Game of Love - 14. Chapter 14: The enemy takes the game to another level, putting Eric's life in danger. Will he survive or could this be it?

Giada felt shivers ran up and down her spine as she stared at her husband’s corpse. Her heart raced at a tremendous rate, and her lungs shallowly rose and fell in time. She just remained there for what felt like hours but it was just mere minutes. She slowly started crawling, near her husband. Her trembling hand touched his chest to shake him but when she saw the blood that stained her whole hand, she quickly retreated.

“No!” She cried, shaking her head while trying her best to run the blood from her hands. “Brice… I… I didn’t mean to. Please, get up! I… I am so sorry. Please, get up.”

But he just lay there, his eyes on her like he wanted to burn her with them. She had never experienced grief that bad before. It sneaked up on her quietly and took her under its arms in an instant.

“Brice!” She wailed but not too loudly. “I… I didn’t mean to.”

There was nothing worse than what she had done, killing her husband, the man she loved more than anything on this earth. She was so scared. She knew it was dumb to be scared, but she couldn’t help it.

“I didn’t mean to!”

She felt like an invisible force was crushing her from every possible angle. As she looked at the corpse of her husband, sobbing softly and shaking like a leaf on a windy day, all she could think of was him.

Every memory of the time they’d shared played like a song in her head, repeating itself for what seemed like forever. She was lost mostly because she had lost a big part of her.

“Brice…” She gasped, her voice sounding shaky and scared. “…Brice! I… I… I… I didn’t mean to.”

Her heart was torturing her. She couldn’t get that part of her back and she wanted it so bad as her life depended on it. But it was all gone, vanished in thin air. She remained seated there, hugging herself while sharp gasps escaped her. She knew nothing could get worse than what she had done.

But suddenly…

“Mommy, I was thinking that maybe we could…”

But Trevor trailed off when as soon as he entered the room, he saw his father’s body near his feet. He was lying lifeless on the floor in a pool of his blood. Seeing that blood, Trevor felt adrenaline flood his system, pumping and beating like it was trying to escape. He thought his heart was gonna explode and his eyes became wide with fear.

His breaths sounded harsh and tears welled in his eyes. It was like he was frozen where he stood. He slowly but hesitantly moved his eyes only to find his mother near the corpse, staring at it in fear. There was a gun near her and Trevor didn’t need to be a genius to know she had killed him.

He looked at the corpse again. His adrenaline surged so fast he almost vomited. He could taste the saliva thicken in his throat and beads of sweat trickling down his brow.

Giada robotically moved her eyes and saw her son in the doorway staring at his father’s body with a tear rolling down his cheek. When their eyes met, she’d never seen the look that she saw at that time. He looked at her as if she was a monster.

“Trevor… Baby… I didn’t mean to.” She cried, shaking her head. She wanted to get up and hug him but she didn’t have any strength left in her. “… he… I… didn’t mean to kill him. I swear… I can never hurt him and you know.”

“What have you done?” Trev’s voice was barely above a whisper. He was taking steps backward. “You… you killed, daddy?”

“I… I didn’t mean to!” She cried, shaking her head. “I swear. I didn’t mean to kill him. I… I thought it was just gonna stop him and not… not kill him.”

As Giada cried, her bottom lip quivered, the same as a baby pushed past endurance. Tears spilled from her helpless eyes onto the floor. She wanted her son to hug her, assure her that it was a dream and Brice was still there.

“You know I would never hurt him.” She cried at the top of her voice, raising her weak hand towards her son. “Trev… please, get him up. I… I can’t live without him, I swear. Tell… him I didn’t mean to shoot him. I…”

“Why?” Trev felt like someone was pulling his heart. The grief came in waves and threatened to consume him entirely. “Why… why did you kill daddy?”

“I didn’t mean to.” She agonized. “I didn’t even know he was back. He… He overheard my conversation on the phone. He heard our entire plan to kill Eric and torment, Kimberly. He… he threatened to expose us. He wanted to go and tell Eric the truth. He wanted to ruin our plans. He… He wanted to kill me. I… I wanted to stop him from exposing us and… and…”

Giada couldn’t finish her sentence before she burst into tears, staring at her husband’s corpse. “Brice,” She mourned, breathing like she was about to pass out. “… I didn’t mean to kill him. But I felt helpless. You know what him telling Eric would have done. Brice! I am… I am so sorry.”

Trevor’s heart was pounding deep in his chest, threatening to come out. He looked at the corpse and his mother again.

