Chapter 38: Chapter 38

"I changed my mind," I said to the cab driver. I told him to drive to our house instead of going to the train station.

I just remembered that I needed to get my things from Wade's house, yes, his house since I don't want to be there anymore and play as his prey. Wade doesn't know that I went to his office; unless his secretary would tell him so I needed to leave as soon as possible once I get to the house. I will only take my important stuff with me and leave the others alone.

"I won't take long," I said. "Please wait for me." The cab driver nodded and turned the car engine off.

I went out of his cab and went directly inside. Our house cleaner was there but I never paid too much attention to her. I just made my way to our room hurriedly and took my luggage. I put all the necessary things there including my passport, laptop and other papers. I also tookI took the snacks I bought from this shop and was glad that it turned out to be perfect. I was on my way to visit Wade on his office when I thought of bringing something for him. I told Logan not to tell him that I was coming as I wanted it to be a surprise. The drive to his office was short lived since the shop we bought the snacks was just around the corner. I went out of the car and headed to the building. The guards immediately let me in and Logan followed me. Everyone I passed by greeted me and it felt new to me. This is the first time that I went to Wade's office and I didn't thought that they'll recognize me. I know they probably saw wedding photos of us or have attended our wedding but still I was amazed that they respect me here as well.

"Logan, I think I can manage, you can stay in the car. I'll just go and talk to Wade, nothing else will happen to me." I said. "You don't have to go with me. I am sure this building is safe."

"Of course, if that's what you want, but do you know where his office is?" He said. Oh, yeah, I don't. "I mean, you haven't been here before. Don't you want me to guide you there? I can leave after sending you in."

"No, but you said he is on the top floor, right? I can just ask my way through there." I said. "That way, you won't get tired in accompanying me. Don't worry; I'll be fine."

"Alright, I'll just stay at the car then. Let me walk you to the elevator and as soon as you got out of it, you will walk straight and see a woman with big eyeglasses that is Wade's secretary. You can ask her anything you want." He said. I smiled at his thoughtfulness.

"Alright, thanks Logan," I said. "I got this." He nodded.

He led me to the elevator and told me to press the top floor. I did as he said and the elevator doors closed. I waved at Logan and he nodded. He has a thing with just head and hand gestures. I was nervous and excited all at the same time. This is the first time that I am making a sweet gesture for him. I was glad that what happened on our vacation and charity event worked out well. It was like my emotions and my understanding of myself deepened. I realized that I was really falling for him and I didn't even notice it until that happened to us. I was thinking of what his reaction would be whenever he sees me a few seconds from now. Will he be happy just as I thought he would be? Oh, I just hope so. I imagined him sitting on his swivel chair and his brows were furrowed as he read some papers just like a typical CEO. Until now, I still can't believe that I am in a real relationship with him with no pretentions and no holding back.

The elevator beeped and opened on the top floor. I exhaled heavily as I went out of the elevator. Just as Logan said, I walked straight and saw the woman he was talking about. He was right; the woman is wearing big eye glasses which made her look like an old woman although I think she is still on her thirties but then again every person has different taste when it comes to fashion.

"Hi," I said and gave her my friendliest smile. She was a bit startled as she looked up to me. She adjusted her eyeglasses and looked at me closely.

"H-HI, good afternoon, Ma'am," She said stuttering.

"Hi good afternoon, I'm Camierre," I continued. "I'm here to see Wade."

"Yes, of course, Ma'am, I know who you are; you are sir Wade's wife, right?" She said in panic. What is wrong with her?

"Yes," I said. "Is everything alright?"

"Y-yes ma'am," She said and smiled shyly at me. She is a fine woman who's probably on her thirties. "It's just that I always see your photos on Sir Wade's office. You look prettier in person, to be honest."

"Oh, thank you Miss," I said truthfully.

"You're welcome Ma'am," She said.

"Anyway, is Wade available right now?" I said. She was just staring at me with a wide smile on her face so I decided to ask her again about Wade.

"Oh," She said as if she just remembered why I was here in the first place. "He's just talking to Sir Riley but I'm sure they'll be done any minute from no-"

"Riley is in his office?" I said which cut her off. That's good. Then I guess they really don't have a problem with each other. Thank God I bought plenty of snacks and it can feed both of them. "I'll just come in, I'm sure they won't mind."

