“I know, honey,” she said, smiling and picking up the brownie. “Let me get a box for this.”
“All right,” he said feeling dissatisfied with how the conversation went. “I’ll walk you out.”
***
Later that evening, Evan sat in his office to grade the final exams and projects of the semester. He told himself the day they were released for winter vacation that he would finish grading everything by the weekend and then enjoy time off. Yet, the exams were still ungraded and all he could manage to think about was Shadow. He fiddled with his pen as he contemplated the questions that arose. He had questions that were beyond his comprehension, only because there were some things in the world that weren’t meant to be understood.
Why did the universe bring Shadow to Lake View? What purpose did she serve him? What purpose did he serve her?
Evan shook away the thoughts and forced himself to focus. He went back on grading the essay he’d read over ten times on Antisocial Personality Disorder. Each student was free to choose a topic of their choice. This topic in particular was interesting because had Derek seen a psychologist, Evan was pretty sure Derek would’ve been diagnosed with ASPD. He showed all the signs for ASPD except for one: irresponsible work behavior. He didn’t obey the law but worked above and beyond for his clients. It brought the question of why. ASPD as Evan knew was caused by a combination of genetics and environmental influences. Unfortunately for Evan, he didn’t remember that far back in order to get the slightest bit of understanding as to why Derek was the way he was.
After staring at the essay, Evan pushed it aside having only read the first page. He leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes for a moment. His mind once again jumped to the one thing that kept it occupied at all times now: Shadow.
He wanted to know what her story was. Having met Shadow with the knowledge of being her husband in a previous life, made him believe they were put on each other’s paths for a reason. To Evan, the timing of everything felt more than just a coincidence.
Grandma Venice’s voice echoed in his mind as he tried to make sense of the situation. “How are you going to make things right? You don’t know this woman. Are you going to tell her you were married to her? How would this work?” Venice had some valid points indeed, but still, Evan believed everything happened for a reason. Everything and everyone served a purpose. However it was up to the person to figure out what that purpose was and that irked Evan.
Out of frustration, Evan put the essay back on top of the stack with the rest. When he rose from his chair, he caught a glimpse of a silhouette from his computer screen. He froze. Evan didn’t want to turn around knowing who it’d be. The hair on his neck and arms rose with each passing second. Finally, Evan brought himself to face the demon that haunted him.
Derek stood in the doorway, leaning against the doorframe, with that creepy grin Evan remembered from his flashbacks.
“It must be weird seeing Samantha for the first time in this life I bet. She’s just as beautiful now as she was back in the olden days, wouldn’t you say?”
Evan’s heart dropped. He wasn’t sure if he was hallucinating but his gut told him what he heard was correct.
“Do you have the urge to beat her the way you used to? Do you want to see her bleed, Evan?”
Evan frantically shook his head.
“We can both indulge in some violent acts. I know I want to. I want to squeeze her throat until her face turns pale. What do you think about that, Evan? Does that interest you?”
Evan’s eyes widened with fear. His throat constricted, disabling him from saying anything. He wanted to scream, yell for help. Evan wanted to freak out but he stood in position. Even if he wanted to escape, he felt his legs were locked in place almost by force.
“No? How about…dunking her head in hot water? That seems a bit harsh. It would burn her face and take a lot longer to heal than a bruise. Then everyone would know I did something to my wife. No one would ever harm Samantha. Everyone loves her. Even Adrian. He wouldn’t be too happy if you hurt her.”
Oddly enough, Evan felt himself becoming claustrophobic. The room seemed to become smaller and Derek’s voice rang his ears. Evan’s heartbeat began to pace, almost out of control. He needed to get out of his office immediately. Derek wasn’t real, not in this reality at least and yet he had some sort of power over Evan to the point where he couldn’t handle Derek’s presence.
Evan took baby steps toward the door, feeling as if they were made out of stone. The closer he got, Derek began to disappear into thin air. He felt the beads of sweat trickling down the sides of his face. Using the backside of his palm, he wiped them away as he walked down the hallway. As he approached the staircase, he felt the need to sit down for a moment before proceeding up the stairs. Evan slowly sat down on the staircase feeling overwhelmed and sad. He felt his chest was on fire and was on the verge of puking. Derek made him sick. Evan’s head sunk to his knees and pressed his palm against his forehead. A part of him wanted to cry because deep down, he felt he was slowly loosing himself to this memory. There were times when he wondered whether he had invested so much time in figuring out what these memories meant that perhaps he convinced himself there was indeed something there. He was afraid of that. Then Venice and Denise would’ve been right all along and he would have wasted all his time on nothing. That was the reason Evan never shared Derek’s visits with Denise or Venice. They would definitely think he had gone insane.
He also was aware of the fact that there was a chance he’d never understand any of it and these memories would continue to haunt him. And that’s the way it was supposed to be. Over time, Evan would learn how to deal with the taunting memories. No doubt he would have to see a psychologist in the long run, but in the off chance he did come to understand why he remembered these memories and why Derek showed up randomly, he’d finally be at peace. And that’s something he was craving for in the past six months. Peace.
