Chapter 12 – A Surprise Visit!
Faye’s Pov
The car pulled into the parking lot
nd fell rapidly. I couldn’t breathe properly.
Before the driver could open the door, I jumped out. My chest rose and
That image…
That room.
That man… sitting calmly while someone else was being tortured.
God.
I staggered a little. My legs were shaky
“Faye!”
I gasped. My grandmother was standing by the porch, her eyes wide with concern.
“Are you alright?” she asked. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“I’m okay,” I said quickly, trying to fix my expression. “I just came back early. Wasn’t feeling too well.”
“Oh no,” Grandma said and rushed toward me. “Why didn’t you call me? Come in, come inside right now.” “I’m fine, really-”
“Hush. You don’t look fine She pulled me in by the hand and shouted, “Maria! Julia! Get water. Bring a cold towel.
“Grandma, please. I just need a nap.”
She didn’t listen. The maids fussed around me, placing a blanket over my shoulders, handing me juice, asking a dozen questions I didn’t feel like answering
Tl call Dr. Peterson.
“I don’t need a doctor–7
“I’m calling him, Faye.”
Ten minutes later, the family doctor arrived
He checked my vitals, listened to my heartbeat, then frowned slightly. “Her blood pressure’s high.“8
I looked at him. “It’s nothing serious, right?”
– No
“It’s not alarming, but you need to rest. Stay in bed for the rest of the aftemoon. No stress.
phones. No talking. Just rest.
“Yes, Doctor” Grandma replied before I could say anything.3
He packed up his bag and left.3
Grandma kissed my forehead. Try to sleep, sweetheart”
I nodded.
She left the room–finally–with the maids trailing behind her
As soon as the door clicked shut, I let out a deep sigh and tossed the blanket off me. Peace at last
I lay back and closed my eyes. The darkness felt calming.
But not for long.
My phone rang
Without checking. I picked it up and mumbled, “Hello…?”
A familiar sharp voice rang in my ear!!
“Well, well answering the phone like you’re dying on the streets. Are you starving already?” My eyes snapped open “Lily“}
She laughed. “Wow. You sound homble. What’s wrong? No rich boy to sponsor your pity party?” I sat up “What do you want?′′X
“Oh, don’t be so rude. I just wanted to check in, I mean, you did leave Gabriel to me. I should thank “Then go thank yourself. And leave me alone.“||
“Aww, someone’s still bitter she teased “You can’t do anything anyway. You’ve lost everything.”
“I lost Gabriel,” I snapped, “and that was the best thing that ever happened to me.
you.“!
There was silence for a second. Then she said, “Funny Gabnel doesn’t think so. He’s furious, you know. Thinks you cheated on him.
“I don’t care what Gabriel thinks “I
“I’m sure you don’t she said, voice turning g nastier. “Just wondering how you’re getting by now. Selling your body yet? Or still pretending to be a princess?
it hung up 1
I blocked her number, slammed the phone on the bed, and pressed my hands to my face
I didn’t want to cry
I didn’t want to feel like thes
Not again X
A soft knock came on the door
“Layo?” Grandma’s voice ||
Twiped my face quickly “Yes?7)
The door opened slowly. She peeked in with a small smile. “How are you feeling now my darling?“% “I’m okay”
She stepped in and said gently, “You have a vinilor“:
1 blinked “A visitor?”
“Yes, dear Someone came to see you“)
“Who?”
She smiled mysteriously. “Come out and see“%
“I’m not dressed.“||
“Then go freshen up. Wear something nice“||
“Grandina, I’m not in the mood
“No arguing. He came all this way. Be polite”
I sighnd
I dragged myself to the closet and changed into a cream sweater and soft pants.
1 brushed my hair and dabbed my face with some powder
Shil no idea who it could be X
Maybe a family friend?
Maybe someone from school?%
I stepped out of my room, walked slowly down the hall toward the sitting room Then I saw him.
Seated on the couch. Legs crossed, Calm, composed.
The man from the torture room.
My heart jumped
I stopped mid step.
He stood up |
Tall Sharp Eyes piercing into mine.!!
He smiled slightly
“Faye Berkeley,” he said. “My name is Hunter Blackwell. It’s a pleasure.”
My mouth went dry
–