Chapter Sixteen: Six Months Later
1034 Words
Kiara
I just lied down on my bed and stared at the flowery patterns on the wallpapers. I usually preferred to compartmentalize any thoughts of him so I kept myself busy with work throughout the day, but the moment I hit the bed, I couldn't help but think about him.
It's almost been a year since I escaped, and life has been good if not great.
Although the man was borderline crazy, I knew there was a part of him that fought to resurface, like the nice guy inside him which I'd seen on rare occasions. He had been a good listener and enjoyed our little chats during the evening. He'd never tried to sexually harass me after that one time I'd punched him, but that did not excuse for any of his other behavior. He also sneaked in gifts when I least expected it.
I didn't think I would say this, but I was starting to miss those evening chats with him, until I realized it was probably because I was a loner. I couldn't share anything with anyone, because after Jasper, I had some serious trust issues. I preferred to remain guarded most of the time.
I dyed my hair black again, and I didn't miss the old color. I was me again.
The next morning, I spent a disturbing amount of time staring at the diamond studded platinum earrings that I'd been wearing on the night I escaped from Lucas's house. I was in dire need of cash because even after all the savings, I didn't have much left, although Colin sometimes gave me an advanced paycheck, it just wasn't enough to cover my other expenses so I decided to sell the expensive pair of earrings that I knew would at least show me good days at least for a while.
When I went to the shop to sell them and the sales guy inspected the earrings, I noticed as he assessed me with a wary look. I knew that look. He was probably wondering, how could a shabby girl like me in a cheap suit doing with an expensive pair of earrings. He told me the price he was willing to pay for it, I pushed him some more but he was adamant on the given price so I decided to take what I could get.
I had to literally put a rock on my heart before I traded the pair for the money because the earrings were gorgeous and I knew that I would never be able to afford them in future.
By the time I was back at the restaurant it was already past six pm, and hidden under my cushion was an envelope filled with cash that could sustain me for months if I used it wisely.
It was almost closing time when the bell dinged which meant another customer had walked in. Colin patted my back. "Chloe will take the order."
I'd forgotten to turn the Open sign to Closed, so now we would have to tend to the customer because Colin didn't like to send a waiting customer back.
Chloe placed the order at the kitchen. It was the weekend special Fish & Chips with tartar sauce and a side dish of Caesar salad.
"Here. Order for table number six." Colin handed me the tray of food, "this is the last order. Would you please turn the sign for the door for me?"
"Okay."
I walked out of the kitchen, towards the table. "Here you go..."
I stopped short when I first noticed the familiar shinny shoes, my eyes then traveled up towards the face of the man behind the booth.
My breath hitched in my throat, I didn't know how long I was shell shocked for because I think I heard Colin calling out my name. My hands shook and the tray of food crashed and shattered on the floor.
I took a step back, then another and dashed into the kitchen and collapsed on the floor by the counter.
Those blue eyes had been curiously assessing me, he seemed shocked to see me the same way I was and I wondered how that was possible. It's been six months since I'd last seen him, his once clean shaven face had a
slight beard and his usual short brown hair had grown longer.
I covered my mouth with my hands and cried. At one point Colin was kneeling down next to me and whispering something but I couldn't hear him because my mind had wandered to the man in the booth.
There was no mistaking. It was Jasper Lockhart.
"I...I can't go out there." I told Colin.
Colin seemed concerned, and didn't seem furious about the wasted food. "Who is he, Kiara?"
What was I supposed to say? Captor? Debt Collector?
"Ex-boyfriend." I said. It wasn't a lie basically, because that's what people knew our relationship was.
Colin nodded. "Stay put. I'll handle him."
I caught his hand, "No, Colin. Please. Don't say anything to him. He is... he is very dangerous."
Colin chuckled. "I may look like this but I can throw a punch, babe."
I shook my head. If the guy had a gun which I'm sure he did, Colin's punches were useless.
"Just keep him busy, I'm going to sneak out of the back door." I whispered.
"Okay." He said.
"Colin." I called out.
He turned to face me.
"I will tell you everything tonight, but please be careful."
He nodded and I watched Colin make his way out of the kitchen. When I was sure he was out tending to him, I picked up my bag and made my way towards the staff back door and I could hear Colin calling out to me which is when I knew I had made the wrong decision.
I walked out of the restaurant, and that's when a tall dark shadow who was leaning his back against the wall stepped into the street light.
"Kiara." That icy voice called out to me.
I was breathing heavily.
He reached out towards me but I took a step back.
I knew I was trapped. There was no way out now.
Jasper had found me.
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- Writer
