Wilted Roses

Chapter # 2

Faye

I cover my mouth, trembling violently with sweat sticking my black hairs to my forehead, my whole being was horrified to no extent, trying to hide from the monster before me. Pure terror flicker in my blue eyes, swallowing the lump in my throat as the last thing I could rememer was-

He was standing there in pitch darkness, hands tainted in fresh blood…

“f**k!” Growling, I slammed my glass on the table, finishing my drink in one go, emitting shallow breaths, trying to control the emotions slipping out of my grasp. The memory I try so hard to forget but couldn’t and it always hits me hard, terrifying me.

“You okay, Faye?” My friend Janessa asked, skeptical about my drunkard state which was barely in my senses due to overwhelming rage building inside me.

“Do you think I am?” I growled, tightening my grip on my glass. “I could never be okay after that night.” I hissed, unable to cope with my rage, the reminiscent of that night recurring to my mind like a venom.

“Sir fired his assistant once again. He told me if I didn’t find a perfect person this time, he would fire me too. I think it’s time for you to go for it. Sitting around and cursing him will lead you nowhere. Go and know him for who he truly is.” Janessa told me calmly, taking a sip of her drink but the rage inside me was barely controllable.

“I know… I know… I will do it. ” I breathed out, rubbing my temples, “You are right, It’s time I should go. I will let the world know how much of a vile person he is.” I nodded, agreeing with her. “But, what will you do? Do you think you can find evidence of a decade old night? What’s the point of it? Would it be even worth the effort?” She asked seriously, claiming the path I tend to set upon is nothing but a ruse.

“We won’t know until we try!” I argued, pressing my teeth together. “Who's gonna believe you without a body? It vanished, you can’t do anything. Without a body, you are powerless.” She tried to make logical facts but I won’t let it slide this easily. For my confirmation, I won’t sit back until I am sure.

“I am sure there must be something, there has to be and I won’t be at peace until I throw him behind bars.” I snarled, making myself another drink. “Are you sure?” She asked sadly, gaining my attention,

“Huh? What do you mean?” I asked, arching a brow. “What will you gain from this? Will it bring back Ralph? Will it return those nights you spent in depression, crying? What difference is it going to make?” She asked sorrowfully. I know this will bring me nothing but I can’t sit back either, not when he is guilt free. “It won’t.” I replied coldly, turning away from her.

“If you ask me, you should move on. It’s been a decade since then.” She advised but I slammed my hand on the table, “If it was so easy to move on I should have done it long ago, Janessa! Each time I close my eyes, I see his cold blooded hands. That man has stolen my solace, ruined my life, taken everything from me! If it was possible I would have done it but I don’t have such a strong heart which can forgive. I am not strong enough to forget and move on, I just can’t…” I hissed which eventually converted into a whisper of dejection, a tear pricked in my eyes, pulling my hair. I tried to forget what I saw but that memory was engraved on my soul and for it, I would never forgive him.

“No matter how much I try my mind always ends up in the same place, the more I try to give myself a chance, the more those nightmares haunts.You have no idea what I witness and by all means, I can neither forgive nor forget it.” I enunciated, pressing my teeth together, not wanting to think about the day I lost my serenity.

“I know, Faye. I just feel sorry for you that you have to go through without having any faults.” She said, giving my back a tap to lessen the weight of agony placed upon my very soul.

“This won’t end so easily, Janessa. I swear, I won’t be at peace until I make him pay for what he has done.” I snarled, making a tight fist, gritting my teeth with unbreakable determination surging through me. She passed me a faint smile, not arguing about it anymore. “I pray you find your lost tranquility.” She whispered.

I was taken aback by her prayer but she wasn’t wrong either. I was doing it for my inner peace. It was not about a tale buried in the midst of time, it was about the hauntings he induced.

Closing my eyes, I breathed out, “Me too.. Me too…”

After spending an ample amount of time at the bar, Janessa dropped me home. The empty apartment I live in. With my blurry vision, I threw both my stuff and me on the couch nearby and passed out.

The next day, I woke up due to an extreme headache, still hungover. I groaned when my phone rang and Janessa called. “What!?” I asked rudely, still not opening my eyes.

“Quit your job.” She said sternly. “What? Are you still drunk?” I asked groggily, forcing myself to wake up. “So silly, you got the job.” She chuckled and my eyes fluttered open in disbelief, “What!? How? Just like this!?” I asked, sitting up, not believing it.

“I told you, it was my job to find him a perfect assistant and who could be better than you? Pack up, girl. You are going to work on Monday.” She chuckled over the phone and I still can't apprehend the fact that as on Monday I shall work for him.

“I can’t believe it, Thank you so much, Janessa.” I breathed out sincerely, thankful for her. “If it wasn’t for you..” I said sadly. “Oh, don’t be like this. Just get ready, you are coming to work.” She said. I laughed before cutting the call in felicity, “Sure,”

I still can’t believe it got the job, It wasn’t much of an effort but being a part of his company is sure a big deal- moveover his PA, that thought alone gave shudders to my spine but shaking my head I stared at my reflection in the mirror, “This is your chance, Faye. You won’t let his death go in vain.” I whispered, mentally preparing myself to start my first day of work.

She came to pick me up, explaining to me each single detail on the way, “Make sure you don’t mess anything, Faye. Sir notices every little detail, he won’t tolerate a single mistake. And make sure to maintain your distance from him, he is a serious and intimidating guy. Someone you wouldn’t want to mess up with.” Janessa explained everything to me. “I know that much.”

“I am just scared for you. It’s going to change nothing.” She said, still having second thoughts about it but I am utterly determined, I at least want to know where Ralph's body is. “We will see. Why are you vexing? Don’t worry, I know how to handle myself.” I asked casually, arching a brow, unable to comprehend why she was distressed.

“Because if you lose your job, I will too and you know it’s a privilege to work at King Enterprises.” She sighed as we reached the enormous building befitted for a King, that building was talking to air. I can understand her job means a lot to her. “Don’t worry, I won’t get you in trouble.” I smiled, taking a deep breath, setting my white shirt and black pencil skirt.

“I am warning you again, Faye.” She said as we walked inside. “Wait, how am I supposed to recognize him?” I asked as we got into an elevator. “Stay outside his cabin, we will reach at nine. You don’t have to recognize him, look around and the most handsome man would be him” She told me calmly but I didn’t know how to react to that.

“Handsome?” I asked in bewilderment. “Just, that’s why every girl here drools over him and if any girl tries to hit on him or make advances, he fires them the next instant so make sure to keep your distance. He is a mysterious guy. Nobody knows much about him,” She guided me to his floor while her details were going non-stop. Just how much of an assertive man is he?

“I wouldn’t want to be with that murderer anyways. I am not here to tempt him either, you don’t have to tell me that.” I muttered under my breath but she glared at me to shut my shut as she showed me my cabin and explained everything to me.

“Good luck.” She smiled, waving at me. “Thanks.” I waved back and she left me alone on the highest floor as I stood outside his cabin which was away from the main office.

Resting my hand on my waist with a frown over my lips. I remained there, waiting to see the person who stole my sleep after ten years.