Chapter Six
1127 Words
“It’s him. Of course, it had to be him.” Annabelle’s stomach twisted as the thought hit her. Her fingers dug into the edge of her desk, and she prayed silently that he’d just leave.
For a fleeting moment, she wished it had been Derek walking in instead. “Derek wouldn’t humiliate me in front of everyone,” she thought. But that wish shattered the second she heard that cold, sharp voice.
“What did you do this time?” He said as he saw piles of banana on her head.
Hearing that, Annabelle flinched, her heart racing as he took a slow, deliberate step toward her. His piercing gaze locked on her, making her feel exposed and cornered.
“Come here,” he ordered, his tone laced with an edge that sent a shiver down Ananbelle’s spine.
She didn’t move. Her legs felt frozen, glued to the floor she was standing as whispers were heard all around the class.
“Is he here because of her?”
“What did the useless girl do this time?”
“She’s always in trouble. It’s no surprise.”
Annabelle swallowed hard, her face burning with shame and anger. She hated their stares, their judgment. But most of all, she hated him for putting her in this position.
“Now,” he barked, his patience clearly wearing thin.
“Leave me alone,” she muttered under her breath, holding Flavia tightly as if she could shield her from the storm he brought with him.
But he wasn’t about to back down. In one swift motion, he closed the distance, grabbed her wrist, and yanked her from Flavia’s.
The gasps and murmurs in the room grew louder.
“Let me go!” she yelled, twisting her arm in a desperate attempt to free herself.
“Annabelle,” he growled, his grip firm and unyielding as he pulled her toward the door. “You’re coming with me. Stop fighting.”
“No! I said, let me go!” Her voice cracked, but the desperation in it was unmistakable. She dug her heels into the floor, but it was no use. His strength overpowered her resistance.
“Annabelle!” Flavia’s voice broke through the noise. Annabelle turned her head, locking eyes with her friend, who looked torn. Flavia’s lips quivered as she mouthed, “I’m sorry.”
Annabelle’s heart sank. Flavia wasn’t going to step in. She knew why. This wasn’t just some classmate pulling her around. This was bigger—much bigger.
And everyone knew it.
The door slammed shut behind them, silencing the chaos of the classroom. Annabelle found herself alone with him—Lorenzo. His eyes bore into hers, full of anger and control.
“What the heck do you think you’re doing by rejecting my calls?” Lorenzo’s voice was sharp and accusatory, the kind that made her stomach tighten.
“I didn’t reject them. I was busy. With my husband,” she shot back, her tone laced with sarcasm. But the defiance in her voice only seemed to fuel his anger. His grip on her wrist tightened painfully.
“You want to lose your mother, Martha, right?” he hissed, leaning closer. The venom in his words made her heart pound. He knew exactly how to get under her skin.
Annabelle refused to let him see her fear this time. “My mom is fine, Lorenzo. She’s under Derek’s grandfather’s custody. You wouldn’t dare touch her.” Her voice was steady, even though her chest felt like it might explode.
“You’re so sure, huh?” Lorenzo sneered, raising his hand as if to strike her.
“Don’t you dare!” Annabelle’s voice cut through the air as she instinctively grabbed his arm, stopping him mid-motion. Her pulse raced, but she didn’t back down. “Remember, I’m married to that ‘monster’ you sold me off to. The one you despise. And he’s very protective of what’s his. Do you really want to end up on his bad side?”
Her words were a bluff, and she knew it. Her so-called husband barely cared about her. But his reputation for being ruthless was her only shield right now. She prayed it would be enough.
Lorenzo’s expression darkened, but he dropped his hand. “Watch your back, Annabelle. And send me money when I ask for it. Or else…” He let the threat hang in the air before continuing, “You know nothing will stop me if I want to get to Martha.”
He stormed off, his footsteps echoing down the hallway. Annabelle stood frozen, her chest heaving as she watched him go. “Such a monster,” she muttered under her breath. “And Martha… isn’t she supposed to be your wife, too?” The bitter thought slipped out as she remembered the happier days when Lorenzo and Martha had pretended to be a real family—before Annabelle learned the truth about being their foster child
.
“Annabelle!” A familiar voice broke through her thoughts. She turned to see Flavia, her best friend, walking toward her with concern etched on her face.
“The professor is here now. I know you wouldn’t want to miss the lecture,” Flavia said softly, pulling Annabelle into a comforting hug.
Annabelle forced a smile. “Thanks, Flavia. I’ll be fine. Let’s go inside.” Together, they headed toward the classroom door.
Just as they were about to enter, a voice called out from behind her. “Ma’am! Wait, ma’am!”
Annabelle froze. That voice—it was unmistakable. She turned slowly, dreading what she might see.
“Sebastian?” she whispered to herself as her heart sank.
“Yes, ma’am,” the man said firmly. “The boss is outside. He asked you to come with me.”
Annabelle felt her frustration boil over. She had barely caught her breath from Lorenzo, and now this. “Why now?” she muttered, shaking her head. But there was no escaping it. Not when it came to him.
“You’d better go,” Flavia murmured, sensing Annabelle’s reluctance.
Annabelle nodded reluctantly. “Let me grab my bag first.” She headed back to the classroom but stopped abruptly when a strange sound echoed down the hall—a rhythmic clank of metal against the floor.
“What’s that sound?” she whispered, peering around the corner. Her eyes widened when she spotted the figure emerging from the shadows.
“Derek?” she gasped, her breath hitching. Her stomach dropped as she took in the sight of him—the walking stick in his hand, the dark sunglasses covering his eyes.
“Oh, f**k…” she muttered, realizing exactly who she was staring at.
- Writer
