His Ruthless Revenge (A Dark Bully Romance)

Chapter Twenty

Six years ago...

I spend most of my weekend curled up in bed, hiding beneath the covers where I feel safe and no one can get me.
My mum had a thousand questions for me when I got home so late and wearing someone else's clothes. I told her I was far too exhausted and would explain everything to her the following morning but she wasn't having any of it.
She told me how she'd been trying to contact me all night to tell me that my father had turned up unexpectedly. I pretended I had no idea he was back and hadn't received any of her messages as my phone had been switched off.
She also informed me that he'd been waiting for hours but eventually gave up and decided to leave.
I told her we probably wouldn't hear from him again and she sighed deeply, realising I might be right. Part of me still longs to tell her everything about him but I just can't. It would break her heart and she's already been hurt enough by him.
My dad knows I'm aware of who he really is now and won't risk me exposing his secret to anyone. He was savagely beaten by Chase and ended up being hospitalised... surely that will be enough for him to stay away?

My mum tries coaxing me out of my room several times over the weekend but I tell her I don't feel well and just want to stay in bed. I know she's worried about me but I can't face her right now. It's just too hard.

I was taking a nap on Saturday afternoon when I heard the front door bell ring downstairs. I sat up in bed, clutching the covers as my heart began to race. I knew it couldn't possibly be my dad but I was still afraid it might be.
I could hear the sound of muffled voices coming from the hallway and my mum knocked on my bedroom door a few moments later.
"April, there's a young man downstairs and he's asking to see you." She whispered, keeping her voice low.
"Who is it?" I asked, my own voice trembling.
"I don't know his name but he seems very anxious to see you."
"I'm not very well." I replied sharply. "I don't want to see anyone."
"What am I supposed to tell him?"
"The truth!" I exclaimed loudly, raising my voice in frustration. "I'm not well."
"Are you sure? It might be nice for you to have some company for a little while." She persisted, refusing to give up.
"Just do it, Mum."
"Very well." She sighed, making her way back downstairs.

She returned a couple of minutes later, slipping a note underneath my door.
"What's that?"
"The young man left it and told me to give it to you. Don't worry, I haven't read it." She assured me.
I padded across my carpet and picked up the note, curious about what was in it.

April, I'm really sorry for turning up unexpectedly but I don't have your number so it was the only way I could think of to make sure you're ok. I know I gave you mine last night but I just want to remind you that you can use it whenever you like. At least text me to let me know you're alright. I can't stop thinking about you and I'm really worried. Kerry is worried about you as well and she's furious with me for the way I handled things last night. I'm so sorry, April. I'm nothing but a fuck up and a thoughtless, stupid idiot. I've dealt with all of this so badly but I promise you that I want to make it up to you from now on. I don't know if that's even possible but I swear I'm going to try. I won't turn up at your house again unannounced as I know that'll make things awkward for you and I don't want to do that but please send me a message or call me. Just let me know you're ok.

I'm so sorry.

Chase x

I read his note severs times, struggling to understand how the person who wrote it can be the same individual who tormented, bullied and humiliated me for months. Part of me still feels like I'm being played and manipulated by him and I can't help being suspicious of his actions and wondering if there might be an ulterior motive.
I ended up crumpling up the note and throwing it in the bin, curling back underneath my duvet so I could go back to sleep.