Almost, Always

10. Conflicted

I went home straight away right after.

After finding out the truth, it was the confusion that stresses me out the most. I don't know how to explain how I feel. Finding out that Anthony is now with Elizabeth. Anthony is the most good-looking guy I know. It's not hard to believe that he could land someone as beautiful as Elizabeth.

She's so fucking beautiful. Even the word itself isn't enough. She's more than just beautiful. How could I ever compete against someone like her?

I feel hopeless.

But what frustrates me the most is this feeling I have. What Elizabeth's beauty has done to me. Her beauty inspired me to be someone better, to the point that I aspired to look exactly like her. Only to find out, what? That she's exactly the woman Anthony wants and loves. All these years I was trying to become someone he left me for?  How can I accept it? It pains me just thinking about it. She seems to have everything I tried to have.

Elizabeth, how can an innocent face like yours hurt me like this? Who are you? Your face can take anyone to heaven, but what you did to me takes me to hell. How can I ever forgive the both of you?  How can I also forgive myself? For still being drawn to you.

At the end of the day... I still want to see your face.

But, why?

To see exactly what kind of woman Anthony replaced me with?  Why is there something inside me that tells me I have to see you, Elizabeth?

Why?

And what do I do now?

My thoughts were cut off when someone knocked at my door.

"Emi." a familiar voice said.

"Hmmm...?" I softly answered. Curtis came into my room. He remained standing next to the white double door.

"Are you okay?" Curtis asked.

"I...don't know, Curtis," I answered while sitting on the comfy bay window seat. I glance at him and put on a cushion to hide my face. Curtis took the hint that I wasn't in the mood to talk about my feelings.

"I understand," he said. He then slowly started walking away, but before he could completely leave I said

"Elizabeth Ferri." he looked back after hearing what I said. I place the cushion away from my face and put it on my lap as I hold it for comfort.

"Elizabeth Ferri? the daughter of-" Curtis wasn't able to finish his sentence and I already said

"Yes. Her."

"Anthony is currently dating Elizabeth Ferri. Also known as Li Fei. The artist." I added.

"But...if that's true, we would have known? They would have announced it. They are the two of the wealthiest families in the country. Surely, their merging would be known by the media. Don't you think so?" Curtis asked.

He has a point.

"Unless...they are waiting for something to happen first before they can make their big announcement?" Curtis added.

"But, what could it be?" I said back.

"It's for you to find out, my dear Emi. Do what you have to do," Curtis said. He went out after, shortly leaving me alone with my thoughts.

—

A few days passed and I tried avoiding talking to everyone that knows what happened. I can't face the facts just yet. I just want to set my feelings aside. And hope that everything will just fade away and solve itself.

Milko has been trying to reach out to me constantly. I feel bad for ignoring him, but I just wanted peace of mind for now. I even told Mateo not to bring anything up. I also intentionally avoid Alyssa when she tries to go to the office to visit me.

I feel really conflicted with my feelings, I don't understand why I feel this way.

—

A week passed without hearing anything from any of them. I guess I should talk to them and come up with another plan. I don't want them to feel like I've abandoned everything we talked about.

I arrived early at work. I wanted to leave as early as possible to call and meet up with Alyssa and Milko.

I left my car and walked through the parking lot. I went inside the elevator. 4 tall buff men shortly went inside after me. I don't know what it is with them, but I felt extremely nervous.

This doesn't feel right. Something is up.

"Ms. Emi Bauman?" a man in the suit said.

"Y-yes?" I softly answered.

"I'm sorry Ms. Bauman," another man said.

"What do you mean?" I wasn't able to say anything else. One of them blindfolded me while another one grabbed me on both of my hands. They were able to easily pick me up.

"What the fuck! Let me go!" I tried to use my full force. Screaming and moving a lot.

You will not take me without a fight.

A man placed a tape on my mouth. They were holding me tight. I felt someone tie both of my ankle, so I couldn't go anywhere.

Oh no!

I felt them lifting me and moving me outside the elevator.

Where are they taking me? Someone please! Help me!

I can hear them going back to the parking lot and putting me inside the car. I tried to scream but it was no use.

"What now?" I heard a man say.

"We're taking her to the boss." another one replied.

Shit! My eyes widened in fear. I was never frightened like this before.

Is my life done? Is everything over when my plan hasn't even started?

And in my last thoughts, I thought of the only person who could save me right now, someone who will do anything for me. Whether it's to go against anyone, follow me to the ends of Earth, or just simply do anything as I say.  I don't know why I have this particular person in mind. Why do I think of him now out of everyone else who will come and help me?

I realized deep down that there's only one person who I want to come to save me.

Mateo.

***

A/N:

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