And then we met again

Chapter 9

Evangeline's POV: (the day before) 

"But Adri-" 

"Farai come ti dico! Non mi importa se é  tua amica! Impara a sostenere la tua responsabilitiàs!" he yelled. 

(translation: "You'll do as I tell you! I don't care if she's your friend! Learn to uphold your responsibilities!")

My head was currently pinned against our dining table as all the maids were looking elsewhere while doing their work. I could see that their hands were shaking and I felt sorry for them. The grip Adrian had on my throat was so tight that it was getting hard for me to breathe. I tried moving but he slammed my head harder onto the table. 

"I do not like repeating myself. You know that! So did you think it was wise of you to question my decisions? My decisions? Did you already forget your previous lesson, mio amore? It looks like I will have to remind you again!" he roared. 

I remembered the scars on my back and tears started to form with those memories. That poor girl... All I was trying to do was help her. I tried forgetting that and moved my gaze towards the large frame of his parents that was behind him to avoid his stare. The way his dark green eyes glared down at me at that moment reminded me of all the terrible things he could do. He turned around to look at what I was staring and in a second took out his gun and shot the painting down. 

I tried holding in my sob as I saw the glass on the frame explode into tiny pieces and shower all over the floor. The frame slammed against the floor and the staff were violently shaking as they tried ignoring what was happening. 

My throat at this point had probably turned purple again but I guess it was better than the other things he did when I misbehaved. His eyes turned back to me and if looks could kill I would have died a billion deaths at this point. 

"What the fuck is wrong with you?! Do you not understand a damn thing? Your literally pathetic! WHO THE HELL DOESN'T PAY ATTENTION TO THEIR HUSBAND WHEN THEIR SPEAKING?! I don't even know why I keep you around at this point! Look at the fucking painting! It was my parents! God damn it, Evangeline what has gotten into you? Your driving me insane! Just look at what happened to it! You know how much that painting means to me! But no! You just have to disrespect me in any chance you get!" 

He yanked my throat to make me stand upright and my feet started wobbling because of the position I was in. He dragged me towards the frame and he twisted my neck to make me look into his enraging eyes.

"Now listen carefully. I want you to call Jackson and go over the plan with him. There are barely a few hours left before this should take place. Nobody and I mean nobody, should ever find out who it was. These are the consequences you face, Evangeline for keeping things behind my back. If you behave and stop hiding things behind your own husband then this will all stop happening. And I swear on this empire if you fucking tell her anything about this you clearly know what will happen." he stopped talking and then thought of something. 

"Clean this mess up before that. Nobody should have to help you with your own mistakes." he said and shoved me into the pile of glass on the floor. 

I tightly clamped both of my hands over my mouth to stop myself from screaming out loud. The second he left the room I let my tears start flowing down my face. 

I lay there for who knows how long before I started collecting all the pieces of glass with my hands. At this point I could care less for what happened to them. I heard my phone ringing and while I tried getting up to get it, Maria one of the maids hurriedly picked it up and brought it to me. I was grateful for her help but it worried me whenever any of them tried helping me because I know Adrian wouldn't like that and would punish them as well. 

I mustered a smile towards her and she returned one before heading back to the kitchen. I saw my gyno's name as the caller and my anxiety shooted up. 

"H-helo? Dii-d you get ba-ack the results, Dr. Addison?" I said. I cringed as I heard my pathetic voice on the phone. I hated to let anyone hear or see me during my weak state. 

I heard the rustling of papers on her end before she responded "Yes, Mrs. Stryker. The results are indeed positive. Just like you suspected. Are you planning on keepin-"

"Thank you. I'll get back to you soon, doctor." I whispered and cut the call. 

I really wish I had a friend at this moment. Everyone I talked to all had to see me as Adrian's wife nobody knew me for who I was other than that. It sometimes made me wish I could just act like a normal person and go out and do whatever I wanted without people judging me. They must think I have such a fortunate life but all I wanted was at least one real best friend. Was that really asking a lot? I couldn't risk changing my identity because I know how much of a risk it was but there had to be some way I could make one. 

I looked into the mirror besides me and smiled. My $3000 white dress was torn and had red stains all over it. My legs and hands were splotched with red and bruised. My hair stuck out in different directions and my tears made it look like a kid had done my makeup for me. A purple handprint had left its mark on my throat. How could I possibly be a mother in the life I lived? I would do everything it takes to make sure my baby would have the best life it could have when it would come to this world. 

I winced as I got up and put the remnants of the painting on a table and then threw the glass into the trash. I'm sorry Ira... I picked up my phone and dialed Jackson's number. And he picked up on the first ring. Without waiting for his response I started talking. 

"Jackson I need you to ..."