His Obsession

Chapter 20 - Cat and Mouse

THIS CHAPTER IS UNEDITED.

Chapter 20

Since that day, Colton came to my workplace and waited outside the café for me every night. It has been a week now and he never stopped coming. I don't know what kind of game he's playing but I'm really not in the mood to play along anymore because I can't handle another heartbreak. I just want to live a normal life now – study, work to pay our bills and take care of my dad. I started avoiding him by changing shifts with Ella and going home earlier using the exit door at the back of the café.

" Bye, Ella. Thanks for changing with me again. I'm really sorry. " I apologized and sighed.

" It's okay, Anna. I understand. Don't worry about it. " She smiled as she walked to the cashier to take over my job temporarily. I smiled and walked to exit door at the back of café.

" Anna. " Colton called my name as soon as I opened the door.

" Colton. " I unconsciously blurted.

" How much longer are we gonna do this? " He asked, his hand holding a bouquet of roses and another hand inside his pocket.

" Do what? " I frowned.

" This whole cat-and-mouse game. How much longer are you gonna avoid me? " he asked with frustration written on his face.

" I'm not avoiding you. " I replied and tried to get away but he pulled me into his embrace.

" I don't know what I did to make you this upset but haven't I been punished enough? I'm sorry. Please just stop doing this to me. It's killing me. " I gasped as he tightened his embrace around me.

I wanted to hug him back and cry, telling him I can't be with him because his grandpa does not like me and thinks I'm a gold-digger. But what would that make me? I would end up being the one who ruins his relationship with his only family in this whole wide world. As I laid in my bed every night, replaying what Colton's grandpa said and did to me, I could somehow understand Colton's grandpa. After all, Colton is his only grandchild and he wants the best for him. However, I know I'm not even close to being one of the 'best'. Maybe Olivia is the best choice for Colton. She could help him in everything in the future and I know I couldn't. With all the problems I'm having right now, I'll only end up adding them to his and be his burden.

" I'm not upset. I never loved you and that's the truth. I'm sorry, Colton. I thought I did but I realised it wasn't love. I only see you as my brother. Nothing more. " I replied coldly and pushed him away, dropping the roses on the ground. My heart instantly sank as I looked deep into his eyes. I could only see hurt in his eyes.

" I hope one day, you'll find your happiness somewhere else because you deserve it. You don't deserve someone like me because I'm just a cruel bitch. People change, Colton. " I said, trying to remove his hands from my arms.

" But memories don't! Don't you get it! You're my happiness! I can only be happy when I'm with you. " He yelled as his tears started streaming down his face. " Please don't leave me. " He held my hands tightly in his and his eyes were begging me.

" I'm sorry. " And that was the only thing I could say because if I say anything more, I'm afraid I won't be able to hold myself back anymore because he just looks so vulnerable now. I pushed his hands away and walked away. Hate me, Colton. Forget about me and you'll be able to find happiness somewhere else. I loved you enough to let you go and if it couldn't be me, then at least I hope it will be someone who will surround you with as much joy and love as I felt for you... every single day. I left him again at the alley and I know this time, it's his last straw. He will finally believe me and never want to see me again. I saw it in his eyes – he was not only hurt but mad too. That night, I cried myself to sleep, convincing myself that it was all just a dream. But it wasn't. I was merely trying to escape from the cruel reality.