Veleno

Chapter 8

 Amelia’s POV

Bang!

I flinched again as the scene replayed in my mind.

I don't know what time it is. I just couldn't fall asleep.

Every time I close my eyes, I can feel the metal on my jaw.

I shivered.

He almost killed me.

I almost died.

He pulled the trigger, but just before the bullet could pierce my skin , he diverted the gun towards a window behind me as the bullet escaped through the glass.

I flinched again at the memory.

I have seen guns around me while growing up. But this is the first time I’ve actually felt one against my skin. Feared one.

“Get out.” He commented, looking at the broken window. His vision never left the broken glass as he kept aimlessly staring towards it.

The blankness in his eyes never left either. In fact, it grew darker the more he looked through the window. So I ran out of there the first chance I got.

I turned around, and looked outside my window as I saw the sun trying to make its way into the day. I sat up and rested my head on my hands.

I took out a long breath. How much more? How much more of this misery?

My fingers dived in my hair as I tried to collect myself. No. For the past 20 years you’ve been suffering, Amelia. You finally decided to find some hope and you’re not giving that up because of a guy who behaves like a bipolar asshole. You will try to find a way out of this hellhole like you did earlier, with your father, and give yourself the life you imagined.

I finally looked up as my eyes fell upon the maid's uniform lying proudly on the sofa.

I'll fight till my last breath.

I got out of the duvet as I decided to get ready for the day.

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Damien’s POV

I sipped my coffee as I heard Xavier brief me about the business meeting that was due in two hours.

But I could hardly focus.

No matter how much I try to avoid, my mind goes back to last night. I was this close to killing her. Just one trigger away. But at the last moment, I diverted the gun. Why the f**k couldn’t I just kill her!?

I racked my brain the whole night as I looked at the broken glass. The bullet was meant for her. The gun was counting each breath she took but at the last moment, I showed her mercy. I spared her life.

Damien King never spared lives. He kills without even blinking.

But then, what happened?

I set my cup down as I turned towards Xavier.

“…….their stakes are high and I think they can be a huge asset to the business.”

I frowned. “Mail me what you said. I want the notes in my inbox in an hour.”

This meeting is important and all I've been doing is be occupied by that bastard's daughter.

“Are you okay?” He asked once he finally noticed I'd been distracted.

“Yes.” I replied as I got up and wore my suit jacket.

Even if he wanted to, he didn’t say anything further. He just assessed me and got up himself.

I started making my way out as I roamed my eyes but couldn’t find her anywhere.

You haven’t seen her since morning. Do you think she’s okay?

Wait- why the f**k do I even care?

I shook my head as I settled inside the car and Xavier sat in the passenger seat beside the driver.

I fished out my phone to text Xavier. We can’t trust anyone right now. Not even the driver.

D: Any updates on David?

X: No. But rumor has it that he’s looking for his daughter. Some even say he knows she's with you. So he might make a move soon.

Even though I f****d up the plan of sending Amelia's dead body or, rather, her head to her dad, we still got a pretty good deal. Sure, he would've been devastated knowing his daughter was dead. But it would crush him, knowing his daughter dies every single day she is alive.

I smirked at that. I will make Amelia pay for every little thing her father did. I will make you pray that last night was the night I killed you. But you'll live, you'll wake up and suffer. Like I do every day.

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Amelia’s POV

“Thank you for the garden duty today Martha, I really needed a break.” I sighed as I put the watering can down. This morning Martha saw how much of a mess I was, even though I tried to clean myself up. So she assigned me to the garden today. I inhaled the fresh breath of air mixed with a hint of grass and wet mud.

For once, I feel free.

“It’s okay. You promised me you wouldn’t run away.” She tried to crack a joke.

I let out a soft chuckle. It’s true though. Even if I wanted to run away, I couldn’t drag Martha into it. She has been the only support I’ve had since I got here. And no matter how much I wanted to escape, I can't drag a pure soul like her into it. Who knows what that monster would do to her if he knew she let me breathe a little.

“So, you love lavenders?” She asked, as she saw me giving them some special attention.

“My mother used to.” I smiled sadly. “They were her favorite. I remember, there was a small flower shop near our house and I used to go there almost once a week and steal them for her.” My eyes watered at the memory.

“Mommy! Mommy! Look, I brought your favorite flowers!”

“Oh my bubble! Where did you even get these?”

“She always used to scold me for stealing them.” I let out a sad laugh. “But every time, I would end up back at the shop, and steal those flowers for her. Because even though she scolded me, she always let out a smile looking at the flowers her daughter brought for her. Her smile was the only reason I would go and steal them over and over.” I said as I wiped my tears.

“But why did you need to steal them? Isn’t your father rich?” Martha asked.

“Money can make you buy masks labeled with happiness Martha, but it can hardly hide the screams and scars you carry behind them.”

Neither did I elaborate, nor did she ask further.

She caressed my head with her hand as she said, “You must have seen a lot to say the words that you've just said. Whatever it is, it's your story to tell. I won’t ever pressure you to share it with me. But if you even need anyone to vent out your emotions, I’ll be right here with you, my dearie.”

I hugged her and finally let out all the pain, all the fear I'd been keeping in. She just pulled and let me cry.

I have spent years yearning for the comfort my mom provided. After so long, I can finally feel the warmth I missed. I felt like I have someone I could rely on. I felt like…..I felt like I have someone who makes me feel closer to my mom.

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