The so-called 72hrs that monster gave me had elapsed.
I stood fixed in front of the mirror. My head replayed in slides, scenes of despair from two nights ago. There is something shame does to a person; it strips you of your worthiness; that small voice whispering in your head and telling you how unworthy you are—that's how I felt as I walked all the way back from Sergio's house. I felt so small and insignificant. I recalled how I had stood outside Sergio’s apartment, banging on the door. “Sergio! Open up!” Only to be met with silence. I had been here three times, loitering around and looking out for a shadow of him; he was the man I loved. I needed to know why he said all those things to me. By my third visit, I had met the caretaker, who informed me that the house had been sold and the occupant had evacuated earlier. It did not make sense to me. It was as if he had vanished. Something was wrong. I just knew. I swallowed the lump in my throat, hot bile heating up in the depths of my gut. I didn’t believe for a second that he had just left town on his own. It was so sudden, too many things processing all at once in my head . I maybe wrong but I had some reasons to believe someone had a hand in the whole seperation. Don Pedro Lorenzo came to mind. But I wasn’t sure because my relationship was one only my aunt and I knew about. Did she tell him? No, Never, she would never. I should have known Don Pedro wouldn’t stop just claiming me. No, he had to ruin my life and now that I think of it, I hated the air he breaths even more. I remembered his angry words, his bitter accusations, and his sudden, mindless and quiet exit. “You’re nothing but a cheap slut!” he’d shouted, and then… nothing. He’d just disappeared. What came over him? For a moment I was tempted to sprinkle holy water or burn some incense to ward of the evil energy Don Pedro had brought upon me. But then it was in moments like this I missed Aunty Nora. She had it all in her to talk me out of anything and I felt a type of way for not even going to check on her. How was she faring? Just the thought of her made my chest ache in different ways. The poor lady did not need the stress and heart ache that monster was putting her through. I missed her warmth, her voice, her reassurances. She was the only family I had left now. Would she be disappointed in me? Would she tell me to fight harder, or would she tell me to still run? I sighed, shaking my head, adjusting my skirt in front of the mirror. I hated the reflection of the woman all dressed up to go slave around at the office for a man she did not like! Just then the thought of going to Don pedro’s house crossed my mind. But going to nasty piece of dog shit’s house meant I was giving in. It meant he won. It felt so cringe. I could see his stupid smile stretching from cheek to cheek and wished a volcano could erupt at the peak of his pointed nose and wipe off that stupid smirk on his face. Oh God, I hated that man!! I wasn’t ready for that. No way! I just cant surrender and let that fool think he can tell me what to do. He may have all the money and power, but he will never have me reduce myself to his lap dog. To hell with him. I will find alternative ways to get my aunt. Just as I turned to leave, my phone rang. I picked it up without looking at the number. “Hello?” A woman’s voice, soft and hesitant, answered. “Miss Moretti?” I frowned. “Who is this?” “My name is Rosa. I am one of the housemaids at the Lorenzo estate.” My breath caught. “Why are you calling me?” “It is your aunt.” I froze. It felt as though there was a latch on my tongue. “What about my aunt?” I managed to ask. “She is not well,” Rosa said quickly. “She has not eaten for days. She keeps asking for you.” Panic shot through me. “What do you mean she hasn’t eaten?” “She refuses to eat or drink anything,” Rosa whispered. “She is very weak, Miss Moretti. She needs you.” I felt cold shivers run down my spine as I gripped the phone tighter. That bastard! He was starving my aunt!!! I didn’t even hesitate. “I’m coming.” I was thrown into a state of confusion, I did not know I had worn my shoes wrongly, in the process twitching and also twisting my ankle. I yelped as I ran along. *** Don Pedro POV. I turned my attention to Rosa after she ended the call with Tessa. I had instructed her to. The poor lady stood timidly, her hands held together in front of her like a child waiting to be dismissed. She had been working for me for years. Somehow she had never complained. “You played your part well, Rosa,” I mumbled, my voice oozed with approval. “Convincing. Believable. Almost like you truly cared for the wretched old woman.” Her eyes warmed up to meet mine for a brief second before she lowered her face again. “I only did what you asked, Don