“I am sorry…”

He quickly shut the door behind him and rushed to his mother. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her closer and tighter while rubbing on her back. Her cries just intensified. He could tell that she was very scared of the way her body shook.

“We need to get rid of the body!” He said in a louder voice, so evil that Giada stopped crying.

She slowly pulled from her son, staring at him as he’d just sprouted horns. She felt like her ears had betrayed her. Her son was staring into her eyes and he had tears in his eyes but the look that he gave her was something she hadn’t seen before.

“What?” She groaned. “What are you…”

“We need to get rid of this body before anyone finds out.” He nodded. “We’re lucky no one is home right now but if we delay any longer, we might be implicated in this.”

“What? I just killed him and…”

“You had no choice!” He assured, furiously rubbing his tears. “You were forced to do this. It was either he exposes us or…” He paused and took a deep breath. “You had no choice but to do it and I admire you for your bravery, mommy. I love you so much and this won’t change a thing. We must get rid of this corpse before anyone finds out, mommy.”

Giada glanced at the corpse and felt the emptiness in her heart, the numbness pounding her brain, and the salty tears that flowed unchecked from her eyes. His skin was pale and he was still staring at her.

“Mommy!” Trevor shook her bringing her back to reality. “I know this is hard for you. It is even harder for me because he was my father. Look at me!” He shook her harshly making her gasp. “We need to do this. We need to be strong, otherwise, all this will be in vain.”

“B-but…”

“Have you called him to tell him about this?” He asked, raising an eyebrow.

Giada shook abruptly. “I… I….”

“Call him right now. He’s the only one that can help us.”

Giada quickly rose and started rushing to where she had left her phone. She hesitantly opened it and quickly started calling him. It didn’t take long and the phone started ringing.

‘Giada, I hope this is important.’ The man said harshly on the other end. ‘I have something important to do. What is it?’

“I… I need help!” Giada sniveled, her voice sounding like there was a storm in her mouth. “I… I need your help I…”

But Trevor quickly grabbed the phone from her.

“Look, there’s no time.” He said abruptly. “You’re the only one that can help. If we don’t do something then we’re gonna get into trouble.”

‘What the hell are you talking about? What trouble?’

“She… she accidentally shot my father.” He said confidently, gripping the phone harder. “His corpse is lying in our house as we speak. She’s panicking and we need to get rid of the body right now.”

‘And what did I tell you two about staying out of trouble?’

“Would have rather he had exposed us to the only person strong enough to stop us?” He chuckled bitterly. “She just killed the man that she has only loved her entire life and it was to protect our secret. You can continue to lecture me or you can help us get rid of his corpse without being implicated.”

There was silence on the other end of the line. Surely, the man was angry and Trevor could tell from his harsh breaths. But he didn’t give a damn about it.

‘You stay put. I’ll send the best men to handle it.’

The phone cut and Trevor dropped it on the bed. He looked at his mother who was staring back at him. She was still trembling from fear.

“He’s sending someone to come and get rid of it.”

He held her in his arms and soothed her as she cried. She held her son tighter and just cried unlike before. The tears burst forth like water from a dam, spilling down her face. She felt the muscles on her chin tremble like a little child. Trevor was hurt but he didn’t shed a tear. He just continued soothing her.

About half an hour later, two of the man’s henchmen came dressed all in black with a body bag. They carefully put the corpse in the body bag, cleaned the floor so that there was no evidence of the murder, and told Giada that their boss had sent the deepest condolences. Giada cried seeing her husband being taken away.

She dropped to the floor and heard her own sounds, like a dressed child, raw from the inside. Trevor knelt and took her in his arms, rubbing on her arms. She sobbed in his chest unceasingly, hands clutching at his shirt.

“Trev, your father…. Brice!” She wailed. “Brice, no!”

“Shhh…” He soothed, trying to make her calm. “Mommy, everything’s gonna be alright. You shouldn’t cry anymore. You should be strong now. You’re a strong woman and I promise that I’ll be with you forever.”

“Brice…”

“Mommy, you know that no one should see you like this.” He sighed. “We don’t want anyone to become suspicious.”

“How can I? How can I just remain as nothing happened? I killed him.”

“Mommy?” Trevor yelled, ripping her from his chest. He cupped her face and stared into her eyes. “You need to stop, otherwise, all this will be in vain. If you truly love me then you’ll stop crying.”

“Trevor…”

“I am serious, mommy.” He said in a threatening voice. “Besides, why are you even crying for him? You loved him but did he love you back? No! He didn’t even think twice about exposing you to that bitch when he found out. Is that the man you think loves you, mommy?”