After he took a deep breath, feeling calmer, Evan headed upstairs to the bedroom, switching off the lights on his way up. He walked by his parents’ bedroom where the door always remained open. Sometimes it felt as if one day they would come out walking through that door and surprise him. But that was something he knew never would happen.
It had been twenty-seven years since Denise and Evan’s parents had passed away. His father’s voice remained distinct. Sometimes he would hear him calling his name, when he was deep in thought. But it was just his mind playing a trick. Other times, when Evan was working in the backyard, he could hear his mother’s voice, calling out for him to come inside for dinner. Evan though it was almost three decades ago since his parents’ deaths, he still missed them dearly.
Once he brushed his teeth, washed his face, and put on his nightwear, he got into bed and lay there, thinking about his previous life. Who was Adrian? How did he fit into Derek and Samantha’s life? After some time, his mind automatically wavered over to Shadow. She endured so much pain in her previous life. It made his heart sink knowing he was the one who caused her the strife.
An hour later, Evan drifted away to sleep.
***
Marvin sat in his office across from a second floor agent. His eyes were focused on the flat screen that fit in the palm of his hand. He could see Shadow in the kitchen, washing dishes.
“You finished putting the cameras in all the bedrooms upstairs?”
“Yes, sir,” answered the agent. “This one is in the backyard and it’s angled in the direction of the kitchen. There are two in the front of the house.”
Marvin nodded as he switched through the screens with the swipe of a finger.
Marvin could see the front entryway as well as the driveway from where the cameras were located. Now he had a close view of Shadow’s life. He smiled as he plugged in the flat screen to his computer. This would come to use soon for Marvin. Timing was crucial. Other than that, he had wha
t he needed. “Thank you for your services. I’ll file a report and see how fast we can move you up to the third floor. You have improved in the last year.” Marvin stood up, extending his hand. “You’re dismissed.”
The agent shook his hand. “It was a pleasure working for you, Agent 212.”
With nothing more to exchange, the agent quietly walked out of Marvin’s office, wearing a blue jumpsuit and a cap.
Marvin watched as the agent headed toward the elevator. The word SECURITY was written across his back. The jumpsuit was a ploy that would have worked on anyone in public. The dress shoes, which were specifically made for each qualified Secret Eye agent, had a tracking device installed inside the soles of the shoes. When on assignment or a mission, one of the job requirements for a first floor agent was to keep track on the assigned agent doing fieldwork. That way, if needed, there was a backup squad ready to move in and handle the situation. These cases hadn’t happened in the agency, but were put in place as a precaution.
Marvin pulled up the file containing his execution plan.
Bruce had his hard copies, and was still overlooking his personal assignment. Marvin was going to carry out his assignment regardless and this time, no problem would arise.
He leaned back in his chair with a smirk across his face, knowing Shadow would come running back into his arms.
Chapter 11
It was 1932. In the winter, Derek’s law firm held an annual charity event at Downtown Izabella, which was in downtown Pool View. It was a fancy, black tie occasion. The hall was decorated in white and gold. Flower vases filled with white tulips sat atop every surface, which was draped in shiny gold cloth that complemented the pearl place settings. In the front, a live orchestra played on the stage while everyone enjoyed themselves as they shared stories and drank champagne.
Samantha and Derek Will arrived hand in hand. Every woman in the room took one look at Samantha’s glowing face and assumed the glow was a reflection of her happiness. All they could imagine was the fancy dresses, expensive jewelry, a big house—only because she was married to the richest lawyer in town—but no one knew the truth behind her smile. They didn’t know the pain she felt through every bone in her body. No one knew what went on behind the closed doors of their home. But Samantha pretended to be happy…for Derek.
Maybe one day he’d fall in love with her again, just like when they first met. She had hope.
They made their way to their table, smiling and waving at everyone who greeted them. When they reached it, Derek pulled out Samantha’s chair like a gentleman. It was crucial for Derek to be seen as a swell guy in the public’s eye. It was hard to tear down someone’s reputation when everyone saw a consistent side.
Derek whispered into Samantha’s ear. “You don’t leave this table, do you understand me? If you want a drink, you do not get up, do you understand? If you need to use the ladies room, you can once everyone is having dinner.”
And all Samantha did was nod and smile. He treated her like a child. This was typical of Derek. She felt stupid for thinking Derek would actually let her enjoy this night.
Within seconds, Derek was mingling in a crowd of men and women who roared with laughter. She sat in her chair, trying to keep herself from breaking down. She looked around her and saw husbands laughing with their wives, sharing a kiss, holding each other’s hands, all while she sat alone. Samantha gulped down her sorrow, fought back the tears, and tried her best not to look so lonely.
Adrian Will, a tall, handsome lawyer with striking good looks and a smile that made women’s hearts melt, spotted Samantha sitting by herself. His eyes wandered over to the crowd nearby Samantha’s table where he spotted his brother, who stood in the center of attention, telling stories.
