Chapter6
1007 Words
Moana's Pov
I told myself I'd stay quiet, keep to myself, and avoid Ashton completely.
My phone buzzed on the bed.
I didn't want to look but I did.
Ashton.
I swallowed, my thumb hovering over the screen before opening the message.
"We need to talk. Later."
So I replied. "I will be busy."
A lie. He'd know it was a lie, but I still sent it.
I tossed the phone beside me and stared at the wall. I sat there until I heard movements outside my door, footsteps more than one person.
I opened my door a little. Two of My step fathers men I didn't recognize were stationed at the corner now. And another one was checking the hallway camera as if someone had told him to inspect it.
I shut the door quietly and leaned against it.
Good or bad sign? I couldn't tell. With him, everything had two meanings.
I tried not to think about it while I changed into something simple and plain.
When I stepped out of the room, a guard nodded at me and bowed back at him.
I forced a smile and kept walking.
I made it to the kitchen because I needed water.
When I reached for a glass, someone cleared their throat gently.
I turned.
Nadine.
She stood there with a soft smile, holding a bowl of fruit like she genuinely wanted to help.
"Evening," she said.
"Evening," I reached for the water.
She followed me a few steps. "You seem tired. Did you sleep at all?"
"I slept fine."
“Really?" She tilted her head. "You don't look like it. You were awake when I came down around three. I saw the light under your door and you don't even come down today for breakfast. "
I gripped the counter behind me. " Couldn't sleep."
"That's okay." Her smile widened, but her eyes didn't. "These last days have been... A lot."
I nodded once.
She stepped closer. "Tell me something. Do you miss Paris?"
I blinked. The question came out to fast. "Why would you ask that?"
"Ashton talked about it sometimes." She shrugged lightly. "I thought maybe you still had people you missed there "
"Yes," I said. " But we do chat on phone."
"Hm." Her eyes scanned my face. "What about here? Do you have someone here you're close to?"
The question landed with weight I couldn't hide. My throat tightened. "What are you trying to ask?"
"Nothing. Just getting to know you." She touched my arm, gently, almost sisterly. "I like you, Moana. I want us to be honest with each other. Since I will soon marry into your family, I need us to create a strong bond with each other."
I pulled back slightly. "There's nothing to be honest about but connection with each other is a yes for me."
"Sure," she said, but her stare told me she didn't believe a word.
Before she could say anything else, step father's voice echoed from the other side of the room.
"Nadine."
.
She stepped away instantly.
He walked towards us and he barely glanced at me before speaking.
"Security has been updated around the house," he said. No one goes In or out without approval for now."
Nadine nodded quickly. " Okay."
His eyes shifted to me. "Stay alert, Moana. And don't wander."
I froze. "Why?"
"Just don't, he said, as if that was explanatory enough. "I don't want you in the wrong place at the wrong time."
He didn't wait for any response. He walked away, already speaking into his phone.
Nadine followed him with her eyes, then turned back at me with that same testing expression.
I didn't give her a chance to resume her little interrogation. I excused myself and headed towards the yard, hoping to stay invisible for the rest of the day.
But someone caught my wrist as I turned corner.
Miguel.
He let go immediately, but his face was tight.
"We need to talk," he muttered.
I nodded and stepped aside so we wouldn't block the path.
He kept his voice low. "Mr Volkova is on edge. He got information about the Martellos last night."
I swallowed. " What kind of information?"
"I'm not sure but I will advise you to be very careful, whenever you are to meet Ashton make sure it is a blind spot." He said.
"I can't meet up with Micheal again, he has a fiancee now." I tried saying but the presence of someone else caught me off.
I turned.
Ashton.
He looked exhausted, his face was unreadable.
"Why didn't you show up?" His asked with a low voice.
"I told you I was busy."
"I didn't believe that," he said. " You are avoiding me."
I didn't deny it.
He stepped closer. "Why?"
"I'm very sure you know why."
He stared at me, searching for something in my face.
"Say one thing, Moana. One thing. And I will believe you."
I looked down. If I say anything... Everything would crumble around us.
"I have nothing to say," I murmured.
He let out a breath that sounded like surrender.
"Okay."
"But I'm still expecting you to say the word "Call off the engagement."
I would be waiting for you.
Then, He walked away.
I stood rooted on the spot completely shocked about what he just said.
I actually thought he was joking when he demanded that I say the word "Call off the engagement."
This is a disaster I won't allow. I saw Miguel still standing and turned to him to help me out.
"I honestly don't know what to say or do and I'm not even interested in interfering with you guys, so please sort out whatever It is and don't allow Mr Volkavo and Nadine to know about you guys." Miguel said and walked out leaving only me standing there.
I sluggishly dragged myself towards the room and met Nadine in the way again.
Shit! I cursed inwardly. "Why did I keep encountering her today? Why me?”
- Writer
