Love Me Hurt Me

CHAPTER THREE

After a hot afternoon of talking with Mr Revario while her back trickled with sweat, Melissa walked straight to her apartment and had a proper shower. She had planned to have the leftover pizza that had been lying in the fridge. She just wanted to sit in the living room with Elsie on her lap while she munched on some Oreos. Gloria was nice enough to leave some for her. If not, she knew she couldn’t waste her money on such things.

After her completely cold shower, she started microwaving the pizza. She couldn’t go and sit. She couldn’t let the pizza get warm for even a second longer. Her electricity bills were going above the limit and sooner or later, her electricity would get cut off.

All this will end soon, she whispered to herself. All it takes is one show.

The rain had started falling. She had wanted to sleep in, but she couldn’t. She had her back to the counter, counting her breaths when someone started knocking at the door. No, banging.

Even Elsie was frightened. She was meowing loudly. Melissa couldn’t imagine who it would be. She didn’t remember inviting anyone to come and see her at home. The only person who could stay, talk, laugh and even sleep in her tiny space was Gloria. Now, Gloria was at the hospital with her ex-boyfriend who she wanted back.

“I’m coming,” Melissa said either way. There was no reason to be scared. But for some reason, she still had a knife in her hand.

She carefully carried the knife and dramatically walked to the door. She opened the locks and slowly turned the doorknob. The person on the outside opened the door before she could even think. She had the knife in the air immediately. The person managed to get a hold of her wrist in his big ones.

Melissa let out a tiny cry. She finally got a glimpse of the person in the hoodie. None other than the arrogant rich boy.

“What are you doing here?” she asked him immediately.

He glanced at the room and sat on the couch. “Nice place you have here,” Eric said. Melissa couldn’t place the tone in his voice. It was somewhere between mockery and pity. That was the last thing she needed from anyone. Pity.

“I believe you heard me when I asked what you are doing here,” she said again. Drama is the last thing she needs in her life. She was going to start calling event planners from the next day. She was going to send out invites via emails and she wasn’t going to let anyone ruin that for her. Especially not this guy.

“It's raining,” he pouted. “Are you going to send me back home in the rain?”

“Well, Mr. Arrogant, I don’t care. Get yourself out of my house.”

Elsie had started rubbing herself on his shoes. He rubbed her fur and she purred. Melissa’s cheeks had started to redden out of anger. He didn’t take any permission before coming in. And now, he was touching her things and rubbing her cat. The worst part is that Elsie loves him already.

“Is she your cat?” he asks, taking Elsie in his lap.

“Yes. Now, get out.”

“Chill, okay?” he said and finally put Elsie down. He walked over to Melissa and tried to hold her arms. She moved backwards. She wasn’t going to let him touch her. He finally stayed in one place.

“My car broke down a few blocks away. And this was the closest place I could think of.”

“Are you mad?” Melissa screamed. “I have never invited you to my home.”

“Alright,” he said, rubbing his face with his hands. “I saw your file on my dad’s table. I couldn’t help but peep.”

“And suddenly, your car broke down around while you were passing by innocently.”

He grinned. “Exactly.”

The aroma of the pizza filled the room. “Are you microwaving some pizza? Because I’m hungry.” Without any permission, he walked into the kitchen and rescued the pizza just before it burnt.

Melissa sat down on her couch and put her face in her hands. That pizza was supposed to last for her till the next day. And now, some stupid rich kid was here to take the little she had.

His car broke down my ass, Melissa murmured.

“Did you say something?” Eric asked, grinning widely.

“No, I didn’t.”

“Perfect. Now, let’s eat some pizza and watch some TV.”

***

Mark had just finished going through the last contract file he was going to report back to his uncle. Sooner or later, everything that has Revario in front of it will be his. There will be no one to stop him. After all those years of being the good child, his efforts had to pay off.

Thankfully, his cousin was just another i***t. Bringing different girls home and sleeping at clubs. Mark did those things too. But he was subtle about it. you can't run a business when you are thinking about the redhead you had in your bed last night.

Mark let out a tiny chuckle as he walked through the hallway.

“I know Mark has been working for me all these years,” Sergio said. “but it just can't work.”

The statement made Mark stop in his tracks. What couldn’t work?

“I’m happy you know exactly what you are doing.” That was Eric’s mom. “You have a son. And you can’t let him have the peanuts while your brother’s child takes over the whole empire.” The disgust in her voice was evident as she said “Brother’s child”.

“I’ve already drawn the will. It's up to Eric to behave. I hope he gets rid of his dirty character soon.” Sergio was finally quiet.

“He will,” his wife assured.

Mark was in shock. There was nothing worse than putting in all your efforts, waiting for it to bear fruit and it came crashing down in minutes.