Healing Together

Chapter - 10

The attack.

“Don’t you think I’m underdressed for the office?” as he offered me with two choices. I accepted the first one because I didn’t want to be stuck in a room for the entire day, and what could go wrong if I went with him? But, in the end, I feel like I’m underdressed for an office. He shook his head before taking me out of the mansion, ignoring my protests.

“You look fine, so let’s go. I’m already late, and I don’t enjoy being late.” I huffed and readily began walking with him, and I couldn’t help but notice a grin appear on his lips, causing me to roll my eyes in frustration.

“Corazoncito, don’t roll your eyes at me. You have no idea what I’m capable of,” I gasped in shock. How can he tell I was rolling my eyes. Nothingness I nodded because I don’t want to fight with him since he would win by hook or by crook.

When we arrived at his car, I instantly slid into before he did. His driver soon started driving the car. I sighed and leaned against the window, taking in the scenery. The entire car journey was deafeningly quiet. Xavier was working on his laptop throughout the entire ride, while I was staring out the window at people who were freely strolling the streets, making me sad and angry at the same time. I want my freedom back, but I’m locked in a car headed towards the corporation to do what I don’t know. If he would just think reasonably and let me go, my life would be normal and I would be able to enjoy my freedom again.

‘As if you enjoyed your freedom before you were abducted,’ my subconscious said, and it’s true I didn’t enjoy my freedom. Whatever my so-called dad’s family said I did the exact thing. In their hands, I was a puppet. Even though I had the freedom to go outside, I didn’t enjoy it except when I was with Kate. She was the only person who treated me with dignity. Not even my father was kind to me. I know he knows what was going on beneath his house, but he pretended like he had no idea what was going under his roof. To control my emotions, I clench my hand while closing my eyes firmly. I know if I don’t do it, I’ll have an anxiety attack, and I don’t want Xavier to console me like he does.

Thank goodness I kept my sanity and decided to close my eyes for the rest of the drive before I thought of something else that only upset me.

“Corazoncito,” I heard him whisper and it made me jump, causing my head to collide with the car window.

“Ow,” I muttered as I rubbed the area where I had been hurt.

“Are you okay?” I could hear his anxious voice, but why would he be concerned about me?

“Yes, I will be fine. I guess” I whispered. When I turned to face him, he was already staring at me with an expression I don’t understand.

“What?” upon hearing me he tears his gaze from me before speaking.

“We’re here,” he says as he steps out of the car, and I quickly follow. As soon as I stepped out of the car, my mouth dropped agape as I saw the massive building in front of us, with a Castillo private limited written on it. I had no idea he was that wealthy. Before I could realize what was going on, he threw his arm around my waist and began heading inside the building. I’m sure he senses my shocked face, but he chooses not to acknowledge it. I can tolerate his physical contact now, perhaps because he has comforted me countless times and I have become accustomed to it, but if other men try to touch me, I get an anxiety attack.

When we entered the building, everyone stiffened and greeted him as ‘Good Morning,’ and I couldn’t help but see the staff’ interest and disbelief as they looked at me then at Xavier, but he refused to acknowledge anybody or speak with anyone. We entered the elevator and rode to the 20th floor, where I assume his office is located. There was no one on his floor except a lady who appeared to be his PA. She stood up when she saw him.

“Good morning. Mr. Castillo” he nodded at her.

“Today, you have...” When I realized they were just going to talk about work, I zoned out. I looked around and noticed a piano in a corner. I’m curious if the piano is just there for show or if someone plays it. I’m captivated by the piano.

“Come,” I returned from my reverie and followed Xavier into an office. Where the CEO’s nameplate was written in big letters. The office was well designed, with a large mahogany desk where Xavier had already taken a seat and was looking through some files. A couch with a coffee table and a large television set are to my right. And there are two closed doors, one of which may be for a bathroom and the other for which I have no idea. To the corner, there is a huge bookcase, and the most intriguing feature is a wide glass window with a good view of the street.

“Are you finished checking out the office?” I blushed and nodded, even though I wanted to hit him for bringing me here.

“Yeah,” he laughs, motioning to the couch.

“You are free to do whatever you want,” I frown. I guess he knows I have nothing to do, which is why he brought me here to make me feel bored. I obeyed Xavier’s commands because I knew he would make me do it whether I wanted to or not. I was browsing about for something to do when my sight was drawn to the book shelves. I suppose I could spend my time here reading a book.

“Xavier,” I said to get his attention. He raises an eyebrow as he glances up from his paper.

“Yes”

“Can I borrow a book?” he looks towards the bookshelves before nodding his head.

“Of course you can.” With a nod, I chose a book and sat down on the couch to read. I could feel his gaze on me from time to time, but I didn’t dare to remove my head from the book. He went to a meeting in the afternoon. Just like that, the entire day was spent, with me sitting silently and nervously beneath his glances as he sometimes looked at me. When it came time for us to leave, he suggested we head to the restaurant for dinner. Obviously, I agree with him. Who knows, maybe I might be able to leave. We slide inside the car with a slight smile. His driver had to leave due to an emergency, therefore Xavier will be driving the car. After about ten minutes of driving to our destination, I heard gunfire and gasped in surprise. When I looked behind our car, I noticed two cars pursuing us, with men pointing guns from their windows. Xavier muttered under his breath as he opened the glove compartment, and my eyes widened as he pulled out a gun.

When Xavier started firing while holding the driving wheel, I felt like I was in an action movie. Soon after, guys on the opposing side began shooting in our way.

“Keep your head down,” he said, and I did as he instructed. He accelerated, causing me to close my eyes in terror. going to the company with him was a horrible decision; it would have been better if I had been imprisoned in a room instead of going with him.

“Bastards,” he whispered as he dialled a phone number.

“I need a backup,” he says after listening to the other side. “No...” he said before looking at me. “Yes...How could I have known he was alert of our mission? Yes, bring it immediately,” he said as he hung up the phone.

“s**t,” he cursed before hitting the break. I gazed at him, puzzled, before turning to face the road. Fear engulfs me as my eyes widen. Several cars have encircled us. He hit the steering wheel before casting a threatening glance at me.

“Don’t you dare to step out. Did I make myself clear?” I gulp and nodded.

“Yes,” he did not respond and stepped out of the car, shortly followed by the men slipping out of their cars. When I noticed the threatening expression on his face, I grew anxious. This is the first time I’ve seen him in this manner, and it immediately brought up memories of them. I quiver with terror. I’m not sure what they’re talking about, but I do know they’re having an intense argument. When every single man raised their gun at Xavier, I gasped in shock. I was going to get out of the car to help him when Xavier pulled his own gun from his waistband and shoot the man in front of him. He was dead. I put my palm over my lips to keep my scream from escaping. He just killed someone in front of my eyes, and I see no guilt on his face. Everyone aimed their guns at Xavier because he had just killed one of his men, but before they could fire, I heard a familiar voice from a distance.

“You are surrounded. Put your gun down or your family won’t be able to find your bodies.” Nicholas approached from behind, his threatening expression making me swallow. Everyone did what they were instructed. Suddenly, a group of men appeared and captured the men who were going to kill Xavier at gunpoint. I shouldn’t be living with someone as dangerous as him. I must leave and this is the time. While they were occupied, I carefully opened the car door and climbed down. I was going to run when I heard him.

“Going somewhere, sweetheart,” I gasped, turning to face him, only to be faced with his grey eyes glaring at me. Now I’m in a lot of trouble.