Fatal Alliances: Chapter 33
As I was about to walk out of the house, Adrian looked at me a bit surprised.
“Going somewhere?” he asked.
“My self-esteem, physical and mental health had plummeted drastically because of you due to your constant critiquing, Mr. Vandermir”
“I beg your pardon?”
“I’m going for a jog,” I replied dryly and walked out.
The sunshine tickled me slightly, it felt nice to exercise like this again. The street had been just as I had left it. It was also really pleasent to see some familiar faces again while jogging along. On my way back, I felt weird. It was that same dreadful feeling again, the feeling of being watched. Why the hell did I even decide to leave the house alone? God, I wasn’t thinking properly these days. Turning around I saw a man in the distance, he looked familiar, but just like that, he was gone when a group of individuals walked in front of him. Gosh, I must be losing it. Those things only happen in horror movies. But wasn’t my life turning into one anyway? Hell, it was worse- it was a bloody lifetime! With that thought I increased my speed back to the house, still feeling the stares on me.
Slamming the door shut, I pressed my head on it trying to slow down my heartbeat from hammering so much, “Calm down Julie, calm down.” I whispered to myself.
“You alright there, Greene?” Adrian’s voice suddenly echoed from behind, slightly scaring me.
“Oh, yeah, yeah, I’m fine.” I lied, keeping my breaths low.
He looked at me with an unbelieving expression, “That wasn’t jogging, you looked like you were running from Godzilla.”
“What? No, are you- no, I- I’m fine.”
“Are you sick, Miss Greene?”
“What?”
“Are you sick?”
“No, why would you say that? No, I’m perfectly fine.” I smiled forcefully.
“Then why were you talking to yourself just a minute ago?”
“Huh? Talking to myself? I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I continued, causing him to raise an eyebrow at me, “Oh my gosh, you think I’m crazy?”
“I never said anything about crazy.”
“But that’s what you implied.”
“Maybe you should see a doctor.” He stated.
“Adrian! I don’t need a doctor, I’m not crazy!”
“Yeah, you’re definitely going for a check-up.”
“What? You can’t be serious!”
“That’s all I’ve even been. Get ready, I’ll take you.” He ended as he walked back into the living room.
This guy, did he really think I was going? God, was I that bad? No, he must’ve been joking. Going into the kitchen, I just stood there drinking a bottle of water trying to shut his nonsense out. He couldn’t possibly think I was losing it. Could he? About five minutes, after he came into the kitchen.
“Aren’t you ready yet?” He asked.
“Wait, you’re really serious about this? You aren’t joking?”
“After being with me all this time, do you think I do such a thing?” His voice was rich with irritation.
“But-“
“I don’t have time for this, Greene, let’s just hurry it up and get this done.”
Grabbing me by my arm, he pulled me out of the house with him and stood near the car.
“Sit.” He ordered.
“Adrian, I’m not sick, I-“
“Didn’t you hear what I just said?” He scolded in his icy tone.
Something about the way he said that made me feel a little uneasy. Was I scared? No, no he wouldn’t hurt me, would he? I remembered the way he had been with my father, how he seemed so engrossed in killing him. Could Adrian really be that dangerous? He had never done anything to physically hurt me before. All this time, if he was capable of doing that to my father, isn’t he able to do that to me? Could I really trust him? Whatever relations we shared with each other now is only temporary. Obediently, I did as he said. God, he was such a dictator. I nervously played with my hands on the way. Oh gosh, what if I really was crazy? I hadn’t really thought about it, but what if I really was? Mentally disabled people aren’t allowed to sign legal contracts and documents, so if by chance I really am crazy, what would happen to me? Adrian would leave me the moment he finds that out, wouldn’t he? He’d probably send me to a mental asylum because I would be of no use to him. I had a strong feeling he would. I was already enough of a burden to him right now. No, I wasn’t crazy. What was I thinking? All this is just messing with my mind, but I’m not crazy. I’m not.
“I’m not crazy,” I whispered to myself nervously.
Vandermir gave me a quick glance with a slight curve on the edge of his lips, “I know you’re not, but if you keep saying that I might change my mind about that.”
“What?”
“Crazy people are always in denial, Miss Greene, that’s what you’re doing right now. Not to mention talking to yourself, but I have a feeling you do that a lot, right?”
“I don’t talk to myself,” I defended, “And if you don’t think I am, then where are you taking me?”
“To the doctor.”
“But I thought you just said-“
“People go to the doctor for other reasons, love. You should get a check-up. If we’re going to be stuck together for some time, then I’ll make sure that whatever episode you had last night doesn’t happen again. I can’t handle your screaming.” He stated while gluing his eyes on the road.
