83 The Game Continues
For the next days, we prepared everything we need for the event, from the clothes we will wear to the things we will say just in case someone will ask us questions. I'm still not confident with the plan. Maybe, Nancy is right. It is too soon for me to meet Geoff again.
"What are you thinking?" Nancy asked.
"What if we get caught? After what I did to Erica, I'm sure she is already planning on having her revenge."
"So, you want to back out? Just let me know if you don't want to continue with our plan. You know you always have my support."
"Thank you, Nancy. I'm just scared our plan won't be successful. I might put Colin in a bad situation if that happens."
"Your husband is richer than him, and I'm sure he also has more connections. If your ex-husband finds out about your relationship with the owner of JBC Entertainment, do you think he will still lay his hands on you?"
"We're still not sure of tha
The newly opened hotel is now packed with people who want to make a reservation for the night. While most people fall in line to be one of the first guests of the hotel, Nancy and I queued with those who want to dine in in their elegant restaurant. The line for diners is not that long. I guess this is because even though they offer half of its original price, it is still expensive, and most people nowadays are practical with spending. The establishment will start allowing customers to come in at exactly 11 am. Nancy and I arrived before 11 so that we can witness the ribbon-cutting ceremony. According to the news, Geoff himself will be the one to welcome the first guests of the hotel and we have to make sure that we will be in the premise once it started.Both of us are wearing dresses with high heels. I also got luxury bags from my wardrobe for us to use.10 minutes before 11 AM, they started the ribbon cutting in the hotel main entrance. Geoff and other executives of
After getting out from Liberty Hotel premise, we got in the van which was parked nearby. I have already talked to the two guards and the driver hired by my husband to wait for me and Nancy. I also made them promised not to tell my husband about where we went. Nancy suggested for them to stay in the apartment building at first, but I thought they could help us just in case our plan didn't succeed."Waah!" Nancy and I screamed as soon as we got in the car. We are not sure whether people from outside could hear us, but we couldn't contain how happy we are."Is there anything wrong, Ma'am," asked one of the guards."Nothing. We are just happy. Please, don't mind us." I answered.Nancy took her laptop and started typing something."What are you doing?""I might forget about it. I am writing a new novel now. I have to write my idea as soon as possible.""Are you writing a story about me?!""Not everything is about you, Jessica." She
The guards were waiting for me and Nancy at the back entrance of the motel. I was so puzzled. Why would reporters be interested in me?"How many reporters were there?" I asked the guards when we got in the car."Around five, ma'am and some photographers. There were also around 20 people outside waiting for you. They look angry.""Why would they be? What did I do?""I think it's better to check social media app, ma'am. You're one of the most talked about people this time," says the female guard.I and Nancy got our phones to check the trend list in the web. The name Jessica is on the 15th rank. I clicked on the name and I saw some of my pictures posted on the website. One picture was when I and Geoff went to the beach. Another was the date I had with him when we first met. There is another picture of me holding many shopping bags. Nasty descriptions of me were also posted by anonymous people."How could she leave her husband when she already
"I won’t let anyone hurt you, I promise that to you before, right?” Did he really say that? Does he care for me that much?"Why are you speechless? It's natural for me to protect you since I'm your husband. Do you think you can hide something from me?" He asked, still smiling."How did you know about it?""From your security guards.""But they promised they won't tell anyone about it.""Haha! I was the one who hired them, and I am also the one paying them. Who do you think their loyalty goes to?"I feel embarrassed. I felt guilty for the past days knowing that I'm hiding something from him. It turns out he knows everything that I did, all the places I and Nancy have been to."Are you mad?""Of course not. Why would I be? I was actually touched."Haha! I don't know how your ex-husband treated you and how
Japan?!" I shouted as I heard the word. It is now the last month of the year which means it is now winter in Japan. The clothes I brought for me and Athena are for swimming and staying in warm areas. How can we stand the cold? Nancy and mom also looked so surprised when Colin finally revealed our destination. Like me, I'm sure they also never expected that we will go overseas."Yes, Japan. Have you visited Tokyo before?" Colin asked."No. I never had any experiences going out of the country. The problem is it is winter there now. We don't have any winter clothes." I explained."We will buy. That is not a problem. We will drop by duty free stores later to buy everything we need for our trip. We need coats, warmers, boots and gloves. If you need other things like cosmetics to make your skin is hydrated, you just pick them up and I'll take care of the payment." He then took Athena and carried her in his arms. "Do you like to go to Disneyland? We can see Micky Mouse
