Insatiable

Chapter 24

I would have constant visions of an alternate ending to my life.

A life where Drake had gotten his way and I laid six foot under.

A life where I had never found out about the marriage contract.

A life without Demetrius.

I would tell people my visions and I always ended up with the same results, sympathy.

But what they didn't understand was these weren't just any ordinary visions.

These were dreams.

I didn't wake up in the middle of the night crying about these obscure visions, in fact I woke up and I would begin to imagine my life in one of those conceptions, what I could have become, the person I always wanted to be. Then I would go back to sleep, totally fine and normal. That's what scared me the most.

It has been two weeks since my ordeal and two weeks since I've spoken to Demetrius. Since then he has been coming everyday, threatening to break open the door if I didn't let him in. His pleadings had different stages. At first he would storm in, swearing not to leave until I opened the door, hours later he would begin to beg, attempting to guilt me into succumbing to his pleas, it wouldn't work. Sometimes I barely heard him, too consumed in my own thoughts to process what he had to say. The final stage is when Cassandra would come out, threatening to chop of any part of his body she could get her hands on. Eventually he leaves, vowing to come back tomorrow, he does, but it always ends up with the same result.

Once in a while the sound of his voice would make my heart unintentionally thump and I would stare out of the window, my body tempted to call out to him, however it doesn't last long and I just end up laying face down on my pillows, blocking out everything and everyone.

Sometimes I think maybe I'm being unreasonable, after all he didn't know Fabio would kill Drake's wife, but then I remind myself, whether or not you pulled the trigger, you were an accomplice, someone who had the power to set Simone free days before she was shot, but he didn't and that fact will remain with me forever. Lastly I would paint my wound with salt, thinking from start to finish, how everything had been a lie, how I was married to a wretched old piece of paper. That's what glued me to where I am today, back in the same house I had left two years ago.

"Soph, I've set up the movie, you coming?" Cassandra called, I could feel her presence outside the door. By the sound of her voice I could tell she was eager to come inside, but over the past few weeks I've made this room my sanctuary, a place to think and dream. Though Cassandra doesn't agree I should keep things like this to myself, she's come to respect my need for privacy.

I didn't respond to her call, dragging my feet behind me, I waved a small greeting before walking past her and into the living room.

I simply ignored Cassandra's accountant boyfriend and made myself comfortable on an empty couch.

I could see him gawking at me from the corner of my eye, he thought I was a lunatic, someone who shouldn't be walking the streets without a straight jacket on. The thought made me laugh audibly, as expected he moved to the far side of the sofa. I shrugged, blowing my nose on a piece of tissue.

"I've brought popcorn." Cassandra chirped putting a bowl of popcorn on the dining table. Squirting some hand sanitizer, I dug right in.

"Drew, don't you want some?" She looked curiously at her stuck up boyfriend, his eyes darting from the popcorn to me, I knew he wanted a handful, the only issue was he would have to take it from my hands.

"Oh no thanks, I'm fine." He smiled pleasantly at her, it was of course a fake, but Cassandra didn't see it that way.

"What are we watching?" I asked stuffing my face with another handful of popcorn.

"Superbad."

I nodded once, internally excited, Superbad is one of my all time favourite movies. "Can't wait." Derek muttered, I smirked, knowing that he hates comedies.

*

*

I watched the movie poker faced, it didn't feel the same as it had done two months ago, I tried to ignore Cassandra's weary glances in my direction, but it became increasingly difficult when she wouldn't stop until I gave her a reassuring smile in return.

You can only fake enjoyment for so long before slyly retreating to the comfort of your own room.

I couldn't stand the way Drew and Cassandra looked lovingly at each other, she was blissfully unaware of Drew's blandness and his constantly formal tone, he resembled a potato, plain and boring, two things Cassandra was not.

It didn't surprise me that Cassandra was settling for someone like Drew, after the heartache of her last boyfriend, she was just about ready to date anyone who showed interest.

"Soph?" I cursed upon hearing Cassandra's voice.

"Don't worry about me, go and enjoy the movie, I'm just a little tired, that's all." I plastered a smile on my face.

"You sure?" She gave me an unsure look.

"Positive."

Giving me one last conflicted stare, she left. I let out a sigh of relief and fell onto the double bed.

*

*

When Drew left, Cassandra's attention was now placed on me, she's become accustomed to the thought that I need a personal carer, someone to watch over me 24/7. Nobody understands that I am fine, yes I was kidnapped by a crazed business man, yes my husband signed a contract on our marriage, but that does not mean I have to turn into some heartbroken, depressed woman.

"Cassandra, for the fifth time, you don't need to sit out there and watch over me, I'm fine."

"But the doctor ordered-"

"Well the doctor is wrong, as your best friend Cassandra, I am kindly asking you to give me a little space."

After I had been treated for my injuries, the doctor had ordered Cassandra to watch over me, sighting me as someone who had the potential of becoming a victim of depression as a result of all I had been through. Even though undergoing a psychiatrist evaluation proved I was in the clear.

"I can't go." She answered, I rolled my eyes opening the door to her cross-legged figure. "I appreciate all you have done for me, but-"

I stopped short, staring at her swollen eyes and tear stained cheeks. "Cassandra, what's wrong?" She stood up and gently took my hand.

"May I come in?" Knowing it was important, I allowed her inside. She sat on the bed, bringing me next to her.

My eyes widened as she wiped a trail of fresh tears that escaped her eyes.

"Cassandra, what is wrong?" I pressed for an answer watching nervously as she took a deep breath before speaking.

"There's something I need to tell you."

Hey guys!

Hope you are all well and smiley despite the freezing cold :)

What do you guys think of this chapter, hopefully you enjoyed it!

What does Cassandra need to tell Sophia?

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Until next time...

Janelle:)