“I love him.”

“I know.” He smiled softly, rubbing her tears. “Okay, I will only allow you to mourn him tonight. I don’t want to hear about him or see you cry for him starting tomorrow morning. Do you understand?”

Giada knew it was gonna be hard. But she nodded and her son smiled, holding her tightly. She continued crying softly. She didn’t even see the grin that was on her son’s face. He had tears in his eyes but what were they for?

‘I am so sorry, daddy.’ He thought as a tear went down his cheek. ‘I love you but if it meant you had to go for our plans to be successful, then I have no regrets about your death. I will not let anything ruin my plan and even if it means killing everyone so I can have anything I want, I am ready to make that sacrifice.’

He slowly rubbed his tears.

‘Goodbye!’

He closed his eyes and held her even tighter.

***

Kimberly was walking about the room, trying to clear her head but she couldn’t do it. The thoughts that were there were threatening to drive her insane. She wanted to have a clear head to think about the calamity that was about to tear her family apart. Now it just wasn’t about Eric trying to ruin her family but another invisible threat had emerged.

She hadn’t slept properly at night. She had taken a shower early morning but it just wasn’t doing her any good. She felt like the world was slowly disappearing in front of her. Or maybe it was just her that was fading away.

Suddenly, Kim heard her phone vibrate and she jumped. Her eyes widened when she saw the same private number that had called her the previous night. She felt her heart racing faster than a man running away from its predator. Sweat formed on her forehead and she took a deep breath as she grabbed the phone.

“What do you want from me?” She asked harshly. “Why the hell are you bothering me, huh? Tell me the amount of money you want and I’ll gladly give it to you. Stop messing with my life.”

The man laughed on the other end of the line, a voice that scared the shit out of Kim.

“I am starting to enjoy this, Kim.’ The man said in a distorted voice. ‘You came straight to the point. Now listen to me… I want you to open the second drawer of your wardrobe. There’s a small envelope. Take whatever is there and tell me when you’ve seen it.’

Kim frowned, wondering how the man had known how her room was. She quickly glanced around, trying to see if anyone was looking at her. But there was no one.

‘I am becoming impatient!’

Kim rushed to her wardrobe and as instructed went to the second drawer, found the small envelope, and took out what was there. Her heart hammered into her chest and she gave a sharp gasp as her eyes widened and her breaths became sharp. There was a small bottle filled with liquid and it was labeled, ‘poison’. First of all, she didn’t even bother about how that had reached there in the first place.

“po-poison?” She managed a word. “Are you trying to kill me now?”

‘No, Kim! Why should I kill you when I want you to suffer? Get out of your room and go take a glance downstairs right now.’

Kim started running like the hounds of hell were after her. She reached the staircase leading downstairs but she stopped there. She saw Eric coming out of the kitchen with a tray of breakfast. Kim didn’t understand what she had to see.

‘Good, Kim! Now you listen to me…’ He instructed. ‘…. go back to your room.’

Kim did as instructed.

“What do you want?”

‘Kim, I want you to take the poison and mix it in your son’s favorite morning pudding!’

Kim’s body went limp and cold. Her whole body shook, bones rattling in the fear that loomed before her. Heart pounding so hard against her ribcage as her pulse pressed outward, jerking the veins within. She tried to breathe calmly, but the words she’d heard kept on ringing in her head. Slowly, the panic and anxiety attack intensified and her jaws began shaking.

“W-what?” She stammered. “What the hell… are you crazy? You expect me to poison my son? I am not crazy and if you like, kill me right now. But I am not gonna hurt my son, you bastard!”

‘Who said anything about your son?’ The man chirped. ‘You’re gonna poison your son in law. He’s gone to call his loving husband and this is the opportunity for you to poison the pudding. You’re gonna stop your son from taking it and you’ll make your son in law take it instead.”

Tears welled in her eyes and she didn’t even realize it.

“What? You want me to kill Eric?”

‘Genius!’ The man laughed maniacally. ‘You’re gonna get rid of your son in law, forever!’

“N-n-no!” She stuttered as a tear made its way down her cheek. “I am not gonna do that. Have you lost your mind?”

‘Why’s that, Kim? You don’t like your son in law. You’ve always wanted him to leave your son’s life. You should be thanking me for helping you find a permanent solution.’

“No!” She couldn’t breathe. Everything was spinning and it felt as if the ground was melting under her feet. “I know I hate Eric so much but I have never wished him dead. I am not gonna kill my son’s husband, his happiness. He’ll never forgive me for this.”