Pedro” Her voice was soft. She had always done whatever I asked of her. I enjoyed her meekness. That was the kind of obedience I demanded from those who served me. I hesitated for a few minutes before speaking. “And for that, you will be rewarded.” I directed my stare toward Franco. “Make sure she gets whatever she needs.” Franco gave a curt nod, his expression as unreadable as always. “Understood, boss.” “Sir, I have a humble request, I will like to request your permission to travel back to see my husband who has been unwell” she spoke up abruptly. I was mildly irritated by her request but I was in a good mood so I obliged. “You can have 3 days off and nothing more” I said coldly. I was not so generous. But she earned it. Madam Rosa’s fingers tightened around the fabric of her dress, as if unsure whether she was free to leave. I let her squirm for a moment before waving a dismissive hand. “You may go now, Rosa. Your job is finished.” She lowered her head quickly, eager to escape my presence. “Thank you, Don Pedro.” Without another word from her, she turned and slipped out of the room, the door softly shut behind her. I leaned back into my chair, stretching my legs out before me, and let out a slow sigh. The game was set, and the pieces were moving exactly as I had orchestrated. Lifting my glass to my lips, I took a sip of whiskey, savoring the burn that trailed down my throat. “Let’s see how she doesn’t come running now,” I murmured, more to myself than to Franco. From the corner of my eye, I saw him step closer, arms folded over his chest. “You really think this will work?” I turned to him. “Think?” I let out a short laugh. “I know. It’s her aunt we are talking about. She’ll come. And when she does…” I exhaled, rolling my glass between my palms, “she won’t be leaving.” Franco nodded once, his facial expression held nothing. That was what I liked about him—he never questioned me outright, never doubted me. He simply followed orders,was he should. “Everything is in place,” he confirmed. I tilted my head slightly. “The flight?” “Booked.” “The honeymoon location?” “Secured.” I sighed in satisfaction. “Good.” I set my glass down on the desk. My voice reduced slightly as I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees. “I don’t make mistakes.” “No, you don’t.” Franco said. “Call my younger sister, Regina, and find out what time she would be arriving for the wedding” I said. Rising up. “Alright sir” “I told her not to come but she just has always been a pin in my neck, women like these things” “Yes they do”. We both left the study together, today I was going to marry that woman, Tessa, whether she liked it or not.Tessa’s POV“Where is that bastard!” I yelled, “Let me through”I screamed at the security guy, pushing through him.“Don Pedro or whatever you call yourself, You can’t keep her from me!” I shouted as I burst through the wrought-iron gates.I slapped the foolish guard when he tried to touch me.“Don’t you dare lay your filthy hands on me”I had come to the Lorenzo estate with one purpose—to see my dear Aunty Nora and get her the fuck out of there. But before I could reach the main entrance, two large men in dark suits stepped forward, blocking my path.“Miss Moretti,” one of them said in a flat tone, “you are not allowed beyond this point.”I was taking aback, trying to keep my voice steady, narrowing my eyes as I looked up at them. “I’m here to see my aunt. Now step aside.”They exchanged a look, one of them spoke into the wireless talkie he was holding, I could barely hear what he said, but he gave his colleague a signal and before I could protest further, one of the men seized my
“I’m sorry I didn’t quite grasp your name” she had said as she led me into the rest room.“Tessa” I said softly. “And yours?”“Regina” she said with a bright smile. “Let me help you with that”She moved to help me take off my clothes.Regina’s voice was soft, almost soothing. There was this calm reassurance in her carriage. In a way, her presence helped me cope with the madness in my mind.“Tessa, I know this isn’t easy,” she said as she carefully help me slip into my dress, adjusting the dress on my shoulders. “But everything will be fine. My brother… he can be difficult, I won’t deny that. But he has his sweet side too.”I forced a small smile, pretending I was okay when I felt like I was drowning. Because I was actually drowning. “Difficult?” I let out a light laugh. “That’s one politeway to put it.”If only she knew the devil she has for a brother.I loved her innocence. It meant, she was different from him.Regina giggled, shaking her head. “Trust me, I know him better than anyon
