Chapter Five

Pavel laid Sunny on his bed. With his thoughts running wild, he massaged her hands so that she could regain consciousness. Luckily for Sunny, Pavel had come to save her right before the Chandelier could crush into her. His eyes glittered with joy, knowing that he had saved her from death once again but this didn’t stop him from worrying. Considering that, he was the one who had been fixing up the other room for Sunny and he didn’t make mistake while installing the Chandelier, Pavel was sure that someone had tempered with it deliberately.

“Bring me, Kedade.” Pavel coldly said after coming to a conclusion that Kedade was the culprit. Saga though not convinced that Kedade was at fault obeyed his master’s command and went out to fetch Kedade. Meanwhile, Pavel returned into the room to investigate further, and kneeling beside crushed Chandelier, he inspected it with vivid alertness but something else caught his attention. It was a scent a lotion; limited in edition. He crossed to the other side of the room and opened the window and the scent grew stronger on the balcony where he spotted a bracelet laying on the floor; prompting him to cross over and pick it up.

“This fragrance and bracelet? Why would Lusha come here?” Pavel exclaimed as he scrutinized the bracelet in his palm; recalling how he had gifted two unique lotions to Kedade and Lusha some time back. Pavel returned to the room and sat down to think and just then, Saga and Kedade walked in. Before Saga could say a word, Pavel instructed Kedade to go back to her room, and sensing the gravity of the situation, Kedade obliged without any protests. She knew the reason why Pavel had summoned her and the outcome was a sign that she had been exonerated from all charges against her.

“W-Why did you let her go?” Saga stuttered in surprise.

“I know who did this.” Pavel replied in a grave deep voice. His brow was furrowed, revealing a few wrinkles that only appeared with deep rage.

“Who is it?” Saga asked as curiosity took over his mind.

“Take me to Lusha’s room.” Pavel commanded. Even though he had not directly answered Saga’s question, the latter had gotten his answer immediately and he pitied Lusha because she had no idea of the trouble she had landed herself into. Walking into Lusha’s room, the unsuspecting woman welcomed the two men. It was clear that Lusha was thrilled to see Pavel in her room after a long time.

“What a pleasant surprise....” Lusha said with a bright seductive smile as she met Pavel half-way into the room; gently caressing his chest. “…come in and take a sit.”

“We are not here for that, Lusha.” Saga answered on Pavel’s behalf.

“Why are you here then?” Lusha asked as her countenance changed to one of concern. This was inevitable because the look on Pavel’s face was enough to send terror into anyone who saw it.

“I’ll be outside.” Saga said to Pavel before walking out, leaving Lusha extremely fearful.

“Did I commit an offence?” Lusha tested Pavel just so she could be sure about what was going on. Pavel forced a smile; putting his arm around her shoulder.

“What could you possibly do wrong, Lusha?” Pavel pretentiously asked as he walked Lusha to the bed where they both sat down, and eyeing Lusha with vapid devouring eyes, Pavel caressed her face, making Lusha blush and giggle without seeing through his real intentions.  Soon, Lusha made the first move, leaning in to kiss Pavel but he countered her with a ruthless grab on her jaw, aggressively pressing on it till her mouth fell open.

“Is it painful?” Pavel asked Lusha who shook her head vigorously despite being in pain.

“Then I'm probably not doing the right thing.” Pavel commented as he slowly moved his hand to her neck, pressing it down on her throat while staring into her frightened eyes; and struggling to breathe, Lusha begged Pavel to free her but he only tightened his grip on her while his deafening laughter filled the room. He had a calm expression; enjoying every bit of pain he was inflicting on Lusha.

“Now that was painful.” Pavel said, finally letting go of Lusha who desperately grasped for breathe as she tried to crawl away from his reach but Pavel grabbed her leg; pulling her back into his clutches.

“Pavel, no. Please, no.” She cried out as she tried to free herself.

“Did you really think I came here to spend time with you? You must take me for a fool then.” Pavel said, staring into her eyes. This time, she could see a spark of rage in his eyes.

“I-I would never think like that...” Lusha stuttered, coughing heavily afterwards.

“Save your breath. You’ll need it. I’m not done with you.”

“Please, Pavel.”

“I was wondering who would dare try to kill Sunny but I didn’t think it would be you because you love so much.” Pavel retorted as he paced around the room, eyes fixed on the ceiling.

“I do, master. I love you with all my heart.” Lusha said breathily.

“I thought so too. Believe me, I was willing to give you the benefit of a doubt but I found this at the crime scene.” Pavel said, showing Lusha the bracelet he picked up earlier and her gaze swiftly shifted to her wrist; entering panic mode instantly.

“I don’t understand…” She said, looking up at Pavel then her wrist with a confused expression.

“Your bracelet can’t be on your wrist if it is in my hand, Lusha.” Pavel jeered.

“This must be a conspiracy.” Lusha replied, still trying to save her skin.

“Mm, yes.  Since everyone is jealous of you.” Pavel’s sarcasm heightened. “I have been trying to get the truth from you since I walked in here but it seems you want to die by my hand because you keep lying to me.”