"This is owned by me and my husband." The statement keeps resounding in my head. I am the wife and Colin is my husband.There was a long silence in the living room. No one spoke a word. It seems like she is checking on me which is what I'm also doing to her. I know I saw this woman somewhere, but I can't remember who she is."This unit belongs to my husband, Colin Andrews, and since I'm his wife, so technically, this is also mine." She explains.Now I remember. She is Lara Matthews, Colin's ex-wife, but as far as I know, they already got divorced."Let me call him so the two of you can talk." I got my phone and dialed Colin's number. He picked the call up as soon as it rang. "Hello. (pause) Your wife is here. (pause.) No, not me, your first wife. (pause) I don't know. Why don't you ask her? (pause) I'm not mad. Let's talk later. Can you come home now?" (pause) Okay, we will wait." End of call."You are his wife? So, he got married again! And he bro
We went back to our apartment unit after leaving Lara behind. I am in cloud nine. I couldn't believe what I have heard. Colin accepts everything about me, and he is never scared to defend me in front of other people, not even to his ex-wife whom he used to love so much. I feel sorry for Lara. She lost a great man just because she thought another man can make her happier. We were both quiet inside the elevator. He never let go of my hand which I find very sweet.That night, everything went back to normal. No one talked about Lara. Even Colin looks unaffected by what happened. Sometimes, I still feel worried whether I should fully trust him or not. I guess this is the effect of having a bad relationship in the past.That week, the news about the upcoming Business Gala became a hot issue. Everyone seems to be excited with the event since all big names, not only in business field but also in entertainment industry normally attend this gathering. This is also where some rum
I can't believe with my reflection on the mirror. The people around me were all smiles, admiring how I turned out. The long dress fitted my body well. It is a simple long black dress that shows my curves. I never thought I am this slim. The dress makes me look taller than usual and it outlines my figure in a sexy way. The dress is matched with black stilettos which I have used for the past days in practicing how to walk. My hair was beautifully braided and was neatly arranged. My makeup gave me a natural but fresh look. I was helped by Nancy and the makeup artist to choose what accessory would complement my look. They chose a small cut diamond earring. They told me not to wear any necklace since people have to focus on my looks and not the accessories I'm wearing. They also chose a small clutch bag where I can put my phone and lipstick just in case I need to apply more later.Colin then entered the room, already dressed. He is wearing a black suit with a grey vest inside. "Yo
After almost a month, Geoff finally decided to introduce himself to Athena. I have been preparing her ever since because I know that someday, she would meet her real dad. Colin supported my decision of introducing her to Geoff. They have talked a couple of times about it. Geoff has invited him to have drinks and Colin never said anything bad about him during their meetings."He's a respectable man. He's too different from how I saw him in the past months. You know I had this image of him as a bad husband because of your story, but I think he's just manipulated. He was furious thinking that the woman she loved betrayed him." He said once before we went to bed."He was nice. I guess love can really make us a monster once we got hurt.""But I think I'm the one who benefited in what happened to the two of you. If Ericka didn't say nasty things about you, maybe you and Geoff are still together until now. Then, I wouldn't meet you in Marshville. I wouldn't be your second husband. So, I shou
I felt very light and dizzy. I didn't know what was happening. Everything around me was turning. I could see Ericka's back while she slowly disappeared from my view. Ericka was just here on the rooftop a while ago. She was here mocking and insulting me. I could hear her voice clearly. She was just here."Aaah!" I shouted as I got up. I was dreaming. It was all a dream. I woke up in a familiar room. It's the master's bedroom in Colin's apartment, it's our room.Colin rushed inside the room when he heard me screaming. He hugged me immediately and patted me in the back. "You're here now. You're safe.""Where's Ericka?!" I asked, panicking. "She's dead. She jumped from the rooftop in one of Geoff's hotels.""Where's Geoff?""He called me and asked me to pick you up. He said you lost consciousness. He told me about what happened to you the other night. You should've told me about your plan.""Sorry. Geoff asked me to stay with him. I thought it was best if I followed what he said.""I und
"Eat!" He said with a smile. He put some food on the plate in front of me."What are you planning? Please, I just want to go home. Ericka is the last person I want to see tonight." I couldn't help but feel scared. She is the person I trust the least and her presence means trouble. She has never liked me and the feeling is mutual. The best thing to do to have a peaceful life is avoid her."I won't let her hurt you. Don't worry.""I really don't wanna see her.""Why would you be scared? If you're telling the truth, then there's no reason for you to be afraid of her. Unless you don't want me to know that you are lying.""I never lied to you. Her mere existence reminds me of all the bad experiences I had after marrying you. I don't want to go back to that time again.""Just eat. The food is getting cold." He turned the video on his laptop. It's an English romance movie. I can't focus well on either eating or watching the movie. All I could think of is meeting Ericka and the trouble she co
