Chapter 43
Tessy’s POV
I was awake, gasping for air, my heart racing. The masked figure’s twisted face lingered in my mind, haunting me.
As I opened my eyes, I expected to see the dark, scary warehouse. But instead, I found myself in my bedroom.
Confusion washed over me. How did I get here? I remembered being at the warehouse, seeing the bodies, and…
Panic set in. The masked figure!!! Did he really exist or was he part of the nightmare?
I scanned my room, but everything seemed normal. No signs of struggle, no evidence of anyone else being here.
I threw off the covers and rushed to the door, flinging it open. The hallway was empty.
“Hello?” I called out, my voice shaking but got no response.
I stumbled back to my bed, feeling lost and scared. Was I losing my mind?
Tears streamed down my face as fear and uncertainty consumed me. What was real? What was just a nightmare?
I sobbed uncontrollably, my phone trembling in my hand as I dialed Elizabeth’s number.
“Please pick up,” I whispered, chewing on my fingernails.
Elizabeth’s reassuring voice answered on the first ring. “Tessy, what’s wrong?”
“I… I had the worst nightmare,” I stammered, tears streaming down my face.
“Stay calm, I’m on my way,” Elizabeth soothed. “I’ll be there shortly.”
I collapsed onto my bed, feeling vulnerable. “What if… what if he comes for me?” I whispered.
“Who, Tessy?” Elizabeth asked, concerned revealing in her voice.
“The scary figure,” I replied, my voice barely loud.
Elizabeth’s tone turned firm. “Lock all your doors and windows. I’ll be there soon.”
I hastily locked my window, my hands shaking as I checked the latch repeatedly.
What if he’s watching me? What if he’s waiting for me?
I pulled the curtains tight as if that could keep the darkness outside.
Pacing around my room, I couldn’t shake off the feeling of being hunted.
Suddenly, every creak of the house sounded like footsteps.
Every shadow seemed to move.
I spun around, expecting the masked figure to materialize.
I clutched my phone, waiting for Elizabeth’s arrival, praying she’d bring safety and sanity with her. Please hurry.
Remembering the dead bodies I saw and how the masked figure ended the last person, I was sweating nonstop and tears streaming down my eyes already.
I heard a knock at the door and at first, I was scared to open it but when I heard Elizabeth’s voice I immediately opened it and hugged her.
“It’s okay, I am here now.” She tried to calm me and I couldn’t speak for a few minutes. I just remained in her arms while she kept trying to make sure I felt better.
“I will make some tea.” She said to me and I nodded resting on the bed feeling a little better knowing someone was in the house with me. I decided to escape by creating an illusion in my head of Anthony kissing me and making love with me.
Elizabeth handed me a steaming cup of tea, her expression concerned. “What happened, Tessy? You’re shaking.”
I took a sip, trying to calm down. “I got a strange text… to meet someone at an old warehouse.” My voice trembled.
Elizabeth’s eyes widened. “What did you find there?”
I shuddered, reliving the horror. “Dead bodies… and this masked figure. He was killing someone with his iron fist.” Tears streamed down my face.
Elizabeth gasped, her face pale. “Oh my God, Tessy! That’s terrifying!”
I sobbed, feeling vulnerable. “I passed out, and when I woke up, I was here, in my room. It’s like I dreamed it all, but it felt so real.”
Elizabeth wrapped her arms around me in a reassuring hug. “You’re safe now. I’m here.”
I pulled back, sniffling. “What if he comes after me?”
Elizabeth’s expression turned firm. “We’ll go to the police. You’ll tell them everything.”
I nodded, feeling a sense of relief.
Elizabeth’s eyes locked onto mine. “Promise me you’ll never go to a strange place alone again.”
I nodded vigorously, tears still streaming down my face. “I promise.”
“I have a bad feeling about Anthony, anytime you get close to him bad things always happen, what if he is a danger to you? I don’t want you to end up dead like his late lover Eddy told us about.”
“Come on Elizabeth, Anthony is not evil, it’s just a coincidence, he can’t hurt me.”
“I don’t know what he has done to you, you always defend him, but think about what I just said.” I nodded.
Elizabeth handed me a tissue. “Here, wipe your tears. We’ll get through this together.”
As we hugged, I felt a sense of safety, but the fear lingered.
“Elizabeth?”
