The Devil's doll

Chapter 9

Cecilia

Today was the most exhausting day I ever lived. From the moment I stepped off the stage, Mattheo had stayed close by, never leaving my side. After the ceremony ended, the rush of throwing my graduation cap into the air was everything I had imagined. I had waited three long years for that moment. Still, the excitement of finishing my studies was dulled by the reality that it wasn't really over. Next year, I'd need to apply for a master's degree before I could officially start my journey as an architect.

As soon as we could, Mattheo grabbed my hand and insisted we leave. His urgency confused me what was going on? I was tired, my feet aching from standing in heels through the whole ceremony. But more than the exhaustion, my mind was fixated on something else. A group of men had attended the ceremony, and there was one in particular, standing in the back, who had caught my eye. He looked familiar, but I couldn't quite place him. Maybe I was wrong my memory wasn't reliable these days. I don't need a doctor to confirm it
I already know I suffer from memory loss. It's like living as Dory from Finding Nemo.

When Mattheo didn't even call Zhenya to come pick us up but instead ordered a ride, I was even more perplexed.

"I feel like you're rushing me, Mattheo... What's happening?" I asked him as we pulled up to the apartment.

He didn't answer, just gave me an irritated look as he opened the door and led me inside. Zhenya was leaning against the kitchen counter, scrolling through his phone. When he looked up and saw us, his face showed immediate concern.

"Mattheo, why didn't you call me? Was something wrong?" Zhenya asked, glancing between the two of us.

"It was a long day. I'm tired. Can you both just shut up so I can have some peace?" Mattheo snapped. He grabbed a beer from the fridge and stormed off to his room, leaving me and Zhenya in confused silence.

Zhenya blinked, then gave me a small smile. "Congratulations again! You deserve it. You should change into something comfortable you've had a long day too."

"Thank you... Zhenya," I mumbled.

I retreated to my bedroom, locking the door behind me. Looking over my bed a large bouquet of dark red roses with a note inside.
"Soon you will be my Doll..."
What does that mean? Was somebody inside my bedroom?

Slowly, I removed my graduation robe, then the dress, and tucked them away in the closet. Wiping off my makeup, I finally slipped into my pajamas. It was already 9 p.m. by the time I wandered over to the balcony, letting the cool night air sweep over me.

Something felt off, but I didn't dare ask Mattheo again. He had been so tense all day, and I didn't want to trigger his anger. Still, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease. Who were those men at the ceremony? And why was that one man staring at me like he knew me?

I sat in the balcony chair, letting the light breeze soothe my nerves. Goosebumps prickled my skin, but it wasn't just the cold air it was the lingering anxiety gnawing at me.

Suddenly, my eyes landed on the same black luxurious SUV parked down the street. This time, a man stood in front of the car, looking directly at me. A smirk spread across his face the same man I had seen at the ceremony. I froze in place, my heart pounding so hard it felt like it would burst from my chest. I couldn't move, my fear rooting me to the spot. He kept staring, his smirk growing, as if he knew the effect he had on me.

A loud banging on my bedroom door snapped me out of my frozen state. I jumped up from my seat, heart racing, and stumbled back into my room, twisting the key to unlock the door.

Mattheo stormed in, eyes darting to the balcony. He rushed over to look outside, scanning the street below. His face was still tight with anger when he turned back to me. Without saying a word, he grabbed a suitcase from the closet and threw it onto my bed.

"Get your things packed. Tomorrow morning, you're flying to Italy. No arguments." His voice was harsh, colder than I'd ever heard it.

"Theo...?" I whispered, unsure of what was going on.

"Cecilia, you're going to do what I say. No questions." His eyes were fierce, and his tone left no room for defiance.

I wanted to fight back, to demand an explanation, but the way he raised his voice left me powerless. I had no strength when people shouted at me. It reminded me too much of things I had tried to bury deep inside old traumas that still left me feeling small and weak.

Without a choice, I nodded, my heart heavy. Tomorrow, I would be on a plane to Italy. I didn't know why, but there was no arguing with Mattheo. The fear I felt earlier from the man on the street was now joined by another layer of dread. Something was happening, something bigger than I understood.