59

Tomas.
Boiling with rage and huffing, hardly able to catch my breath, I glared nervously that’s how I felt after witnessing the utterly devastating confession scene between Paul and Jennifer. My initial reaction had been violent; I wanted nothing more than to strangle him, to shoot him dead where he stood. But as my anger simmered down and I attempted to piece together the chaotic events of those few moments, a harsh reality set in: it was all my fault from the very start. Amanda’s relentless, underhanded attacks on Jennifer, her vicious verbal assaults, had only fueled my own mistakes and indecisions. I stood by like a coward, paralyzed, failing to defend the woman I supposedly loved. And then there was the way Amanda had dragged me away, her elbow digging painfully into my arm, her grip like a vice on my own.
If I had been in Jennifer’s place, I knew I would have reacted exactly as she did. But now, the horror of my actions weighed heavily upon me, like a leaden blanket suffocating my spirit. I regretted everything, every single misstep I had taken along this twisted path. How could I possibly correct these mistakes? How could I even hope to make Jennifer forgive me? I pounded my head against the wall in frustration, again and again, desperately seeking a solution, a clever plan to salvage the wreckage of my life. But my mind was a frustrating void, a blank slate devoid of any useful thoughts or ideas. I felt utterly stupid, a fool trapped in my own making.
Moments later, Amanda entered my room without knocking, a wide, unsettling smile plastered across her face. It was a smile that seemed to say she was relieved, comfortable now that Jennifer was no longer a rival. “Tomas!” she exclaimed, her voice bright and irritating in my ears.
My head snapped up, jerking away from my self-flagellation. I glared at her, hoping to convey my displeasure. “What are you doing here? And what’s with that sickening smile? You scared me! How many times must I tell you to knock before entering my room?” I groaned, my simmering frustration boiling over like a pot left unattended.
“I’m sorry, but I thought I should stay with you, and I asked the servants to bring in the bags…” Amanda mumbled, her gaze fixed on the floor, disappointment evident in her posture. It was almost comical how she seemed to wilt before my eyes.
I cleared my throat, trying to regain some semblance of control. “Okay, you can stay, but only tonight,” I said, my tone bordering on dismissive.
“But why?” Amanda’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion, her expression a mix of disbelief and hurt.
I huffed in annoyance. “No reason! Just do as I say!” I snapped, my patience wearing thin.
She nodded, her eyes darting around the room, as if searching for something to latch onto. Her gaze landed on a shirt lying on the bed, and she picked it up, holding it aloft, her mouth falling open in shock. “What’s this, Tomas? Is this Jennifer’s shirt? She was sleeping here with you?!”
I frowned, irritation flaring within me. “Why do you care?” I asked, my voice dripping with sarcasm.
“Why? I’m the one who gave you everything, even a son, and you betray me? And you ask *why* I care? What the hell is going on between you two? I thought you’d maintain our relationship, care for me and our son. Do you even remember our son?!” Amanda’s voice rose, laced with accusation and a deep sense of hurt.
“Stop with the annoying, blubbering, meaningless words. I didn’t say I don’t care about my son. What? Should I treat you and my son as a package deal? Are you for sale? I really wonder why you came back, why you resigned from your amazing job as a fib officer. Don’t tell me it was all for me, as you claimed before; I’m not an idiot! You came back because you found out I’m a wealthy, powerful man now. Especially after your makeover. Do you think I wouldn’t investigate your plastic surgeries, the changes to your face and body? Do you think the appearance of my son would make me overlook your past? No, Amanda, you’re wrong.” I smirked, crossing my arms in defiance.
“Oh really! Then I guess you know the pain I endured to achieve this perfect look. Do you know how excruciating those surgeries were? All to be beautiful, to make you fall for me again! It was so hard, Tomas. Where’s the Tomas I met in college, the Tomas I was in love with, the one I dreamed of seeing again, the one I cared about?” Amanda exclaimed, her voice thick with emotion, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
I turned my back to her, walking away as if her words were a weight I could no longer bear. “Amanda, I’m unsure about everything right now. If you want to leave, it’s your choice. But if you want to stay until I figure things out, I’ll be glad to have you. But I won’t force you to stay or go,” I said, trying to sound more composed than I felt.
Amanda approached me, wrapping her arms tightly around my waist, her grip surprisingly strong. “I can’t live without you, Tomas. I stepped on everyone, used everyone, just to come back to you, to reshape myself into an irresistible woman. Do you know how much I sacrificed just to be with you? You’re right, Tomas, I don’t care about my son as much as I care about you. I love you more than anyone in this world. Please, reconsider me, my feelings! Tell me what I need to do to make you love me again?!” Her voice broke, her breathing shallow with suppressed sobs, and it stirred something within me, a mix of pity and confusion.
