Juliette walked down the hospital corridor, searching for Robbin. She turned her head left and right, hoping to spot Robbin’s tall, sturdy figure, but she couldn’t find him anywhere. She intended to persuade Robbin to allow her to go to Colorado; of course, that was Leo’s idea because, to be honest, Juliette wasn’t sure Robbin would change his mind.
She walked toward the elevator. Once again, Juliette tried to call the man’s phone, but he didn’t answer. There was only one place Juliette hadn’t checked yet, and she hoped she would find Robbin there. Her finger pressed the button for the top floor before she tucked her long hair behind her ear, a form of coping with the nervousness she felt at that moment. Before long, she arrived at the hospital rooftop, where a small garden with lush trees and neatly arranged benches awaited.
The garden was filled with several patients, nurses caring for them, and visitors. However, it was less crowded than the garden behind the building. Juliette stepped out of the elevator and looked around again, searching for Robbin, whom she had been looking for.
She walked further away from the elevator. Occasionally, Juliette smiled at those she passed, whether they were patients or ordinary visitors. She took a deep breath as the wind brushed against her, slightly easing her stress and anxiety. The tears on her cheeks slowly dried in the blowing wind. She hadn’t had the chance to wash her face to clean up because she had been busy attending to Tamara’s remains. Tamara’s family had just arrived that night, and Juliette was temporarily responsible until Tamara’s family arrived.
Juliette hugged her own body, rubbing her arms. The New York spring air was excellent, but that didn’t mean being on the rooftop wouldn’t feel chilly. She looked around before heading back to the waiting room where Leo was. Juliette scanned the garden for the last time before turning around but halted when she spotted a man in a navy blue suit sitting on one of the benches. His eyes were closed, and his body appeared relaxed.
A small smile slowly appeared on Juliette’s lips, albeit briefly. It must be said that her stepbrother was very handsome, so it is no wonder many women were after him. Looks, power, wealth, status, popularity-all men desired. Plus, his past profession as an actor only added to his popularity. Robbin indeed seemed perfect in everyone’s eyes, especially in Juliette’s.
Although their initial interactions at the De Lavigne residence were hostile, Juliette was grateful that Robbin had become someone she could rely on.
Juliette walked over to Robbin and sat beside him. Initially, neither of them spoke. She knew Robbin was aware of her presence but chose not to react. A peaceful silence settled between them. Occasionally, the sound of the wind and rustling leaves became the background noise around them. The sounds of people conversing were faint due to their somewhat distant chairs.
The peaceful silence was broken when Juliette felt Robbin move. Slowly, she turned to look at him as he sat upright, gazing into the distance. “Robby?”
“I’ve let you down.”
“What do you mean?”
“This accident, it all happened because I wasn’t careful. If only I had instructed someone to check the car’s condition before using it, this accident could have been avoided.”
Juliette understood exactly what Robbin meant, but she was beginning to accept what fate had laid out. Perhaps this accident was indeed destined to happen. It could have been something else if it wasn’t due to a mechanical failure. Juliette felt sad and devastated, but what could she do? “Robby, it’s not your fault. I’m not blaming you or anyone else. You lost one of your workers too.”
Robbin gave a bitter smile and murmured, “You’re right. I just recently took over my father’s position, but I’ve already disappointed him.”
“Robby…”
“Not to mention Daisy’s condition. I don’t know what I’ll do if Daisy doesn’t wake up. I can’t bear to see Uncle and Aunt devastated by the loss of their daughter.”
“Robbin, don’t punish yourself.” Juliette paused momentarily, asking, “Why won’t you let me go to Colorado?”
“Because I don’t want anything bad to happen to you. To me, you’re the only family I have left. After my mother and father, I don’t have anyone.”
“My mom is here with us.”
“Meryl? She’s a good woman, but I can’t consider her my mother or part of my family.” Juliette understood what Robbin meant. If Robbin couldn’t see his mother as family, it was the same for her with Anthony. Juliette didn’t want anyone to take her late father’s place.
“Robbin, but I’m only going for a few days. If you’re worried, I can use your jet.”
A wry smile formed on Robbin’s lips upon hearing Juliette’s words. “I didn’t know you would say that, Julie. I know how much you hate all the luxury that comes with being a De Lavigne.” Juliette pouted and lightly punched Robbin’s shoulder.
“Hey! I’m being honest! I still remember when-”
“Stop it, Robby! Don’t say anything!” Juliette yelled, covering her ears, trying not to hear Robbin’s words. This gesture successfully made Robbin laugh.
“Be quiet!” Juliette hissed, annoyed.
