Chapter 109: Chapter 109

JUNE

I played the record to Kristen, who handed it over to the police after listening to the threats. He tried to comfort me about it, but my thoughts kept on returning to the last words the caller uttered.

My baby…

Could it be that my premonition was correct? The one who is doing all this is the same?

“We can't conclude anything without tangible evidence,” Mark stated as he sat next to me on the chair.

Kristen left with the police officer and asked Mark to come over to keep me company. From my observation, the paparazzi outside have dwindled in number. Most of them have gotten bored of waiting outside to see me.

It's absurd how they expected they could get any comment from me after dragging my name in the mud for something as frivolous as falling in love.

“But it's too much of a coincidence, Mark. I feel like something bad is going to happen. And this time.....” I trailed off, shuddering a bit at the thoughts that went through my mind.

“Nothing will happen.” He shifted closer to me and wrapped his hand around my shoulder, drawing me closer to him. “You have me here, June. I will protect you from anyone who tries to harm you.”

I nodded, feeling safe and warm. Mark has always been my anchor. His hugs alone work wonders.

“So, when are you returning to school? I've missed you tons.” He caressed my hair with his fingers, massaging my scalp.

“I don't know. Kristen wants everything to hush down before I do, but I've gotten tired of staying at home. Like, drained of it!”

He chuckled, “I know.”

“So, how is life? Any girl yet?”

He froze at my question. It was a long, full minute before he continued rubbing my hair.

“I've been busy. Why do you feel I have time to find a girlfriend?” His voice sounded a bit tense, and his words forced.

“Come on, you are handsome. There must be girls vying for your attention.” I raised my head to look at him. “Tell me, any girl caught your fancy, yet?”

I suppose I'm trying to be a cupid for my best friend.

“It's just….” He inhaled. “Oh, that reminds me!” He instantly rose from the couch. “My dad asked me to get something for him at the grocery store. I'm sorry, June. But I've got to go.”

“Go? Are you perhaps running because of my question?" I lifted an eyebrow, finding it odd that he would do that.

He scoffed, “Why do you think I will do something like that? I need to get the things my father asked me to get for him. Don't worry, I will give Kristen a call.” He leaned down and pecked me on my forehead. “I'll call you when I get home.”

With a wink at me, he was already out of the door, confusing the hell out of me.

Why do I sense that he's running because of my question? Could it be that he has gotten a girlfriend, but is too shy to tell me about it?

Hehe...

****

I stood next to the window and glanced out, noting how peaceful and empty the driveway had become.

It looks like the paparazzi have picked up a fresh scandal to clash over. Which is for the best. It means we can now have dinner with Henry and Favour.

Though they proposed we have our first supper at our residence, we were worried about the paparazzi taking pictures. That was why the dinner date got delayed.

The sound of Kristen's car halted my thoughts. I peered down, grinning cheekily as I looked at him. He got out of the car, and I prepared to wave at him from where I was, but I froze when Edith got down from the passenger's side.

I observed them, puzzled. What can be so pressing that she needs to come over this late? It's almost 7!

I wanted to go downstairs, to open the door, but on second thoughts, I stayed over here and watched them.

Kristen said something to Edith, but I was too far to hear what that was. She shook her head and came over to him.

They spoke in hushed tones before she placed a well-manicured right palm on his chest.

That bitch!

I bristled in anger as I watched them continue their conversations without Kristen removing her palm.

How close can they be that he will willingly let her touch him without reacting?

But that was nothing compared to when she leaned towards him, standing on tiptoe. I stared, frozen in shock, as her lips got closer to Kristen. I gulped, dreading what would happen next, but too frozen to step back.

Kristen gently pushed her off him and said some words to her, looking at the front door. Edith did the same before she nodded.

What the hell???

Did he stop because he was afraid I might see them?

But…

That can't be possible! Kristen loves me. He has told me so countless times! However, why will he allow her to come close to him?

I know they were close before we got together, and Kristen has fucked her. However, I chose to ignore his past after we got together.

However, I can't help but think of these past few weeks. Has Kristen been sleeping with her all along? Was that why he never pressured me into having sex with him after I lost my baby?

He was getting it from her, and I thought…

I gasped.

Was that the reason Edith advised me to leave the country? She was trying to get rid of me without making it seem so.

But all these don't add up.

Why will Kristen be with me if he doesn't love me? Why didn't he cut off all ties with me when he was prosecuted by the public?

He must have loved me. That was why he stayed with me despite the judgment from others.

But that doesn't rule out the fact that he almost kissed Edith.

Could it be that he's only with me because of the thrill of having a taboo relationship?

It seems like a confrontation is on the way. I won't want to waste my time with a man who doesn't love me as much as he claimed to.

I'm no longer the kid I was months ago.