Her words prompted a wave of self-doubt to wash over me. What had she done in the past? Whom had she used? I questioned myself, whispering the doubts in my mind, wondering if she was truly sincere or merely acting. I turned to face her, hoping to find some semblance of honesty in her eyes, but her tears failed to move me. I felt nothing, absolutely nothing. But when Jennifer cried, my heart raced, my pulse thundered, and it felt like my heart might leap from my chest. I remembered Carl’s advice from my early days after my parents died. He’d said, “Tomas, not everyone who cries before you is truthful and faithful. Some cry to manipulate your mind and heart.” I stared deeply into Amanda’s eyes, pondering his words. Then, I gently pushed her hands away and stepped back.
“Amanda, could you please shut up? I have a splitting headache. Go take a shower, or take a nap.” I mocked, my tone devoid of empathy, hoping to distance myself from her.
“Where are you going, Tomas?” Amanda called out, her voice laced with panic.
“Why do you ask?” I widened my eyes, feigning surprise.
“Because I invited Jennifer, her new boyfriend Paul, and Mr. Carl for lunch. I thought it would be a great idea. We need a fresh start, as one family. I know Jennifer isn’t officially part of our family, but she’s our son’s babysitter, your secretary, and the writer and actress in the movies you invest in. We need to clear the air, remove any obstacles.” Amanda dropped her bombshell, and my heart sank.
My teeth clenched in frustration. “What? Her *new* boyfriend?!” I ignored everything else she’d said, fixating solely on those words. I huffed, opening the door and slamming it behind me with a force that echoed through the halls.
I walked around the hotel, spotting Jennifer near the sea, her laughter dancing on the breeze. I started towards her, my heart racing, but stopped dead in my tracks when I saw Paul running to her, offering her a yellow flower. He seemed shocked, as if he had just discovered the meaning of life. Of course, he’s an idiot. He thought she’d be surprised by the flower, but she wasn’t; she was astonished! I knew her expressions, her likes and dislikes. Why would he give a girl he likes a yellow flower? Did he even know that flowers don’t always signify romantic interest? I laughed aloud, my anger momentarily forgotten, and he glanced at me, confusion crossing his face.
He took Jennifer’s hand and kissed it, explaining that he’d given her the yellow flower on purpose. Intrigued, she asked why. Paul replied that he wanted to express his jealousy, explaining that jealousy represents a passionate, almost crazy love, not just ordinary affection. His explanation made my stomach churn.
I murmured to myself, “Definitely, Paul will be a strong rival! He can skillfully manipulate words and hearts! This won’t be easy.” My mind raced with thoughts of how to counter his tactics, how to win Jennifer back.
Just then, Carl and Amanda approached, their faces a mixture of concern and curiosity.
“Hey Tomas, what are you staring at? Stop peeking!” Amanda smirked, her tone teasing.
“Stop sneaking!” I snapped at her, my patience fraying. She gasped, taken aback by my outburst.
“Why are you here, Amanda? I’m not in the mood for arguing or talking to you! I don’t even know why I’m still here! This is insane!” I ground my teeth, my anger simmering just beneath the surface as I continued to watch Jennifer and Paul.
Paul smirked, winking at me, as if he knew he had the upper hand. He then lifted Jennifer’s arm and strolled toward me, a wide grin plastered across his face, as if he were the victor of some game between us.
“Mr. Tomas, are you ready?” Jennifer asked, her voice bright and cheerful. I frowned, my mood darkening.
“Ready for what?” I replied, irritation creeping into my tone.
“For dinner, or maybe it’s lunch! Anyway, Paul booked a yacht, and I cooked… or I should say, I baked too… Anyway, are you ready? And your wife seems ready too!” Jennifer smirked, glancing at Amanda and giggling. She patted Paul’s shoulder, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Come on, Paul. I need to change; I’m sweating.”
They walked away, entirely ignoring me, leaving me fuming in place. Amanda remained glued to her spot, watching me with an intensity that made me uneasy. I wondered, if Amanda hadn’t appeared, what would have happened? I think it’s all my fault. When Jennifer was with me, I thought about Amanda; when Amanda appeared, all I could think about was Jennifer.
What the hell is wrong with me? I pondered this, lost in thought, when Amanda suddenly pressed her face close to mine, staring intently into my eyes. I flinched back, startled. “Amanda, you scared me!” I exclaimed, trying to regain my composure.
She sighed, then looped her arm through mine, her touch sending a jolt of frustration through me. “Let’s go, Tomas. Jennifer and Paul are waiting on the yacht. You need to calm down, stop stressing,” she said gently, but her presence was suffocating.