“I made a terrible mistake” Lusha finally gave in. Pavel smirked before calling out to Saga who came in and presented Pavel with a glass bottle of purple elixir; pleasing to the eye.

“This is Purple Wine; rare and pricey. It’s a mixture of venom from a snake and a scorpion. Assassins use it quite often to kill their targets because it attains the colour of any liquid it has been mixed into.” Pavel said; placing the bottle in front of Lusha’s eyes, making Lusha wince anxiously. 

Pavel chortled ruthlessly before turning to Saga.  “Saga, it is time.” he said.

Saga nodded, and ambushing Lusha, he grabbed her hands; pinioning them behind her back and placing them in a tight knot, suppressing Lusha’s movements while her frantic screeches could be heard in the entire women’s quarters.   

“They say a drop is enough to inflict unimaginagle pain.” Pavel said, moving closer to Lusha.

“Please have mercy…” Lusha cried out, begging for leniency.

“Saga, open her mouth...” Pavel said. As usual, his voice and countenance was calm, showing no remorse or pity. Saga was displeased with his boss’s actions but he knew better than to disobey Pavel; especially when he was infuriated. He opened Lusha’s mouth, allowing Pavel to administer a drop of the elixir to  her before he forced Lusha to swallow the liquid which sent her grasping for breathe as she motionlessly suffered from the numbing, excruciating pain the elixir inflicted on her.

“Boss, look!” Saga exclaimed in fright as Lusha’s skin began to turn white.

“The pain will continue to surge but she won’t be able to scream or move and her skin will continue to turn as the elixir spreads through her body. You should give her the antidote before noon tomorrow.” Pavel explained.

“You should just kill her instead.” Saga suggested sympathetically.

“Killing her would be a lighter punishment. I want her to suffer a little. Others will learn from her too.” Pavel remarked.

“But boss, won’t she die by then?” Saga exclaimed in shock.

“If she dies, well and good but I’m sure she will survive. She’s a tough woman, after all.” Pavel answered as he walked to the door. He stopped as his hand touched the door knob, turning to look at Saga who was looking at Lusha sympathetically. “You look like you want to save her. I wouldn’t mind if you took her place.”

“I’ll die for you, and only you.” Saga replied as he turned to Pavel.

“I don’t have to tell you that my father shouldn’t find out about this.”

“No, boss. I will make sure he doesn’t find out.” Saga assured him. Pavel nodded and walked out of the room, leaving Saga to watch over Lusha with a pitiful expression.

***

Pavel walked into his room and flopped himself on the couch. He sighed deeply; brushing off his conscience s it attempted to convict him. Suddenly, Sunny began muttering in her sleep, fidgeting immensely; making Pave dash to her side, attempting to wake her up but it was no use. Sunny was way deep into her dreamy state that she could not hear him calling out to her. Pavel wiped the sweat off her brow before placing some ice cubes on her chest, abruptly awakening her from her sleep.

“Mr. Pavel!” Sunny cried out; frantically looking from side to side.

“I’m here, Sunny.” Pavel replied, taking both her hands into his. Relieved to see him, Sunny threw her arms around Pavel; sobbing on his shoulder, wetting his shirt but Pavel didn’t care. He affectionately patted her back, consoling her fondly.

“Please don’t leave me alone.” Sunny sniffled.

“I won’t….” Pavel said, planting a kiss on her cheekbone and before embracing her. Sunny sobbed a little more before she finally felt secure.

“You saved me.” Sunny spoke in a tiny rattled voice. “I thought I was going to die.”

“But you didn’t.” Pavel said smilingly looking at Sunny.

“You saved me in time.” Sunny replied in a mixed tone.

“I see you got my gift.” Pavel said, changing the topic instantaneously.

“Yes.” Sunny said looking down at her dress smilingly. “It is lovely and it fit me perfectly. I am just sorry I couldn’t thank you properly for this beautiful gift.”

“I have no worries since you love it.” Pavel said, chuckling with pride. Even though he didn’t expect her to dislike his gift to her, Pavel still felt a great deal of happiness, knowing she loved the dress he bought her. “I will go and make you a cup of rosemary tea to help you relax.”

“No.” Sunny said as she grabbed hold of Pavel’s hand; teary-eyed. “Please don’t go.”

“I’ll be back.” Pavel assured her but it was not enough. Sunny pulled him closer to her and wrapped her arms around him, resting her head on his chest.

“I don’t want tea. Just stay with me.” Sunny said in a low pleading tone, weakening Pavel’s resolve.

“Okay, Sunny.” He said in a gentle and tender voice. “I will stay with you.”

“Thank you, Mr. Pavel.” Sunny chirped as she gazed into his guile eyes before she asked him to get into the covers with her. Pavel smirked, amused at how naïve Sunny was as he got into the sheets besides her. He eyed Sunny fondly; she was like a doe-eyed little girl; full of trust and faith in him and this made Pavel wonder if she would be this gullible if she had her memory intact.

“Go to sleep, Sunny.” Pavel told her as he pulled her in for a cuddle.

“Goodnight, Mr. Pavel.” Sunny said, closing her eyes.

“I don’t why but I am drawn to you, Sunny.” Pavel thought to himself as he let Sunny lay on his chest.