"Of course Ma'am, do you want me to inform them ahead?" She said in which I shook my head vigorously as she was about to press the ontercom.

"No, please don't," I said and smiled sweetly. "I came here to surprise my husband; he has no idea that I was coming today. I wanted this to be special."

"Oh, sure ma'am, just walk straight and enter that door." She said pointing to the door behind her table.

"Thanks," I said.

"You're welcome ma'am," She said as she stood up. "I'll just go and prepare something for you. Excuse me," I nodded and she went to another door which might be their pantry or something. She is a kind employee and I liked how she handled guests.

I walked towards Wade's office and saw that the door was slightly open. I peeped and the woman was right. Riley was there. I was about to open the door widely but stopped when I heard my name.

"Cami is innocent, man. I cannot do that to her." Wade said. What are they talking about? What can't he do to me? Curiosity got the best of me so I decided to stay and eavesdrop some more. Why are they talking about me?

"What?! What is wrong with you? That is the plan!" Riley said. They were both facing the window so I was free to look at them from the small opening of the door. "That is what we planned from the very beginning."

"Man, look, her father is the one who hurt you and your mother; she is definitely out of this." Wade said. What is going on? Why am I involved in whatever they were talking about yet I don't understand any of it.

"Yes, but I suffered because of her father while she grew up to be alright. I had to take care of my mother and took her responsibility, but Cami? She grew up without anything to worry about. Her father gave her everything while he took everything away from me." Riley said. What?! What does he mean by that? I don't get it.

"Yes, but as I said, she has nothing to do with what her father did to you and your mom. She is a victim as well, Ri, can't you see?" Wade said. I am really eager on finding out what this is all about. Riley's mom?

"Yes but we have planned this already, didn't we? Let's finish what we started bro!" Riley said. What is this plan they were talking about? And what does it have to do with me, dad and Riley's mom? And did I get them right? Dad hurt Riley and his mom? How?

"Yes, I agreed to your plan that in order to get revenge to her father; I'll marry her and make her fall in love with me." Wade said. Plan? Making me fall in love with him was a plan? I felt a terrible pain on my chest. I felt like the more I listened to them, the more I'll discover things that I wouldn't like but I stayed still. I wanted to know the truth. Revenge? What did my father do to him and his mom? And... he only married me because they wanted revenge? I felt my chest tightened with the pain I was feeling. Was Dad's sin to them that huge that they even dragged me in the picture?

"And leave her once she fell in love with you. That was the plan, right?" Riley said. "That was the plan, bro."

"Yes," Wade said and it was as if a dagger was thrown straight to my heart. Everything was just for revenge? Was what happened on the island the completion of their plan? And the last step is to leave me? But I don't get it, what did my father did to them that they used me to get revenge to him?

"Tell me, that is still the plan, right?" Riley said.

"Yes." Wade said and that one word crushed my whole world. How could he do this to me? I was nothing but pure and kind to him. All along, this was just a plan for revenge? Tears came rushing down my cheeks and I couldn't control them I covered my mouth and ran out of there. I dropped the foods I was holding and ran to the elevator. Luckily, Wade's secretary wasn't there yet so I ran as fast as I could. My vision was blurred from the tears that we're coming out. I didn't know what to do. It was as if starting today my life would turn a hundred and eighty degrees and there is nothing I could do stop it.

I reached the ground floor and the lobby of the building. I wiped my tears away and walked as fast as I could. I looked around and saw Logan; he was reading a newspaper and was seated comfortably on the chair at the lobby. I tried my very best not to let him see me and walked as fast as I could to the exit. I hailed the first cab that I saw and entered hurriedly. I wiped off my tears using the back of my palm but it was of no use. Tears were still pouring like rain on my cheeks.