I nodded, not fully convinced, and walked beside her towards the yacht, my mind racing with conflicting emotions. Carl followed close behind, calling my name. “Tomas!” I turned, walking closer to him. His face was grim, a shadow of worry etched across his features.
“What’s wrong, Carl?” I furrowed my eyebrows, sensing the urgency in his tone.
“Something dangerous is happening. Our men aren’t with us; we need to leave immediately. The son of the Russian mafia boss wants revenge for you eliminating his father. He sent a threatening letter,” Carl said, his voice low and serious.
“What? How dare he? Those young punks! But you said he sent a letter? When?” I frowned, my mind racing with possibilities.
“It’s not about when! Listen, we need to take Jennifer and go now!” Carl’s voice was urgent, his eyes scanning the area as if danger lurked around every corner.
I blinked, processing his words. “What? Why Jennifer?” I asked, confusion gripping me.
“Because the letter was addressed to Jennifer. I found it at the reception. Thank god she didn’t open it. It said, ‘Jennifer: I’m sorry, but I have to kill you because you’re innocent among those monsters. It’s better for Tomas to live with Amanda because she’s as cold-hearted as him. See you soon, Jennifer.'”
“What kind of guy is this? How dare he threaten Jennifer? And what does he mean by ‘she’s innocent’? How does he know that? He knows more than I do about Jennifer!” I huffed, crossing my arms defensively.
“Tomas, snap out of it! This isn’t the time to think. We have to go now. Where’s Jennifer?” Carl shouted, his tone leaving no room for argument.
I spun around, running a hand through my hair, then gasped as the reality hit me. “Oh my god, she’s on the yacht with Paul…!”
I ran, Carl following close behind, urgency propelling us forward. I grabbed my gun, slipping it onto my back, feeling the familiar weight that both comforted and terrified me. Amanda saw my frantic run and called out. “What’s wrong, Tomas?!” Her eyes widened; as a former fib officer, she sensed danger and followed me, her instincts kicking in.
I spotted a man in a black suit hiding on the yacht, his presence sending a chill down my spine. I leaped into action. “Jennifer, watch out!” I yelled, running towards her, jumping over her just in time to intercept danger. Paul pushed the man, his hand grazing the attacker’s knife. The assailant vanished in an instant, slipping away like smoke.
Jennifer saw Paul’s bleeding hand and screamed, her voice laced with panic. “Oh god, are you okay? Help him, please!” Her concern for Paul stung like a knife in my heart.
Paul smiled faintly at Jennifer, stroking her cheek with a tenderness that ignited my jealousy. “It’s okay, Jennifer, I’m okay, don’t worry,” he assured her, but his words only deepened my anger.
Jennifer’s eyes rolled back as she fainted, muttering, “I hate blood.” It was a sight that made my heart race with desperation.
Paul supported her head, trying to rouse her, and I stared at him, my frustration boiling over. I pushed his hand away, my instincts taking over. “Leave Jennifer alone, Paul! She’s mine! And she hates blood!” I shouted, my voice dripping with fury, before I turned and began to walk away, carrying Jennifer in my arms.
“Tomas, wait for me!” Amanda called, chasing after me.
“Go home, Amanda, don’t wait for me. You heard what I said. Jennifer is mine, and I don’t want anyone else! Is that clear?!” I exclaimed, walking to my room and laying Jennifer on the bed, my emotions in turmoil.
“Carl, close the door,” I commanded, my tone leaving no room for argument.
He nodded, closing the door gently to avoid waking Jennifer, his face still etched with concern. “Tomas, I don’t trust Amanda or Paul. Something’s very wrong,” he said, his voice low.
I nodded, shaking my head in agreement. “Exactly, Carl. Did you hear what Paul said? He called Jennifer innocent. He used the same word in the letter. Besides, how does Amanda know I’m here? This is a trap. We need to leave without anyone knowing. At midnight, we’ll go. But for now, call our men and have them watch Amanda and Paul. Keep a close eye on them. And another thing, I want a DNA test to confirm if little Tomas is my son. But keep this matter secret until the results are in. Keep watching them, and come back to my room at midnight. I can’t live without Jennifer, Carl. I can’t.” I sighed, the weight of my feelings heavy on my chest.
Carl nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation, and closed the door behind him. I locked it, secured the chain, and placed a chair against it, creating a barrier against the world outside. I placed my gun beside me, locked all the windows, and closed the curtains tightly. All I could do was hope Jennifer slept soundly until we returned home safely. I didn’t want her to wake up and worry about anything; she deserved peace, at least for now.