“It was just a dream, Adrian. I’m fine, really.”
“You’re still going and that’s final. I don’t know what they did to you when you got kidnapped, Greene. What if it’s something serious? You could be traumatized, internally bleeding or something, God forbid that.”
He actually sounded like he cared, but I had to keep reminding myself that he’s only this way to me because he needs me. I shouldn’t get attached to him, I can’t. He stopped at the doctor’s office, came out, and opened my door. As we entered, I smelt the sickening scent of medicine.
“Gosh, I hate this scent,” I muttered.
“Are you talking to me, or to yourself?” He smirked.
I rolled my eyes at him and sat on the chair while he spoke to the receptionist. The place was filled with people and the wait was exhausting. I turned to Adrian with a snarky smile, “I bet you wished you didn’t come now, huh?”
He didn’t reply to that, all he did was stand up and look at his watch impatiently, “You’re too much responsibility, Greene. Waste of time.”
“If I’m such a waste of time, then why did you even bring me? You caused this on yourself, so don’t put the blame on me. I already told you I’m fine. We could even leave from here if it’s such a problem to you.” I hissed at him. Who did he even think he was getting angry at me like that? It wasn’t even my fault anyway.
“We’re not leaving until you get that check-up.” He finished flatly, edginess boiling within him.
About ten minutes after, I was called in. The doctor had given me two injections and told me to get some rest and not to stress myself out, you know, the usual. Adrian came in at the end, after taking a call.
“Well Mr. Vandermir, she just needs some rest. The medication will make her a little drowsy,” Turning to me he smiled, “And you Miss Greene, it’s a good thing you came, your health had been deteriorating. You shouldn’t stress yourself out and worry too much.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” I sighed.
Upon arriving back at the house, I took a bath and plopped myself down on the living room sofa. The medication had definitely begun to take effect. I wasn’t going to fight it, so I succumbed into a musing sleep. When I woke up, I realized that I had actually slept a lot. Honestly, I felt way better than I’d ever been. Adrian had been at the kitchen table doing paperwork. He was such a workaholic. Doesn’t this guy take a break? Wasn’t relaxation and rest in his dictionary?
“What are you doing?” I asked walking up to him, rubbing my eyes.
“What does it look like I’m doing?” He replied in annoyance.
Feeling already pissed at his nasty attitude, I frowned, “The doctor said not to stress me out Mr. Vandermir, which means you have to be nice to me.”
“Nice?” He questioned as if it was a foreign word.
“Yes, ‘nice‘, honey.”
Suddenly, the doorbell rang.
“I’ll get it.” I said as I walked away from him.
Walking through the hall, I opened the door to be greeted by an unfamiliar man standing in front of me. He was probably around Adrian’s age, tall, had dirty blonde hair, and was dressed in a uniform which I had never seen before. Was he some sort of police officer or FBI agent?
“Are you Miss Lucien?”
God, this probably was not good.
“I umm… I don’t-“
“I thought so,” the man continued, “You know you’re in a lot of trouble, Miss Greene. Are you hiding here?”
“What?” I asked a bit confused now.
“She isn’t.” Adrian’s voice responded from behind, walking up next to me.
“Mr. Vandermir.” The man greeted.
“Gabriel.” He replied back, “I told you I needed more time.”
“You’re with the girl?” Gabriel asked.
“Yes, she’s my responsibility.”
I just stood there, completely mute at what was happening.
“Then hurry it up Adrian, I can’t keep the others off any longer. I’m trying my best.” The guy said with a sigh, “I hope we don’t see each other again miss. Take care.”
And with that, he left. How odd. I’ve never had anyone say that to me, “Well that was a first. What was that about?”
“He’s an official,” Vandermir replied, shutting the door.
“You mean one of those guys that want to get us arrested because of the partnership?”
“Yes, but he’s an insider- on our side. Gabriel helps in getting them off our tracks about where and what we’re doing on the partnership.”
“He said I was in trouble,” I stated nervously.
“He probably thought you were alone here. He didn’t know you were with me. Don’t think too much, Greene. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
At that moment, I realized something. My life was completely in the hands of Adrian Vandermir. I tried to swallow the uneasiness that defused within me.
“That’s why you didn’t take the flight? You didn’t want them knowing about our whereabouts?” I asked.
“It’s safer. I can’t take any risks when you’re with me.”
“Oh.” I inhaled, feeling suddenly anxious.
“As I said, don’t think about it too much. I have everything handled.”
“O-okay.”
He gave one of his rare soft smiles, “You should get ready, we’re going out for dinner tonight.”
“What?”
