Chapter 13: Chapter 13

The look on her face made me feel more guilty. I have totally turned her into a scared little thing. If I had not treated her the way I did this past few days, she would have perhaps given me a concerned look or even a loving smile. But all I could see was fear and a means of escape.

I am very sorry...I managed to say. I just want to talk please. Just listen to me for a moment.

"Okay, sit there on the couch and i will be back in five minutes she said as she went to her closet."

She came back wearing a long dress that covered every part of her body but she looked flawless like an Egyptian goddess. I was too desperate that i didn't take notice of what she was wearing before but I think she wanted to make herself comfortable.

"Tea, Coffee?...she asked as she walked towards the kitchen. "Coffee"...I replied gratefully. The way she treated me just made me feel even more guilty. How could she be so nice to me when all I did was make her life a nightmare? No wonder everybody likes her. she must be an angel.

She came back holding only one cup of coffee and offered it to me. "What about You", I asked taking a sip. It was good, just the way i wanted it. How did she know how I like my coffee?

"I am allergic to caffeine, she replied casually so what brings you here at this time of the night, she asked thougtfully. I was dead silent as I didn't know where to start from so I tried to skip the question as I asked.

How did you know how I like my coffee I asked without answering her question.

"I prepared the coffee Sue served you before the final presentation. She told me how you wanted it." She replied like it was nothing...you still haven't told me why you are here, she added.

Yes, I said putting my coffee on the side table.

"Sorry, I will wait for you to drink up. It might get cold and you look tired."

Thank you, I replied with a smile picking up and drinking my coffee again. I glanced at her and she looked like she had thousand and I questions on her mind. I could understand that. Someone who has depised you from day one suddenly showing up in your house in the middle of the ngiht. But one thing I also didn't understand was how she kept in mind how I liked my coffee even though I seemed to be her worst nightmare.

Maya, I started, after careful thought. I don't know where to start and I also know that you will not understand me but I have never hated you. When I splashed mud on you, I wanted to apologize but I was so scared Maya...

" Scared about what?" she asked with concern.

Let me put it this way, I have never loved anyone and I don't understand what it is to love and be loved. I was raised in a family that only cared about wealth and power and their legacy. I was thought to protect the family name which I have done over the years, including agreeing to marry Tilda.

I.....then her phone began to ring. "Please excuse me," she said as she went to pick her phone and answered it. I knew it was Tom as she turned round and looked at me. All she said was..."I am trying to but you woke me".....then she laughed. I wish I could make her laugh that way. I started boiling with jealousy as I walked towards her. "Alright, I will see you in the morning", she said hanging up.

Who was that, I asked as I got close to her. Is that why you came here? she asked moving away.

It's Tom, isn't it? I asked ignoring her question.

What if it is? She asked skeptically.

I came to apologize for the way I have treated you this few days we met. I despised you at first sight and I continued to do so. Please forgive me. I apologized Sincerely.

You didn't have to come all the way here to apologize and especially not after mid night. Anyway, I forgive you. Can I go to sleep now? She asked looking at the door.

Thank you...ehmmm....thank you once again for forgiving me. It really means a lot to me, I said in a breaking voice I  as I turned away to go. I had so much more to say but I just couldn't at the moment because the time isn't right.

But why did you do that, she asked making me stop at the door.

What should I tell her now? I can't tell her that I love her. It can ruin everything.

It's a long story. You have to sleep now. We will talk some other time. I told her as I opened the door just ask Tracy was about to knock.

Maya's POV

I was surprised to see him at the door. The only people I thought might be here were Tom or Tracy. I wondered so much what he was doing here. I was so scared initially because of the warning he gave me earlier. I Thought he was here to remind me of the warning again but I was totally surprised when he apologized. I felt a bit relaxed and excused myself to go change. I felt comfortable after doing so. My night dress was just to my knee so it felt great in this long flair dress. It's actually my favourite dress because it always feels comforting.

I managed to hide my fears in his presence. After all, he was in my house. I always gave him maximum respect because of his position in the office but in my house, I am in charge. But then, the humility in which he spoke with me made me feel a connection. I don't know what that connection is but I know it's something deep that I cannot explain.

I didn't want to let my guard down or make him know how I felt so I pretended to be indifferent. It wasn't easy putting up with that act. I wanted to hug him to let him know I have forgiven him but I restrained myself. It was the most difficult thing I have ever done. Why am I feeling this way. Tom loves me so much. He has shown me the love no man ever has but I have never felt this way about him. God, what is wrong with me.

And when I asked him why he did what he did, I was expecting an answer but he didn't tell me. What could be his reason of not doing so? Wake up Maya, what if he is up to something again. Besides, he is getting married soon. Just as all these thoughts were going on in my head as he opened the door to leave, I couldn't believe Tracy was standing in front of the door. The look on her face said everything. How do I explain to her? I was covered with embarrassment.

But maybe, I read the wrong impression as she hurried to me passing Mark like he didn't even exist.

"Are you okay? Are you hurt? "Came her worried voice. But before I could utter a word, Mark responded.

"Yes she is fine Tracy, I might be so many things but I am definitely not a serial killer.."he said with his voice showing how sad and disappointed he was.

"I am sorry Mark, I didn't mean to..."Tracy was apologising when he interupped again.

"I know Tracy, I deserve it somehow. Everyone sees me to be a monster because of how I have treated your friend these past days so I deserve it for sure. Good night ladies "he ended sadly and walked out closing the door.

I felt really sorry for him. I wanted to run to him and tell him we didn't feel that way about him. But Tracy stopped me. He didn't get a chance to tell me the reasons for his actions because I told him I wanted to sleep. But I have to know right? Deep down, I can feel he is a very nice person but he must be going through so much.

"Tom said you were not sleeping even though you said you were. So he wanted me to spend the night with you." She said with a tired smile. Poor Tracy, she has suddenly become Tom's good friend because of me. I don't know why she does everything he tells her.

So he's at the car park? I asked as my eyes widened.

"Yes," Tracy said, suddenly realizing what I was talking about.

Which means....

Oh no. I hope they don't get into another fight because if me. We have to do something.

"Let's create a distraction", was Tracy's suggestion.

"Go to the window and wave him. Once he knows you are fine, he will drive away or keep his eye focussed on you so he doesn't notice Mark", Tracy continued.

Good plan, I gave Tracy a high five and went to the window and there he was, gazing straight at the window without taking off his eyes.

I waved at him and he waved back, just as Mark reached the car park.

I kept waving at him to prevent him from looking the other way.

Then I saw Mark walk towards his car which was two cars from Tom's.

Just then, I stopped waving and Tom started he car to drive out of the car park. At that exact moment, Mark also moved and what we have we feared was sure to happen. Tom got out of his car just as Mark got out of his. I suddenly started having hot flashes.... what is going to happen now?