Vindicated

Mesmerized

Mariah's POV

“Okay close your eyes,” Derek says to me

I look at him with uncertainty.

“It’s okay, you can trust me. You’re gonna love this, just close your eyes.”

I smile reluctantly, “okay.”

I close my eyes and Derek guides me to a door. He opens it and guides me in. I have no idea what is going on or why I even trust him at this point. For all I know he could be trying to kill me or worse.

“Okay, open your eyes.”

I open my eyes to see who I presume is Jasmine surrounded by a bunch of bags. 

“Hello Mariah, I’m Jasmine. It’s so nice to meet you. Mr. Sky said you barely had anything so he asked me to pick you up a few things. Now I’m not sure exactly what you like so I got you a huge variety of things. There’s more than just clothes. There’s hairbrushes, makeup, toiletries, and some other things. I really hope you like it all.”

I start crying. These aren’t sad tears these are happy tears. I don’t remember the last time I cried happy tears.  I cannot believe how much stuff is in front of me right now. Mitch only let me have things he wanted me to have. This more than enough for me. I’ve never had this many things before. Mitch only allowed me to wear certain clothing. He picked it all out. None ever went above the knee; None showed cleavage

“Oh my God thank you, thank you so much,” I say hugging Jasmine. 

Then I turn to Derek and practically leap in his arms.

“Thank you for doing this. Giving me a place to stay was more than enough. But this, this is the most anyone has every done for me. Thank you.”

“It’s just a small token of my appreciation Mariah. I meant what I said when I said you deserve the world.”

I start grabbing clothes out of the bags. Kate Spade purses, elegant dresses, lingerie, crop tops, swimsuits, designer jeans even!! I cannot wait to try all this on. Both Jasmine and Derek help me put everything away.

“I’m glad you like it. Listen if you need anything at all, here’s my number. Text me, call me anytime. I’ve gotta get home but it was so nice meeting you. You are the first girl Mr. Sky has brought around. I have a feeling you’ll be the only one,” Jasmine winks at me.

My heart drops to my stomach. Butterflies? My goodness, the last time I had butterflies was the first moment I laid eyes on Derek. He was so perfect then and even more perfect now.

“One more thing before I let you settle,” Derek says, handing me a wrapped box.This man is full of surprises.

I eagerly open the box to find a brand new Samsung Galaxy 20 and it’s in a case that is literally embedded in real rose gold. 

“Oh my god. Are you serious?! I haven’t had a phone since they were flip phones Derek!!”

I hug him and kiss him on the cheek. Oh s**t. What have I done. Now he’s the one blushing. 

“So you like it?”

“Like it, I love it! Thank you so much! Seriously, I don’t know how to thank you enough for everything. 

“This is just the beginning my beautiful warrior. Soon you will see exactly how you should be treated. Now I’m gonna let you get settled. I’m gonna go do some work in my office down the hall. If you need anything don’t hesitate to come find me. Otherwise, I’ll have the maid come get you when it’s time for dinner,” Derek says hugging me. He held onto me like he didn’t want to let go. I didn’t want to let him go either. I am falling for him but I shouldn’t. Hell, I’ve already fallen madly deeply into something for this man.  I cannot let my heart allow it, but my heart is refusing to listen. He’s my knight in shining armor. I’m just a broken queen who loves too much and hurts so deeply. Oh, what have I gotten myself into now?