“So, may I go?”
“No.”
“Robby…”
“I said no. I won’t change my mind.”
Finally, Juliette nodded in resignation. It was better for her to give in and obey what Robbin said. She felt disappointed that she couldn’t accompany Tamara to her final resting place. Still, Juliette didn’t want to argue with Robbin when she knew he was dealing with complicated issues.
Silence fell between them again, but unlike the first silence, this one felt quite tense; nevertheless, Juliette tried to ignore it.
During the silence, Juliette felt her phone vibrate. Of course, she was reluctant to check her phone, but she didn’t want Robbin to wonder. So, half-heartedly, Juliette took her phone out of her pocket and checked the message.
One message was received.
Juliette breathed and opened the message carefully so Robbin couldn’t read it. She inhaled again, trying to gather her courage.
“You are a naughty kitten. I have to silence those who know about our relationship.”
Juliette felt her breath catch as she read the message. She glanced briefly at Robbin and noticed he had closed his eyes again. Quickly, she replied to Master D.
“What do you mean? I didn’t do anything.”
Juliette pressed send and anxiously waited for a response from the psychopath. It didn’t take long, as one minute later, Master D’s reply came in.
“Tsk. You’re testing my patience, it seems.”
No! Juliette could feel a panic attack rising, and she did her best to neutralize her feelings to avoid triggering an episode.
“Please stop. What do you want from me? Who are you? Tell me!”
After sending the message, Juliette waited anxiously. However, it seemed the psychopath wouldn’t answer her questions. After several minutes of waiting for a reply, Juliette began to give up. Suddenly, she was startled by her phone vibrating; this time, it was an incoming call.
Juliette glanced at Robbin, who seemed to be asleep. His breathing appeared regular, and his chest rose and fell normally. Slowly, Juliette stood up. She removed the scarf she was wearing and wrapped it around Robbin’s neck before walking to an area far from the garden yet still on the rooftop.
Taking another deep breath, Juliette slid the green button on the screen and held the phone to her ear. “What do you want, huh? Who are you?”
A chuckle echoed. Like before, the psychopath’s voice was disguised so Juliette couldn’t recognise the owner. “My naughty kitten. You’re starting to be brave, it seems.”
With her eyes heating up and her body trembling, Juliette mustered the courage to ask, “Haven’t you hurt me enough?”
“I haven’t hurt you. I’m just making sure you don’t defy me. I can do anything, Juliette.”
“Who are you? Please tell me.”
“You told our secret to someone else.”
“No. I-” Juliette swallowed hard, trying to moisten her dry throat.
“I didn’t tell anyone. Please believe me. I kept your secret tightly.” There was no response. At first, Juliette didn’t understand, but then, like being doused with cold water, she slowly began to sob and whispered, “You… you killed Tamara.”
“You can see for yourself, kitten. I can do anything.”
“No…”
“If you make a mistake, you won’t get anything, but someone else will. Someone else will feel my punishment. So, kitten, this is the last time you open that sweet mouth of yours and expose our secret.”
“I didn’t say anything! Tamara was the only one who knew! Why would you do this? Do you want me? Why don’t you come to me?”
“Besides, I will eliminate everyone close to you. So that you depend entirely on me.”
“Please stop…” Juliette sobbed, and slowly, her body crumpled to the floor. “Who are you? Who are you? Who are you? WHO ARE YOU?”
A soft chuckle was heard, and the man said, “You’re so curious about my identity? Fine. I’ll make you an offer.”
“What? What do you mean?”
“We will play a game. I will give you clues. If you can guess all the clues, then you will know who I am, and I promise we will meet.”
“What if I fail?”
“You will find out the answer later, but I understand you very well. I am very sure you will try to win this game. How about it? Do you agree?”
Juliette weighed the psychopath’s words. It wouldn’t hurt if the prize at the end of his stupid game was the answer she wanted, but could Juliette handle it? Should she agree to his offer? After all, what kind of game did he want to play with her? “What do you want to play with me?”
“Just a riddle. How about it? I don’t think you will lose anything.”
Juliette closed her eyes tightly and, with a heavy heart, replied, “Okay. Let’s play your game.” After all, this was the only way for Juliette to find out the man’s identity.
“Okay. I will send you the details. Have fun, kitten. I guarantee we will meet soon.”
After that, the call ended. Juliette leaned her back against the railing and closed her eyes. She stayed in that position for quite a while before reopening her eyes and standing up. She realized Robbin was awake and looking at her, confused. When Juliette was close to Robbin, he asked, “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Just a fool messing around.”
.
.
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