Misunderstanding

Chapter 18(Nathalie POV)

I woke up near midnight, the soft glow of the moonlight casting an ethereal glow on my surroundings. The rhythmic chirping of crickets outside filled the air, calming my racing heart. Anthony lay next to me in peaceful slumber, his arm curled protectively around my waist. Gently, I untangled myself from his grasp, careful not to wake him. 

He was just using me the whole time. He never cared for me, never loved me.  It was all an act. Right? 

But... why?

My eyes fell upon the glinting dagger lying nearby and I clenched my fists.

Who cared for me anymore? What purpose did it serve to carry out the mission or eliminate Chase?

How about I live for myself? Get a job? Even if it's at Mcdonalds. I'll find a way to make a living. I smoothed out the back of my hair, stepping over him.

However, just as I thought I could slip away unnoticed, a strong hand suddenly closed around my wrist, halting my escape. 

"Nathalie, where are you going?" Anthony's voice, laden with grogginess, pierced the silence.

I instinctively wanted to tell him I needed to use the washroom, but the patience with him had already been drained. I shook his hand away, glowering at him.

"What's wrong?" His drowsy eyes peered up at me, 

I know about what you're planning! I know your true intentions! I told him with frantic gestures.

 Shock flickered across his eyes, quickly masked by feigned innocence. "W-what are you talking about, Nathalie? Have you had a nightmare? Stop speaking such nonsense." He reached out, attempting to pull me onto his lap, playfully tousling my hair. 

Don't lie to me! There's no need to pretend anymore! I said furiously. Just let me go!

Anthony's gentle mask shattered. "Nathalie, just finish the task, eliminate Chase, and everything will be over. That's all I ever wanted!" 

Why did I have to do something I was uncomfortable with just to please the Lord? Just so Anthony could finally torture me?

Get someone else to do it!

"Who?! I can't start over and build a relationship with a random girl I meet on the streets! And they would never agree to commit murder!"

So your saying I would?

"Please, acknowledging everything I've done for you these past years-"

It was all an act!

Tears streamed down my cheeks. 

"You ungrateful brat! Don't you remember I was the only one who treated you with kindness? The only one who bothered to acknowledge your existence, to be there for you, even if it meant enduring disgust!"

You're not going to let me go are you? 

"Don't even think about leaving."

Realization soon dawned upon me that he wouldn't let me leave, I felt a surge of desperation and anger consume my being. Grabbing the dagger from the grass, I plunged it into his leg, a cry of pain escaping his lips as he fingers slipped from my wrist.

 As blood stained the grass, I staggered away, my jaw dropping. 

"Nathalie... you..." He glared at me, a mixture of pain and hatred flickering in his eyes as he clutched his bleeding leg. 

I dropped the dagger on the floor and fled.

"Nathalie! Don't you dare leave! Nathalie! I will find you! You can't escape from me!" Anthony roared, his voice filled with rage.

I hope you die of blood loss!