Compelled

13. Sprinkles

The sun heated my face through the curtains that I forgot to close last night. I groaned then turned and in the midst of stretching, my hand brushed across something fluffy. My eyes shot opened preparing to scream but when I spotted the little white kitten sleeping on the pillow next to mine my heart almost melted.

Her pink nose moved rapidly with her breathing. I scooted closer to the fluff ball and slowly stroked it softly. Not even a minute later the kitten woke up then lazily scooted to my pillow and brushed against my hair before falling asleep again right on my head.

"I see you met Sprinkles." The deep voice sounded from the slightly ajar doorway. "I've been looking for her everywhere." I frowned at the name but still found it cute enough.

I rubbed my eyes trying to chase the sleep away. "Well looks like she found a new bed." Justin grinned as he entered all freshly dressed in a work suit that seriously looked like it was a second skin since it fit him so snugly.

He stood at the foot of the bed, eyes darting to the window. "Unfortunately, it's only temporarily." His voice dropped from the neutral tone it was when he entered to a heavy whisper.

I took in a deep breath knowing exactly what he was speaking about but I couldn't stay back for an uncertainty even though I would love to but he'd tire of me eventually and I wouldn't be able to say anything since he already warned me about the reasons that he's bound to.

"Justin-" I started of with a whisper that was equally as pained as his but he cut me of placing a forced smile on his face.

"I didn't come here to screw your morning up." He said gruffly looking at the fluff ball on my head. "I was looking for the kitten and-" he paused, his eyes growing dark with rage.

Groaning and gently getting out and of the bed making sure to not disturb the little guy, I neared him but his gaze travelled from one of my arms to the other. Back and forth until he shot me glare. I frowned unable to figure out what this was about now.

He took a step towards me. "Did that low life do this to you?!" He was referring to the bruises on my arm from where Chase had gripped me too tightly.

"It's nothing. Don't worry about it." He scoffed unperturbed by my attempt to brush the topic away.

His frown deepened and he lifted my arm to look at it closely. "How did he manage to do this in a public setting? Hayley witnessed this at the restaurant. That was what she was talking about." He seemed so caught up in the anger that fueled him. I was touched that he felt this way from my being hurt but I didn't want more drama.

"It wasn't in a public setting." That only made him glare at me since he now assumed I was alone with Chase. "He waited outside the gates yesterday to ask if I had worn the ring that he had given me." Justin raised a quizzical brow at me at the feebleness of what I said.

"The man stopped outside just to see if you wore his ring. You expect me to believe that?" I pulled my hand away from him and stepped back.

"Yes, pretty much." He let out a breath refusing to buy my reasoning. I turned to grab a towel ignoring that he was fuming. "I will find out exactly why he was here and what he told you and you better not have hidden a thing he'd said." I turned sharply but he was already out the door and soon his car sped away.

I took a deep breath calming myself then went to take a quick shower. Liana and Jenna agreed to have brunch today with me.

The bag that had the dress I'd be wearing this evening was still in my cupboard so I removed it carefully placing it on a hanger then neatly laid it on my bed for later.

I slid on some shoes then threw my bad on my shoulder before heading out. I greated Mrs Pearson who was nursing a cup in her hand before leaving.

"Took you long enough." Liana said with a huff as she got in the car. "I thought I'd have to walk." I rolled my eyes at her and soon we were at the spot we'd decided.

The brunch proved to be fun and a break from routine which was just was we needed. After we were done, Liana and I stopped at the hospital just in time to see her discharged.

"What are you doing here? Tonight is your farewell." My mother admonished me with a stern face. "Go get a manicure done or something."

I neared her then wound my arms around her in a quick hug. "Its really nice to see you too." She wacked my arm at my sarcastic remark.

Liana hugged her once I stepped back and my mother embraced her tightly. "I hope you're well, dear." She said to Liana who smiled and nodded.

My father, who was absent until now, strolled in. His demeanour stiffened when he spotted me. "You're still mad with your dad, I guess." My mother said observing the little interaction.

I scoffed but I figured maybe it was time for all to be revealed. "He has done some pretty plausible stuff and besides, anger is very light compared to what he deserves." The hate and anger surfaced again spilling wildly. My mother's eyes widened in shock and my father's shoulders tensed.

He quickly neared my mother placing an arm around her shoulders. "She's just being a jokester, love." He said throwing me a glare but I wasn't going to let him lie anymore to her.

"No, I most certainly am not." My mother stepped away from my father giving me her full attention. "We didn't have the money for your operation. He phoned around to get someone to loan us the money but he requested more than was needed for your operation. Dad was using your need for money to aquire more for himself and make me his means of payment." My mother's eyes filled with the anger and disgust that I felt a few days ago. She was a smart woman and I watched as the pieces put themself together in her mind.

Her eyes locked with mine. "The Wright boy. You're marrying him in return for the money." She hit the nail on the head but not exactly.

"Not anymore. I made it clear to him that I would pay back the amount for your surgery, the rest of the sum is to be settled between dad and him." My father moved closer to us and he was done covering his true self to even my mother.

"And I'm sure Chase made it clear that you are not to leave." I laughed at that and he only grew angrier.