The reception followed immediately after. Now and then he would pinch of nudge at me signaling me to smile. At that moment, I felt like grabbing a nearby glass and breaking it on his head. His whole demeanour irritated me to my core. The fact that I had to breathe the same air as him had me feeling sick to my stomach. Such a needless extravagant display of wealth and status was not necessary for this sham of a marriage but then, only Don Pedro Lorenzo could pull such moves. My eyes ached at the sight of tables adorned with gold-trimmed dinnerware, I preferred silver. The set-up, as grandiose as the foolish man I married intended it to be, still looked tacky. They should at least use silver. I said unknowingly. But Not loud to hide my obvious disgust “Sorry?” he asked “Did you say something?” “No, I did not “ Thank goodness, Regina stayed close, her presence a small comfort. “You should eat something,” she suggested, offering to make me a plate. I shook my hea
As we re-entered the wedding hall, I managed to force a smile on my face when two ladies walked up to me to say they loved my dress and clear skin. A couple followed afterwards. They were friends of Don Pedro.I need to run away from her, slip out of this clothes and soak myself in hot water.Pedro squeezed my hand slightly, as if he knew exactly what I was thinking.And the worst part?He was enjoying every second of it.***THIRD PERSON POV.The drive home was silent, Tessa was more or less a mannequin at this point because she was almost numb and suffocating in silence.Pedro didn’t speak. He didn’t even glance her way or act like she was sitting next to him. His focus remained on the road, while he typed away on his phone, and at intervals he would ask the driver to drive faster.Tessa sat rigid in her seat, her mind racing with everything that had happened. She was deep in thoughts about The wedding. The vows. Her Aunt’s well-being.She wasn’t his wife.She was his prisoner at th
THIRD PERSON POVRegina stormed into her room, almost in tears, her emotions barely contained beneath light make up, her face had turned red as she packed her hair in front of her mirror. The conversation with Tessa had had her feeling a type of way. It had reminded her of how unrewarding being Pedro’s sweet and obedient little sister has been. The door hadn’t even closed properly before Franco followed, shoving it shut behind him with a force that vibrated the walls.At first she flinched at the sound of the banged door, she turned to face him, crossing her arms, her chest rising and falling, struggled with controlled breaths.“My love, This is the only time I could come,” Franco said, his voice low, urgent. “Any moment now, I’ll be leaving with Don Pedro and Tessa for their honeymoon.” “And you expect me to be fine with that?” Regina fired, taking of her ear ring and jewelries.Franco sighed, stepping closer to her. “It’s not like I have a choice, Regina.”She scoffed, shaking he
Tessa’s POVI could swear I heard Aunt Nora’s voice as I made my way down the stairs.The few hours I had spent in this house were suffocating, just yesterday I was in my small space crying over Sergio, and today I was going for a honeymoon I did not plan!I wore a black dress I had gotten from a thrift discount sale. I got it with my money. I wore it in mourning of the death of my old self; soft and sweet Tessa.The sweetness of my past self must have been the reason why Sergio threw the towel on us and accused me of cheating.And cheating with whom?A tall awkward fool with ugly hair who still thinks he is in his prime.God forbid!!I wore that black dress to also make a statement, a small act of rebellion in a war I refused to lose. Just because I was his wife now did not make me his street dog.He wanted to marry me right? He will get exactly what he ordered.I got to the last step of the staircase, ignoring the chauffeur who had been waiting. I did not ask him to wait, I wondered
It was roughly a seven-hour flight to the Virgin Atlantic Island.It had left me drained, but the rough landing was the final blow. My stomach stirred as we touched down, my body rebelling against the turbulence. It was my first time in a flight but somehow I managed to act like I was a regular traveller.I tried forcing myself to stay composed as we stepped off the jet. My legs felt like they had given up, I had sat all through the flight.I had heard Pedro mention over the phone that we were going to a beach house.I had a few moments of solitude to process my thoughts. I had questions that begged for answers.The drive to the beach house felt endless. The cold early morning air pressed against my nostrils, the faint scent of saltwater drifting through the open car window. I kept my arms folded, robbing the back of my arms. Don Pedro, ever the sweet picture of ease, scrolled through his phone, not even sparing a glance my way, I presumed he was stressed by the flight as well.
