Chapter 74: Chapter 74

NELINA

“Nelly, don’t be compulsive in your actions. Let’s think deeply about what we have to do next. This is a serious matter, you don’t have to take it in your hands and do it alone,” Marica said worriedly as she was trying to stop me from leaving.

“Marie, my family is at stake here. I know you understand my situation. Please let me do this,” I answered and then stood up for me to leave.

“What’s your plan? At least let me help you.”

“Marica, you’ve done too much, that’s enough for now. I’ll contact you if I need help. Besty, I have to go.”

Marica heaved a sigh and was speechless as I left her. I drove to the place where Royce is. I couldn’t wait to see him startled by the truth I got. I swore he wouldn’t get away, I want justice for my family.

It wasn’t an easy pass from the building security but I did with a little charm and explained that I am Royce’s girlfriend. And I swore it would be the last time I brag about being his girlfriend.

I heard the employees whispering as I passed by their cubicles.

“Our CEO has a girlfriend? I thought he was single?”

“I don’t think she’s famous, she is beautiful, though.”

These are some of the talks I overheard from them. So, it was confirmed that Royce's employees didn’t even know he has a girlfriend. He is probably hiding more things from me. How come I only noticed all these things just now? I shouldn’t have trusted him.

I chose to ignore the employees and walk straight to Royce’s office.

“Hello, Ms. Nelly, would you like to talk to Royce?”

A man stood in front of me before I could open Royce’s office. I thought he must be the secretary as every CEO like Royce must have a secretary. The way he looked at me, he seemed to know me well. How could Royce’s secretary know me while the other employees do not?

That shouldn’t be my concern now. I thought to myself.

“Let me help you." The man said as he opened the door for me. I nodded and mouthed, thank you.

A young CEO seated on his luxury swivel chair, his head on the table where he was fixing some documents in front of him. He was so drawn to his job that he didn’t even notice the door open.

“Sir, Ms. Nelly is here.”

He jolted immediately like my name was a disease. His mouth was wide open but I didn’t reciprocate it. I hate him. He was handsome but that doesn’t make up for what he has done to my family.

“Baby, this is a surprise,” Royce said as he stood up and walked over to me. “Jerry, it’s okay, please close the door.”

“We need to talk,” I said as he leaned over. I bet the liar wants to kiss me. No way. I almost gag thinking about those times we had together. Everything was a mistake.

“Baby, what’s the matter? Is there something I’ve done that you didn’t like? We’re good this morning.”

Royce followed me as I walked over to the couch. I retrieved the envelope from my bag and slapped it on his chest.

The smile on his face disappeared. “What is this?” Royce asked, narrowing his eyebrows in confusion.

“Why don’t you read it?” I said angrily.

Royce opened the envelope and started reading the documents one by one until it became clearer to him on the last page. Recognition dawned on his face.

“Baby, where did you get this? Who gave this to you?” Royce asked, crumpling the papers in his hands.

“Don’t call me baby, stop the act,” I said, gritting my teeth. “Don’t ask me those questions. Isn’t it clear that your show has ended? You can’t fool me anymore.”

Royce’s facial expression dulled up, he seemed to have mastered acting in front of me.

“That must be the reason why you kept on holding our discussion about the investigation. You don’t want me to find out the truth.”

“My love, I can explain. Listen…”

“You’ll explain so you can make more lies? So you can fool me and manipulate me again? No fucking way.”

“Baby, no.” Royce stepped close, I moved back keeping the distance between us.

“Everything was a mistake. I should have never met you. You planned all these things, you manipulated me, you fooled me, you played on my weakness so that you can twist the truth. Now, everything is over between us and I will find out if you are one of those culprits who killed my brother.”

I never shed a tear saying all those words because I mean it. It wasn’t the time for me to get emotional and be weak in front of Royce. I won't allow him to take advantage of me anymore.

Royce chuckled a bit. “Baby, you’re kidding, right? Is this some kind of a prank?”

“Look at me. Am I a joke to you, huh?”

“Baby, calm down. Let’s talk this over in a calm way, come on, sit down.” Royce pointed to the couch near me but I refused.

“I regret not listening and following my instincts. The first day I met you, I had a flashback of the accident. Now, I know why. It was you, I saw you before the car blew up. Royce, what did you do? You killed my brother," I said, trying to calm my voice.

“Nelly, no…I’m sorry if I didn't have the strength to tell you about this. Baby, believe me, my intentions are pure. Everything written in this paper is far from the truth.”

“Stop it. Stop all your lies. You had too much time to confess but you didn’t. You will pay for this. I swear, you will never get away with this,” I said as I turned to leave. At that time, I wish the office wasn't so massive for me to leave fast and Royce wouldn't catch me.

Before I could pull open the door, Royce grabbed me and wrapped his arms around me without permission.

"Don't touch me, let me go," I demanded, trying to escape from his arms.

"You know I love you so much, baby, right?. We will find out who wants to ruin our relationship, don't leave me, please. I beg you," Royce whispered.

"Stop this. You're hurting me." I pushed Royce with all my might and he let go of me.

"You know what hurts me the most? I believed in you, I love you with all my heart. You made me believe that there is someone who will treat me right, someone who will respect and love me for who I am even in my darkest days," I said pointing at Royce's chest. He didn't move a bit and stood like a stone in front of me.

"I don't understand why you help me change to be the best version of myself."

"Baby, because I love you. You know I love you so much. Look at me, my love."

"I am so drawn to all your lies that I don't even know if I can trust anyone again. You are one of those evils in this world.”

My heart broke into pieces seeing sadness clouded Royce’s features before I left. It was the first time I saw Royce cry. No, I didn’t let my emotions dictate what I should and not do. Royce has taken advantage of my weakness long enough. I had to get away for good.