A Dangerous Game
1223 Words
Hannah’s POV
I tried to calm the twitching nerves in my stomach by staring at my image in the mirror.
I said to myself, "He just wants to talk." "Be normal."
But with falsehoods, confusion, and memories of a mole that didn't exist in my head, how was I meant to act normally?
Earlier, Dennis texted me, "Dinner." 7:00 PM. Bellagio's private dining area. Brief. Straightforward. As usual.
And now here I was, wearing a delicate black gown with sparse yet thoughtful makeup. As I entered the restaurant, my heart was racing. I was shown to a private room in the back by a waiter, where Dennis was sitting at a corner table with a glass of wine.
He smiled slightly and remarked, "You're exactly on time."
Even though my hands were freezing, I also smiled. "You inquired. I arrived.
He got to his feet and drew out the chair next to him. "All right. Since you have been on my mind.
Unsure of how to react, I sat down carefully.
He filled a drink for me. "You're not like other people."
"What else? I inquired.
His smirk was knowing as he looked at me. "Those who are solely concerned with power, wealth, and fame." None of it was questioned by you, even after that evening.
I nodded slightly and took a sip of the wine. "None of that is why I'm here."
He bent over. So, Hannah, why are you here? "
I gasped. There were too many responses to the query. The authentic one? Five years ago, I was pursuing a ghost. However, I gave him a milder response.
I said, "I don't know yet." "But I'm interested."
He laughed. "I am, too."
After a moment of silence, he spoke. Firmly and quietly.
"This shouldn't be a one-night fling. I'd like more.
I blinked. More? "
"I'm still thinking about you." Your voice, your eyes, and the way you withdrew as if something were haunting you. I'm curious about what's going through your mind. And I would like to be the one you let entry.
I was surprised by what he said. I anticipated being informal, aloof, and possibly contemptuous. However, this was something else entirely.
I took a deep breath. "I—"
He went on, "I'm not asking for forever." Simply say "yes." Give me a chance. Let's observe how things develop.
I looked at him. Although he wasn't the child I had dreamed about, the man seated in front of me was real. Strong. Magnetic. Risky.
He now desired more.
Slowly, I nodded. "All right."
His eyes wavered. "All right? "
I tried to maintain calmness as I said, "I'll give it a try." "We'll see where it leads."
His lips formed a tiny, contented smile. "Well done."
After that, we continued our conversation, and he inquired about my hobbies and job. I provided just enough. Never go overboard. In the meantime, my thoughts kept going to Darren.
Did he remain overseas? Was I someone he remembered? Was that day by the river on his mind?
Who was it that left that message on my door?
Things got more twisted the more time I spent with Dennis. I was telling him lies. Telling myself lies. I was dragging my feelings through the mud and acting like I could figure this out.
However, I required time.
It's time to face reality.
It's time to see Darren once more.
Even though I was grinning over dessert, I was already making plans.
I had to go downtown for a meeting three days later. Something stopped me as I passed the Wexler building.
A black vehicle approached the front door. First to leave was security.
Then he went outside.
Darren.
My heart stopped beating.
His hair was longer, and he appeared slightly taller and older. Instead of wearing a suit like Dennis, he donned dark trousers and a grey pullover. However, his face remained unchanged.
And our eyes locked the instant he raised his head.
He stopped. Similar to me.
Time paused.
He was the one.
The river boy.
My mouth became dry. I couldn't decide whether to cry, wave, or run.
His look was impenetrable as he looked at me.
But there was something familiar in his eyes. Something warm. Something tangible.
Then his name was called from behind him. He looked back at me after turning and speaking to a man I didn't recognise.
He was aware.
He recalled.
I sensed it.
I wasn't prepared for the emotion that squeezed my chest.
Now what should I do?
Long after the car vanished into the subterranean parking garage, I stayed motionless.
I was immobile. My mind was racing.
I didn't follow him even though I wanted to. I continued to act as though I were dating his brother. In this web of secrets, still entangled.
When I eventually turned to go, the glass doors behind me opened once more as I got to the building's corner.
Dennis.
He went outside and looked at me after glancing across the street.
Hannah? Startled, he said. "Why are you in this place? "
I fell. "Just stopping by. I had no idea you were employed here today—"
He approached me and said, "You didn't enter."
"Enter now? I blinked.
He scowled a little. You were mentioned as a visitor for the art auction meeting upstairs, according to my assistant. You didn't want to know? "
My heart pounded. An art auction? Darren. Naturally. He must have returned for that reason.
I lied and said, "I was unaware of it."
Dennis squinted his eyes. "Really? Since Darren inquired about you.
I went cold.
Dennis whispered, "He saw you." "He was unable to look away from you."
I looked down. "I didn't intend to encounter him."
Dennis's voice shifted. Colder, yet softer. "You used to look at me the same way you looked at him."
I remained silent.
His voice was hardly more than a whisper as he took a step closer. Hannah, tell me the truth. That night, who were you searching for? "
My mouth opened, but nothing came out.
After giving me a long look, he said, "Be careful with Darren." He is not who you believe him to be.
I winced. You say that, but why? "
He remarked, "He's not as innocent as he looks." "There's a reason he's been gone for five years."
I took a deep breath. And why is it the case? "
Dennis, however, did not respond. He only gave me an unreadable glance before returning inside.
His words replayed in my head as I stood there trembling.
Not who I believe him to be?
What was meant by that?
A figure was standing across the street, watching me from behind a newspaper, and I turned around just in time.
The figure was gone when I looked again.
Still, I felt a chill down my spine.
Something was going on.
Something I had not yet figured out.
And I found myself in the centre of it.
Dennis’s words rang in my head: Be careful with Darren.
My chest tightened as I turned—catching sight of the figure behind the newspaper again.
This time, it wasn’t hiding. It lowered the paper slowly, and I froze.
Because the face staring back at me… was my own.
- Writer
