Chapter 2
“I sent my driver to pick you up for the police station, only to find the door was locked from outside.” He yelled, “Did you go alone?”
He went so far in caring about me that he bothered to send his driver for me while he was accompanying his secretary in a music concert. I smiled ironically before replying, “It doesn't matter anymore. I’m done reporting the FIR. You can call your driver back.”
I hung up the call as I went back to our home. The fear of being abducted and kidnapped still lingered through me but I tried to stay calm and not think much about that. However, I kept wondering, had I not escaped and been truly kidnapped by the kidnappers, would he have cared about me?
Later that night, when I returned home, David walked in. He was still humming the song that the singer was singing in the concert.
He barely glanced at me. His eyes were fixed on his phone as he typed out a message, probably replying to the message of Cinthia.The scent of his expensive cologne clung to him, a constant reminder of his lavish lifestyle. Meanwhile, I was sitting on the couch. My eyes were red from crying, my face pale. He didn't even notice.
"Did you eat?" he asked sternly as he poured himself a glass of water. I raised my gaze to look up at his carefree face.
"I'm not hungry," I said in a flat voice. He slightly narrowed his eyes as he shot a glance over me. His gaze then shifted back to his phone, replying to me in a distant voice,"You need to eat something. You're too thin."
I nodded my head in agreement, then I stood up from the couch and walked up to our bed to sleep. Seeing me act so detached, David paused.
"Is everything okay?" he asked, his voice had a hint of indifference.
"No," I replied flatly. “Don't bother yourself because of me."
Next morning, I sat alone at the dining table, sipping my coffee and staring out the window. The silence was broken by the sound of David's footsteps as he entered the room. His eyes scanned the table, his gaze lingering on the empty spot where his breakfast usually sat.
"Where's mine?" he asked in a low voice. I could see the hint of annoyance clearly visible in his eyes.
I turned to face him, my expression neutral. "I didn't make any for you," I replied indifferently.
David's eyes narrowed. "You know I need breakfast before I start my day," he reminded me in a cold voice.
"I’m sorry I forgot," I lied.
Just then, his phone rang. He picked up the call and listened for a moment before his expression turned dark.
“Don't go anywhere alone, okay?” He said on the phone. He looked really concerned
"What is it?" I couldn't help asking, seeing how worried he seemed. David's eyes flashed with anger, saying,"It's Cinthia. She is scared because last night someone stalked her until she reached her home."
My heart sank, and I felt a wave of fear wash over me as I recalled the incident that happened with me. But David didn't even notice. He was too busy pacing back and forth, his mind consumed by thoughts of Cinthia's safety.
"I'll take care of it," he muttered to himself. "I'll make sure she's protected."
I watched him with a pair of sad eyes. He was so concerned about Cinthia's safety, but he hadn't even asked if I was okay after the kidnapping attempt. David was still pacing back and forth, his mind consumed by thoughts of Cinthia's safety. I watched him, feeling a sense of sadness wash over me.
Why couldn't he care about me like that? Why did he always have to put Cinthia first?
I stood up, feeling a sense of loneliness. I was tired of being treated like this. I was tired of being ignored and neglected.
I walked over to David, my heart pounding in my chest as I said in a low voice,"David,"
He turned to me. His eyes were still flashing with anger while he asked, "What?"
I took a deep breath, trying to find the courage to speak. I then finally asked, "Can we go to the office together? I’m not feeling safe today.”
“Rosaline,” He called me by my name, his expressions changed as he looked up at me with a pair of distant eyes, “Are you behind all these? Did you send someone to scare Cinthia?”
Chapter 3
“What?” I chuckled before asking, “Are you serious? Why would I do something like that?”
“You don't like Cinthia and that's very obvious. Maybe you…” He was accusing me.
But, I cut him off, asking,“She doesn't like me either. So, can I assume she was behind my kidnapping? After I’m gone from your life, her chance would be clear with you, isn't it?”
