Chapter 4

I stood on the porch as I watched Haden and Ivory leave for their two week trip. My heart pained to see him go. Don't get me wrong, he's somewhat an idiot but I can't tell myself how to feel.

"Bye Aubrey," Ivory waved as she climbed into the car. Is she seriously telling me bye right now?

"Bye Ivory. I hope you guys have a good time," I said through gritted teeth.

I looked at Haden but he wasn't looking at me. I waited for him to tell me bye but the words never came.

Then they left. Here I was standing on the porch sad, lonely and pathetic.

I went back into the house and sat on the couch. I switched on the TV and flicked through the channels. I wasn't really paying attention to what was going on. My mind only wandered back to Haden. Why couldn't it be me with him? More importantly, why couldn't he apologize?

The ringing of the doorbell disturbed me from my train of thought. Who could it be? Did they forget something?

As I turned the doorknob and swung the door open, I found myself unexpectedly standing before a strikingly attractive man. His jet black hair perfectly complemented his captivating light blue eyes, and his lips had a soft, pink plumpness to them. He stood tall at about 6'2", which was roughly the same height as Haden.

"You must be Aubrey," He smiled. When he noticed my confused expression, he explained himself.

"I'm Vincent McKnight, Haden's bestfriend. That idiot never introduced me to you," he chuckled.

"Oh nice to meet you Vincent," I smiled as he took my hand and kissed it causing me to blush.

"Nice to meet you too. You're very beautiful. Haden is lucky," He winked cheekily and I laughed awkwardly. I'm not beautiful. Not when Ivory exists.

"Speaking of that idiot where is he anyway? I have some papers for him to sign." 

"Umm he went to run an errand. He'll be back later," I lied. I mentally slapped myself for that lame excuse.

"Hmph! He could have at least told me. He isn't picking up his phone. Well I'll pass back later then," He said with a soft smile.

"Alrighty that's no problem."

"Nice meeting you again Aubs," He winked as he left.

A couple minutes later the doorbell rang. It's probably Vincent again.

As I cautiously opened the door, a chilling sight greeted me. A man with dirty blonde hair and dark eyes stood there, exuding an unsettling aura. His menacing smirk sent shivers down my spine, he looked no older than 30.

"C-Can I help you?" I stuttered. What am I even stuttering for you might ask? I'm very uncomfortable!

"Yes, I'm a plumber, your husband sent me to check all the pipes," he answered.

"Um, I guess you can come in," I said uneasily. He's just here to do his job, I hope. I felt weird around him. I shouldn't have let him in.

The man quickly walked pass me and into the house.

I ran to my phone on the couch and dialed Haden's number. On the third ring he answered.

"Haden," I made an attempt to control my breathing.

"Aubrey?"

" I have something to ask you."

"Look whatever it is it'll have to wait because I'm kind of busy right now," he spoke coldly and ended the call.

I tried calling him again but he didn't answer. I was panicking.

"Who are you calling baby?" The man said as he walked up to me.

"Y-You're n-not a plumber are you?" I stuttered and the man only smirked.

"Oh, no, sweetheart," he replied, his tone dripping with a mixture of charm and menace. "I'm not here to fix pipes; I'm here for something much more intriguing."

My heart raced, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of danger emanating from him. I tried to maintain composure, despite the adrenaline coursing through my veins. "W-What do you want, then?" I asked, trying to steady my voice.

"That's for me to know and for you to find out," he said cryptically, his smirk never fading. "But trust me, you're going to enjoy this little game we're about to play."

I ran upstairs but he was hot on my heel. He grabbed my leg and dragged me downstairs as I screamed in agony.

"Help! Somebody Help me!" I screamed with all my might.

I received a sharp slap across my face, "Shut up."

Tears stung from my eyes not only from the pain but I knew what he was gonna do next.

"You're so hot baby," he smirked and licked his lips. He undid the button on my pants.

"Please don't," I begged but he ignored me.

He pulled down my pants which made scream. Then he removed my shirt and I was left in my undergarments. He kissed all the way down my chest and I squirmed in disgust.

"Help!" I screamed again only to earn another slap.

