Forever Tempted (Rewriting)

Chapter 3

Maxine

When I was far away, I stopped the car and parked at a small coffee shop. My car window was broken, the glass scattered everywhere on the seats and my clothes. I had to be careful not to move too much so that it wouldn't accidentally pierce through my skin and cause serious wounds.

People walked past my car with widened eyes, unable to help themselves from staring so intently. Almost like they wanted to ask if I'm okay. Or wondering if they needed to call the police for their own safety. 

The consequences of my own actions soon hit me like a rock and I dialled my mother's phone number. It rang a few times before she answered the call, breaking the heavy silence. “Max?” I heard her soft voice through the speaker. 

“I did something foolish. Madison was taken by the Nights and I drove away leaving her behind.” I admitted, swallowing the lump down my throat. I'm so stupid. I should've put on a bigger fight. I never run away.

My mother gasped, the sound muffled as she covered her mouth in shock. I inhaled sharply and heard her close her bedroom door on the other side. “W-What do you mean you left her?” she whispered in fear, her voice quivering. 

“He would've captured me too. I had to leave. There wasn't enough time.”

“Oh god.” she breathed out. “You need to go back. What if she's hurt? Your father will go mad.”

“I can't.” I sighed, laying my head back against the seat. “He had backup. And he killed the guards that were supposed to guard Madison. It's too dangerous for me to go back.”

“Max, you must know you can't come home without her. He'll kill you.” she pleaded.

It may have been selfish to leave her. Who knows what he'll do to her. But getting caught was her own damn fault, no one forced her to come with me. She was the one who decided to wear heels in the first place. Life is not a fucking runway show. 

I groaned, resting my forehead on the steering wheel in defeat. “I have to come back home. What if he hurts you because of me? It's my fault. I have to tell him about Madison.” I whispered. 

“Max, listen to me. Don't come home. I can handle him okay? He won't hurt me. He loves me.” she said, trying to convince herself like she always does.

What they have is not love. They're not even married by law. They signed papers like a business agreement. You don't treat people you love with violence. She can't handle my father's temper, she never have especially when he gets out of control. I remembered all the times he pushed and punched her. It led to some severe injuries. We had so many hospital visits together.

“Give me your location. I'll send someone over for money and fresh clothes. Just promise me you won't come to the mansion.” she pleaded again. 

“I won't come home.” I told her, agreeing to stay away for now. I didn't want to cause her more stress by showing up. She hasn't taken her pills in ages.

I'll stay away until I can pull myself together.

***

An hour later a young man arrived with the bag my mom packed for me. After giving it to me I sent him off and watched him drive away.

I carried the bag and the money that was placed in a plastic bag in my hand. I looked back at my car knowing I couldn't take it with me. My father would easily find someone to track it down. Which means my only option was to take an uber. I've saved up so much money for this car. And now I'm leaving it here where it'll be stolen.