chapter two
1100 Words
CHAPTER TWO
"Laurent, you don't have to be so controlling,” Janet said, standing up from the sofaI followed her to the bedroom.
“I don't have a good feeling about you having that party. Why can't you just spend the night with me?” I said, trying to hold her hand,
but she shifted away.
“I'm not a child. These people have been in my life long before you came into it. Why would any of them want to hurt me?” she asked,
almost raising her voice.
“You know I don't trust them.”
“Wow,” she said with sarcasm. “Really, Laurent?” She scoffed.
“You know they don't have your best interests at heart,” I tried to explain.
“And how would you know that? Because you're a detective? All-knowing, judging people you haven’t even met? Why can't you just
trust me this once?” Her brown eyes stared into mine.
“I just want what's best for you, that's all.”
“And I said I can take care of myself,” she replied, moving back to the sitting room.
“You trust people too much, forgiving too easily too,” I said, throwing my hands in the air.
“After everything that has happened to you, after everything they have done, you still trust them blindly. You don't see their intentions
or the danger,” I said furiously.
“At this point, I don't understand what you are talking about. Why would they want to hurt me or do something bad to me? This is abig moment in my life. I've worked hard to get here. All I ask is to spend this night with my friends and celebrate this special night, and you're acting like this. Your behavior is really pissing me off,” she said, moving to the kitchen angrily.
“It's not about that only. You'll be in the spotlight tonight, and your safety is not guaranteed. Anything can happen. Can you just listento me this once?” I pleaded.
“You are just afraid, and you are projecting your fears onto me. You've seen the worst happen because of your job, and now you think that is how the world is. There is good in everyone, and I know my friends. Loosen up a bit, Laurent,” she said calmly.
“There is also evil in people too,” I said, moving closer to her. Her eyes softened.
“You don't trust me, do you?” Her expression changed again.
“That's the real issue here. You don't trust me to make my own decisions,” she said, almost in tears.
I couldn't bear to see her cry, so I tried to talk to her calmly.
“I trust you, Janet. You know I do. I don't trust them. Anybody can switch up at any time.”
“You have to stop living in this insecurity, Laurent. I can make decisions on my own, and you can't continue to disagree with me like
this. I'm an adult with a mind of my own. If you continue like this, this relationship won't work.”
Her words fell heavy and hit me hard.
I took a deep breath. “I love you, Janet, and I want to protect you. I know you can take care of yourself. Maybe I need to step back a little bit. Just know I care about you deeply,” I said, moving closer to her.
“It's just one night. Nothing will happen,” she said, relaxing her shoulers.
“I don't want to fight,” she said.
Me too,” I said, cupping her face gently, and she leaned into my touch.
“I will be fine, okay?” she said as she left for the bedroom to get dressed for the award night.
As she walked away, I couldn't help but feel uneasy. Janet didn't understand, but I don't have a good feeling about tonight. I just
hope I can trust her to look out for herself.
Later that evening, she stood in front of the full-length mirror, adjusting her shimmering dress and putting her makeup in order. I stood
at the door frame, admiring her with pride.
“You look stunning,” I said softly.
“Thank you, my love,” she said, glancing at me through the mirror with a playful smirk on her lips.
“Are you trying to distract me from our argument earlier, or do you mean it?” she asked, still adjusting her dress.
“We’ve gone past that. I mean it—you look breathtaking,” I said, moving closer to her.
“I need you to be able to trust me. I've been taking care of myself. Today is just another day.”
“I was just trying to protect you,” I said.
She reached out, taking my hand. “And you don't have to. I can handle this.”
“If you say so,” I said as I kissed her softly.
“I love you, Laurent.”
“I love you too, Janet. I love you more.”
She smiled at me, looking down.
“It's just a night at my apartment. You are addicted to me,” she teased.
“You know I can't bear to stay away from you,” I said, smiling at her.
“I know,” she said, and we both laughed as she faced the mirror again.
Moments later, her driver was outside waiting for her. I walked her to her car.
“Promise to call me if anything feels off. Don't hesitate. I'll be right there if you need me.”
“I will call you. I assure you that nothing will go wrong,” she said, smiling at me.
I opened the car door, and she got in. As the driver drove away, I couldn't shake off my uneasiness. Something was going to go
wrong tonight. I don't know what, but I just wanted to trust Janet to take care of herself.
The award night was broadcast on TV. I watched Janet get on stage. She was as gorgeous as ever. Her black hair fell on her
shoulder, and her figure stood elegantly as she gave her speech. I was proud of her.
I took out my phone and called her, but it went to voicemail.
“Hi, my love. I'm watching you on TV. I am so proud of you. I can't wait to see you tomorrow. I love you.”
That was the last time I saw her alive.
- Writer