There were many messages and missed calls on my phone. Most of them were from Colin and some from my mom. I was hesitant at first to call Colin and tell him I wouldn't be home for another night. Actually, all I want now is to be home and hug Athena. I felt so sorry for growing up without a father, but now that I heard Geoff's side of the story, I felt happy that he wasn't that bad of a father after all. I can't say that he wasn't to be blamed for what happened to us though. I didn't want to stay here for another night with Geoff. I can't fully trust him, but I don't have a choice. I need to be nice to him and get his trust, so I would be sure that I could get out of here alive. Ericka is a smart woman, maybe she is part of Geoff's plan of bringing me here. I still need to be careful with what I say and do.With hesitation, I dialled Colin's number. "Hello! My God, Jez where are you?" He answered the phone right away. I didn't even hear the ringing sound on the line."I'm okay. Sorry
"Please, let my hands go, then we can talk. I promise to be honest. I have actually always been honest with you." I was already begging. He could do anything he wants to me without me defending myself. I also want to listen to his explanation about what happened to us since I got pregnant."I don't know what to believe anymore.""I was your wife. You promised to protect and be with me. I have always trusted that promise. I escaped when I felt it wasn't safe for me and my daughter anymore. You saw how violent you could be when you're angry.""You're the one who made me angry!""I didn't do anything. Anywhere I went, I was with Nancy and the driver. You could have asked them what I did for you not to believe me.""They were your allies. Of course they would not tell me what you were really up to.""Nancy did her best to protect me from you, and so did the driver. They saw I suffered because of you.""Ericka told me your plans from the very beginning. She showed me pictures of you and al
Having a headache, I woke up in a small dim room. The curtain covers half of the glass window on the right side of the bed. Based on the light, it seems like it's early in the morning. I immediately got up from the bed, but my left hand was pulled by something. It was tied to a metal which was fastened to the side of the bed. I couldn't see it clearly yet. I could feel pain all over my body especially from my left hand where the metal was tied and my head. A pitcher of water and a glass were set up on top of the side table. The room seems like one of the cheap motel rooms you can rent while on the road. Outside the window, I could glimpse some trees and a view of the sky. I was still wearing the same clothes I had worn since yesterday. My shoes were neatly arranged on the side of the bed. My phone and my small pouch were nowhere. I could finally check my left hand. I was handcuffed with the other end attached to the bed. Where am I? I wanted to scream and maybe ask for help from anyo
The next day, I was so anxious waiting for a message from whoever has Nancy. I was still trying to convince myself that Nancy is just somewhere, calming herself down before meeting me. She would show up in our house unannounced anytime soon and say how much she misses all of us, especially me and Athena. I decided to be on leave from work indefinitely. I kind of blame myself for being so busy that I didn't spend much time with my family, including Nancy. It feels like I abandoned them just because I want to prove something to Geoff and Ericka. I got so busy avenging that I forgot the most important people for me.We also asked for Athena to stop going to school for the meantime. She sounded hesitant about the plan at first since she likes spending time with hwr friends, but later she realized that playing with her toys and reading books at home are more fun.Mom is sometimes suspicious of how I was acting, but I was happy that she didn't ask too many questions. I don't want to make he
The next day, I decided to take some days off to spend more time with Athena. I also would like to wait for Nancy and have a chat with her. We haven't talked for months now and partly I blame myself for being so busy that I never even tried to reach out to her. I never asked her how she is despite knowing that she comes home late almost every night for the past months and she sometimes doesn't come home. If only I tried talking to her, sending her a message or calling her, maybe this wouldn't happen. I still didn't tell mom about what happened and I don't have any plans of telling her.Two days has passed and no signs of Nancy. Her phone can't be reached and she also doesn't respond to messages. I was starting to get more worried but as Colin said, we should give her some space. She also needs time to think. We spent our weekend to an amusement park like what we promised to Athena. It was a happy day, but I can't totally ignore the worry I feel for Nancy. I don't know Cristoff's phone
Cristoff! I haven't seen him in ages! He was not that nice to me either when I was still living with Geoff. If I remember it correctly, the two don't really have a good relationship. I looked at Nancy in disbelief. "What is this guy doing here? Why are the three of you together?" To give her the benefit of the doubt, although I already know the answer, I still asked her that question. I am hoping, although it may sound impossible, that it was just a coincidence that he was with her and Athena."He's my boyfriend." She confidently said. I was expecting her to say more, maybe to explain her side why she didn't tell us about him, but she remained silent after."Since when?" I picked Athena up and carried her in my arms."Long time ago.'"Why didn't you tell us?" I said coldly."For this exact same reason. You will just ask me to stay away from him.""You saw how I suffered when I was with them. Didn't you learn anything at that time?" Cristoff didn't utter any word. He was just there, li