Chapter 29 - Are You in Danger?

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Without even wasting a second Meredith dashed out of the house and opened the gate to her sister. She hugged her tightly while they both wept before taking her into the house. Looking around to make sure no one had seen her hugging her sister, she guided her into the mansion. But on a second look, she saw Valerie watching, curiosity written all over her face. She let her hands fall from Zarah's back and tried to act like she didn't know her. No one could know her sister was in Douglas city… No one! This was no place for a young and single girl to be, she reminded herself as she avoided Valerie's gaze. She was truly disturbed by her continuous watch over them as they walked into the house. Something told her Valerie was up to no good. 

She entered the room and locked the door, thankful that Cross wasn't home. She had no idea how he would react to her sister being in their home since their marriage wasn't really a conventional one. 

Zarah's gaze swept over the beautiful room her sister had led her into and she couldn't just believe Meredith was alive and well all along and never asked after them. 

"You can sit, Zarah… I can't still believe you are here!"

"And I can't believe you are alive and well, and have changed so much. What happened to you? Why did you never call? Why are you living here? I need answers… mother cries herself to sleep everyday wondering about your fate and praying you are alive … and"

"Zarah, you need to slow down. I am happy to see you and I have so many questions and things I want to talk about. But this city isn't safe for you. You shouldn't have come"

"What? You don't mean that. You don't know how much I have missed you. What happened? Why did you leave our uncle's place?"

"I can't tell about that now even though I wish to."

"Well, why not? Why not?" Zara asked, her anger growing. This was the last thing she expected from her sister. "We have to leave! Mother needs to know you are well"

"I can't!"

"Why?"

"Because…"

"Because you are married. I saw it… I saw your wedding photo and then it vanished the second time I tried looking for it? Who are you married to? Are you in danger?"

"Zarah… I can't answer your questions. I am married yes, but I can't come home with, not now! And no one can know you are my sister."

"Why not?"

"Just listen to me, no one can know you are related to me for now till I figure out how to explain things to my husband and ensure your safety. How did you get here?"

"I lied that I was a maid looking for job and somehow my spirit led me here"

"That's strange but you must keep to that story and stay out of sight till I figure out if you are safe here and tell Cross about you!"

"If he's your husband, why are you scared of telling him who I am?"

"You won't understand" Meredith thought about what her sister had said but she wasn't sure Cross would be fine with knowing that her sister was here and that she may also find her freedom. He had signed a contract he had said and that meant he was also holding her hostage whether he liked it or not. 

"Come, take your bath and have some food. Once the owner of the house comes home, make yourself scarce until when I finally inform him about your presence" 

Zarah nodded and took off her clothes to step into the luxurious bathroom. They remained in silence even after their heartfelt union as Meredith remained in deep thought about the new development. What will Cross say if he found out her sister had traced her here? Will he be mad or would he let her go? And why was Valerie always watching her every move. Something wasn't right. 

———

Someone was at the door. She heard the loud ringing of the bell and it made her heart somersault. What if it was Cross already back home? She would have been at his company with him if she wasn't having a terrible stomach ache. But it was a good thing it happened, without it she wouldn't have been the first to spot Zarah. 

The doorbell rang here and she walked slowly to the door, opened it to see Valerie standing outside. 

"What do you want?" She asked through the half-open door. 

"I… feel rather alone and I thought we could keep each other company"

"Now's not the time Valerie"

"Why? Do you have a visitor. I couldn't help but notice the young girl who was with you."

"That's our new maid. I have to go now"

As she closed the door, Meredith could swear she saw a glimpse of envy in the eyes of Valerie and it made her all the more afraid of her finding out about her sister. She must find a way to send Zarah back home. She would never be safe now. Why did she have to come here? 

She thought sorrowfully, climbing up the stairs as she thought of how to break the news to Cross and make sure he also kept her sister safe. 

Zarah remained out of sight when Cross finally arrived home. From the room where she was, it was obvious the owner of the house was in love with her sister. Then why was she afraid of telling him the tRuth? Something about her sister was so strange. She was not the same girl who had left for their uncle's home. And she wouldn't tell her what happened. 

As they ate their dinner, Meredith thought about ways to break the news to Cross but he suddenly announced that they were going for a dinner party that evening. 

"I forgot all about it! It's very important for my clients and my designs will be on display. I almost forgot about it" he said, hitting his palms on his head. 

"Are you sure you want me to go to a public gathering with you? You know… well, do people know you are married to me since it was a private wedding?" Meredith asked, feeling very uneasy that she hadn't been able to tell Cross about her sister. A feeling of unease settled in her belly because she was afraid of what he may do when he found her her family had found her. 

"I never worry about what people think of me. I know you are my wife and that is enough for me. Well, why don't you wear something nice… then we can be off! 

Meredith nodded and followed Cross. They went into their room to get dressed. Cross noticed her moody vibe, grabbed her by the waist and asked…

"Are you okay? Don't you feel like going out tonight? Trust me, no one would look down on you or ask any silly question because I would be right beside you. I care about you." He kissed her warm lips. 

"But do you love me? Do you love to let…"

"Meredith… not now! This is a very important night. We've talked about this for so long and I am sorry, I haven't changed my mind. I am keeping you forever!"

"But what of the tracker? You have not taken it out. They could find me if I…"

"If you decide to escape?" He asked

"Do you want to escape from me? Are you tired of me?"

"No, I mean.. I feel like I still belong there if I still have it embedded in my body"

"I promise to take it out once I have the chance. It would hurt so we must go to a professional to take it out and destroy it. For now, let's go out. I am here to protect you!"

 He raised her chin and assured her. He enveloped her in a warm hug, worried that she was not happy with him. 

"Please, don't leave me. You've brought me some sort of peace in my life" he said softly and she held him tighter. Even though she felt safe in his harm, she still couldn't tell him about his sister. 

Donning her evening gown that fitted her figure perfectly while Cross wore his usual designer shirt and trousers, they stepped out for the night. At the door, she told Cross she had forgotten something and rushed back inside to talk to Zarah. 

"Zarah…" she called out, switching on the light of the other room to find her sister huddled in a corner. 

"I am sorry that I am doing this to you. I am so sorry. But you have to stay here and stay quiet. I will get you all the food you need till when I tell him about you"

"When?"

"Before the night ends, I hope" she said, unsure of herself. Zarah watched her with pity in her eyes and she hugged her sister before stepping out of the house. 

But as she walked out the door, she couldn't help but feel that someone was watching. She shook off the feeling of unease and told herself Cross's home was safe. 

———-

"Why are you here again? Are you tried of being in the luxurious home we found for you?" The nun asked Valerie, smoking while seated in the VIP area of their club. 

"I think I know how to get to Meredith in the way that will hurt her the most and push her to come running back here" she said, and the nun was suddenly interested, a smile plastered on her face as she asked Valerie to sit beside her. 

Is Zarah going to be in danger?