“Shut up, Rosaline,” He snapped, “She is not like that woman,”
“And I’m a woman who would do such things? Are eight years not enough for you to understand me?” I asked, my voice losing all its calmness. He sighed as he rubbed his forehead in annoyance before turning to look straight into my eyes.
“I’m asking you questions, Rosaline. Did you do it or not?” He asked in a commanding voice.
“No, I didn't. Do you believe me, David?” I asked angrily.
His expressions suddenly softened as he said in a low and a bit gentle voice, “Yes, I do, Rosaline. I was just concerned about Cinthia’s safety. That's why I asked you to stop doing this stuff. But, if you didn't do it, then it's really a matter of concern.”
I didn't know what to feel about this. Should I have felt happy that he finally trusted me or felt anger that he was showing the concern about Cinthia that he never showed for me. Tears were formed in my eyes as I asked, “What about me, David? Did you try to know anything about the kidnappers? What if they again come to get me?”
“Didn't you inform the Police?” He raised his eyebrows before adding, “I’m sure they will catch them. Don't worry.”
That’s exactly what he said for me and busied himself on his phone, trying to find the stalker that stalked Cinthia the other day. I felt like my heart had been shot with several arrows seeing him like that. It was the moment I realized I had wasted eight years of my life on a man who didn't deserve it at all.
I then packed my office bag and made my way towards the entrance to go to the office. Just then, David called me from behind.
“Rosaline,” he added, “Don't go alone. I’m calling Jimmy to take you.”
“No need. I’m not scared anymore.” With that said, I left for my office. I didn't even turn to look at his facial expressions.
As I stepped into the Williams Headquarters, the whispers began to circulate. The sleek, modern building with extraordinary Architect design was the talking sensation around the city. Every employee was handpicked by David, and its security was top notch. Still, today the security guards looked more aware than usual and the employees were curious, not knowing the reason behind it.
A few minutes later, David arrived with Cinthia by his side. Her laughter echoed through the lobby, drawing the attention of every pair of eyes. Two bodyguards were walking side by side with them.
I was the one who got attacked the other day yet Cinthia was the one enjoying a first class security in disguise of being David’s secretary.
I ignored them and made my way to the communal printer, pretending not to notice the glances and whispers that followed me. My colleagues were waiting for a reaction from me. But I refused to give them the satisfaction.
As I walked past two of David's subordinates, I overheard their hushed conversation.
"Ms. Rosaline is too rude," one of them muttered. "Men like women who are light-hearted , like Miss Cinthia."
Seeing me closer to them, they immediately shut their mouth, not uttering any word. But, they had already done enough damage. According to them I was boring and not fun loving just because I didn't sit with them and gossip during working hours or show off my relationship with the CEO of the company. But, I didn't care what they thought about me.
I kept walking on my heels, clicking against the polished floor. I returned to my office, where I found an envelope of receipts and my resignation letter waiting for me. I pocketed the pouch and letter, then headed to David's office.
As I approached David's office, I could hear the sound of Cinthia's laughter. Without hesitation I pushed open the door without knocking, startling the two of them. My gaze fell on Cinthia who was leaning on David while standing beside his chair. Her eyes opened up widely in fear as she swept her gaze towards the door
“Miss Rosaline, I was just-”
I snapped back at her, cutting off her attempt to explain
"Get out," I snapped.
“What?” She was looking at me with a pair of surprised eyes, not expecting me to talk like this.
“Out,” I repeated, my gaze being fixed on her.
David's eyes narrowed, a warning flashing across his face as he said, "Rosaline, watch your tone."
I ignored him, reaching into my pocket to retrieve the envelope. I tossed it onto the desk, spilling its contents – the receipts of hotels where David and Cinthia stayed for many nights.
"Next time you sneak into my hotel with my partner," I said coldly, "Don't let him return home with these receipts in his pocket."