“I’ve called someone to meet us there. She’s bringing the documents for you to sign.”
After some time, I got ready into a short red formal dress. Adrian wore a dark grey suit, black shirt, and a slate grey striped tie. I left my hair down for the occasion and even wore black heels. I think after that experience I had at the function with Vandermir, I hadn’t been so afraid of heels again, so I convinced myself into practicing with them. The restaurant was elegant and exotic. It must have been new because I don’t ever recall coming here before with my family. As the waiter led us to a private table at the back, I nudged Adrian in the stomach slightly.
“Is she here yet?” I asked.
“Don’t do that again,” He scolded me under his breath and took my hand in his, “And no, have patience and don’t act like an eight-year-old.”
“Eight-year-old? Do I look like an eight-year-old to you?” I quietly snapped back and took my seat.
“No, you look lovely, but you have the mentality of a child.” He stated with playful eyes as the waiter filled our glass.
Firstly, I was a bit stunned. Did he just compliment me and bash me at the same time? How do I even react to that? And secondly, how could he call me a child? I was anything but. Honestly, I have to admit that when I’m around him I tend to get a lot more irritated and annoyed faster, but around anyone else, I did not have a child’s mentality. He’s the one with the mentality problem, not me.
“Wow, it’s hard for you isn’t it?”
“Excuse me?” He asked.
“Being nice. It’s hard for you to be nice, isn’t it?”
He seemed amused, yet slightly irritated at my question, “It isn’t hard Miss Greene. I just don’t like to be like that towards people who aren’t worth my time.”
“You think you’re so amazing, don’t you? Confidence is sexy, Mr. Vandermir, but cockiness isn’t. You have no idea how much I want to slap you right now. If only I wasn’t in such a place,” I threatened, “I’m sure I could rearrange that pretty face of yours.”
“Pretty?” He chuckled, “Well you’ve already slapped me once, and I didn’t even deserve that.”
For once, he was right, I did slap him in front of Takumi and his people and he didn’t even deserve that. It wasn’t my fault at the time though, I mean, I thought he was actually leaving me there. Maybe if he hadn’t been so secretive and told me about everything, he wouldn’t have gotten that. Before I could say a word, a smooth rich voice interrupted.
“Mr. Vandermir?” A tall, elegant, model-like woman asked as she stood tall next to the waiter who had probably escorted her here. A short man with glasses stood next to him timidly.
“Miss Suarez.” He got up and greeted her with a kiss on the cheek, “You look stunning, darling.”
What a suck-up.
“My, thank you. I brought what you asked for,” She replied taking a seat opposite me, “You must be Miss Lucien?”
“Yes, I am.” I smiled.
“Well let’s not waste any time, then.” She continued and gave me the documents and a pen, “Just sign here.”
I felt Adrian’s arm brush against mine slightly as I looked at the folder in front of me. He seemed tensed when I held the pen in my hand. I kind of like seeing him this way, even though he may not have been looking nervous, I somehow knew he was.
“What are you waiting for, Greene?” He asked in a peevish tone.
“Oh, I’m just pausing for dramatic effect.” I teased wickedly.
Well, that seemed to piss him off even more. He took a sharp breath to the side as I signed it. Only after, I realized I probably should have read it first. Okay, that was an ultimately stupid decision. What if I had signed some sort of human slave contract or something? No, Adrian may not be nice, but I doubt he’d trick me like that. Then again, isn’t that what he was planning to do to Rocillie? Wasn’t he planning to trick him into signing the partnership dismissal documents under the pretexts of forming a partnership between their two companies? No, Adrian wouldn’t do this to me. I trusted him. I never thought I did, I was always unsure of him, but now I knew I strangely trusted him. I do trust him, after everything, I do.
“Well, this part is over.” The woman said and got up, “Mr. Vandermir, Miss Lucien.”
With that, she left along with the timid man next to her.
“Who was he?” I quizzed a bit curious.
“Believe it or not, her protector.”
“What?” I laughed.
“Don’t judge a book by its cover, Greene, he packs a wicked punch.”
“Did he ever punch you?”
“No.”
“Damn.” I sighed with a soft laugh.
“Give me a minute,” Adrian said as he got up and walked to someplace else.
I sat there just munching on the appetizers the waiter had brought. Gosh, it was delicious. ‘Maybe that injection woke my taste buds up again?’ I thought with a laugh. I noticed Adrian from a distance approaching. He was a strange guy, if I had to describe him I wouldn’t know where to start. It kind of bothered me that I would trust a guy I had no idea about. I knew nothing about him, yet I allowed him to be with me. I allowed myself to be with him. I knew he was a man who had a reason for everything he did, but what was his ultimate goal? What was he really about? He sat down with an arched eyebrow towards me.