Samantha scanned the room looking for no one in particular but felt as if someone was watching her. As her eyes wandered to the corner of the room she spotted Adrian standing with a glass of champagne in his hand, staring at her. He donned a three-piece suit, looking shaper than any of the other lawyers present at the charity event. His brown hair was parted and slightly gelled. Samantha held his gaze for a few seconds before looking away.
Moments later, Adrian stood before her, holding out a glass of champagne for her. His brown eyes twinkled as he peered into her eyes.
Samantha politely declined.
Adrian admired her for a moment before setting the glass on the table. “You look very beautiful tonight,” he said, taking Derek’s seat. Samantha smiled for a moment, the happiest she’d been since the incident. She looked away from Adrian, not wanting to make eye contact for too long.
Adrian studied her. Something was wrong. He sensed it.
“Hey,” he said abruptly. He looked into her eyes, hoping he would see that she was in fact okay and perhaps was just not having a wonderful day. “Let’s dance, shall we?”
Samantha shook her head, breaking eye contact just as quickly. Her eyes lingered back to the tables filled with people having a delightful time.
When he saw the sadness in her eyes, his heart sank. He knew something wasn’t right. Adrian looked over his shoulder in Derek’s direction. He wasn’t going to notice Samantha was gone. Well, at least not for a bit before he went out looking for her.
“Come on, let’s go,” Adrian said.
“What?” she said, looking up at Adrian in confusion.
“You’ll see.”
“No. I’m not going anywhere.”
Adrian raised his eyebrow. He wasn’t going to take a no for an answer.
“What is it? Have your feet fallen asleep?” He chuckled.
“No,” she said, glancing over in Derek’s direction. She looked back at him, expecting him to know the reason.
“Then what is it, Samantha?”
She sighed. “I can’t. Derek doesn’t want me leaving the table.”
Adrian nodded, and continued to nod like a bobble head as he searched around the hall. He looked for an escape route. He had come to Downtown Izabella numerous times for different events and knew every exit, entrance, and corridor. The timing had to be just right.
After scheming an escape plan to get out of the ballroom without attracting attention, he held out his hand, hoping he wouldn’t have to convince Samantha once more.
Samantha, looking jittery, sighed as she rolled her eyes. Even though she knew he was persistent, Samantha hoped he would acknowledge the fact she was not in the mood to leave Derek’s sight, aware of what he would do to her if she did. Samantha ignored his gesture as she rose up from her chair. Her black silk Chanel dress, with puffy sleeves, that hung halfway down on the shoulders, swept behind her as she walked.
Adrian led the way through the crowds. No one would see the two of them leave. Samantha followed. He grinned as he held the door for Samantha.
A rose bush garden was just outside of the ballroom. Derek’s law firm planted rose bushes one spring as a community service event. Samantha remembered that day vividly. She had bought a floral dress to wear. She applied red lipstick as Derek waited for her downstairs, who was in a hurry to leave. Samantha, on the other hand, was in no rush. Excitement to go to another one of Derek’s law firm’s events was nowhere near as how Derek felt about this event. It was also the day he was going to be named partner. Had she known her husband was going to be celebrating a big accomplishment, Samantha would have not taken her sweet time getting ready.
Without a moment’s notice, as Samantha stood in front of her mirror in their walk-in closet, wearing one of her fedora hats, she heard the door open and slam shut. Derek had left without her.
This was her first time seeing the rose garden since then.
“Why are we out here?”
Adrian journeyed on the grass to the middle of the garden, far from any entrance and exit. It was dark out. The streetlights illuminated just enough to make the pathway visible. There was very little chance of som
eone spotting Adrian and Samantha, let alone recognizing them.
Adrian broke into a smile.
“I wanted to be alone with you. You look so beautiful tonight.” He grazed his hand against her cheek.
“Stop,” she said, moving away. “I can’t be out here with you.”
“Why not?”
Samantha, ignoring his question, turned around, but before she could take a step away, Adrian pulled her in. He held her tightly, his hands grazing down her back.
“Adrian,” she said, not wanting to leave his arms, “you need to let me go.”
“Why, Samantha?”
She looked into his eyes for a moment, knowing how much he loved her.
“Because…” Her voice trailed off.
“Because what, Samantha?”
“I just want to be inside,” she lied. “It’s warmer in there,” she pressed, trying to convince Adrian.
His voice quavered. “Is he hitting you again?”
Samantha didn’t quite know what to say.
“Answer me, Samantha. Is he hitting you again?”
“Why would you ask me that?”
Adrian could sense the fear from the tone of her voice. Deep down, he already knew the answer.
“I love you, that’s why.” He gazed into her eyes slightly confused. “You know I love you, right?”
She sighed. “Yes…I know you love me.”
He grazed his hands over her face and held her soft cheeks in his palms. He kissed her neck. Slowly Adrian traced his lips to her earlobe, gently nibbling, sending shivers down her spine. Samantha let out a whispered moan. Samantha held a firm grasp on Adrian’s waist, wanting more. She felt they were the only two who existed at this moment. Finally, Adrian kissed her passionately. The kiss couldn’t have been more perfect. He pulled back to stare into her eyes before locking lips again.
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