Sadistic Obsession

Chapter 5

Reyna Clave’s POV

It had been almost two weeks since the people from Levanti Motors visited my shop. I wanted to feel relieved that they didn't bother me again, however, the feeling of uneasiness followed me around.

Somehow… it felt like some impending doom was about to happen since they hadn't returned yet.

“Ow!” I touched my forehead where Faustina just flicked. “What was that for?”

“It's early in the morning, Reyna. It's too early for you to be spacing out and looking like you hold the entire world’s problem on your shoulders,” she responded as she occupied the seat across from me.

Since today was her day off, Faustina decided to sleep over last night, saying that she did not want me to be too lonely in a house that was a bit away from the town. I had gotten used to it actually, but her presence did make me feel better.

“So… what's exactly bothering you?” she asked.

“You know about those two who visited my shop days ago when you told me about the warehouse?”

Faustina nodded, eating her cupcake.

“They haven't returned yet and it's making me feel nervous.”

Faustina smiled as she handed me her slice of egg pie.

“They have probably hit their head and decided to up their offer. Don't worry too much about it.” She raised her arm and flexed her flimsy muscles. “If it comes to a bad negotiation, this strong girl will surely help.”

I accepted her egg pie and lightly bit into it, thanking her for her support. Even then, something felt off and it wasn't a feeling I can just shake off.

Just then, a knock made us look at the door at the same time.

“Are you expecting any visitors, Faustina?” I questioned without looking away from the door.

“No. Are you?”

“No…”

For precaution, I grabbed the knife and lightly walked towards the door to see who was visiting at such an early hour. I slowly opened the door, only to come face to face with Gabrielle.

“Good morning, Miss Clave,” she greeted. “I apologize for visiting at an early hour, however, our boss insisted that we deliver the check to you today.”

I set aside the knife and fully opened the door. Only then did I realize that Gabrielle was not alone. There was a huge truck behind her car and a few people seemingly waiting for something.

“Here.”

The sealed letter from her somehow felt heavy as I slowly opened it. Inside was indeed a check, but instead of the amount, a few scribbles were written.

I knew whose handwriting it was.

Kade.

‘Consider your house and land bought with the money you stole three years ago. You know what happens if you refuse.’

My eyes locked at the signature below.

The handwriting. The signature. I was more than certain they belonged to Kade. Even with only two sentences from him, what happened between three years ago came hitting me once more. The pain doubled even more since up until now, he believed I stole from him.

“What are you doing?!” Faustina’s loud voice brought me back to my senses. “Is this even legal?! We will call the police on you!”

I turned around and saw the men on standby a while ago were now in my living room, carrying my things and furniture out of the house. My heart sank.

“Y-You cannot do this,” I said, but in almost a whisper.

“You have already been paid so we ask you to vacate the property,” Gabrielle said. “The movers will bring your things to the temporary house where you will stay in until you find a permanent home.”

Before another word left my mouth, Faustina shoved Gabrielle so hard that she almost fell back. I immediately wrapped my arms around my friend to calm her down, knowing that she might punch her if no one stopped her.

“Let's call the police. There is no way it is legal for them to just cast you out of your own house,” Faustina said.

I clasped at her hands, not only to calm her, but to also anchor myself.

“L-Let’s just follow them to the temporary house,” I said with a heavy heart.

Faustina stopped for a moment. She looked at me as if I had grown another head and was ready to smack me. But her expression softened.

“What do you mean? Are they threatening you? Is that it?” she asked.

I shook my head, trying so hard not to break down.

“I will tell you everything once we are done taking my things to the new house,” I replied.

A bit of relief settled in me as Faustina nodded. Attorney Jackson signaled us to get into his car and since we cannot possibly walk back to town, Faustina and I could only sit at the backseat. My gaze locked onto the house my parents built, where I grew up.

It may not be as large and grand as other houses, but it held a special place in my heart. For it to be taken away with a threat over something I did not even do… It pierced my heart.

The ride to the new house was quiet. Faustina held my hand and it was all I needed from her to feel reassured even though I had no idea what would happen next. Upon our arrival at the new house, Attorney Jackson led us inside.

The house was a bungalow. It was way smaller than the house my parents left me. It barely had any furniture and was clearly empty for a long time. I needed maybe a day or two to clean it.

The movers brought my things inside, just putting everything in and leaving without a second glance.

Everything was just a mess.

“Miss Clave, please sign here,” Jackson said, handing me some documents clipped on a small board.

It was the same document they showed me a few weeks ago. I stared at the document. Signing it would prove that I admitted to stealing from Levanti Motors. Signing it would mean that I had sold my parents’ house and land for a mere $200,000 check.

I clenched my fists.

“I won't be signing anything,” I said before grabbing my bag and Faustina out of the house.

My legs walked fast as Faustina tried to keep up. She didn't ask any questions, probably because she sensed that I was pissed.

After a few minutes, we reached my small shop where I will surely be living until I get everything figured out. I locked it after we both got inside.

“So… What exactly is going on?” Faustina finally broke her silence. “I saw you open a letter Gabrielle handed to you. How much did they pay you?”

I took my bag and fished out the letter from Kade and slid it on the table towards Faustina.

“Remember when I stayed in Valtemort City and I invited you to come?” I said.

She nodded.

“I actually invited you for my wedding–”

“Wedding?” she exclaimed with her eyes wide. “What wedding? Why did you not tell me outright? Reyna… What…”

She sat down, took a deep breath, and covered her mouth with one hand.

“Tell me the whole story.”

“I got married…” I confessed, telling her my journey to Valtemort. “I first met Kade when the bus where I was lost control and bumped into his car. Luckily, I did not get injured. Just some scratches here and there. When we got out of the bus, I noticed Kade was seriously injured so I immediately tended to him. Thanks to my mother’s strict teaching of first aid, I managed to keep him conscious until help arrived.”

Faustina listened attentively. Based on her expression and fidgeting, it was obvious how she was trying to stop herself from interrupting me.

“After that, I thought we wouldn’t be seeing each other again, but we crossed paths again in Valtemort. I did know he was the son of the Storm family, until he relentlessly pursued me. His parents were against our wedding, but we both wanted it. We were happily married for almost two years…”

My breath hitched. Just recalling everything felt like I had travelled back in time and experienced them again. The warmth, the sincerity, the way Kade showered me with his love felt so genuine, yet the pain of our breakup overwhelmed such feelings. I could no longer hold myself back. My hands covered my face as sobs after sobs left my mouth and tears rolled down my cheeks.

Faustina’s arms wrapped around me. She never said anything. Yet her comfort reached me, causing me to cry even more.

“Then… Right… Right on our second a-anniversary…” I shut my eyes, wishing I’d forget the pain. “I was accused of stealing a billion dollars from his company. He believed it, Faustina. My words did not reach him. I thought… I thought three years of suffering from that pain was enough, but it is back. It’s haunting me back as if I did not pay enough for some crime I did not even do.”