“What do you want?” I suddenly asked.
“Pardon?”
“What do you want? What’s your purpose?”
He looked a bit surprised at my question, it didn’t even seem like he was interested in answering it at all.
“What do you think it is?”
“It’s hard to tell,” I replied honestly.
“Then don’t think about it so much, maybe it isn’t for you to know.”
“But I have to know, Adrian, don’t you understand? I can’t keep going around with a man I have no idea about. I mean, I don’t even know your likes, dislikes, where you lived, your family, hobbies, anything!” I sighed in frustration.
“You know what my favourite colour is.” He grinned.
Raising an eyebrow, I gave him an unbelievable look, “Really? After everything, is that all I get?”
He chuckled at me, “You’re really something, Greene, maybe I will tell you one day.”
One day? I knew for a fact that that one day would never come because by that time we won’t have anything to do with each other. After I sign off my part in the partnership and after Rocillie gives his signature, we’ll have nothing to do with each other. He probably won’t even remember my name.
“That’s a lie.” I gave a soft sigh.
Almost as if I’d insulted him, he stated with a straight face, “I’ve never lied to you, Juliet.”
“Oh, so you really think I’m materialistic and immoral?”
“That’s not what I said.” His voice was low and intense.
“Really? Because that’s what I recalled you telling me.”
“I said ‘I could be wrong, that you could be like that’. I never said you were.”
I hadn’t thought about it like that, but was everything else he told me even true? Was that kiss even real? It felt real, but did he mean it? No, it wasn’t, it couldn’t be. He kissed me to prove a point, to make me feel sorry for myself, to make me feel empty and hurt for trying to trick him. And he achieved that goal. I should hate him, I do hate him for doing that to me, for leading me on, for making me feel that way, vulnerable as if I needed him. Still, I couldn’t. I couldn’t hate him because I hated myself equally as much for trying to deceive him in the first place. I was the one who should be hated. I just despised this feeling right now. I detested what I did, what I was about to do.
“I’m sorry, Adrian,” I whispered softly playing with my hands on the table.
“About?”
“Everything. I’m sorry.”
“Stop apologizing to me, I’ve heard it enough.” Leaning closer to the table, he placed his hand over mine, “And please stop this, it’s annoying.”
“Sorry- I mean uh, I – I’m- um- I’ll just stop.” I nervously sighed. His hand felt strange over mine. Strange in a good way that is, causing butterflies to flutter in my stomach.
No, don’t feel like that. Move your hands. Listening to my conscience, I removed my hands from beneath his, only to feel like my heart was plunging down into my stomach. God, I wish I never did that. I wish I never removed them, I wanted him to touch me again, I wanted him to hold me.
No, stop it, Julie. Stop wanting him.
“What do you want?” He suddenly asked me as he leaned back against his chair studying me. Grey intoxicating eyes seemed to be devouring my awkwardness as he drank his cocktail.
“Me?”
“Who else would I be talking to, Greene?”
Taking a deep breath, I pondered whether I should tell him or not. Well, I wasn’t going to stay dumb on the first real conversation Vandermir and I were having. I replied, trying not to make eye contact with him, “I want my family back, but I guess I can’t have that one again. I want Jenna to see me as an equal and not some baby she has to care of, I want Mrs. Dawnly to find back happiness in her life, I want to stop blaming myself for Mr. Dawnly’s death, and I want Nina to grow up without feeling neglected – I just want her to get her education and be successful.”
Bringing my brown eyes up, Adrian fixed his onto mine, “What do you want? What do you want for yourself?”
I hadn’t thought anyone would ask me that again, it was a question I was fond of answering when I was younger. But then I grew up. And Vandermir, would he judge me if I actually tell him? Taking a deep breath, I took that chance only because I knew he seemed like a headstrong man who never left without an answer.
“I want a good job. I didn’t spend so many years devoting myself to my studies and shutting out others for nothing. I know I can be independent but I just want to get the chance to prove it to Jenna. Then I want to have a nice beachfront house- something simple, nice husband, two kids, and a dog named France.”
Adrian chuckled at that, “Jesus, so you’re planning to bring more monsters like you into this world?”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I shot back playfully.
“I mean, having more little devils like you would be hell on Earth, Greene.” He laughed.
“Please, at least my kids would be fun and energetic and not cold and rude like yours.” I teased back.
He gave a velvety soft laugh as he took a drink from his glass again.
“But don’t worry, I’m not planning to have any right now. That would be far in the future. You would forget about me by that time.” I finished.
“Trust me, Miss Greene, I don’t think I could.”
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