MARY’S POV.
“You know, from a glance, you look like a good person.” I broke the silence between Dominic and I.
“Thanks for your kind words, Mrs Newman.”
“I wasn’t flattering you, Mr blackmailer.” I retorted. “I’m only stating the obvious, I would’ve considered you a good person if I don’t know how scheming you are.”
“Wait a minute! What did you just called me ma’am?” Shock was written over his face. “A Black… blackmailer?” He stuttered. “What are you talking about?” He asked, blinking his eyes fixed on the road.
“Does bringing food and fruits makes you less guilty towards Saraya?” I asked as Dominic drove.
“I don’t understand what you’re talking about, don’t you think you’ve got the wrong person?” He asked.
I gave out a soft laugh. “I don’t expect you to come out clean with me just accusing you but I just wonder wonder how Saraya would feel if she ever finds out you’re the blackmailer.”
Dominic turned to me. “I’m no blackmailer and I can tell you, Mrs Newman that this is a misunderstanding.”
“You should focus on the road, I don’t want to end up on the hospital bed like Alex.” I cautioned.
“Pardon me, Mrs Newman but I have no idea what you’re talking about?” He said and I could feel him uncomfortably on his seat. “I respect you a lot but I don’t appreciate you calling me names.”
“I saw you that night at Brisbane, taking a video of Arlan and Saraya.” I revealed.
The tyres of the car screeched and the car came to a halt. I felt the abrupt stop, my body jerking slightly forward before I braced myself against the seat. Thanks to the seatbelt I was putting on.
“Fuck!” I screamed. “Now that I know your secret, are you trying to get me killed?” I asked angrily.
Dominic’s face went pale, his hands gripped the steering wheel tightly. His eyes widened as he stared at me, completely caught off guard by my words.
The silence between us felt suffocating, and for a moment, neither of us moved.
“You…” His voice was low, almost hoarse. “You saw that?”
I nodded, with a big smirk on my face. “I did. And now I wonder, how would Saraya feel if she knew you were the one who recorded them that day and extorted money from her?” I told him. “It would be safe to say that you worsened Alex’s condition. Tell me, what do you think Saraya will do when she finds out?”
Dominic’s grip on the wheel tightened, his knuckles going white. He didn’t respond right away, as if trying to process what I had just revealed.
“Do you have any evidence to prove what you’ve just said?”
I laughed and took out my phone and gave it to him. “I took a picture of you that night.” I replied, showing him.
The moment I gave Dominic my phone, he ominic quickly deleted the picture but that only amuse me. “You’re so naive, Dominic.” I began, “you think I’m so dumb to reveal what I know and let you have my phone without a backup of the file?”
I chuckled. “Not only do I have a picture of you, I also have a video of you.” I added.
Dominic’s eyes flare up in anger. “How dare you take a picture and video of me?”
My hand landed on his face, “how dare you raise your voice at me?” I yelled. “Because of you, my husband is lying almost lifeless on the bed. You really are the one to speak. How did you even summon the guts to show your face at his bed?”
“So you intend threatening me?” He asked.
“Hmmm,” I nodded. “Just like you threatened my family members, I intend doing the same to you.”
Dominic molded his hand into fist, I could see anger consuming him.
Like I could read what was on his mind, “don’t you think of laying your filthy hands on me, remember I have to call Saraya when I get home so you have the duty of taking me home safe and sound. As long as you do what I say, I will look the other way.”
“You want something from me?”
“Shouldn’t I get something in return for all my troubles?” I retorted.
“Don’t tell me it’s the money you want?”
I rolled my eyes. “You think I’m doing this for some crumb change?” I asked looking him dead in the eyes. “No, I’m not.”
Dominic finally spoke again, his voice quieter, but no less intense. “I never meant for things to go this far. You have to believe me. I didn’t want Alex to end up like this.”
I laughed bitterly. “Well, you certainly have a funny way of showing it.”
“What do you want?” He asked me.
“You like Saraya, don’t you?” I shook my head at the question. “Like is not the one. You want Saraya, don’t you?”
He swallowed hard, looking away. Dominic’s silence was all the confirmation I needed.
“You don’t have to answer,” I continued, my voice laced with mockery. “It’s written all over your face. But here’s the thing, Dominic, you’re not worthy of her. Not after everything you’ve done.”
He threw a glance my way. “You don’t know anything about me, Mrs. Newman,” he muttered, his voice low and defensive.
“I know enough,” I shot back. “I know you’re nothing more than a manipulative coward. You’ve been lurking in the shadows, pulling strings, and now you want to act like you’re some knight in shining armor? Please.”