"Where are you going, Ma'am?" The cab driver said. Yes, where am I going? Honestly, even I didn't know where I would be headed. I can't go home to Wade's house and let him crush my heart. I'd rather live on the streets than stay with him and wait until he decides to break me. Erin! I need to contact her. Would that be wise? I know Erin wouldn't tell on me but I don't want to put her on a situation where she would be interrogated by dad and Wade. No, I can't call her. I looked at my bag. Luckily, I brought my phone, wallet and my cards with me. I have savings from my modelling before and this could help me. I needed to get out of the city and stay some place where no one knows me. I cannot use my passport, I know Wade has connections everywhere and I can't let him find me. I think they have had their revenge already from the fact that they made me believe that he was deeply in love with me too. I feel torn between facing him and hiding from him but I think the latter would be the best choice. I know that we need to settle our divorce soon and I can't wait for that but I need to heal myself first. I'll just come back when I've moved on and file for a divorce.

"Can you drop me to the nearest train station?" I said.

"Yes ma'am, right away," He said and drove off. I didn't know where I would go but I'll just take whatever train is out there to leave this city. I want to ran away and never come back. a copy of our marriage certificate; I was planning on verifying it even though I already knew that it was a fake one. After not more than ten minutes, I was done packing and closed my luggage. I pulled it and made my way to the door. I opened it and just as I was about to close it, I thought of so many things. This has been my room for quite a while now and I have a lot of memories in here... with Wade. I sighed and snapped out of it. Why do I even have to think of him? I need to forget about everything and just go on with my life but this time; he won't be a part of it.

I hurriedly went out of there and just as I was about to go out of the house; the telephone on the receiving area rang. Our helper looked at me and my luggage curiously before she answered the phone.

"Yes sir," I heard her said. Oh, god! It's Wade and I am sure by now he already knew that I dropped by his office and heard them. The helper looked at me and my luggage again. I wasted no time and hurriedly went out of the main door. I heard her calling me and tried to stop me but I quickly hopped into the cab and ordered the driver to go.

