CHAPTER 32

A knock on the door dragged me back to reality.

“Good morning,” I murmured when I opened the door to see Adrian standing with his hands folded across his chest.

“We will be going back to America tomorrow.” He muttered. I tried so hard to stop myself from smiling but it failed. He glared at me and scoffed.

“But we still have unfinished business here and you must take care of it before we leave,” Adrian added, making my brows furrow slightly.

“Okay, I think I get the unfinished business part, but your pronouns are confusing. What do you mean by” you” must take care of it?  I asked with uneasiness written all over me.

“Blockhead. It simply means that you will be the performer at this particular event”. He replied with a mischievous look.

“Wait. You are joking right?” I stuttered, blinking nervously.

“I don't joke Jenny”. He replied firmly.

His words hit me directly and penetrated my soul spontaneously leaving me breathless.

“I should perform in your place?” I blinked at him with my jaw slightly dropped. He maintained his cold, mischievous glare, sending cold shivers down my spine.

I battled to digest the weight of what he just said but it was far-fetched. My heart was pounding hard against my chest as the cold hands of fear began to grip me firmly. I had a strong conviction that what he was doing had nothing to do with trust and motivation. It was just one of his heartless games; a medium he was putting me to watch me fumble.

My hands quivered faintly and curled up into fists clenched by my sides, my voice was buried deep down in my stomach, and my teeth gnashing slightly. It was indeed a stunning and overwhelming surprise. I mean, I never saw this coming, but the sting of cruelty overshadowed it immediately. What would he profit from this? And what do I stand to lose?

“But why would you want me to handle it if it is that important?” I asked with a wave of fear in my voice.

“Follow me I will explain to you”. He mumbled and turned around to leave.

I allowed him to take the lead while I followed behind. My heart was already racing and goosebumps had covered my whole body. He got to his room and opened the door; we walked in and got situated before he finally spoke up.

“The family hosting this event is one of the most reputable in the world. Mind you I didn't say America but in the entire world. It's the Jerkins family. He has this behavior of boasting about his wife's charismatic prowess which always pisses me off. This is the reason you will go there and speak in such a way that everyone will know that she isn't the only fish in the ocean.”

“What! You want me to compete with her or something?” I asked in disbelief.

“Call it whatever you deem fit all I know is that you will put that empty barrel where she belongs”. He replied matter of factly.

“No! I can't do this.” I replied, my voice breaking.

“And why?” He asked, his eyes widened.

“I don't want to become an object of ridicule and mockery when I falter. I am not really good at public speaking, unlike you, so I can't do it. If you are hell-bent on proving a point, then I think you should do it yourself”. I stated my voice laced with boldness. I had no idea where it came from.

“You don't get it, do you? She is a fucking woman. Doing this wouldn't stir amazement because everyone knows as a man, I am superior. I may only end up reducing my steeze instead of putting the Jerkins where they belong.” He explained.

I bowed my head in frustration. Looking into his cold, unyielding eyes, I knew there was no need to argue. Resistance would do nothing but energize his cruel passion and refusal would result in punishments I am not prepared for.

My mouth began to turn bitter as I forced my neck to produce a nod, the enormity of surrendering weighing me down. Inside me, I hated how he always had his way, how with ease he rips me of my willpower, leaving me with no choice.

But there was a spark of resolution hidden behind the fear that overwhelmed me, a quiet pledge to endure no matter how humiliating or ridiculous this ordeal would be.

I gulped hard and spoke the words he yearned to hear, my voice feigning courage.

“Okay then, I will do it.” But deep down my heart, my answer was the opposite.

He sank back into the couch, a small fulfilled smirk playing at the corner of his lips as he watched me reluctantly surrender to his bidding. This was the exact way he planned it; witnessing my battle with my feelings of nervosity, fear, and unwilling agreement awarded him with a sensation of victory that was quite obvious.

It was not only about me accepting to do; it was his ability to twist me to do his will, the domination over me, and the authority he had over me. I was his tool to use as he seemed fit, his possession for display, and this stage of unfairness was suitable for me.

He finally broke the silence with a scornful tone.

“Of course, you will do it; I mean, you don't have a choice. Besides, I was not even asking for your consent; I was only informing you on the latest developments.”

I swallowed it bitterly and pulled myself to a standing position. Glancing at him I got him beaming with smiles of satisfaction. He took it as a triumph, a heads up that he was always the superior no matter what. And maybe that was how it was meant to be.

I strode out of the room with cautious steps because I feared I could trip since I felt like I was walking on air.