My Guilty Pleasure

46. The Mission

Zachary stayed true to his words. By the time sun was up he didn't leave our bedroom. Not letting me see Aurora, still, I know he took great care of her. I don't doubt that he loves her but I wished I could have held her through the night. After the sun rose in the sky and all my tears dried out, Zachary left the room giving me Aurora tenderly. 

-Zach...- I tried to say something, anything but he lifted his hand in a stop motion not even looking me in the face.

-I made a decision. I can't just wait for you anymore. I hoped you would notice me but in a year we had been together you gave me nothing in return. Not even a scrap of love that I wanted. So I can't do it any longer. Enough is enough. I'm leaving to talk to an attorney and to handle everything. By the time I come back I want you to pack your things. It will be hard not having Aurora in the house but I can't expect you to leave her, you are her mother. I guess Damien will let you stay with him but either way if you have some trouble use your credit card. That money is also yours, I don't care how much you spend as long as you are nowhere near me.- His tone is cold, yet he is gently stroking Aurora's cheek while he's talking and on his face, I can see a dark shadow under his eyes and a painful crease on his forehead. I did this to him. I wore him down. I ruined us. 

-Zach, I don't want this...- My chest is swelling with pain and Zach only smiled, which looks more of a grimace than a smile but it is an attempt at it.

-You don't know what you want so I chose for you. You can't keep sitting at both stools.- Every word from him is like a slap and a reminder that I'm useless on my own. I always hated being alone. Through the years of growing up, I made sure to have many friends, superficial of course, and many boyfriends just to feel close to someone. I hated coming back to an empty house, I hated not having someone to talk to, someone to distract me from my fucked up mind. Zachary left me alone and I debated what to do. I know we didn't work out well. After all, there was this limit at how much I wanted to be close to him. The space in my heart and mind that was reserved for Damien. I can't even say why I'm so caught up on Damien. I can't pinpoint the exact moment in which I've become so obsessed. It goes against what I stand for yet I was always willing to break every rule to be with him. It seems I've at least matured enough to know Damien is not good for me. A loud sigh broke from me just before I heard my phone ring. Strange... It's still early, maybe it's Damien he said he'll call, but the number is unknown. With a bit of scepticism, I answered the call.

-Hello... Desiree speaking...- The other way of the line is quiet for a few seconds and I almost ended the call before the voice stopped me. 

-Hello Desiree... I hope you are alone, yes?- I frowned at the strange question, trying to recognize the voice but I really don't know where I've heard it. 

-Can I... Can I ask w...who is it?- The man on the other end chuckled and it made me shiver... I have a bad feeling about this.

-I was only asking to be polite, I already know Zachary left your house.- This made me stiffen and I hugged Aurora closer to me, feeling unsafe. Who is it? Does this mean...? He is watching me?

-W.W.What do you want?- My voice is hoarse and I feel really scared. This has something to do with Damien, there is no other explanation. What if something happens to Aurora because of Damien? I shouldn't have stayed here. Damien shouldn't have done what he did. I ran toward the door, checking to see if I locked everything.

-Are you scared? Don't worry, I won't hurt you... Yet... It's not you specifically that I want and you know that. So listen carefully, I will explain what I want from you. You see... Your... How should I call him? Lover, I guess? Your lover did a bad thing and he must be punished, more like silenced forever. Unfortunately for you, he is good at hiding and barricading himself with his people. So your role would be... A role of bait. I'm sure you understand, such a smart woman like you wouldn't have a problem following. Now, I'm sure your thinking how can I get you when you are safe inside your home, you can even call the police blah blah blah... The answer is simple. You will come to me willingly. Before you say I'm mad, let me just give you a reason why you will do what I say.- My whole body is numb as I listen to the man talk. He is enjoying himself, his voice is smug and the way he talks is theatrical. Before my mind had time to process everything and to think about it, the voice I heard from the other end made me lose my senses.