Dominic inhaled and exhaled deeply. “I care about Saraya. I’d never do anything to hurt her.”
I laughed, cold and icy. “You can spare me the epistle.” I said, knowing I have gotten him right where I wanted. “You don’t get to play the victim here. You’ve caused enough damage, and now, you’re going to lay for it.”
“Tell tell me the god damn thing you want.” He snapped, his breath shaky.
I signaled at him to come closer and I leaned towards him.
“What?” He looked at me in shock.
“You should be happy I’m willing to keep your secret.” I reminded him. “And remember not to try to play a fast one on me. I have quite the temper. Do I make myself clear?”
Dominic hesitated, his jaw clenched as he processed my words. “And if I don’t?”
I smiled, but there was no warmth in it. “Let’s just say Saraya isn’t the only one who’ll know what you’ve done. I have more than enough evidence to make sure your life becomes a living hell. Do you really want to test me, Dominic?”
He didn’t respond right away, but the flash of fear in his eyes told me everything I needed to know.
“Good,” I said, sitting back in my seat. “Now, drive me home. I’ve had enough of your company for one day.”
“Play me a classical music.” I ordered.
Dominic did as I have instructed and the car started moving again, I danced moving my head and shoulder with my eyes closed.
I could feel Dominic stealing glances at me, he might have thought he could outplay everyone, but he’d made one crucial mistake and that is underestimating me.
The soft hum of the music in the car soon came to an abrupt stop. I blinked, pulling myself out of my thoughts, my eyes snapping open. Dominic’s hands tightened on the wheel, and the car slowed down.
“We’re here,” he said, his voice strained.
I nodded. “Thank you, Dominic,” I said. “For bring me home safe but don’t forget what we discussed.”
He didn’t answer. He just stared ahead, his jaw set. I knew I’d left him with something to think about.
I stepped out of the car, I didn’t look back as I walked into the Newman’s mansion.
I headed straight for Evan’s room. The door creaked open quietly, and I saw him lying on the bed, fast asleep. His chest rose and fell gently with each breath.
I couldn’t help but smile, “Seems like our little boy isn’t so little anymore.” My fingers brushed through his hair, my heart tightening as I looked at him.
“The day when you’ll inherit everything that’s rightfully yours… it’s so close, Evan,” I whispered softly. “Everything your father worked for, everything that belongs to you… it’s all coming soon. Just hold on a little longer.”
I kissed his forehead gently, stared at him for a moment, then stood up and quietly walked out of the room.
As I stepped out, I came in contact with Isla who was waiting for me by the door.
I almost jumped out of my skin. “Mother!” I placed my hand on my chest, using the other to close the door gently behind me. “You scared the hell out of my me.”
“I saw you came home and decided to check on you.” She said.
Running my hands through my hair, I sighed. “I’m fine and thank you for putting Evan to sleep.”
“How is Alex doing?” She quickly added.
“You don’t have to worry yourself, mother.” I placed my hand on her shoulder. “Saraya is staying with him tonight, the caregiver will resume in the morning. Everything would be fine.” I hugged her. “Let’s get you to bed as well.” I suggested, not ready for her long talks. I just wanted to discard her as soon as possible and have sometime to myself.
I lead to her room and helped her lie down. I pulled the covers over her and gave her a gentle kiss on the forehead before turning to leave the room.
“Thank you for everything, Mary,” she said. “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight, Mom.” I replied and quickly excused myself. “She sounds so different today, what could be the problem?” I asked as I headed back to my room.
Then it occured to me. “Today is James and Patricia’ s death anniversary. Little wonder, she is like that.”
“Whatever, I have more than enough on my plates.” I said and headed to my room.
*
DOMINIC’S POV.
“Shit!” I slammed my hand on the steering wheel. “How the hell could I have been so careless, playing the pawn in Mary’s chess?” I snapped, angry at myself for my carelessness.
I couldn’t shake the bitter feeling of being trapped. “She is never going to stop threatening me.” I said aloud. “I have to figure out away to break off from her grasp. I can’t break free from my dad and be enslaved to another.”
The idea of being at her mercy gnawed at me, eating away at what little control I had left. I hated the feeling, hated the helplessness that came with it.
What had started as a twisted game to get closer to Saraya, to maybe get something from her, had now put me in a position I couldn’t escape. Every time I thought I had a hold on the situation, someone like Mary showed up, pulling the rug out from under me.
I ran my fingers through my hair, “if you want to play this game with me, then fine, be my guest.”