Zoey p. o. v
Several days have passed since Marco told me the truth about my dad’s death, and to say the least, I’m still in shock they had kept something this big from me.
I’m starting to wonder what other secret are they hiding from me. The thought alone has me grimacing in distaste, and even more upset.
Mom and I have been living together for six years after dad’s supposed death, and she kept the truth from me. She watches me suffering the loss of my dad and also made me think she was going through a hard time after losing her husband and she didn’t say anything. What got me more upset with her, is that she asked them not to tell me the truth.
I grit my teeth together, forcing down my pain.
“So…..” Rebecca trailed off, dragging my strayed attention to her. We are sitting on the patio behind the mansion, sun bathing.
The patio is larger than an average size, and a huge outdoor pool lay ahead. We sat facing the pool and the woods that behind the high fence.
Rebecca and I have become friends, I was reluctant but damn, she’s persistent. She has being going on about the different events she has attended, and filling me in on things and people she has a encountered.
I raised an eyebrow for her to continue.
“What’s going on with you and Marco. Are you avoiding him?” She sipped on the cocktail in her hand, staring at me from under her lashes.
I’m tempted to roll my eyes and brush her off, but the look she’s giving is saying I’m-not-quiting.
“Observant, are we?” I breathe teasingly.
“I have to Zoey, Marco is the only close friend I have that was willing to help me when I needed it. So it’s only fair that I look out for him as well.” She stated, she sat upright and faced me.
“I just needed time and space to process everything, a lot is going on right, and I want to sort out my emotions.” I explained, even though that wasn’t the entire truth.
I still couldn’t get over the fact that Marco broke up with me out of the blue, it came as a complete blow to me, one I’m still healing from. If there is one thing I despise, it is when I’m being kept in the dark.
Even if it’s for my protection, I would want to know as to not be taken off guard.
“I understand you, I will feel the same way if I was in your position. But I require you to look at the whole thing from another prospective. You’ll see that keeping you in the dark was actually the best option, and you’ll realize that it was for your own good.” Rebecca persuaded.
I still stand my ground, I hate been deceived.
“Do you know how Marco and I met?” Rebecca continued, when I didn’t say anything, my brows knitted together. Why is she bringing that up, nonetheless, I gave her a single nod?
“He was ambushed.” I stated, Marco has already explained this to me.
“No.” She shook her head in denial. “That’s was what he told you, but wasn’t the actual truth.”
“What do you mean?” I grimace, my lips going into a straight line. That wasn’t the truth? Then what is?
“He wasn’t ambushed, he walked straight into their trap wilfully.” She said which deepened my frown. “To save you, he had to do their bidding.” Her words stunned me.
To save me? From what? Better said, from whom? And why will I be involved in anything that will endanger me, and requires my rescue?
“I don’t understand, to save me from what?”
“His rivals, of course, even after you guys broke up. Some of his rivals were still after you, and if he hadn’t shown up in their territory defenceless, you’d be dead. They gave him options, either to come to them unarmed and secure your safety, or be stubborn and get you killed. And of course, he’s Marco, the man who is madly in love with you. He chooses to keep you save and went to them.” Rebecca finished her mini story.
To say the least, I am stunned. I didn’t expect Marco to have gone this far just to protect me. My emotions are conflicted, I am rendered speechless and motionless.
The weight of what Rebecca just disclosed, weighs down on me. I felt pressured and disturbed that he almost lost his life for my sake. I know I should be thankful that he didn’t lose his life, yet the number of pain he must have gone through, I can’t begin to imagine it.
What would have happened if Rebecca didn’t find him in time, or never found him. He would have been dead. The thought of it only is enough for my heart to stop beating, if I wasn’t sitting, I swear my knees would have failed me.
“Zoey, I want you to understand that Marco’s love is pure and genuine, and I know for a fact that you still feel the same way for him. Why not sort your differences and be together again.” Rebecca said with concern, and hopeful eyes.
I won’t deny the fact that I still love him, I’m still madly in love with him. After all these years, I thought I’ve got over him but was only deceiving myself.
“I’m going out.” I stood up. Yet another secret hidden has been unveiled, I need a fresh air and a clear mind.
So I’m going to the only place I know will help me clear my head and calm my nerves down.
I left before Rebecca could reply, it was rude of me to do that, but I just urgently needed the space. I went to my room for a change of clothes, I changed into a plain black denim jeans and a tasteful silk white tank top. I pulled my hair in a high ponytail and, ending my look with a pair of flats, took to my phone.
I stumbled back frightened the second I opened the door, Rebecca was casually leaning beside my door. She has already changed to a new set of clothes as well and seems to be waiting for me.
I gave her a stare.
“If you don’t mind, I want to tag along. I haven’t gone out since I got here, please?” She pleaded with the cute little bunny look on. I heave a sigh and gave her a nod of approval.
“Yes! Thank you so much.” She exclaimed excitedly and pulled me into a tight hug.
“Continue hugging me the way, and I might just pass out.” I struggled out dramatically, she released me from her hold. I chuckled at her guilty expression.
“Let’s go.” I urged us. We made our way to the stairs only to find Marco stalking up the stairs. He movements waivers bit when he saw us, saw me to be precise.
Recollection of what Rebecca told me earlier flash through my mind, I don’t think I could have handled it if he was actually killed because of me.
I can’t handle the thought of not having him alive, even if we aren’t together. I was tempted to run into his arms and feel his warmth engulfing me. I want to him how much I love him, how much I cherish him, and how I so badly want him back in my life.
I don’t if it’s just my emotions overwhelming me, but damn it. I want this man in my life.
Being my stubborn self, I withheld my emotions from taking control. I just have to leave this sea of emotions that I seem to be drowning in, to get a straight mind.
I chose to dismiss him, and continue on my journey.
“Where are you going?” His question halts me, I was silently hoping he won’t ask.
“Out.” I reply shortly. Knowing a single command from him, his patrol men won’t let us take a step forward.
“Out? That doesn’t answer my question, Zoey.” The sound of my name, coming from him, almost made my knees buckle. The sound was so flawless, smooth, and gentle like a lullaby.
“Zoey and I are just talking a stroll out, we’ll be back soon.”Rebecca answered for us since I failed to deliver one.
It was silent for a while, I could feel the weight of his stare on me, but I refused to respond. I fear that I might just end up crumbling in his arms.
“The driver will take you.” He stated, then turning on his heels.
“No, we will walk.” I opposed effectively stopping him. He stalks towards me harshly, getting pissed by my stubborn resistance.
“Marco, it’s fine. We will be safe, and besides, the two of us are going together.” Rebecca intervenes.
It was silent again, but this time the pressure from his stare was intense. I found myself fidgeting under his stare.
I heard him mutter a quick fine before he angrily left. I released a breath of relief I didn’t know I was holding.
Rebecca gave me a sympathetic look, I dismissed the look from her with a weak smile as we made our way out.