Chapter 9%
“Shit! How am I going to hide? Samuel is already in front of my room!” I muttered in panic as I continued to sneak through the fire escape My breathing was labored, my stomach was getting heavier, and my knees were shaking like I’d run a marathon. I almost fell if I did hold onto the banister.
Just as I reached the bottom floor, my cell phone vibrated again.”
Leon: “I’m already at your door. Come on, Veronica. I want to introduce you to my friend. Don’t be afraid. He’s a good guy, really.”
His friend?}
I can guess it must be Samuel.>
I didn’t answer. I just stood at the corner of the hallway, trying to think fast. I could run away… but where? This apartment doesn’t have a back door, and if I dare to go outside now, I might run right into him.
Just when I thought I’d managed to sneak in safely, a loud knocking sound came from the direction of my apartment door.
“Veronica, it’s me!” Leon’s voice. Still warm. Still full of enthusiasm.}
But I can’t. I really couldn’t. I just closed my eyes, wishing him away. But it wasn’t.
Leon: “You’re inside, right? Come on, let’s eat together. I want you to meet a friend of mine. His name is Samuel. You’ll like him.”}
Oh, how ironic. Like it? That’s right.
I clung to the wall, barely able to breathe. But Leon’s next words made my heart almost fall out.
“Who is Veronica?” said Samuel./
That voice… clear. Serious. Cold.
I got goosebumps.
Leon chuckled. “Short
my friend here. She’s a unique person. Very smart, likes to write, works in a bookstore. But… mysterious. I don’t know much about her myself.“}
Then he added, “But she’s nice. It’s like she has her own world. And I think she needs a friend.”
I bit my lip. The world seemed to
I have to make a decision.}
twist around me like a wet cloth. Samuel knows my name now. Veronica.
I went downstairs, entered the public restroom near the lobby, and started preparing my disguise. I put on a big hoodie, a cloth mask, and sunglasses. I looked so different that no one recognized me, including Samuel and Livia.}
Once it felt safe, I went out and approached them slowly. A few meters away, I could immediately see Samuel standing next to Leon. His eyes were sharp. Steady. Cold. Still like before… or even more sinister.
“Veronica!” Leon exclaimed when he saw me. “You’ve finally come out. Here, meet my friend, Samuel.”
I just gave a small nod without saying anything. Samuel looked at me for a long time. Too long. It was as if his eyes were trying to strip away all the layers I was wearing.
“Are you sick?” he asked.
I shook my head. My voice almost didn’t come out. “It’s just… not feeling well,” I replied quietly.
We sat at the small cafe in front of our apartment. Leon was eager to choose a seat and menu, while I was focused on one thing: not letting my mask fall off.”
“What message, Veronica?” Leon asked.}
I shook my head. “No need. I already ate earlier.”
My stomach was rumbling. But how can I eat? If you take off the mask, you’re done.
Leon looked surprised. “Aren’t you hungry? Usually you ask for more cheese bread.“}
I gave a stiff grin. “I want to go on a diet.”}
Samuel was still looking at me. It was quieter this time, but his gaze was… knowing. His eyes weren’t just looking, they were penetrating. Horrified.”
“I think we’ve met,” he said flatly.”
I straightened up immediately. “No way,” I replied quickly. “I rarely meet people.”
Leon laughed lightly. “She’s like that. Severely antisocial. But funny, huh?”
Samuel didn’t join in the laughter. He just kept quiet. His gaze sharpened. I know this night is not over. This is just the beginning. Samuel’s not really sure who I am yet… but he’s already suspicious.
And if I’m not careful, this mask could fall off at any moment. And when that happens… I don’t know what’s left of my life.
I didn’t know it could get any worse but it did.
Just as I managed to sit at the dinner table with two people who shouldn’t know I’m here, now… here she comes.
Livia.
I could tell immediately from the sound of her heels clicking steadily on the restaurant floor, from the familiar scent of her perfume that smelled luxurious, soft, but heart–piercing.W
‘Honey!” she exclaimed with a spoiled giggle, before her arm curled around Samuel’s shoulders like it had been her place all along.” (froze. My heart sank. My breathing almost stopped.”
Livia My best friend. Now… the wife of my nightmares &
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Livia.
I could tell immediately from the sound of her heels clicking steadily on the restaurant floor, from the familiar scent of her perfume that smelled luxurious, soft, but heart–piercing.”
“Honey!” she exclaimed with a spoiled giggle, before her arm curled around Samuel’s shoulders like it had been her place all along.
I froze. My heart sank. My breathing almost stopped.
Livia. My best friend. Now… the wife of my nightmares.}
“Sorry I’m late, there was so much traffic,” she said flirtatiously, then kissed Samuel’s cheek awkwardly in public, in front of Leon, anu unluckily, in front of me.}
Samuel smiled a little, his hand immediately holding Livia’s hand in his lap. “You’re really beautiful tonight,” he said softly, just loud enough for me to hear.>
My throat was constricted.}
“Uh, you guys aren’t acquainted yet, are you?” Livia suddenly turned to Leon. “I’m Livia, Samuel’s wife.“>
Leon nodded politely. “Leon.“>
Livia then turned to me and I was grateful to be wearing a mask and thick hood tonight. Her eyes narrowed, but she didn’t say anything.”
“And who are you, dear? Wearing that costume, like a ninja,” Livia joked, giggling.}
I just nodded slowly, pretending to be busy with my cell phone whose screen was off.}
“She’s Veronica,” Leon said casually. “My friend. She’s shy.”
“Hmm, that’s unique. Got a girl friend now, huh?” Livia teased Leon with a probing look.
Then, without being asked, she started making out in front of us.
Her hand clasped Samuel’s tightly, her head resting on her husband’s shoulder. They took mouthfuls of food, laughed quietly, and occasionally whispered like an annoying romantic drama couple.
A want to vomit.}
Not just out of disgust. But because of the anger and hurt that was boiling up in my chest. Livia knew I loved Samuel. But she took him away from me anyway. Not because of love but because of status. Power. And now she flaunts it proudly.
And here I am, in a cramped chair, with a mask over my face and a secret that’s about to explode in my chest,
Leon had glanced at me a few times. I knew he was suspicious. Maybe it was because I hadn’t touched any food, or because my hand was gripping the spoon too hard.”
“Everything okay?” Leon whispered.}
I just nodded. But it was clear from the way I held my breath, from the tears in my eyes, that nothing was good.”
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