My heart almost stopped when pedro slammed the door shut behind, I was still caught up in his arms. I continuously sobbed out of my own weakness and a sheer tiredness of being caught with him. His body was rubbing against mine. I felt so frail, so weak. I hated how small he made me feel. “Let go of me! Put me down pedro!” I cried against his firm grasp, but Pedro was far stronger, and he wasn’t in the mood for tantrums. “Stop whining,” he snapped. Without any warning, he flung me onto the bed. My heart leaped as I flew through the air and my body bounced against the mattress, I let outa loud gasp, my eyes flinching and I looked up at him in shock. How did this man at his age, have so much strength to carry me? Pedro crossed his arms,“So you are literally not only stubborn but weigh like bags of rotten vegetables,” he taunted. Embarrassment washed over me as I tried to gather myself together. I scrambled to sit up, my hands trembling from fright, I thought I had bro
AUTHORS POV The house was unusually quiet when Tessa returned from the shopping mall. She was tempted to kick off her shoes by the door, except for the fact that she was not in the comfort of the room she shared with Pedro. She sighed as the scent of grilled meat and garlic hit her nose, straying from the dining. Her body ached, and all she really wanted was a hot bath and to be left alone. But the silence in the air felt heavy—like something was waiting. She walked into the dining area and found Don Pedro seated at the head of the long glass table. The only sound in the room came from the clinking of his fork against the china plate. The light above him made his presence look even more imposing than usual. He looked up at her, chewing slowly, watching her. “You’re late,” he said flatly, setting his cutlery down. “Join me for dinner.” Tessa forced a polite smile. “I’m not hungry. It’s been a long day. I’d rather go upstairs and rest.” Pedro’s jaw twitched as though he wanted to s
AUTHORS POVTessa’s heels tapped softly against the tiled floor of the shopping mall as she made her way down the brightly lit aisle. She wasn’t dressed to be noticed—plain jeans, a white shirt, her hair tucked into a low bun—but somehow, she still felt exposed. Maybe it was the shelves lined with menstrual pads in front of her, or maybe it was the heavy cloud of stress that had followed her from the office. If there was a way she could discard Pedro's bodyguards outside the mall, she would have. But she couldn't.She sighed and picked up a familiar purple pack, scanning the back with little interest. It was one of those errands that needed to be done—quietly, quickly, and without thinking. She had no energy to waste. Her head throbbed from a day filled with tense emails and awkward silences with Pedro. All she wanted was to buy her toiletries and get home.Just as she reached for another item, a voice cut through the air behind her.“Tessa.”Her whole body tensed. She didn’t even ne
AUTHOR’S POV The corridor was quiet, save for the soft click of Regina’s heels on the floor as she walked to her room. Spending time with Pablo wasn’t a bad idea after-all. it was all she needed to stay sane and somehow he worked his magic on her and she was all smile. As she reached her door and turned the handle and went in, she sensed something was wrong—but it was too late. Franco was already in the room. Before she could process the shock, he slammed the door shut behind her and pushed her roughly against it. His lips crashed into hers with a hunger that made her stomach turn. She tried to push but he held her to the door, kissing her forcefully. Ravaging her lips with reckless abandon. In split seconds, he was holding her against the door with one hand while his other free hands was ravaging under her skirt in search of her panties. His forceful grasp were so strong, Regina found it hard to breath. She shoved him hard. “What the hell, Franco!” He stared at her, ch
AUTHORS POV Pablo arrived at the front steps of the Lorenzo estate just as the night encroached, it was just past 8pm. The floodgate lights bathed everything under it with bright light, giving the evening a cold, bright feeling, at least for Regina. As soon as Regina stepped out to meet him, he smiled. “I came as soon as you called,” Pablo said softly, his voice carrying a quiet concern. Regina looked at him, a little stunned that he had actually come. “I didn’t think you would,” she admitted, her voice uncertain, laced with doubt. He stepped closer, careful, gentle. “Regina, I can’t ignore you. Not for anything.” She blinked, a slow breath escaping her. There was a stillness in the air, as if the whole world paused for this moment. “Thank you,” she whispered, then motioned towards the path by the garden. “Do you mind going for a walk?” “Of course not,” he replied, his hand lightly brushing hers as they started walking side by side down the gravel path. For a few minutes, they
