,” I said, pushing the door open. Christine was on the couch. When she turned and saw me, I saw the minute she recognized me. “Tessa,” she said softly. I walked in and went over to her.
“You missed me?” I asked.
“Yes,” she whispered.
“So you can talk?” I asked, sitting beside her.
“You’re Tessa?” The woman asked, and I nodded.
“Call Anthony,” Christine said to the woman.
“I will, but I’m here so we can catch up on our gossip. “How was the wedding?” I asked, and she started smiling. The woman was Agatha, the new caretaker, but Christine didn't like her. We sat talking until five; Agatha left before Anthony came home. “Tessa, there you are. I was so worried about you.” Anthony said when he walked in as he made his way over to us. “I’m fine. I was just going through something,” I said.
“I know. Your cousin Kia. He called and told me that there was an incident and you needed to go away to take care of it and that it was taking a strain on you and that you’ll be back in a few months,” he said, and I cursed under my breath. That motherfucker lied to Anthony. “Is everything okay now?” He asked.
“Yes, everything is fine. I actually live on the floor below yours. If it’s okay with you, can I come and spend time with your mother?”
“Yes,” Christine said.
I headed down around eight; Jax and Rob were waiting when I stepped out of the elevator. I didn't say anything to them. I walked into the apartment and stood there for a second. It was quiet, too quiet, too clean, and too sterile. I was stuck here, so I might as well make it mine.
I went to the kitchen and opened the cupboards; there was everything. Pasta, sauces, and seasonings. I was startled by the ringing of a phone. I didn't have a phone; I followed the sound and found a brand-new phone on the coffee table in the living room. The name on the caller ID said Kai.
I didn't answer; I kept looking at it ringing. He called four times, then the phone vibrated and the message popped up.
Kai: Stop being a brat and answer.
I grabbed the phone and opened it; I opened the messages.
Tessa: I don't want to talk to you.
Kia: You’re not talking; you’re texting. You can work if you want to. You don't need it, but if that puts you at ease, then fine.