"I am bound to no one. I signed nothing but you did so it's your mess." I ground out and was about to say more but my mother stopped me.

She stared at my father. "How could you even think of playing with your own child's life, Dan? She's the only one we have." My father scoffed and she raised a hand a slapped him squarely on the jaw.

Liana gasped then turned and left the room. "It isn't my fault! And it's not like she'll live a bad life with Chase." My father said and my mother could kill him at this point.

"Can you even listen to yourself right now?!" She yelled at him and whatever bullshit he was going to say he could because the doctor walked in silencing all of us.

If he had heard anything he didn't let it show and got down to business. He handed her some medication along with instructions and follow ups to be done in Greece then sighed her medical file and left.

"If you do not find a way and get her out of this mess then consider me gone and away from your life." That hit my father and he nodded but I doubted he could do much. Justin said he had a plan and I trusted him more than my own father.

I found Liana seated in the bottom lobby. She stood when she saw me and the confusions and need for answers was visible on her face. So when we got into the car, I told her whatever she wanted to know.

She couldn't believe that my father would turn against me for money and then she lightly blamed me for not asking Justin for help in the first place.

An hour later I was in the elevator of Palatial, Justin's main hotel where he was mostly at. Gregor spotted me just as I entered. He was the man who helped me get around the first time I was here.

"Ahh, Ms Miller. You look good today." A warm smile played on his lips. The lobby wasn't that busy aside from a few people who where leaving and the rest of the uniformed workers busy with their tasks.

"It's really nice to see you again, Gregor. Is Mr Pearson in?" He nodded then pointed to the dark wood door that was no stranger to me.

I crossed the pristine tiles that were literally shining as was most of this place. Similar to the first time I've been here the space was elegant and posh. The designing was well thought out as were the color schemes and textures.

I tapped on the hard wood door then waited to be given entry. The whispers and stares of whoever was present didn't go unnoticed. I doubt any female came in search of Mr Pearson at his workplace and to top it all of, it was Dan Miller's daughter. Ignoring all of that when I was given permission to enter and soon I was behind the door and in the office, away from what was outside.

I sighed closing my eyes for a moment. When I opened them, Justin's piercing brown gaze clashed with my green ones. He was seated on a black leather chair behind his desk. A pen in his hand and a document in front of him demanding his attention. He rested his back against the chair focussing all his attention on me.

His face displayed nothing but propriety when he spoke. "To what do I owe this pleasure?" He motioned to one of the two chairs across from his desk for me to settle into.

"I want to know the solution you have to completely free me from the Wrights?" He set his pen down while I seated myself into the chair which made his face level with mine.

To me, the Wrights had no hold on me but I didn't want to take any risks. They didn't seem like the most agreeable of people and certainly not someone you'd want to cross.

"The man has been reaching out to me to purchase a certain percentage of shares in some of my other ventures." He paused looking at the document in front of him and then back at me. "I refused before since they're not the most ethical individuals to do business with but times call for me to overlook that."

If the Wrights weren't proper and true in business then him joining with them could bring a bad reputation for his businesses as well. It'll tarnish his name and discourage potential investment from better outside sources.

I looked at the man in front of me. He was willing to risk his own business for my cause and nothing would make me happier than to hug him at this moment but I stayed put in my seat. I think in all my life repaying him would be impossible especially if he did this.

His expectant yet patient gaze rested on me waiting for me to say something further. "Justin, that's really too much to ask. There's no point in saving me by ruining yourself." I wouldn't be able to live with myself if someday his business name and all that he worked so hard for was tarnished because of my father's stupidity.

"Thank you so much but I can't let you do that." He frowned then sighed and I had no clue as to what was going on in his head.

"There's no other way, Scarlett." The serious tone of his voice struck me at just how gravely he felt about the matter.

There was one way but I was going to need his help. If he paid the total that was given for my mother, it would free me and then they'd have nothing on me. Whatever balance would be on my father's neck.

I explained this idea to him making sure to emphasise that the money would be taken on a loan to which I would pay back and if he chose to add interest if a specific time period was exceeded then I would have no objection. He contemplated it for a moment before he agreed, not quiet meeting my eyes.

"He told you to stay away from me yet here you are." I froze clenching my jaw tightly. How did he find out what Chase had said to me that night. His tone wasn't malicious but more on the I found out side.

Recovering from my surprise, I flashed him a cheeky smile. "I'm sure you've figured out by now that I don't take instructions." He smirked and I rose to my feet, thanking him before leaving.

It was just after four p.m when my phone buzzed. The familiar number of the realtor from Greece flashed across the screen. She enquired if everything was finalised and if she could go ahead with approaching the owner of a two bedroom apartment. The rental was affordable for such a good space. I agreed without hesitation and disconnected the call.

A quick stop at the hair dresser to have my hair styled and I was heading back home to prepare for tonight's event.

The first thing on my to-do list the moment I entered the house was to make myself a nice steaming cup of tea which I carried to the balcony to enjoy.

I savored the sight of all that was before me. The city lights, fresh air, serenity and the smell of nature. It was a souvenir that I added to amongst others like the atmosphere of the house, the peacefulness of the terrace and the scent of Justin that never failed to make my pulse quicken.