‘I don’t need…’

“Do your worst, you son of a bitch!” She roared. “But I am not gonna kill him. Do what you want to me but…”

‘Perhaps you need some motivation, Kim!’ She heard a sinister laugh that sent shivers down her spine. ‘Check the media message that I have sent you. Perhaps, that will motivate you.’

Kim quickly looked at her phone and found the message. She opened it and felt her entire strength leave her. She collapsed onto her knees, her breathing shallow and quick.

It was a video of her daughter on her daily morning run in the park nearby. She had headsets on her and she seemed happy. Kim could also see a pistol on the screen and it was held by whoever was taking that video.

“If you hurt my daughter then…”

‘You won’t do anything, Kim!’ The man laughed at the top of his voice. ‘But the decision is yours. You can either save your lovely young daughter or your ungrateful son in law. He’s already gone back to call his husband. And you’ve got 10 seconds to go and do it or you lose your daughter.’

With those words, the phone cut and Kim dropped it to the floor. She was in tears. She was in a dilemma but she was also running out of time. She quickly rose from the floor, furiously rubbing her tears.

“I am so sorry, Sergio, but I am just a helpless mother.”

She rushed downstairs to save her daughter. She went straight to the dining and didn’t find anyone there. She was nervous, scared, and sweaty. She looked at the dining table, her son’s favorite pudding. What she was about to do was wrong but what choice did she have?

“Please forgive me!” She muttered as she hesitantly took out the bottle of poison from her pocket.

She opened it and emptied it in the pudding. She took the spoon, mixed it, and then carefully covered it. A tear went down her cheek and she sobbed softly feeling like her strength was leaving her. But she heard her son and Eric’s voices and she ran away from there.

Meanwhile, Sergio and Eric reached the dining room and they were kissing like they didn’t care. Eric had his arms wrapped around his husband while Sergio had his arms carefully locked around Eric’s waist while he planted kisses all over his face.

Sergio was ready for an important meeting that morning. He was dressed in a pitch-black designer’s suit with a red shirt inside. He was so excited and he just wanted to continue kissing his husband. He didn’t mind who saw him showering his love on his baby.

“Hmmm… why do I have to get tempted each morning like this?” Sergio moaned as he slowly kissed Eric’s nose. “You’re tempting me to just cancel that meeting and stay with you the entire day.”

“And you know I won’t allow you to do that.” Eric smiled, winking at him. “And the food is getting cold. You need to eat and then leave. When you come back, I’ll be all yours.”

“Promise?”

“And hope to die!” Eric crossed his heart, kissing his husband’s tender lips.

Sergio felt like a man on the moon. He sat on the chair but he couldn’t let go of Eric’s hand. Eric uncovered his husband’s pudding and chuckled excitedly when Sergio sniffed the air, moaning like a little kid.

“Wow! Something smells delicious.” He rubbed his hands together. “Two of my favorite things all at once.”

“And what are those?” Eric raised an eyebrow.

“My dear sweet, sweet husband and my favorite pudding.”

“Hmmm… are you saying that you love me just as much as you love this pudding?” He pretended to be sad. “I thought you loved me more.”

“Of course, sweetie. I love my pudding but nothing can ever compare to you.” Eric smiled at his husband’s sweet words. “And do you know what would make this morning even more magical? If you feed me this pudding with your lovely hands. Please!”

“Sure!”

Eric smiled and then took a spoonful of the pudding to feed his husband. But before he even gave it to him…. The spoon went flying from his hands to the floor. He quickly looked past his shoulder and found Kim standing there, staring at him like she wanted to snap his neck off. To say he was surprised would be an understatement.

“Mommy, what do you think you’re doing?” Sergio furiously rose from the chair. “What’s wrong with you?”

“If you think I am gonna let you feed poison to my son then you’re sadly mistaken,” Kimberly warned, raising her finger at Eric. “Do you think I don’t know what you’re up to?”

“W-what?” His voice trailed off slowly. “Poison? What are you talking about?”

“I know you. I am pretty sure you’re up to something and you’ve put something in my son’s pudding.”

Eric’s eyes widened and his mouth opened but to his surprise, no word came out of it. He was dumbstruck that he just kept on staring at his mother in law. What drama was this, he thought?

“Mommy, what’s wrong with you?” Sergio was pissed. “Why do you always do this for every single thing? Why do you always accuse Eric of things he wouldn’t even dream of doing? Eric and I are in love with each other. He wouldn’t do anything to hurt me or anyone.”

