I was not able to sleep that night. I was traumatized with what happened not only today but also from my past. I can't bear to be in the same place with him. I feel so scared that I can barely move.
Colin did his best to make me feel relaxed that night. He made tea for me and massaged me. He hugged me the whole night, making me feel that I am not alone in this battle, that he will never leave me. I feel grateful to have him in my life but I can't be like this forever. I cannot live my whole life in fear. I cannot let my past control my life now. I should learn to stand for myself and my daughter, for my new family. I cannot allow myself to live only behind my husband. What if he is not here? What if he has to go on a business trip one day and I meet Geoff again? I can't be the same person like what I did today. I need to fight.
The next day, I got up earlier than usual. I am determined to be a better version of me but I actually don't know how.
"Why are you up so early? I know you couldn't sleep well last night." Colin saw me in the kitchen making coffee.
"I was just thinking."
"About what?"
"About me. About how can I defend myself next time."
"I asked for body guard for you and Athena. They will arrive today. They will be with you all the time."
"I also want to fight for myself. I can't just rely on you all the time. I need to have courage, especially that I know I didn't do anything wrong."
"What's your plan then?"
"Maybe if I become powerful, he will stop bugging me and be scared of me as well."
He then approached me and hugged me. "I can help you with that. I can teach you how to be a good businesswoman then I can let you handle one of my businesses."
"Do you think I can do that?"
"Yeah, but it will take a long time before you can assume power. You know, managing a business is not that easy."
"Do you have any suggestions then?"
"I don't have. But, I have a plan."
"What is it?"
"Later, you will know. Maybe we only need a month."
"Okay, I trust you. I will leave everything to you then."
"I really wanted to touch you last night but I was scared you would reject me."
"Why didn't you? How would you know if I would reject you or not if you didn't try?"
"Can I try now?"
"Let me think about it first."
"Wow! I will give you 5 minutes to think then."
At that moment, his phone rings.
"Who's calling this early?" It's from an unrecognized phone number.
"Maybe it's Geoff." All the fear I had yesterday came back again.
"Hello." He put the phone on loudspeaker.
"Who's this?" The man from the other line. Just the sound of his voice makes me know that it's Geoff. Hearing his voice makes me angry and more scared at the same time.
"You're the one who called, why are you asking me who I am."
"I checked the owner of this number. I just want to make sure that it is really you."
"Then what did you find out? If you already know who I am, why are you still asking? I should be the one to ask you who you are to disturb me in this hour?"
"I can't believe she would give me your phone number. Maybe she got it from somewhere. I'm sorry."
"Why are you apologizing? Why don't you tell me first who you are and who gave you my phone number. You know that I can also trace the owner of this number, right?"
"You don't need to bother. This is a disposable number. Anyway, don't give your contact details to just anyone unless you want yo receive calls from random people."
And the call ended.
"I guess he still doesn't have any idea that you gave him your husband's phone number. That's him right? You can recognize his voice."
"Yes."
"He knows it's he's talking to. And I know he won't touch me, I'm more powerful, not to say richer, than him. And of course more handsome."
"You wish."
"So he looks better than me?"
"Never."
"Good answer. Your 5 minutes is up. Should we go back to bed now?"
I hubg my arms on his shoulder and started kissing him. I know that being in his arms would make me feel calm and forget about my worries. I am now in a safer place. I know I shouldn't worry too much anymore.
He carried me back to our room where we spent a morning satisfying each other.
...
That morning, two men and one woman in black suit arrived in the apartment unit. They introduced themselves as the new bodyguards. I actually don't think we need them since I don't plan to go out from this area anymore. I think it is still safe to go the park nearby so we can still go there but when we need something, we just need to order them online.
After they introduced themselves, they went back downstairs. They said they will stay in the lobby and will make sure that no one can come near me and Athena including Nancy and my mom.
"Are you okay now?" Nancy asked while we were preparing our meal.
"Better."
"Small world, right? What does a hotel owner do in a department store where you are at?"
"I think we eventually have to meet, but not yet now. I'm not yet ready."
"Do you think you can really face him without feeling angry and scared?"
"There is no reason for me to be scared of him anymore. Colin promised to protect us. But I don't know. I think I had a trauma from what he did to me and from all the experiences I have been through, you know that. So now, the fear of those things happening again always comes back in my mind."
"I understand. I think he can kill me too when he sees me. He knows that I helped you escape. I also have to be careful."
"We all have to be careful. I'm sure he will hire someone to tail my mom as well to know where I am. Luckily, mom is now with us."
"We are still lucky to meet Sir Colin. I miss Marshville though. I miss the fresh air and of course the people especially Dorothy and John."
"I hope my problem with Geoff will be solved soon so we can finally invite them to come over and visit us here."
"I hope so."
We spent the wholr afternoon playing with Athena inside the apartment. Luckily, the apartment is so huge. We have many places to hide from when we had hide and seek. We also have everything we need inside the house, from food to entertainment. Staying here is the safest for us.
When Colin arrived, Nancy and my mom went home. We enjoyed our dinner as a family, something I'm still amused everytime. I never thought I would be able to have a meal with someone who considers Athena as his real daughter. Athena loves him too.
"May I know what you're planning with Geoff?" I asked once we are lying on bed.
"You don't need to know. It's nothing grand. Just leave everything to me. Do you still feel scared?"
"Not anymore. Hugging you now makes me feel so safe and secured."
"Good answer." He said smiling. "I want us to go shopping tomorrow but it is not safe to go out. We don't know if someone working for your ex-husband can see you and that will ruin my plan."
"Why don't you share me about it? Married couples should not keep secrets to each other."
"Haha! That is cheating. It's not really a secret. I have to make sure that the plan is polished first. You will find it out later. Patience, Mrs. Andrews. You need patience."
Mrs. Andrews. Music to my ears.
"I know you want to rape me tonight but I'm sorry to tell you that I am really tired today. I cannot satisfy you enough so we have to take a rest."
"I didn't say anything."
"You don't need to say anything. Your body can't hide your desire. You're too warm."
"That means I'm warm-hearted."
"Haha! That means you are in heat."
"You wish."
He then hugged me tightly. "Let's sleep. I don't need to go to the office tomorrow morning. I willl wake you up early so you can rape me."
"Whatever. Haha!"
His sweet little gestures makes me love him more and more. In the past, I was so naive with gifts and words. But this time, he's proving that he is worth my trust with his actions. I am proud to be his wife, to be Mrs. Colin Andrews.