"No ma'am!" She said as she tried to open the door. The driver started the car and drove off. I breathed heavily and saw as she watched us leave helplessly. You can't stop me Wade. You can try but you won't be able to.

~~~

I sighed as I kept my tears from falling down. How could I let this happened? I shouldn't have trusted him that easily. What was I even thinking? I knew that there was something odd when he offered me a wedding but I just ignored it. I thought that he was a good man and that he was a blessing in disguise to me.

I looked around me. Everyone in the train station looked so busy and in such a hurry while I was just standing there and not knowing what to do or where to go. I couldn't go back home to my parents; I am sure that Wade will look for me there and I can't face him now. I am so mad that I don't even want to see even his shadows. I need to get away from him and from everything that would remind me of him. I opened my bag and took my ATM card; good thing there was an ATM machine nearby. I withdrew all my money in the bank and I think it would be enough for me as of the mean time.

This is insane! I mean, I have no idea what exactly Dad did to Riley and his mother but I am sure that I shouldn't be the one who would pay for that. That is also what I need to do when I'll have the chance to talk to Dad and hopefully I can get answers from him.

I looked around for the ticket booth and luckily I found it just near where I was sitting. I went there and bought a ticket for whichever train will arrive first. They gave me one which is bound to a province not far from the city. This is fine; I think I can settle for this place even for a little while just as I clear my mind off things and thought of a better thing to do.

I took my phone and saw that it was full of messages from Wade. I didn't bother opening it since I already knew what he would say and I have no time for his lies, not anymore. I dialed Erin's number and waited for her to pick up.

"Hello? Cami?" She said and based on the tone of her voice, she already knew. "Wade called me. He asked me if you were with me. He sounded off; what happened? Did the two of you fought?"

"Nope," I said and started to break down and let go of all the emotions that I was feeling at that time. "But he has been lying to me, E. All this time, everything was just a lie."

"What? I don't understand. What do you mean he's lying?" She said dumbfounded.

"I can't really talk you into the details right now, E. All I know is that I needed to get out of his house and out of his life." I said while trying so hard not to cry.

"What?! And where are you going? Are you going back to your parents?" She said.

"No, no," I said. "You know I can't do that. They already hated me for marrying wade before. They'll just blame this one on me."

"Where are you? You can talk to me. I'll come to you; just tell me where you are." She said.

I wiped my tears off and calmed myself. "I'm at the train station. I bought a ticket to the nearby province."

"What?!" She said. "And where will you stay? Do you know anyone there?"

I closed my eyes tightly and shook my head. I knew she won't see me but I couldn't help it. I realized that I never really thought too much on this plan. I was impulsive earlier and didn't have the time to think this thoroughly.

"N-no," I said.

"Then why are you going there?" She said. "Jeez, C, you should've called me earlier. Wait for me there and I'll pick you up. Alright?"

"Okay," I said softly and nodded.

"Don't go anywhere, okay?" She said as if I was going to do something.

"I won't," I said and ended the call.

I sighed heavily. My phone rang and I saw Wade calling. I rejected it and turned my phone off. I don't want anything to do with you anymore. Once I confirm that our marriage is fake, I would erase you in my life as if I didn't even know you at all. That's how hurt I was of what he did. I would understand it if he didn't love me anymore and that he has fallen out of it but revenge, I wouldn't understand that. I don't know how people like them could intentionally hurt an innocent person just because of their vengeance. I would get it if they wanted a revenge for my father at his expense but at mine? No. I am innocent, but Dad, I knew that he had some side chicks before he got serious with Mom alone. I'm not saying that it's okay with me if Dad gets hurt; it's just that taking the tool on innocent people is a huge turn off and maybe they should have approached my Dad directly and not do what they did.

I was still deep in my thoughts when the train that I was supposed to get into stopped in front of me. I looked at my ticket and yes, I was right, this is my ride. I shook my head and decided to wait for Erin. I know that I needed to get away but I also need to talk to someone and that someone is her. She's the only person who can and will understand me no matter what. I'll just wait for her and we'll figure things out together. Yes, that's what I will do. The train left and I stayed there waiting patiently for my friend.

someone sat beside me abruptly. I looked at her and saw that it was Erin.

"Cami!" She said as she hugged me so tight.

"You came!" I said. "E,..."

"Of course, I would." She said. "Oh, dear God! What happened to you? You look like you just came from a catfight or something!"

I didn't say a word and just hugged her again. "Thank you for coming. I didn't know what to do."

"Ssssh," She said as she rubbed my back. "Come on; let's get you out of here."

"Wait, where are we going? I can't come with you to your house. Wade knows where you live and he'll definitely look for me there." I said.

"Alright, I still don't know what's going on with you and your husband-"

"Can you not call him my husband?" I said annoyingly.

She just rolled her eyes and continued speaking. "But still, I will help you get away from him." She said. "In one condition,"

"What is it?" I said. Why does she have to ask for anything in return? It's not like she isn't my friend.

"You'll tell me everything when we can settle you in and... I mean everything." She said. "Don't skip even a single detail, okay?"

I sighed and looked at her straight in the eyes. That's simple since I was also planning on telling her everything that happened and everything that I heard."Deal,"

"Alright," She said as she stood up and held my luggage. I tried taking it from her but she insisted on taking care of it. "Come on; I'll bring you to one of our private vacation houses. Wade won't look for you there since only our family members knew about that place. You'll be safe there; don't worry. I'll take care of you."

Okay," I said as I took my bag and stood up with her as well. "Thank you for this, E. I really wouldn't have known what to do if you weren't here with me."

"Don't mention it, okay? I'll always be here for you no matter what. I am just a phone call away; always remember that."

"Yeah, I know," I said. "Someday, I can repay you for everything that you helped me with."

"I am not asking for anything in return, okay? I am your best friend and I will always be here for you." She said as she held my hand. "So, let's go. It's getting late too."

I nodded and smiled at her. I thanked God for giving me a best friend as good as Erin and I wouldn't ask for more. We walked to the exit of the station and straight into her car. She placed my things on the backseat of her car and I helped her. She motioned for me to enter the car and so I did. She also turned around to the driver's side and settled on the driver's seat. We fastened our seatbelts and settled comfortably there.

"So, where is this vacation house that you were telling me about?" I said.

She turned to me and smiled a bit. "You'll see and you're going to love it there." She said as she started the car engine. Oh well, this sounds exciting. I would let her bring me anywhere as long as it is far away from that asshole.