“Really?” She chuckled bitterly. “And why wouldn’t you think so when he’s got you in his charm. This boy is not all innocent. I am very sure that he poisoned your pudding today. He wants to take you away from me.”

“Can you hear yourself, mommy?” Sergio laughed. He found it funny. “Eric has been preparing my breakfast for a few days now.”

“And that’s proof enough to you.” She roared. “This boy poisoned your food. I saw him put something in your pudding.”

“Mommy…”

“Am I lying, Eric?” She asked with a stern look on her face. Deep down, she was panicking.

“Mommy, this is ridiculous. Stop being paranoid and leave my husband alone.”

“You trust him, right?” She crossed her arms. “Then he wouldn’t mind tasting the food, would he?”

“Mommy, please…”

“It’s okay, Sergio!” Eric sighed, raising his hands like he was surrendering. “Just to prove to mother that I wouldn’t hurt you and maybe to gain some trust from her, I’ll taste the pudding.”

“Eric, this is ridiculous.” Sergio shook his head, taking Eric’s hand. “There’s no need for that. I trust you and that’s what is important to me. I don’t care what mom has to say but…”

“Sergio, she’s just being a mother.” He smiled sheepishly. “And to prove her wrong, I’ll taste it first.”

He glanced at Kimberly and smiled sheepishly. Then he took a spoon from the table and took a spoonful of the pudding. Kim watched as Eric took the spoon near his mouth and when he took it in his mouth, her heart hammered harder than before but she kept her gait casual with no hint of hesitation. She couldn’t let them know what she done or even suspect there was poison in the pudding.

Eric took a spoon and another and was about to take the third one when Sergio gripped his hand and shook his head. He didn’t like the way his mother was treating Eric. The boy had suffered a lot already. All he wanted him to experience was love.

Sergio turned and looked at his mother, staring into her eyes.

“Are you happy now? If you are done inspecting then please get out of here and leave us in peace. What’s all this? I am sick and tired of your behavior, mommy.”

He furiously sat and took the bowl of pudding to eat. But before he did, Kim quickly pushed the bowl from him and it fell to the floor breaking into pieces. Sergio felt like he’d just been supercharged and he instantly rose. Eric sensed that he was gonna make a mistake so he gripped his arm, pulling him closer. But the man didn’t even seem to notice.

“What’s wrong with you, mommy? What do you want me to do to prove to you that Eric and I are in love with each other?” He barked. “I am honestly sick and tired of this. If you don’t change, I swear I’ll take Eric and leave this house for you. There’s no way I am gonna allow you to continue disrespecting him in this house.”

Tears welled in Kim’s eyes and she dropped her eyes to the floor. Her hands shook in fear and she hid them behind her back.

“Mommy…”

“Sergio, please, it’s fine!” Eric spoke softly, rubbing on his shoulder. “You don’t have to be angry with her. She’s just being…”

“Paranoid?” Sergio chimed in, his voice rising. “When will she realize that I am no longer just her son but I have other duties as well and…”

“For my sake!” Eric pleaded. “I beg you.”

“But…”

“Sergio, I am not complaining, am I?”

Sergio sighed and held Eric tightly, kissing his forehead. “Alright, since you say so.” He just hugged him tightly, wondering what he had done to deserve him.

But the moment didn’t last long as Sergio heard his phone ringing. He knew that it was time to leave.

“Shit!” He said under his breath. “I have to go, baby. The clients are probably on their way and I don’t wanna keep them waiting.”

“But your breakfast.”

“I’ll grab something along the way, I promise.”

He smiled brightly, planted a kiss on Eric’s sweet lips, and hurriedly left without saying anything to his mother. Eric felt terrible for the way that Sergio had spoken to his mother. He took a deep breath and walked slowly to her. He placed his hand on her shoulder and she jumped, quickly raising her face.

“Mother, I am so sorry.” He apologized. “Sergio was just…”

But she furiously turned and stormed out of there. Eric sighed, running his fingers through his hair. He glanced at the broken bowl on the floor and slowly started moving there. He was about to start picking up the broken pieces when suddenly he felt a sharp pain hit his tummy so painfully that his vision blurred for a second.

He winced, balancing on a chair while holding grasping his tummy. His breaths came out harsh and he took a deep breath. As quick as the pain came, it went away and he remained standing there wondering what had just happened to him.

“What’s going on?” He muttered, taking a deep breath. “Why did I suddenly… ouch!” Eric cried sharply.

