Taming Demi's Mom (ONGOING)

Chapter 28

{JACKSON}

I'VE been lying here on the soft bed, staring at the white ceiling of my hotel room for hours. Everything around me is a mess—either broken or scattered on the floor. I'm furious with myself and Victoria because of what I witnessed earlier.

In my rage, I couldn't control myself and unleashed my anger on everything around me. I didn't care if I broke it all. It's just loose change for me when I reimburse the hotel for the damages.

I placed my left hand on my chest, feeling the beating of my heart. It feels like I cried a lot earlier, but now my eyes are dry. I was so angry a while ago, but now I don't feel any emotion. My heart beats slowly, as if it's getting tired of beating. Am I exhausted?

I tightly shut my eyes, unsure of what to do or if there's anything left for me to do. Should I let the situation be, considering Victoria doesn't seem to need me anymore? She's happy now, while I'm in pain, and she's doing nothing about it. Isn't that a clear reason for me to stop?

Victoria, please come back to me!

I'm scared of myself. As time passes, my heart seems to turn into ice. Since that night, my demeanor changed rapidly. I'm afraid I might reach a point where I'm just filled with anger. Despite everything, I still don't want to give up on her. I want to plead with her to choose me over Liam. But she's pushing me to hate her.

I wanted to ask her, "How can I move on from you when I'm still in love with you?" Oh, hell! f**k this situation.

WHEN I woke up, it was already afternoon. Glancing out the window of my hotel room, the sky was orange, and the sun was about to set.

As I looked around, I realized that everything was in disarray, immediately recalling what happened earlier.

I stood up, even though it felt like my vision was spinning. My head was throbbing painfully, as if it would explode. This seems to be a constant feeling—painful not just in the heart but also in the body and head. It's frustrating!

I headed straight to the shower to freshen up. I didn't bother undressing because I felt lazy. I stepped under the shower and let myself soak for a few minutes. My tears couldn't be held back, flowing along with the water from the shower. I slammed my hands against the slippery tiled wall of the bathroom.

Until when will I cry like this? This feeling is damn annoying! Sometimes I'm okay, then suddenly it hurts like this. Other times, my heart becomes cold to the point where I don't feel any emotion. My life has been chaotic since Victoria left me. I hate her for affecting me this way.

After I stopped emoting, I left the bathroom, not caring if the entire room floor got wet. I went to the side of the bed to grab my cellphone. I called my driver to send over a notepad, a pen, and a violet envelope.

If I lack the courage to talk to her and approach her in person, I will write to her instead. This way, I can express everything I want to say to her. I'll persist as much as I can to salvage whatever we have. I'll repeatedly try to chase her, even though our situation is incredibly unclear. It's not easy to give up on her. I love her so much!

Not long after, there was a knock on the door of my hotel room. When I opened it, my driver was there, carrying what I had requested. After handing it to me, he left. I closed the door to my room again.

I stared at the piece of paper in my hands for a long time before I mustered the courage to start writing. I didn't know how to begin. Should I say hi first? Hello? I wasn't sure.

I went through several attempts at writing. I've lost count of the crumpled papers scattered all over the floor. I chuckled bitterly at myself. I'm so desperate that I look like this mess around me. But it's okay, I love her. I'll admit I'm desperate to do anything just to have her back. I don't care of how I would look right now.

I don't know how many nights I'll cry for her or how many trials I'll endure to reach out to her. But I'm giving my all while I still can. If all my efforts don't lead to a positive result, at least I can say to myself that I tried my best. I won't have regrets in the end.

I PATIENTLY waited for Sabel to come out of the gate. Every night, she disposes of the trash outside, as per my investigator. Sabel is one of the maids in Liam's mansion, and I plan to hand her the letter. I just hope she won't inform Liam about this.

When she emerged, I immediately pulled her into the darkness. She struggled, but I was stronger than her. My one hand gripped her wrist, while the other covered her mouth, preventing her from screaming and drawing attention.

I didn't mean to harass her. I had to do this because Liam might catch us talking right in front of his gate. There's CCTV there, but I've hired a hacker to manipulate it. My only concern is that it's too bright near the gate due to the light from the two lamp posts. We would be seen easily and clearly by anyone there.

"Shhh, please calm down. Victoria knows me," I assured her. She stopped struggling only then, and I released her slowly.

"What do you need from me? And why did you have to drag me into the dark? Who are you? And how do you know Victoria?" she bombarded me with questions.

