The man I hugged

She unlocked the door to his car and took out the items Lorenzo had purchased for Stephanie, and she scowled at what she saw.

Before lugging the suitcases, she tightened her fists.

***

STEPHANIE'S POV.

When the door to my room clicked open and I heard the clicking sound of shoes on the floor, I was lying down on my bed.

I didn't care who it was, so I tightly closed my eyes as the footsteps neared.

The person's scent floated into my nostrils, and I recognized who it was.

I remained still since I did not want to be disturbed.

"Hey," I heard him say, but I didn't move.

I maintained my post.

"I know you're awake, so get up; we need to talk," he urged me, but I didn't move or say anything, preferring to pretend that I was asleep.

I heard his footsteps and it faded by each step he took till I stopped hearing the sound of his footsteps. When I heard the clicking sound of the door, I realized that he was gone.

I opened my eyes and got up from my bed stretching my body,my gaze went to the door and I saw him standing in front of the door,his back resting on the door and his hands akimbo.

Our eyes met,I was speechless as I didn't know what to say. I was shocked to see him there because I thought he left a few minutes ago.

I couldn't believe I was tricked by him when I've being trying to Avoid him on purpose. I sat down on my bed and picked up a book and started going through the pages just to get rid of the awkward silence in the room.

"Happy birthday"he said to me and I looked up to see him to know whether I heard him right. "Happy birthday Stephanie", he said again and It was clear to me that I heard him right. He remembered my birthday. But how is it possible?.

No matter how he found out,I felt my heart soften because I didn't expect that someone would even wish me happy birthday today, I sat up on the bed and stared into his eyes.

I tried to thank him but there was a knock on the door interrupting me from going further.

"Come in"he said and Amelia the housekeeper stepped in with some bags.

"These are the bags you asked me to bring sir"she said to him and he nodded before focusing his gaze on me.

"Bring me the pink bag"he said to Amelia who brought the bag he asked for.he brought out a carton and opened it and I saw a big cake.I was surprised but Happy.

I could see Amelia glaring at me,I was too happy to mind her.

"You can go now"he said to Amelia who left the room immediately.

"Why are you doing this?"I asked him.

"I want you to forget anything that brings you sadness and focus on the joy and happiness you will get today,today is a big day for you,you are 18 years today and today's marks the beginning of your adulthood so be happy and pretend like you Don't have anything bothering you,make yourself comfortable and happy,you deserve to be happy"he said to me and I found tears Welling up in my eyes.

I must say that this is the best word I have heard from someone since today.

"You can make your wish and cut the cake"he said to me after lighting the candles.

I looked at him and he gave me an assuring smile.

I closed my eyes and made a wish before blowing the candle light then I cut the cake and he clapped for me.

Everything felt so familiar,I didn't feel alone anymore and I appreciated what he did for me.

Memories of my dad flooded into my head,I couldn't control my tears anymore as it tickled down my cheeks.

He took his handkerchief and wiped my tears.

"You shouldn't ruin your day by crying"he said to me and I hugged him immediately.

"Thank you so much"I muttered.

I broke the hug immediately when I remembered who I was hugging.he was the same man that was mysterious and looked dangerous,the man who I didn't know his identity.the man who kidnapped me and I don't know the reason why he did that,the man who married me forcefully without asking for my opinion,the man who killed someone this morning without batting an eye.This was the kind of man I was hugging.I became uncomfortable again.

I was carried away with the little care he showed me that I nearly forgot who he was,I shouldn't trust him that easily.who knows he might have a motive for the kindness he showed me.

"What's wrong?"he asked me.

"Thank you for caring but I want to be alone"I said to him before lying down on my bed.

"Don't you want to eat?"he asked.

"I don't have the appetite"I replied.

"Don't hesitate to tell me if you need anything"he said to me and I closed my eyes without replying him.

I heard the door open and I knew he has left the room.I opened my eyes as thoughts about how my life will end up began to flood into my mind.

CHRIS'S POV.

The way she suddenly became distant showed that she doesn't trust me yet,I need to make her to trust me fully so she can sign the papers.

It's not like I can't force her to sign it but I don't want to create another Martin in my life.I am not scared of her though,I can just end her life but I don't want to kill her,I feel like she will be a great weapon for me in the future.there is something different and special about her.

She seems tough and the only way to get to people like her is gaining their trust.

I need to make her know that I am not her enemy but a friend.that is the only way I can use her the way I want to.