His Heart For Collection

Chapter twenty two

A week passed by since I went to my house. I haven't heard from Finley since that time he came to take the photograph. I knew he had something major going on at work, so he would come back to his apartment late at night around eleven. By that time, I was already asleep.

He hasn't given me feedback with regards to the picture, but I was not inpatient. I had my own things going on to be stuck on whether Drew was a vampire or not. It was nice to entertain ourselves with the theories, but now my mind was far away from those conspiracies. I was busy looking at job posts. I wanted to work from home these next few months. I was tired. I needed a break, especially since I'll be going through divorce for the coming months.

I spoke with my lawyer and he advised me to go ahead with the divorce proceedings. All I wanted to do was convince Drew to agree to the divorce.

As much as it pains to admit it, Drew loves me. So he wouldn't be a pain during our divorce. The problem is that he doesn't want the divorce.

I scheduled a meeting with him for Wednesday, which was tomorrow. My heart was still aching, but I had to soldier on. I knew that when I would see him, I would recall the memory of him and his fling he had in that kitchen.

I wanted to confide in Finley, but he's been so busy. I didn't want to call him and disturb him, especially when during the week, he got home late. On weekends, he never left his place. I didn't want to knock because he could be resting because of his demanding week.

So imagine my excitement when later in the day, I got a knock on my door. I thought it was Finley, but when I opened the door, there was no one. I looked both ways down the corridor, but there was no one.

I was about to close the door when I looked down and saw the small envelope. I picked it up, frowning.

I closed the door and locked it, then ripped open the envelope. My frown deepened when I saw it was the photograph Finley had.

I was confused, turning it around multiple times to check if there was anything. It was just the photograph.

The radio silence I got from Finley that I thought was because he was tired from work, might not be that.

Without thinking, I put on my jacket and walked out of my place. I didn't hesitate to knock on Finley's door. I knocked continuously until I heard his voice shout that he was coming.

When he opened the door and saw that it was me, his eyes widened and he tried to close the door on my face, but I put my foot to block it. The pain I felt made me a bit angry, especially since I now knew Finley was avoiding me.

"Go back to your flat. I don't want to see you," he said, voice flat.

I was mad at him, hence I had the courage to push open the door, and got in.

"You can't just barge into my place. That's trespassing!"

I didn't care. All I wanted was answers. "What happened, Finley?" I asked, the hurt in my voice so thick.

He looked away, crossing his arms. "I've been busy."

"Then what about the envelope? Were you too busy to knock and stay until I could retrieve it?"

He didn't reply. He was just looking away from me. I had my guesses of what happened. I just hoped it was not the same as Sam's situation.

"Was it Drew? Did he threaten you?" I asked, my heart sinking when Finley's eyes found mine in a heartbeat, the fear in his eyes making me mad at Drew. I was getting that divorce no matter what.

"Get out, Leon. I don't want trouble, please. I'm already in enough trouble as is for associating with you. So please do me a favor and get out of my life," Finley said, voice so painstakingly defeated.

He made me feel like I came into his life and caused chaos. I thought we were happy. We seemed happy.

"Please don't do this to me, Finley. I'll talk to Drew and tell him to leave me alone. I'll tell-"

"No, don't! Get out of my flat. I don't want to see you ever again!"

I flinched at his tone, stunned. His eyes were blazing, the hate in them directed at me.

I turned around, not wanting him to see my teary eyes. I went to the door, not daring to look back. I banged the door on my way out.

Why did Drew want to ruin my life? Why would he do this to me?

I picked up my phone from my bed, eyes blurry when I dialed Drew's number.

"My Beloved," he answered, voice a bit out of breath. I didn't even want to know what he was doing.

"Why are you out to ruin my life? I thought you loved me," I cried out, not caring that he heard that I was crying.

"My Love, what's wrong? Should I come to you? Why are you crying?" he rushed out, voice panicked as if he's not the one who was out to ruin me. "You know I love you more than anything in this world."

"If you loved me, you wouldn't be trying to sabotage valuable friendships I have made. How could you do this to me?"

"My Love, please calm down. Please don't cry. You know it hurts me to hear you cry. Should I come over?"

I sniffled, trying to regain my composure. I didn't want to give him the satisfaction of hearing me cry any longer. I tried to steel my voice when I replied, "I don't want to see you ever again. I hate you." It was childish of me to say that, but at the moment, I didn't care. I hated him for doing this to me, driving everyone I cared about away. He wanted to isolate me so that he could have me all to himself.

"Please don't say things like that, my Love. I know you're angry with me, but I-"

"I hate you. You're the worst thing that's ever happened to me, Drew. I hate you," I reiterated, voice nasally.

He took a while to answer. I didn't even know why I stayed on the line. Maybe I wanted confirmation that my declaration hurt him.

"You don't mean that, my Beloved. I'm going to come over and we can talk like the adults we are. Whatever is bothering you, you can tell me. I promise-"

"But you never listen to me!"

"I will this time. I promise."

I was indecisive. His offer to really listen to me was enticing. I took a moment to ponder it. In the end, I agreed. I wanted closure and to also confront him about Sam and Finley. He can't keep pushing people I care about away.

I didn't gave to wait long for him because after ten minutes, he was knocking on my door.

I had washed my face to get rid of the evidence that I was crying. I opened the door, his face full of worry when he saw my irritated eyes. They were red and a bit puffy.

"My Love, how I have missed you," he said, coming to hug me. I tensed in his arms, but he just kept on hugging me a bit tighter. I didn't return the gesture.

He let go, then his fingers found my chin, tilting my face to his level. My eyes were boring into his.

"Do you want to sleep, my Love? I promise you'll feel better in the morning. Let's go to bed, alright?" he said, voice sounding far away.

I was about to refuse, but something made me agree. What was Drew doing in my apartment in the first place again? "Yes. I'm so tired. Are you staying over?" I asked, not knowing why I even offered.

"Of course, my Love. And I really promise you'll feel better in the morning. Let's go."

He urged me towards the bedroom. There was something in my mind that was not alright, but I kept on pushing it aside.

Drew prepared the bed for us, with me standing to the side. He rummaged in my closet for my loose clothes so he could change.

I got under the covers and felt my eyes close immediately. I didn't realize I was this tired. When Drew joined me, he kissed my forehead and told me goodnight.

I drifted off to sleep after that, barely catching Drew saying he loved me.