3. Who was on the Phone?

"Maddie?" Victor repeats. "Is that really you?

I nod, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside me. It's been years since I've seen Victor. He was my brother's friend that I had this embarrassing crush on, and now he is my boss. The irony of the situation isn't lost on me.

"You've changed," he says, his eyes scanning my face. "You look different."

"I've grown up," I say, my voice steady even as my heart races. "It's been a long time."

Victor nods, his eyes narrowing. "Why didn't you tell me who you were when you first started working here? You could have told me your name in the elevator."

I shrug, feeling a little defensive. "I wanted to prove myself based on my own merit. I didn't want to be judged based on who I used to be."

Victor nods. His expression is unreadable. "I can understand that, but you should have told me. It's not fair to keep something like that from me."

"I'm sorry," I say, my voice quiet. "I didn't mean to deceive you."

Victor stares at me intently as if he is trying to read my mind. I fidget. He always had these intense eyes that could make me feel like he could see right through me.

Finally, he sighs and runs a hand through his hair. "It's okay," he says, his voice softening. "I'm not upset, Maddie. I'm just surprised. It's good to see you again."

A small smile tugs at the corners of my lips, and I feel a sense of relief wash over me. "It's good to see you too, Victor."

"So, what do you think of my restaurant, Maddie?"

I cringe at the nickname as I remember how he used to call me Maddie while teasing me endlessly. "Do you have to?" I blurt it out.

Victor narrows his eyes. "Do I have to what?"

"Call me Maddie?" I say. I might as well correct him now.

Victor cocks his head, still smiling. "That's your name, isn't it?"

"It's Madison. That's what I prefer people to call me," I stand my ground, hoping it doesn't annoy him too much. I still need him to keep me on the job.

Victor clears his throat. "Alright, Madison. You are a grown-up now, so I guess I must treat you as such."

"Yes, sir.

Victor grins but then turns serious again.

"So, do I have the job?" I ask. My heart starts beating rapidly. I really need this, at least for now, until I find another job.

 "I'm afraid you were only supposed to be filling in for Emily. And the restaurant doesn't need another chef," he says grimly.

My heart sinks as I hear Victor's words. "Oh," is all I can say, feeling a wave of disappointment wash over me. I thought this was a done deal. Stanley told me so!

Victor must have seen the disappointment on my face because he adds, "But, since you did such a great job and Emily has some personal issues, you can take her place, for now."

I perk up. "I won't let you down!"

Victor's facial expression remains serious, but his eyes twinkle. "I know you won't."

"You'll officially start tomorrow. Be here at eight am sharp."

"I will," I confirm, my heart is beating fast.

Victor opens the door for me, signaling the end of our meeting. "You can go now, Madison. Say hi to Stan for me."

"Thank you again, Victor," I say, standing up and leaving his office with a spring in my step. I can't wait to start my new job as a chef at Victor's restaurant.

~-~

I find Stanley in the living room, sipping on hot cocoa. "Stan! Guess what!?" I chirp, unable to hide my excitement.

Stanley grins. "You got the job, didn't you?"

"Yes! I did! I'll be working as a chef at Victor's restaurant starting tomorrow!" I exclaim.

Stanley stands up and pulls me into a tight hug. "I'm so proud of you, Madison. You deserve this." He pauses as if he has something more to say.

"What?" I raise an eyebrow.

"Be careful," Stanley says.

I look at him with surprise. "Be careful with what?"

"I've known Victor for a long time now, and he can be a bit...well...intense. So if he ever makes you uncomfortable or scares you, you can come talk to me, okay?"

I giggle. "Don't be silly. I'm not scared of Victor."

"I know you aren't, but..."

I put my hand on his shoulder. "Stan. I love you, but you can be a bit overprotective. I'm a big girl. I can handle the job and Victor, so just trust me, okay?"

Stanley smiles. "Alright. I know you can do this, Madison."

"And I couldn't have done it without you, Stan. You're the best brother anyone could ask for."

Stanley grins. "I know. Now, let's celebrate with some pizza and a movie."

I laugh. "Sounds like a plan."

My life is finally getting better. Once I get settled in my job, I can get my own place and then after that, maybe I will meet someone who is not a complete asshole like Gustaf.

"So, what movie do you want to watch?" Stan asks me.

"How about..." My phone starts to ring, interrupting me. I look down at it and squint as I don't recognize the number.

"Aren't you going to answer?" Stanley asks me.

"I don't know who this is," I say and click the hangup button.

But my phone starts ringing again.

"Go ahead and answer. It could be the restaurant." Stanley shrugs. "I'll be right back." 

I watch him leave to go to the bathroom as I answer the phone, "Hello?"

"Hey baby."

My blood runs cold.

"Madison? Are you there? Don't hang up," Gustaf growls.

I freeze as Gustaf's voice pours out of my phone. I changed my phone number hoping I never have to hear his voice again. My heart rate spikes, and I struggle to keep my voice steady as I reply, "What do you want, Gustaf?"

"I just wanted to talk to you, see how you're doing," he says, his voice dripping with false sincerity.

"I'm doing just fine without you," I say, my tone sharp.

"I don't believe that," Gustaf responds, his voice growing more aggressive. "You were nothing before me, and you'll be nothing without me."

I feel my anger rising. How dare he speak to me like this? "You know what, Gustaf? I'm not interested in talking to you. Don't call me again."

"Hold on, Madison. I'm not done talking," Gustaf hisses.

I feel a knot forming in my stomach as Gustaf continues to talk. I don't want to listen to him anymore. I take a deep breath and try to remain calm. "What do you want, Gustaf?" I repeat, hoping to steer the conversation to the point.

"I just wanted to say that you made a huge mistake by leaving. We had a good thing going," Gustaf says.

"A good thing? Are you kidding me?" I nearly shout. I look for Stanley, but he is still not back yet. "You are the most manipulative piece of shit I've ever had to deal with, Gustaf. And now that I've freed from you, I'll never look back."

Gustaf chuckles. "Oh, sweetheart. Do you really think you escaped from me? I know you're living with your brother now, so it won't be hard for me to pay you a little visit."

"You wouldn't dare show your face around here!" I cry out.

"Oh, I would. And I will," Gustaf says, his tone menacing. "You belong to me, Madison. You always will. And you'll soon realize that you can't live without me."

I can't believe what I'm hearing. Gustaf's words send shivers down my spine. I feel a surge of fear, but I try not to let it show.

"I belong to myself, Gustaf. And you have no power over me. Don't contact me again," I say firmly and hang up the phone. My hands are shaking, and I feel like I'm going to be sick.

I'm already crying by the time I see Stanley striding toward me. "Madison? What's going on? Why are you crying?" His face is etched with concern. "What the hell happened while I was in the bathroom? Who was on the phone?"

I look up at Stanley, tears streaming down my face. "It was Gustaf. He called me," I manage to say between sobs.

Stanley's expression turns to one of anger. "What did he say to you?"

"He threatened me. He said he's going to come find me," I say, my voice shaking.

"Don't worry. I won't let him anywhere near you," Stanley says, wrapping his arms around me. "You're safe with me."

I bury my face in my brother's chest, but I feel no comfort. Gustaf sounded like he meant it when he said he'd come see me. And knowing Gustaf, he will stop at nothing to get what he wants.