"Help! Help! Help Me!" I shouted on the top of my lungs.

With an annoyed expression he began choking me and I started losing consciousness. Damn, this can't be it for me. I'm so stupid for letting him in.

"Get the fuck off her!" Was the last thing I heard before I lost my consciousness.

As my eyes fluttered open, I found myself in a state of panic, my breaths coming in rapid bursts. I thrashed around on the bed, trying to make sense of my surroundings. 

"Calm down Aubs. You're okay," Vincent said softly.

Realization dawned on me, I was in the hospital.

"W-wha...at?" I tried to speak but my throat was hurting badly.

Vincent passed me some water which I greedily drank.

With trembling lips, I mustered the courage to ask, "Vincent, did he... did he rape me?" The question hung heavily in the air as I anxiously awaited his response.

"No, of course not," Vincent replied firmly, his voice tinged with anger. "I stopped that bastard before he could do anything."

That's it. I broke down. All the memories came flooding back.

I was full out sobbing when I felt Vincent's arms around me.

"Hey, it's alright Aubrey," He cooed.

"What would have happened if you hadn't come? I would have been-" I couldn't finish the sentence.

"Don't think about that. I'm glad I came," He whispered as he rubbed my head gently.

"By the way, I called Haden," he said and I stiffened.

"What did he say?"

"Well last time I checked he was in the airport," he wore a confused frown but didn't say anything further.

"Oh, did you tell him what happened?"

"Yeah I told him what I saw."

"Is he coming?" I bit my lip dreading the answer.

"I'm not sure. He might come," I think we both knew he wouldn't come.

"Okay. Why did you come back? You know, to save me and all," I changed the topic.

"I figured I'd just leave the papers for Haden to sign so I turned around to drop them for you. Then I heard you scream as I reached the front porch," he explained and I closed my eyes.

"This is all my fault. I shouldn't have let him in. I thought he was a plumber."

"Its not your fault Aubrey. That guy is a sick man and he tried to trick you. The victim isn't to blame. They never are. I called the cops and reported it. Unfortunately, he got away while I came to your aid. Just be more careful next time."

"I will."

"Hey I gotta go Aubrey. I have to get back to work. Can I drop you home or anything?"

"No, I think I'll stay here a bit longer. But thank you for your offer."

"Alright. Be safe. I'll see you around," Vincent said as he walked away with a small smile.

"You too. Bye."

I stayed at the hospital for the remainder of the day and was released at night. I decided to stay at a hotel. I wasn't comfortable staying in that house all alone. I was afraid he'd come back.

Haden

My mind was in a frenzy and I couldn't think straight. Some part of me was thinking about Aubrey. After Vincent told me what happened I just couldn't stop thinking about her.

"Haden is everything okay? You look tense." Ivory said as she sat next to me.

We were still waiting on our flight and it's been two hours. Apparently the weather was bad and they kept us waiting for a few hours.

"Its just that some guy attempted to rape Aubrey," I muttered.

"What? Oh my goodness! We have to get back there immediately. And what do you mean some guy attempted to rape her. This is a serious thing Haden. Is that what you heard from talking on the phone earlier?" She questioned.

"Yeah," I sighed.

"I think we should be there for her. I think you have to be there for her," Ivory spoke as she stood.

"Yeah, you're right."

We got in the car and drove to the hospital that Vincent told me Aubrey was in.

I went to the front desk to ask for information.

"Hello I'm here to check up on my wife Aubrey Vanderbilt. Can you tell me which room she is in?" I flashed the woman a charming smile causing her to blush.

"Um sir, she checked herself out already."

So, she left already.

"I think you should drop me home," Ivory whispered.

"What? Why?" I was confused by her response.

"I have been intruding on your life with Aubrey. If I hadn't suggested this whole vacation then that whole incident wouldn't have happened to Aubrey," She explained and I groaned.

"It is not your fault Ivory."

"Look I just feel bad about it. Can you please just take home? I think it's for the best."

"Fine," I finally gave in.

I dropped her off at her house just as she requested. She walked inside and didn't spare me a second glance. Ivory is a sweet girl and I'm putting her through so much. I sighed as I pulled out of the driveway and left.

