“I'm sorry, but why are you here?” Sydney asked, not sure why the savage man was asking her to get in his car.
“Well… it's getting late, and I'm giving you a ride home,” Zane said with a mischievous smile and leaned back in his car. Sydney scanned the man from head to toe.
“Mister… why does your voice sound… familiar?” Sydney asked, crossing her arms over her chest. His voice sounded so familiar. The last time she heard was when that man kidnapped her and nearly raped her.
“I'm a famous darling… you must have seen me on television,” Zane teased, leaning closer to Sydney when she shoved him away.
“Whatever … you are wasting my time,” Sydney remarked, shaking her head and preparing to go when he grabbed her hand.
“Come on, pretty doll… why not… say yes… a beautiful woman like you shouldn't be walking at this time of the night … what if a hooligan attacks you” Zane said mischievously, blinking multiple times at Sydney. For one thing, Sydney didn't know where the crazy man came from.
“Sir… you must have made a mistake… I'm a married woman… I have a psychopath for a husband and if he sees you with me… he'll tear you apart” she simply said, returning the same smile plastered on his face…and Zane was even more amused. Did he want her even more?
“Husband?” Zane let out a sarcastic scoff and grabbed her by the shoulders. The power he used to hold her so unexpectedly had Sydney frightened.
“Let… let go of me,” she fought to get away, unfortunately something happened. She was wearing a spaghetti-strapped floral dress reaching above her knees. Her shoulders were exposed, as if she was thinking straight. The man's touch was rather familiar.
“You don't have a husband nor a man in your life… you have a filthy family who you broke all ties with” Zane said with a smirk as he pulled her closer to him. Sydney was caught in a daze as she stared at him blankly.
“Some fucked up family killed your friend and her family… ruined your life and now… you want to seek revenge” Zane added, shocking Sydney even more. Her eyes widened in shock, not sure how he knew this, glancing to the sides. Sydney only saw various people walking around and cars whooshing past them.
“H-how did you know?” Sydney stammered nervously, wondering how the strange man knew about this.
“Let's just say I'm well-informed,” Zane chuckled and draped his arm over her shoulders, only for Sydney to push him away. She didn't like his aura one bit…from his dark hair and the small tattoo she once saw on his arm. The dark clothes he wore every time she met him.
“A-are you an enemy or a friend?” the words left her mouth, and Zane laughed out loud. His voice was deep and husky and somehow pleasant. Sydney's expression morphed into a displeased one when he kept on laughing.
“Baby doll… I know all about you… trust me,” Zane said seriously…both stood there staring at each other. It was dark; hence Sydney only saw his bright eyes glimmering.
“I don't trust anyone,” saying that, Sydney held her purse and turned to leave when Zane unexpectedly grabbed her by the arm, pulled her back, and smashed his lips on hers.
Caught off guard, Sydney's eyes widened in shock when the man started kissing her without her consent.
“Idiot!” Sydney lashed out when she pulled back and landed a heavy slap across his face.
“How dare you!'' she yelled, pointing her finger at him… Zane wiped the corner of his lips and turned to look at the lady.
“Now can I drive you home,” he insisted again, but Sydney snorted and angrily walked out on him, heading towards where the building she stayed at was? Zane chuckled and went after her.
“Taxi,” Sydney called out, and a taxi stopped by the roadside.
“Where to miss,” the driver asked when she settled in… However, before the car could start. Zane too settled in the back seat with Sydney.
“Drive, my man,” Zane said charmingly, and the driver nodded and started the car. The entire time, Sydney tried, certainly, to ignore the jerk kissing man.
***
“Hello madam…welcome,” the head servant lady greeted Olivia and ushered her in. The Garcia mansion. She had been here several times. The first time she came here was when she just started dating Luciano.
He insisted on her meeting the family. She was happy the first time she met his family. However, she didn't expect things to turn so sour.
The day was not an ordinary one… Olivia's heart was heavy. The same day was her birthday and her family died.
Keeping such thoughts aside, Olivia proceeded to the stairs. She was still wondering why Luciano called for her.
She preferred staying at home the entire day to mourn her family. Unfortunately, Luciano insisted she came to visit him.
“Hello, Lu,” she said as soon as she reached his bedroom door and found it half open.
“Please come in, “Luciano said from inside, and Olivia pushed the door open and walked in.
“Thanks for visiting again, “Luciano said cheerfully upon seeing her again. Olivia faked a smile and looked at him and nodded.
“You don't seem to be fine,” she said, seeing how he was standing on his feet. Although not straight, he was forcing himself to stand.
“Well…. I hate staying in bed… work is calling,” Luciano said and carefully grabbed the car keys from the lower drawer.
“I don't think you should be standing. Isn't there anyone to help you,” Olivia asked. She was concerned about him, but wondering why he asked her to come…most importantly, why the house was empty…she didn't see Bianca nor Solange anywhere. Even Antonia was missing.
“Actually… I want you to drive me somewhere” Luciano said with a smile and showed me the car keys.
“Umm…but the drivers outside…”
“Please… today is a terrible day for me… I need to be with… with someone,” Luciano remarked, lowering his gaze. He took a step forward but winced in pain.
“Careful,” Olivia rushed to him, Luciano balanced on his feet before she could touch him.
“Please… I won't bother you after this,” he said, looking at her with sadness in his eyes. Olivia was lost, not sure what to do. Why was the day sad for him? For a second, she thought he recalled something about her.
“Sure” she agreed and guided him out of the room.
It was a shame the man couldn't even walk a few steps on his own. She had to support him with her body. Gladly, one of the guards helped her get him down the stairs and outside the mansion. The guard even helped her get Luciano in the car.
“Thanks,” Olivia said to the guard and proceeded to the driver's seat.
When she was taking him, she did not know that unfortunately after a few minutes, the car came to a stop. The entire time, her heart had been racing fast.
The place he asked her to bring her to was the exact place where he killed her. Olivia was agitated, she was frozen in place as cold sweat dripped down her face.
Fear washed over her as the adrenaline kicked in. Olivia was on the verge of collapsing.
Old memories of the rain pouring heavily flashed before her eyes. The screams of a woman begging to be spared clouded her mind. The sharp knife driven into her flesh killing the most precious thing in her belly hit her like a hurricane.
“No!” she yelled, jerking back to her senses only to find herself trembling. Her hands gripped the steering wheel so tight.
“What's wrong… what happened?” Luciano asked when she suddenly panicked and screamed. Olivia glanced around, and the rain vanished, the girl drenched from head to toe, including the evil man holding a knife.
“No… why are we here…” Olivia asked, panicking as her heart thumped. Why did he bring her to the same place he killed her? The cliffside where everything was destroyed by him.
“Livia, is everything okay,” Luciano asked, only then did Olivia realize what she had done. Calming her nerves, Olivia was nervous. She glanced towards Luciano, and he was looking at her questionably.
“Well… I… why did you…”
"You can stay. Stay here and wait for me,” Luciano cut her off, “please stay” he added and took the bouquet from the back seat and struggled to get out of the car. Olivia nodded and watched the man. What was he doing?