By this time tomorrow I would be on an airplane and away from here. Away from him. And maybe that was a good thing because I'd be in more control of myself and he'll truly figure out that all he felt for me was just temporary l**t that would fade the moment I did. Maybe I'll realize the total opposite and yearn for something that I couldn't have.

I recollected my thoughts and took in a breath of the fresh air. It was time to get ready for the evening and I couldn't help but give in to the excited  that built up. This was probably the highlight of my year and it also marked a greater accomplishment for me.

Deciding to do make-up first, I settled atop the little chair situated in front of the dressing table. After moisturizing and applying a primer and all of that jazz, I carefully applied a small bit of foundation. Then setted it with some powder before adding just a touch of blush to my cheeks. It wasn't a clowny pink but a subtle almost have to look twice kinda shade. The reddish brown lipstick completed the look and once I was satisfied with that I added a few spritz  of perfume behind my ears and on my wrists.

Carefully taking the dress out of the bag, I undid the zip attached to the beaded top half of the dress. It was almost of the shade of the lightest grey with a slit that wasn't too exposing along the leg.

Once I was in the dress the zipper needed to be pulled up. At the store Liana had helped me with that since, like now, I could only manage to get it half-way up. Sighing and giving up deciding to ask Mrs Pearson for help when I saw her, I moved to retrieve the pair of heels that was kept under the bed that weren't dangerously high but comfortable enough for me to manage an entire night with them on.

A knock on the door got my attention and I hoped it was Mrs Pearson but it wasn't. Justin's eyes widened when he looked up at caught sight if me. His mouth was a bit open since whatever he was going to say left him. His eyes scanned me from head to toe, first taking in the dress then settling on the visible skin showing on my leg.

Looking down to hide the rush of color that undoubtedly settled at my cheeks, I realized he was also quiet formally dressed. My gaze lifted back to his tuxedo clad figure that emphasised his broad shoulders and the narrowing of his torso impressively.

He, amongst others, was a great benefactor of the medical centre since it was established and were also extended a welcoming invite but I was truly surprised he'd attend.

He cleared his throat, shaking his head the tiniest bit to clear his thoughts and I felt quiet triumphant within that I had effected him as much as he did me but all thoughts vanished when he began crossing the room and nearing me.

He held his hand our and I stared at it then back at him. "May I do your zipper? It isn't quiet closed all the way." He said it as if I was unaware of that but I nodded then turned to allow him to assist me.

His fingers brushed along my skin making me gasp quiet audibly from the shiver it elicited before he pulled the zipper up and it wasn't even needed for me to look at him to know that he had a self-satisfied smirk on his lips.

His hands moved to my shoulders so that he could turn me around. We stood so close that by the time I was fully facing him our noses were a hair width distance away. I looked up and instantly regretted it because I was captivated by his deep, dark eyes that showed so much.

There was desire and also the strength he was trying to keep to resist it. Helplessness from the reasons that held him back, the only reason stopping us from all that could be and then there was the tormenting flash that made him step away almost as if he was telling himself that he was only poison to me.

"I brought you something." It was barely a heavy whisper after what felt like ages of silence. He slowly reached into his pocket and retrieved a black velvet box. "Hopefully it'll prevent you from forgetting me." He tired to lighten the tension but it didn't work.

My chest constricted at his expression and I wanted to squeeze the living hell out of him. I wanted to tell him to let go of his reasons. To not ponder about whatever will happen when he was no more. To just give both of us the happiness we so badly wanted with each other. To put an end to our suffering.

We wanted more than the physical and whether he knew that or not, I didn't know. If he did then he was holding back and I had to accept that as painful as it was. 

He handed me the little box and I undid the clasp and opened it to be greeted by stunning earrings with the most precision cut diamonds. They're weren't too over the top but mere studs which was elegant yet simple and I loved them.

It hit me at that point that it wasn't the gift that he'd brought that touched me but the fact that he actually thought to do it. To get me something and not just any something but fine crafted jewellery.

My eyes were blurry and I blinked them away but they still pooled and he frowned. "You don't like it." He said more a statement than a question and his voice was terribly disappointed.

I scoffed before throwing my arms around him. He recovered from the initial surprised then wrapped his arms firmly around me too. I sniffed softly but he still heared it. "Ahh, my cry baby." He teased but I didn't care.

"You could've gotten me chocolates and my reaction would've still been the same." His hold tightened around me and his cologne tickled my senses. "It's just knowing you actually thought of me."

He let out a light laugh. "I know that, Scarlett." He kissed my shoulder lightly but didn't move his lips.

I wanted to be in this moment with him forever and never have to let him go but I knew what I wanted and what he wanted was too different things even though he may care for me it didn't mean he'd be willing to let go of his reasons and if he was he would have said so by now.

When I let go of him, his hands undid themselves and I ignored how much I dislike not having them around me. Justin grasped the box from my hand then removed each earring carefully before placing them gently on for me. 

He took in a deep breath, breaking us out of whatever bubble we were in. "We better get going before we miss all of the good stuff." He left and I followed close behind him with another velvet box in my purse