I arrived home about 15 minutes later. The house was dead silent, not a single sound was heard.

"Aubrey," I called only to receive no response.

I checked her room but she wasn't there at all. I tried calling her phone but she wasn't answering.

Fuck! Where the hell is she?

I decided to call Vincent instead. On the third ring he answered.

"Haden, what's up?"

"Vincent do you have any idea where Aubrey is or could be?"

"Isn't she at the hospital?" He questioned.

"If she was at the hospital would I be calling you?" I said sarcastically.

"How was I supposed to know? You're the one who said you didn't care about your wife." He spat and somehow that hurt.

But he was right though.

"Alright I'm sorry okay? Can you just please help me find her?"

"Yeah no problem. Let's just meet up at Linda's Bakery. Then we'll start looking for her."

"Sounds good. I'll meet you there in about ten minutes." I ended the call.

Did she leave me? And if she did why wasn't I happy about it?

I arrived at the bakery a couple minutes later and met Vincent there. 

"Do you know any places she likes by chance?" Vincent questioned.

"Umm no?" I responded awkwardly rubbing the back of my neck.

"Why am I not surprised?" He answered with an eyeroll.

"She must be at some hotel. Judging by how shaken up she was, she wouldn't want to go back home." He concluded.

"There are over two hundred hotels here in New York smart ass." I retorted.

"Then I suggest we get started."

We split up and started looking for Aubrey. I had been through ten hotels but hadn't found Aubrey yet. And it seemed to me that Vincent wasn't having any luck either.

I decided to take a break and call Aubrey again but she didn't answer. Was she okay?

I arrived at Hotel Hendricks and asked the secretary for Aubrey. I was beginning to lose hope on finding her.

"Sorry sir, there is no Aubrey Vanderbilt here." Damn it!

I was about to turn and walk away when an idea popped into my mind.

"Is there an Aubrey Evans?"

The woman typed on her computer for a few minutes.

"Yes, what is your affiliation with this woman?" She asked.

"She is my wife."

She gave me a stern look and stared at me intently.

"Please, I just want to see her," I begged as I showed the woman my wedding band.

"She is in room 125 she checked in a couple hours ago."

I took the elevator all the way up. I was determined to find her.

I arrived at room 125, took a deep breath and knocked on the door. A few seconds passed and she opened the door.

With a startled look she took a small step back.

Haden," she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Aubrey."

"What are you doing here?" she asked in a small voice, curiosity and surprise mingling in her words.

"I came for you," her eyes widened at my words.

"I'm fine Haden. You can leave. I'm okay."

"Aubrey you are coming home with me. You have a role to play, it's to be my wife and you need to be present. What will my parents think if you are not at home?"

"So that's why you came? For your reputation? You don't actually care about me," she muttered. Maybe I shouldn't have said that.

"Aubrey, let's just go."

"Fine."

She took a few minutes to gather herself and we left together. I sent Vincent a message to tell him I found Aubrey.

We arrived at home a few minutes later and I finally realized how tired I really was.

I had a long day and I needed to rest.

I took a shower , ate some food and settled in bed.

I don't know how long I was sleeping but I heard a loud, piercing scream. It sounded like, Aubrey?

I got out of bed and went to her room. I found her screaming and thrashing around the bed.

"Please leave me alone," she screamed.

"Haden help me," she cried in agony and I felt a pang in my chest. It unsettled me to hear her like that.

"Aubrey wake up," I shook her awake.

Her eyes fluttered open as tears cascaded down her face. Her eyes held so much pain.

"What's wrong Aubrey?" I questioned.

"Haden he is looking for me," she cried.

"Who is looking for you?"

She just stared at me and continued crying as her lips quivered.

"Hey it's alright," I cooed and after a few minutes she settled down.

I was about to leave the room when she held unto my hand.

"Can you please stay?" She begged. I've never seen her so vulnerable.

"I can't."

"Haden please," She looked like she was on the brink of tears again.

"Alright," I sat on a chair beside her. A couple minutes later I closed my eyes as I felt sleepiness capture me, all the while Aubrey's tear stricken face plagued my mind.