This isn't the right time for a lengthy explanation. I took one of her hands and gently placed the violet envelope containing my letter to Victoria.

"Can you give this to Victoria? Its contents are important. Just hand it to her directly, and don't let Liam know about it," I pleaded, unsure if she would comply.

She leaned towards me, and I was surprised when Sabel aimed her flashlight at me. I had to squint due to the blinding light.

"Holy s**t! You're handsome! And you look foreign. Do you have mixed blood? Where are you from?" she bombarded me with questions, again. This girl was talkative, and her loud voice might be the reason we could get caught by someone.

As time passed, her questions multiplied.

"Lower that," I pointed to the flashlight, and she immediately complied.

"You can ask her about me. Just give that to her. I need to leave, now. Thank you," I bid her farewell, and before she could react, I swiftly left.

I walked a few steps before reaching my car, waiting not far away. I got into the passenger seat, and my driver promptly started the car.

I looked out the window and saw the beautiful view of the main city of New Orleans, but the scenery didn't help lighten my mood. Numerous couples were walking beside the long bridge, some with their daughters and sons clinging to them. Seeing them, I felt sad for myself. Why can't I be with the two important women in my life—my mom and Victoria? Is this really my fate?

Dad had crossed my mind. It's funny how we ended up in the same situation where we couldn't be together with our beloved women. I wonder what Dad is doing right now. I haven't talked to him yet, and I really hope he's doing fine. I just don't know how to face everyone looking like a broken man. That's why I'm avoiding them.

My driver took me back to the hotel where I was staying. Instead of going straight to my hotel room, I went to the hotel bar. I wanted to taste liquor. I wanted to get drunk until I collapse. Maybe, for a while, I could totally forget this painful feeling.

As I reached the bar, there were countless people, mostly men. I went straight to the counter to order lots of drinks. I'm getting drunk tonight.

Victoria, look what you made me! This has never been me since before you broke me into damn pieces! Damn, I'm blaming her again.

IT'S only noon, but I'm already inside the cafe, unable to contain my excitement to see Victoria again. It's been almost one week since our last meeting. I really miss her face, everything about her. I miss her being sweet and, at times, even her grumpiness over me. I miss having her by my side everytime of my day.

I reserved a table for two beside the cafe's glass wall to have a clear view when Victoria arrives. I ordered a glass of coffee ice cream to keep myself occupied while waiting. The cafe manager treated me for this reservation, even though I insisted on paying. For them, it's a privilege to have me at their cafe.

I notice the stares from people inside the cafe, especially from the women. I know what they're thinking—admiring my looks and seemingly recognizing who I am, yet no one dares to approach me. It makes me wonder if there have been any news or gossip from the paparazzi about the ball where I became the third party in Liam and Victoria Davis' marriage. Tsk! I hate thinking about Victoria's legal surname. But I think there's none because if there were, someone would have reached me with that information by now, even without my investigation.

I keep glancing at my watch, then look outside the cafe. I can't sit still, eager to catch a glimpse of Victoria again. I really hope this ends well. I truly wish Sabel was able to give the letter to Victoria. There's a chance she might tell Liam first, and he might not allow her to receive my letter. But still, I'm taking little chances just to have her back in my life.

It was almost 3 o'clock in the afternoon when I finally saw Victoria outside. She got out of a taxi. I knew she wouldn't easily spot me because people had occupied the tables and seats outside the cafe right in front of me.

I observed her. She's wearing tight jeans and a loose t-shirt, her hair tied in a bunny style. There's something in her face and eyes. I couldn't tell if it's exhaustion or sadness, but it seems like one of them. I'm getting worried about her based on what I see.

I HOPE you get to read this letter, Victoria. I want you to know that despite everything I've learned that night at the ball, I still love you. Please, talk to me. Come back to me. I'll listen to all the reasons you'll give, and I'll accept them wholeheartedly. I won't blame you for what happened, and I'll forget all of this. I'll understand whatever you tell me. I can hire the best lawyer to expedite your divorce from Liam. Just tell me you love me too, and I'll do everything for you. I love you and Demi dearly, and there's not a day or hour that I don't miss you both. I know our time together was short, but I believe it was real. I'll be waiting for you tomorrow afternoon at the cafe near the cathedral in the center of New Orleans. If you're not ready to face me, you can write back and drop it in the letterbox outside the cafe. Still, I'll be waiting for your presence. If you're ready to see me, enter the cafe, and I'll be there waiting for you. Please, come back to me. I'm willing to stand by your side and face everything together. Just don't do this to me.