Darling, Thanks For Stabbing Me

Chapter 9

“Hey! Sunny, it’s going to be a great day ahead.” Linda winked at me.

“When did you become an astrologer?” I asked her while preparing the order.

She chuckled before taking other order.

“That’s what I feel.” She beamed and I sighed.

Good for her.

“Morning Sunny. My usual please.” I glanced up to see Grayson smiling brightly.

“Right! After you.” I said and wanted to ask him about the documents but couldn’t so wait till he starts the conversation.

He turned and took a seat in the cafe.

When I took his order, he just kept smiling.

“Your order Gray!” I placed his order and stood waiting for him to atleast mention something about it but when he didn’t; I shook my head and went away.

‘So much for being a Good day’

When we were about to close, Maria passed me a list and asked me to check it from the nearest store. The store belonged to Dr. Jackson’s wife and they are great friends of Maria and Marcus. I bet they already know about my past hence they have been silent about my presence.

Mrs. Jackson is a very warm lady. I had seen her previously when she would come for dinner nights and also to check on me.

I headed towards her shop and the bell jingled when the door opened and closed. The old lady turned to look at me and beamed.

“Oh welcome Sunny. What do you want?” She asked while coming towards me and leaving her previous work.

I prayed that I don’t find anyone and luckily there wasn’t another soul than the both of us.

“How are you Candace? Aunt asked me to bring things from this list. Do you mind checking it once?” I handed her the list and started looking around the shop.

It was tacked with variety of items and neatly placed like in a departmental store. There was a key chain with a tiny dream-catcher that caught my attention. I headed towards and picked up two only to realize that there wasn’t another this time.

Hesitatingly, I put it back and turned but my heart had its own plan. I quickly turned around and this time I counted and picked up six key-chain and two dream-catchers. I sighed loudly.

 I still had counted Aiden in it, I don’t know why but I still wished he could atleast give me a valid reason for his deed. I had seen his painful look, maybe that’s the reason a scared and betrayed part of me wants him to deny that he never loved me.

How could it be possible? He had worshiped me like a goddess. He would leave his work only to check upon me. He would ensure my safety even when he was busy attending an important meeting.

All these could be faked but what about his eyes that showed sincerity and nothing else? Could that be faked as well? I had caught him stealing glances every time we were out with our families; could that be faked as well?

I guess not.

“Sunny, I have gathered all the items. You can come and check.” Candace’s voice pulled me out of my monologue.

“Right.” I went to her and checked on the list before handing her those items.

“Oh honey. If you liked them you can just take it, you don’t need to pay for them.” She said maybe knowing that I ain’t having money with me.

Well she forgot then that Maria can never let me go out the house without enough money for me to spend the entire day.

I smiled at her and shook my head. “I could have done that if I didn’t have to buy memoir for everyone as a gratitude Candace. Even you.”

She looked at me with wide eyes.

“I can’t just take a free item and give it to you as a gratitude to welcome me and sticking to my side just for my safety, now can we?” I kept that smile for long and gestured her to proceed with the checkout.

She remained silent only to break it when I handed her a dream-catcher with blush pink.

“I-I am… Oh dear. I am so happy my child.” She embraced me and I could feel her wipe tears from her cheek. She patted and continued.

“I pray to god to get you and your family justice and you don’t have to worry about anything, we will always support you.” She pulled me back and kissed my forehead.

The instant she had hugged me and kissed me, I was suffocating with new emotions. I believed that this is a cruel world then how could strangers be so welcoming and selfless? Why?

“Thanks. I-I should go now.” I quickly left the store to get some fresh air outside.

I was breathing heavily to stop myself from shedding tears and couldn’t see the man who took my picture from the next street.

I opened my eyes and quickly checked right and left before taking my secret passage to the Brown’s family.

Thanks to Linda for letting me know it. I couldn’t endanger their lives when I know that his men are around.

***

“Hey! So, you are back thankfully. I was wondering whether can we go and discuss about your request over a quick snack?” Grayson looked a bit nervous and asked me when I reached the café just to grab my clothes and bag.

“How long have you waited?” I was surprised to have found him here.

He had never been here at this hour before.

“Not long.” He still hadn’t managed to look me in the eyes.

He was lying. I know that and it was clear the way he held his head a little lower.

“Still a bad liar!” I shook my head as I headed inside the café before gesturing him to come inside.

“You- You remember me don’t you?” He asked me with disbelief and excitement in his eyes.

“I will be quick but let’s not go anywhere outside just in case you know-” I tailed off and was on my heels before he could ask anything else.

Behind the kitchen, I changed my clothes and grabbed my bag but was stopped by Linda.

“Guess what? Grayson has been waiting for you and I totally believe he wants to ask you out.” She chirped as I rolled my eyes at her.

“I know and it’s regarding the ‘Work’ if I may add.” I blurted and turned to leave.

“Oh then why didn’t he ask me to join? As far as I remember it was me to have contacted at first place and it is still me who is in direct contact with him.” She said teasingly as I stopped in my track.

It was true, every word she said.

I was loss at words.

I doubted he used to like me back in school but could it be true that he still likes me?

‘C’mon how could he? It has been how many years, eight? Why will he still like you?’

My common sense mocked me and I felt relieved.

“Then come and join us. It’s not like he is going to push you away.” I replied and made my way back to him.

“Just so you know, I don’t want to spoil your sweet time. Most importantly his!” She was loud and I am sure he must have heard it as well.

‘Great. Just great.’

 ***

“Boss, I have found something for you.” Rick barged into Aiden’s office in excitement but the look on his face made him swallow his words.

“What is it? Have you forgotten the very basic rule like to knock?” Aiden yelled and Rick cringed at his voice.

“I am sorry sir. I got carried away.” Rick mumbled under his breath.

“Carried away? That isn't a proper excuse for this behavior Mr. Rick Wilson.” Aiden scoffed.

For others it would have looked like Aiden was in a terrible mood but only his employees know that it was normal for him.

“I- I have got something to show you Sir.” Rick passed his mobile with trembling hands to Aiden.

Aiden looked confused and irritated as he took the mobile to see what was so special that had made him behave this way.

His scowl dropped and eyes widened. His mouth opened and closed like a fish out of oxygen. His face softened and tears brimmed in his brown eyes.

“I think she is My lady.” Rick muttered.

Aiden had been zoned out at the image on the screen. His fingers caressed the screen as though she was in flesh and bones in front of her. There she was standing outside a store wearing a trench coat and had a bag of things in her hands. Her eyes and head lifted up a little. It was indeed her but still he couldn’t be sure.

The hairstyle was different. Her face looked tensed which was unlike her. Her figure was lean and thin; guilt crept in his heart.

“Iris” he breathed as tears rolled down his face.