He felt the pain once again hit him like someone was cutting his insides with a razor blade. He grasped his belly tighter as sweat starting forming all over his face. He cried softly as the pain intensified. It throbbed in his guts, deep and warm, but not in a nice way. It felt like someone had their hands in there and were squeezing his organs first gently and then as hard as they can.

“Uh…” He breathed as a tear started running down his cheek.

Eric knew that something was wrong. The pain he was experiencing was from out of this world. But he didn’t know what was causing it. When he laid his eyes on the broken bowl on the floor, everything suddenly became clear. He had been poisoned. But why?

Eric took a harsh breath and started running outside, slowly but he made it. He met one of the drivers just as he came out and he quickly grabbed the keys from him, jumped into the car, and drove off like he was going insane.

He was driving like a mad man and lucky for him, there was no traffic. When the pain waned away, he added on the speed but when it returned, he gripped the driving wheel as if he wanted to break it, held still and breathe, breathe slow and deep, waiting for it to pass. But when it returned, it was so intense that he almost lost control of the car.

Then suddenly, the mother of all pains hit him and he screamed. It was like a knife being twisted in his spine. It shot up fast, erasing every thought from his head. Blood started coming out of his mouth and nose. Things started getting blurry but he never gave up. His heart raced so much that he was scared it might just break free.

Luckily, he reached the hospital and parked carelessly, opening the door. When he got out, he found himself on his knees crying because every step that he took felt like a bail bomb exploding his inwards. He started shouting for help and saw two nurses running towards him and shouting for a wheelchair to be brought there.

“Sir… sir, what happened?” They all asked at the same time as they held his arms tightly.

“Poison!” He muttered as he tried to make himself strong but he couldn’t. “Poison!”

When the nurse tried to get him up, the pain got so much that it took him out of consciousness. He had passed out before the nurses even took him inside.

***

Kimberly was moving about the room like there was a hurricane inside her. She was moving like her brain was demanding the energetic expenditure of an athlete but won’t tell her limbs what to do. Her eyes were wild and whenever she sat, she started rocking, rocking, and rocking. She got faster until she exploded into motion again. She had tears in her eyes, blaming herself for what she had done. She was scared of hearing a scream, anything to tell her that her son in law was dead.

Suddenly, she felt her phone vibrate…

“You bastard!” She yelled followed by tears. “What the hell do you want from me? Haven’t you done enough?”

The man gave a wry laugh. ‘How does it feel, Kim? Do you think your son will ever forgive you after finding out that you killed his husband?’

Kim sobbed, gripping the phone harder.

‘Anyway, you shouldn’t feel bad. I gave you an option and your daughter is safe.’ He gave a sinister laugh. ‘Your biggest enemy will be dead. You should be thanking me.’

“I never wanted this,” Kim said with tears following. “I never wanted to kill Eric.”

‘But you wanted him out of your son’s life.’

“Yes! I wanted that but not for his death. You just made me sin.”

‘But it’s nothing compared to the chaos your secret would have brought.’ He chirped. ‘If you continue to do exactly what I tell you then…’

“No!” Kim yelled, breathing like death was upon her. “I am not gonna be doing any dirty works for you. Do you understand? I will not hurt people just because…”

‘Kim, Kim, Kim…’ He sighed. ‘…you poor soul. We both know that you’re willing to do anything just to keep it from coming out. Now your son in law will be dead and his blood will be on your hands.’

“You made me do it, you bastard!” She screamed. “And if you have balls then show yourself to me. Let’s meet up and end this nonsense once and for all.”

‘Somethings we wish for might be dangerous, Kim. You might just meet up with a ghost of your past and you wouldn’t want that. Would you?’

“I don’t give a fuck! I just wanna end this and…”

‘In good time, Kim. But for now, I am having so much fun seeing you in pain.’ He laughed manically. ‘The game shall continue. And my condolences.’

“He… Hello!”

But the phone had already cut. She dropped to the floor with her hands covering her face while she cried. She felt terrible and her heart was torturing her. Because of her secret, she had poisoned Eric and he was probably lying in his room dead.

“I am so sorry!” She said under her breath. “Please, forgive me. I didn’t have a choice.”

***

Eric’s eyes slowly opened and his vision blurred for a few seconds before he started seeing clearing. It was bright everywhere and he could have sworn he was dead. But he slowly moved his eyes, glancing all around. That was when he realized he was in a room in the hospital and he was put on drip.

