Chapter 13: Chapter 13:Something feels off
DAISY JOYCE
The next morning, I woke up in a haze, my senses slowly returning to me as I realized I was lying on Damond. His warm presence was both comforting and startling. "When are you planning to stand up?" he asked, a teasing grin spreading across his face. Flustered, I stammered, "I... I'm sorry," as I scrambled to sit up, my heart racing at the unexpected intimacy of the moment. I quickly dressed, my fingers fidgeting with the buttons of my shirt, and waited for Damond to finish getting ready.
As we made our way to the dining room, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of cheerful chatter filled the air. Damond's mother and sister greeted us with bright smiles and open arms. "Daisy, how was your night?" they asked enthusiastically, their eyes sparkling with curiosity.
After we finished breakfast—shared laughter mingling with the clinking of silverware—Damond received a call to his father's study. His mother turned to me, her eyes warm with kindness.
"You can take a walk around the house while you wait," she suggested. "Okay, thank you," I replied, a sense of freedom washing over me as I set out to explore the sprawling home.
As I wandered through the elegantly furnished rooms, I couldn't help but admire the intricate details—the beautiful artwork adorning the walls, the plush carpets beneath my feet, and the sunlight filtering through large windows, casting soft shadows across the floor. My curiosity led me outside, where the garden was alive with vibrant flowers and the gentle hum of bees.
However, my attention was soon drawn to a door at the end of a dimly lit corridor. It was securely fastened with a large three-padlock, its aged wood contrasting sharply with the polished surroundings.
An inexplicable sense of intrigue washed over me as I paused in front of it. A cool breeze slipped through the cracks at the bottom of the door, brushing against my legs and sending a shiver up my spine.
I stared at the door, wondering who—or what—could possibly be locked away inside. Why would someone be confined like this? A mix of concern and curiosity bubbled within me as I contemplated the secrets that might lie behind that locked door.
Curiosity piqued, I knelt down and leaned over to peer through the narrow gap beneath the door. At first, the dim light revealed just a bed covered with rumpled sheets, but then something caught my eye—a leg, partially draped over the side.
Panic surged through me as I murmured to myself, "Is someone locked up in there? What in the world could have happened?"
After taking a moment to compose myself, I turned away, only to find Damond already waiting for me. His demeanor was unreadable, but there was a sense of urgency in his voice as he said,
"Let's go." My brow furrowed in confusion. I was left with a swirling mix of emotions and unanswered questions, but I simply nodded, feeling a wave of resignation wash over me.
"Hmm, okay, bye," I mumbled, bidding farewell to the others before walking toward the car, my mind racing.
As we drove in silence, the tension was palpable. "I'm going to drop you off at the bus station," Damond announced abruptly. His tone was clipped, and I couldn't help but wonder why he was cutting me off mid-thought.
I opened my mouth to protest, but he intercepted me, tossing a handful of cash in my direction. The crisp bills fluttered to my lap, a pitiful consolation for my confusion.
We arrived at the sprawling bus station, the chaotic symphony of honking horns and rushing travelers enveloping us.
"Get out," he ordered flatly, his eyes focused on the road ahead. Shock coursed through my veins. "What the hell?" I shouted, incredulity spilling from my lips.
How could he be so callous? I reluctantly climbed out of the car, feeling a mixture of anger and disbelief. As I stood on the pavement, the scent of exhaust swirling around me, I realized I had no idea how to get back home.
Who did he think he was? How could he treat his wife like this, leaving me stranded and confused? Hmm, no, a stand-in wife. How will I board a taxi without knowing the location? I don't even know where his house is located, and he dropped me off like this.
I just feel like smashing his head. Blind arrogant man, You're definitely showing your age, aren't you? The thought raced through my mind as I sat on the bus station bench, feeling a mix of confusion and frustration.
I realized I needed to reach out to someone who could help. Suddenly, a name popped into my head—Aliya. With a determined flick, I dialed her number, and to my relief, she picked up almost immediately.
"Hello, madam," she greeted cheerily, her voice warm and familiar.
"Hey, it's Daisy," I replied, trying to mask my unease. "I'm in a bit of a bind. I don't know the way home."
She responded quickly, "I know, but where exactly are you?"
Looking around the busy station, I shrugged, even though she couldn't see me. "I'm not sure of the exact location, but I know I'm at the bus station."
There was a brief pause before she said, "Alright, hold on. I'll be there soon." Her tone was reassuring, and I felt a wave of comfort wash over me. Just a few moments later, I noticed her approaching, moving swiftly through the crowd.
Relief flooded through me as we reunited, and together we navigated our way home, grateful for her swift response and the unbreakable bond we shared.
DAMOND CHRIS
As I drove through the bustling city streets on my way to the office, the familiar symphony of honking cars, chattering pedestrians, and distant construction echoed around me.
However, amidst the vibrant chaos, my heart skipped a beat when my phone rang. It was my doctor, his name flashing across the screen, and a wave of unease washed over me.
"Hello, young master," his voice emerged from the receiver, carrying a distinct blend of urgency and concern that immediately grabbed my attention.
"I noticed you missed your eye check-up, and I must remind you that it's been far too long since our last appointment.
We've developed some new prescriptions that could significantly enhance your vision, and I think it's time we discuss them."
The weight of his words settled heavily on my mind, making me acutely aware of the daily struggles I faced with my eyesight.
I had been brushing off the importance of regular check-ups, but this conversation made it clear that I couldn't ignore my health any longer.