AUTHOR’S POVTessa didn’t want to be there.At the damn restaurant even though it was silent with minimal designs, dressed in soft candlelight and gold, with empty chairs and untouched tables that made it feel more like a theatre than a place to eat. It did not appeal to Tessa, all she wanted to do was get some sleep and maybe wake up later at night to help Camila with the pitch like she had planned in her head.Tessa looked around in disbelief. The place was completely empty—except for her and Pedro.Pedro sat across from her, wearing a smug look, his fingers drumming lightly on the table. “I booked the whole place,” he said casually like he could hear the questions in her mind, like he was announcing a weather forecast. “Just so we could have a private moment. No distractions. No one watching.”Tessa look around, unimpressed. In her mind, she muttered, Wasteful. Completely unnecessary. Her expression stayed calm, but her eyes were shooting daggers around.“You didn’t need to do th
“Knock, knock.”Pedro’s voice echoed in the stillness. Tessa didn’t answer, not immediately. She stared at her computer screen, half-pretending to finish up a report that had long since ceased to be her focus. She wondered why he hadn’t left yet. Was he going to just stand there? Was he expecting her to acknowledge him first? She wasn’t sure what it was that kept her there in her chair—but she was certain she did not feeling like going back home, she probably would have gone to Jamie’s but he told her he had a guest coming over to fuck him, Jamie was raw like that.The door swung open with a soft whistlelike sound.Pedro stood in the doorway, his tall frame leaning against the doorjamb. He had a wry smile on one side of his face, but there was also a mild annoyance in his eyes. “Everyone’s gone, Tessa. What are you still doing here? Planning on spending the night on that desk?”Tessa didn’t look up at him immediately. Instead, she glanced at the clock on her desk. It was gettin
AUTHOR’S POV Now, the day was over and night’s drawing near. The office was slowly beginning to get quiet, the busy sound of the air conditioner was the only sound left in the room by the time the last couple of staff members left the lounge. Most of the team had trickled out already, leaving behind their cold coffee cups and half-written notes on desks. There was this joy that seemed to engulf them after work closure. Perhaps they had happy homes to return to after a long day at work, and Tessa would stare out of the window behind her desk, the uniform way the various cars pull out of the parking lot, disappearing into the streets only to return the next day. She did not have a happy home to return to. So it was okay for her to envy them. In those quiet moments, she hated herself for how painful and bitter she’d become; at least she had not developed into an angry red witch, but she was not far from becoming a witch with how often darkness seemed to engulf her. She used to be
Regina forced herself to wear a warm smile, wiping away her tears repeatedly. “No, I’m fine,” she replied, her voice was flat and she hoped she was convincing enough. “I just… don’t feel well.”Dame Rossa’s stare softened slightly, but her voice remained stern as she continued, “before I say what I want to say, I would like to be honest with you, from where I stand, you dont look fine, and it’s definitely man problems”Regina tried to deny, but Dame Rossa motioned her to be quiet in the most calm manner.“I am not here to kick you while you are already down, You know, Regina… I didn’t just come back to Monterrey because I missed the weather or the old house or even the metropolis itself. No. I came back for something deeper. I came back because I made a promise to myself—and to your father, God rest his soul.Your father… he meant everything to me. He wasn’t just my brother—he was my best friend. And he loved you more than life. You were his precious baby girl. And when he died… I fe
Regina woke up to a damp pillow, the time on the table clock was an unmistakable evidence of a day spent crying, it was past 4pm. The sun was beginning no give way for darkness to take over as it’s golden beams slowly withdrew from drawn curtains, Regina did not notice the smudged tear stains on her cheeks. For hours, she had lain in bed, unaware of the numerous calls from Pablo, or the call from her masseuse. She recalled every word she’d overheard from Pedro and Franco—their conversation had cut deeper than any sharp object. In the midst of that agony, a disturbing thought crept into her mind: perhaps the Sabrina Franco mentioned in their discussion looked hotter than she did. Curiousity swelled within her, she dragged herself out of bed and strolled barefoot to the mirror.Staring at her reflection, Regina scrutinised herself: her hair was a dishevelled mess, her skin pale and lagged, and her eyes red-rimmed from endless tears. “Is this what it takes?” she muttered quietly, h