He tried to move but was welcomed by a terrible headache that made him wince. He took a few deep breaths and gripped the sides of his bed, helping himself a little. He managed to sit on the bed but he had some pains in his abdomen. He slowly started massaging it while trying to get up. He sat like that for several minutes and took a glass of water from the table that made him feel a little better.

He didn’t know what had happened to him but he knew he needed to get out of there and go home although he was feeling a little too weak. He took a deep breath and slowly started removing the needle that was stuck on his arm.

“Hey, hey, what are you doing, Mr. Alvarado?” He heard a voice and footsteps before someone held his hand, stopping him from what he was doing.

He took a glance and found a beautiful woman that was probably in her early forties, staring at him with a worried look on her face. She had beautiful golden-brown long hair that was tied in a bun and the face of an angel. She was wearing a coat with all the weird stuff doctors have.

“You’re not well.” She said with a smile, shaking her head. “You still need to rest.”

“No!” He groaned, trying to get off the bed but she was stronger. “I need to go home before my husband comes.”

“What?” She gasped. “I can’t allow you to go home right away. I still need to conduct a few more tests on you.”

“No!” He shook his head. “I am absolutely fine.”

“You’re not okay. You’ve been out for almost 6 hours, Mr. Alvarado. Though you seem stable, I need to be sure.”

“6 hours?” He gasped, glancing at the clock on the wall. “Oh my God.” It was almost 4.pm and it meant that he’d been out for too long. His husband was probably worried sick.

“And what happened to you, Mr. Alvarado?” The doctor asked. “Do you have any idea what you had consumed?”

The moment she said that Eric’s memories started coming back. He remembered the stunt that Kim had played and how she had made him eat the pudding that she had probably poisoned. That food could have been consumed by his husband.

“No!” He sighed, running his fingers through his hair. “I guess it was food poisoning.”

“No!” The doctor shook her head. “That wasn’t food poisoning. A very dangerous chemical was found in your system and you’re very lucky to be alive. We had a really hard time trying to fight it. I don’t know how your body managed to slow its effects but the results could have been fatal.”

The thoughts began accelerating inside his head. He looked at the doctor and tried to stay calm but nothing was working.

“Did you take any food or drinks in the morning?”

‘I want you to taste the food.’ Kim’s voice rang in his head. ‘You poisoned my son’s food. I saw you put something in his pudding.’

“No!” He shrugged. “I didn’t take anything in the morning.”

“Well, the poison got in your system somehow. It’s either you were trying to commit or someone wanted you dead.” The doctor said with a raised eyebrow, making Eric’s heart jump in fear. “I have ruled out the possibility of suicide because you wouldn’t have driven yourself here. If the latter is true, you need to report this to the police. Your life could be in danger.”

Eric felt hot all over and he knew the right thing to do was report Kim and have her arrested. But how could he? She was his husband’s mother and he knew that Sergio would get hurt seeing his mother behind bars and worse, learning that she had poisoned him.

“He’s not gonna tell you anything.” A voice came.

Eric felt like his world had just stopped when he heard that voice. He glanced in the direction of the voice and saw her coming inside with her arms crossed, looking stern. She wore a black top with white skinny jeanss and slippers. Her hair was tied in a ponytail.

Eric’s heart hammered inside his chest like a rabbit running for its skin. His eyes widened and his jaw just dropped.

“Adrianna?”

“I’ll leave the two of you to talk.” The doctor smiled and quickly left.

“Adrianna…”

“Don’t!” Adrianna warned, waving her finger. “I don’t want you to say anything to me, Eric. When I first heard it, I couldn’t believe it. I arrived home after my morning jog. I looked for you everywhere but I couldn’t see you. I called your phone only to get the news that your life was in danger, that you were here after being poisoned. Do you know how long I have been here crying and praying?”

“Adrianna, I…”

“Do you know how scared I was of losing you?” She sobbed as she got near. “I was panicking outside while they were trying to fight the poison. I had no idea if you were gonna survive or not. Eric, I was so scared of losing you. I have never been as scared as I was.”

Eric felt the weight of the world on him and he slowly started panicking.

“Does… does your brother know about this?”

Adrianna shook her head. “I couldn’t get through him. I tried severally but his line’s been off. I tried to call Aunt Laurel but I couldn’t get through either.”

Eric breathed, holding his chest. “Oh, thank God! I got scared that…”

“Why?” Adrianna snapped, shaking her head. “Can you hear yourself, Eric? Sergio is your husband and he has every right to know what happened to you.”

“No!” Eric shook his head, taking Adrianna’s hands. “I know he’s got the right but I don’t want him to worry about me. You know how he is.”

