Delilah

chapter 3

Clara

For these past two months, things have been going on fine both at the office and with Jake. He started working for Grey's Enterprise; I must say that he is pretty talented… Okay maybe am giving him too much credit, he actually sucks.

Two weeks ago, he asked me to marry him and I said yes, we had a private engagement party which comprised of my family and Jake's family with few of our close friends. I got to meet Jake's parents and they really loved me. They are very nice just like their son.

The thing is that since today, I have been getting this negative feeling that I can't seem to shake off. Jake told me that he was going to take me out tonight in order to take my heart away from whatever that is bothering me. So that was how I found myself sitting in Jake's car, a car I got him for his birthday, driving to God knows where. I have asked him many times where he was taking me, but he insisted that it was a surprise.

As if reading my thought, he squeezed my hand, bringing it to his lips, he placed a little kiss. Oh yeah before I forget to tell you guys, yesterday I finally found the courage to take a pregnancy test as I have been having the symptoms of pregnancy and the test came out positive. Am planning on telling Jake tonight when we get home. I am so excited at the thought of being a mother.

We arrived at a harbor which I noticed was deserted. I looked up at Jake "did you hire the entire harbor?"

"No. Most of the men that are supposed to be here doing their business are at the local bar down the road"

This still doesn't make sense "and no travelers or transporters"

He shrugged "might be a bad day for market. Maybe there is no much business today".

I noticed a beautiful boat tied to the dock "I hope we are not getting on that thing?'

He smiled at me "we are going to overcome your phobia for water today".

I took a step back "let's just go home Jack. I don't think it's a good idea".

He let out a small laugh "it's just the both of us okay". He held me on my shoulders and stared at me straight in the eyes "do you trust me Clara?"

"You know I do Jake".

He turned and pointed towards the boat "then come on let's get on that thing. I promise to keep you safe".

I held his hand and we boarded the boat. "Are driving this yourself?"

"Mmhm. I can operate it".

I stood close to him, watching him turn the wheels with ease. When we got to the middle of nowhere, he stopped the boat; I mean he literally turned the engine off. "Is everything okay Jake?"

He nodded "everything will be okay"

I noticed the future tense in that statement, just as I was about call him out on it, I heard footsteps behind me.

I turned only to see my sister Juliana, my mum or step mum Katherine. "What are you guys doing here?" I turned to Jake "I thought you said we are alone in this boat?”

Juliana was actually the first to speak up "you see my dear sister; he had to say anything to make sure you get on this boat".

What are these people up to? "Am here now. So what is all these about?"

Juliana walked casually to the counter in the boat; she picked up a gun that I didn't even notice. "What are you doing with that Juliana? Put it away"

She let out an evil laughter "you my dear sister are going to sign these documents for me".

She placed a file before me. I picked it up and skimmed through it. When I saw its content, I couldn't help but laugh at her stupidity "you must be crazy to think that I will transfer all my shares to you".

She gave me a small pout "the thing is you dont have a choice Clara".

I glared at her "and if I refuse to sign it?"

"I'll shoot you and throw your body into this sea and daddy dearest life will also be in danger".

I looked down at the document once more "how sure am I that you are going to let me walk away after I sign this?"

She smiled "you are always smart Clara. Whether you sign this or not, you are not leaving this boat alive. If you refuse to sign it, I'll just shoot you and then kill Daddy so that mummy and I will be the only surviving family member, so all the shares will be transferred to me. So you see I win both ways".

I turned to Jake with tears in my eyes "how could you do this to me? I trusted and loved you and you betray me like this?"

"Don't take it personal, its simply business" Jake replied

I scoffed "so my own family and those I love killing me and threatening to kill my dad is business right?"

He shrugged

I stared at all of them "why?"

Katherine was the one to answer this time "for the money of course. That is the main reason I married your father".

"You know very well that I am willing to share the money".

Juliana tsked "you know I don't like to share. Enough of all the talking just sign the damn paper".

It's not as if I am leaving here alive, I can at least save my father's life. I signed the paper and handed it over to Juliana.

"Now the party can begin" she exclaimed

I raised my brows "what party?"

She gave me a piece of paper "you are going to write your own suicide letter".

I stared at the paper then at Jake "dont let them do this Jake. Am ready to hand everything over to them and walk away. Please Jake" I pleaded

"Am just a business man Clara. I can't help you".

"Am pregnant Jake!!! Am carrying your child. Are you going to let them kill your child too?"

He shrugged "am not ready to be a father, they can at least help me get rid of it".

My sister interrupted our chat "just write the letter already!!!"

I took the paper and pen from her, I wrote how sorry I am to disappoint my father, and I told him how much I loved him and that I will never stop loving him.

"Don't forget to tell him that the reason why you are killing yourself is because you cheated on Jake and now you are carrying another man's baby that you cannot bear the shame so you had to kill yourself" Juliana said from where she was seated.

Immediately I finished the letter, I handed it back to Juliana.

"Don't worry about the fingerprints, mine won't be dictated" she told me, laughing at her own statement.

I overheard a sound of another boat, I felt very happy that at last, help is coming my way but my hope was shattered when the boat arrived and the occupant greeted Juliana with so much familiarity. She pointed the gun towards me and fired the first shot. The bullet pierced my chest. I pleaded with her not to do this but she stared at me straight in the eye and fired the second one and I fell to my knees.

She instructed Jake to set the ship ablaze which he did. I watched them board the other boat and left. I lay down there, waiting for the cold hands of death to come take me and ease this pain.