Chapter 9 - Unexpected Mail

TYBERIAS' POV

I ran my fingers through my hair for the fifth time that day while I reread the letter I received last month.

Dearest Tyberias 

I see you have taken a liking to a girl recently- very beautiful if I must admit.

However, you will stay away from her or face the consequences.

You have been warned.

-Anon

Attached to the note were pictures. The first time I helped Juliana and loads of us on our date together.

Fùck!

I hope I made the right choice ending things with her. As much as it hurt me, she was better off without me. I couldn't risk her safety despite my feelings for her.

***

JULIANA's POV

I just came back from work and I was tired as hell. 

I walked into the kitchen hoping to make a snack. A salt and vinegar chip sandwich sounded so good right now.

I quickly made it and took the first bite, moaning as the saltiness hit my tongue. 

Weirdly, I heard a knock on the door.

I checked the time.

7:30pm. I didn't know we were expecting anyone.

Annoyed that someone interrupted my snack, I whipped the door open.

Strangely, no one stood in front of me but an envelope.

I looked down the hallway but no one was in sight. Weird.

I picked up the envelope and cautiously opened it.

I gasped as I saw the contents. Multiple images of me and Tyberias together, including the other day when he helped me with my bags, filled the envelope.

I picked up the note and read it

Juliana, 

You are probably wandering who I am. Don't worry hopefully, you will never come to discover this. If so, it will be as you take your last breath.

I see Tyberias couldn't stay away despite previous warnings. I can't blame him though.

If you know what's good for you, you'll stay away from him. Trust me, you won't like the outcome if you don't.

-Anon

What.the.actual.hell.

Was this Tyberias' idea to try and scare me away from him.

I wasn't stupid. I knew exactly what I had to do.

***

"Open the door Tyberias. Now!" I yelled as I pounded on his front door. It was a good thing I still remembered his address from when I was babysitting

"What the fuck" he said as he opened his door. He stood wearing his signature suit but without his jacked or tie. His tight shirt emphasized his strong physique.

Stop! Don't get distracted.

"What are you-" I didn't let him finish as I barged past him and stepped into his house.

"You think it's funny, huh? You think you're slick trying to scare me away with some stupid note" I said

"What the fùck are you talking about" he said, frowning.

I threw the envelope to his chest and he quickly caught it effortlessly. Damn his fast reflexes.

He read the note and frowned.

"I didn't write this" he said

"Then who did" 

"I- I don't know but I've got the situation under control"

"Under control? Then why did I get a note threatening me to stay away from you."

"I'm not sure. But it isn't safe for you to stay at you're apartment anymore."

"What do you mean? I have nowhere else to go"

"You can stay with me until I find you somewhere else nearby" he said

"What? No! I'm not staying with you. I still hate you" I replied and crossed my arms.

"I only said those things because I was trying to keep you safe. I never meant it"

"Then why did you say it" I gritted.

"I also received a note. I don't know what I was thinking but I panicked and I thought that if I ignored you and left you alone, the person wouldn't threaten you anymore"

"So you didn't mean any of it?" I asked quietly

"None of it." He finalised

I internally smiled. I probably sounded pathetic or weak but the thought that there was even a small chance that he actually liked me back made me happy.

"I'll drive you to you're place so you can pack you're clothes. Just tell your family you're staying with a friend for a little while."

"I still haven't agreed to staying with you" I remarked

He let out a sigh "I'm just doing it to keep you safe. I know you haven't fully forgiven me yet but I'm going to make it up to you" 

"Fine" I sighed sounding defeated.

We drove to my apartment and Tyberias stayed in his car while I quickly packed my clothes.

"Mom, I'm just going to be staying with a friend for a little while"

"What? Why?" She said, frown lines forming on her face.

"Um, it'll just be easier when travelling to work, I won't need to get the bus anymore." I silently hoped she would fall for my stupid lie.

"Okay, if you're sure"

"What? That's it?" I blurted without thinking

"You're 22, if you want to move out then I'm not going to stop you. Just stay safe, okay?" She said while hugging me tightly.

I leaned down to Estella

"Where you going, Jay?" She asked while looking at my bags.

"I'm just going away for a little while. Don't worry I'll come visit you a lot" I said starting to tear up. This would be the first time I would be leaving Estella. But I had to do this. It wasn't safe for them to be dragged into this.

I wrapped my arms around her small body, enjoying having her in my arms.

I kissed her on her cheek and she giggled as I began peppering her face with kisses.

"Bye, see you both soon" I said as I waved and walked out the door.

'I had to do this. This was for the best.' I chanted as I walked to Tyverias' car.

When he saw me walk out of the building her quickly jumped out his car and rushed to help me with my bags. I mentally smiled in appreciation.

***

Once we got to his house, he showed me to my new room. Coincidentally, it was right opposite his.

I was quiet as he gave me a tour around his house. I was second thinking everything.

He clearly noticed my quietness as he said "You don't need to worry, Juliana. I'm going to keep you safe"