“Yes?”
“What if he’s watching us?”
Elizabeth’s expression turned grim. “We’ll be careful. We’ll stay together.”
But I couldn’t shake off the feeling that the masked figure was still out there, waiting. “Thank you so much, Elizabeth!”
“You don’t have to thank me, what are friends for?” She added.
Elizabeth had to leave the next day for something urgent, so I was left alone. The memory of the masked figure lingered, making my skin crawl.
Just as I was starting to feel overwhelmed, my phone rang. Anthony’s name flashed on the screen.
“Babydoll, come over,” he said, his voice low and soothing. “A car will be waiting outside your apartment.”
I hesitated, unsure if I should go. But something about Anthony’s calm demeanor reassured me.
Maybe he can help me forget, I told myself.
I took a deep breath and began getting ready. As I dressed, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror.
And that’s when I saw him.
The masked figure stood behind me, his eyes gleaming with menace. I couldn’t breathe or scream.
I turned around, gasping, but there was no one there.
My heart racing, I realized it was just my imagination playing tricks.
Shaken, I grabbed my purse and rushed out of the apartment.
I need to get out of here, I muttered to myself.
I stepped out of my apartment building, scanning the street for the car Anthony had promised. A sleek black sedan waited by the curb, its engine purring softly.
The driver, a tall, imposing figure with sunglasses, emerged to open the door for me.
“Miss Tessy?” he asked, his voice firm but polite.
I nodded, feeling a sense of relief.
“My boss sent me to pick you up,” he confirmed, helping me into the car.
As we pulled away from the curb, I felt a mix of emotions, anxiety, gratitude, and a hint of uncertainty.
We glided through the city streets, the silence between us comfortable.
Before I knew it, we arrived at the Villa.
I stepped into the Villa, following the directions to meet Anthony. But before I entered, I saw the same lady coming out. I always saw her with a man, but this time around she was alone, her eyes brimming with tears and anger.
As she passed me, our gazes met. Her expression twisted in disgust, she called me “F**king bitch,” in a low tone.
Why does he hate me? What did I do to her?
Shaking off the uneasy feeling, I entered into the place to see him
Anthony sat on the couch, sipping from a glass. His eyes locked onto mine, and he smiled.
“Baby doll, come over here to Daddy,” he said, his voice low and commanding.
His dominating aura enveloped me, making my skin prickle. But something about him seemed off.
His smile seemed forced, his eyes gleaming with an unsettling intensity.
I hesitated, unsure if I should approach.
“Come to me, don’t keep me waiting,” Anthony repeated, his voice was my doom, it turns me on easily.
I took a step forward, then another, drawn to his charismatic presence.
As I reached him, Anthony set his glass down and wrapped his arms around me as he kissed me.
As Anthony’s arms enveloped me, his warmth and scent erased my doubts. His dominating presence ignited a flame within me, and I felt my troubles melting away. I thought about what Elizabeth said to me, why do bad things happen to me when I get closer to Anthony? Who is Anthony for real? I need to stop, he is a nice person, full stop…
“Let go, Tessy,” he whispered, his breath caressing my ear. “Let me take care of you.”
His words echoed through me, and I surrendered to his embrace. His lips claimed mine, and our kiss deepened, sparking a passion that consumed me.
The world outside faded, leaving only Anthony’s touch, his taste, and his commanding presence.
He guided me to his bedroom, his hands exploring my body with a possessive intimacy.
“I’ll make you feel good,” he promised, his voice husky with desire. Our sex relationship continues.
I had the same nightmare, I screamed from my sleep and my voice echoed through the room. Anthony’s arms wrapped around me, holding me close.
“Shh, baby doll, it’s okay,” he whispered, his voice calm and soothing.
But I was beyond consolation. Tears streamed down my face as the nightmare replayed in my mind.
“The masked figure,” I sobbed, my voice trembling. “He’s after me.”
Anthony’s grip tightened, his eyes locked onto mine.
“Don’t worry, Tessy, it’s just a dream” he said, his voice firm and reassuring. “I’ll always protect you. No matter what.”
He stroked my hair, his touch gentle. I slowly fell asleep in his arms knowing I would be safe with him and no harm would come to me. I knew he would protect me no matter what but would he believe my story if I told him what happened? Won’t he think I am insane?
TBC