“Is that the truth, Eric, or you’re just trying to hide the truth from him. From all of us.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Do you think I am stupid?” Adrianna snapped. “I know that you were poisoned. I saw the mess you left in the dining. And I also know that you’re not stupid to poison yourself. I wasn’t home and Sergio wouldn’t poison you. So, tell me what happened.”

Eric tried to stay calm as his eyes met Adrianna’s. “Food poisoning. The doctor told me that the food I had taken was expired and it turned toxic, so when I…”

“Stop lying!” Adrianna snapped, stomping her foot on the floor. “I am not a kid. If you don’t tell me the truth, I am gonna give Sergio a call right now and I’ll tell him everything. Then he’ll be the one to get the truth out of you. Should…”

“No!” He gasped, shaking his head. “Please, don’t…”

“Are you gonna tell me the truth or not?” She asked, getting her phone out. “I am not joking. I am gonna everyone here and you’ll tell us the truth.”

“No, please!” He put his hands together. “Adrianna, listen…”

“Alright!” She started dialing his line. “I’ll call him and…”

“Okay, it was mom!” He hollered without realizing he did.

Adrianna froze, her eyes widening and her jaw-dropping. Everything went cold and the silence that hit the room was the kind that falls right before you get knifed in the back. It sent a shiver down her spine and she felt her blood chill in her veins. A stream of tears went down her cheeks and she got weak.

“W-what?” She stammered. “Mom?”

Eric slightly closed his eyes. “I… I didn’t want you to find out like this and I didn’t want you or anyone else to find out at all. I still can’t believe it either. It felt like a nightmare when I realized that… that she had poisoned.”

Adrianna’s strength left her and she sat on the bed, feeling her heart race. “Mommy… poisoned you? Why? How?”

“I don’t know, but, this morning, she accused me of poisoning Sergio’s food and forced me to taste it.” He slowly rubbed his tears. “I think she wanted to implicate me, pin my husband against me. But he left and I only realized that the pudding was poisoned a few minutes after he left. I don’t know why she did it, Adrianna, but she’s been acting strange since we returned from our honeymoon and…”

“We need to tell Sergio,” Adrianna said under her breath. “We need to…”

“We can’t!”

“What?” Adrianna shouted. “Are you being for real? That woman poisoned you and you only survived by a miracle. She needs to be punished. I am not gonna allow her to go scot-free after what she did.”

“No!” Eric cupped her cheeks quickly, shaking his head. “No, Adrianna. This is the reason I didn’t want you to know. I knew you would react like this. The last thing I want is for our family to divide. I just got married. Would you want Sergio to be hurt?”

“I don’t care! All I want is to see her pay for what she had done.”

“This is not right.” Eric sniveled. “Mom is not herself. I have a feeling that something is wrong with her. Something might have driven her to do what she did. I want to find out the reason why she did what she did.”

“But... what if…”

“I promise that nothing like this will ever happen.” He gave an assuring smile. “Just trust me on this one. I know exactly what I have to do.”

Adrianna sobbed, gripping him into a tight hug. “I was so scared, Eric.”

“Shhh…”

He rubbed on her back, trying to make her calm down and feel better. But she just wouldn’t stop crying.

‘I know that something is bothering you, mother. And I am gonna find out the truth.’ He thought. ‘And for that, I am gonna have to do what I should have done long ago.’

***

Kim was slowly walking on the terrace, her mind completely out of this world. She was lost and she couldn’t think straight.

‘Who is this person that wants to destroy me?’ She thought. ‘Why is he going after me? As it is, there’s a lot of tension going on in my family. I am scared of going inside for fear of what I might find. I know my son will never forgive me for what I had done but I had to protect my daughter. I just hope God will understand why I did what I had to do. I am so confused!’

She slowly turned to find the greatest surprise of her life. Her brain shut down. She became clammy and there was a glisten of cold sweat. Her eyes were as wide as if someone was coming to deliver the fat blow. Her heart began racing at a tremendous speed and her chest rose and fell with each harsh breath she took.

“Surprised to see me, mother?” Eric asked, raising his eyebrow. He had his arms crossed, staring at her with a stern look.

A look of shocked surprise came into Kim’s face and Eric just got pissed. Kim wanted to cry, hug Eric… but she couldn’t do that. He was still alive and she’d never felt as relieved as she did at that time.

“Are you here waiting to hear the news of my death?” He asked harshly. “Well, I came to tell you that your plan didn’t work, mother. I am stronger than you think and it would take God alone to kill me.”

“W-what are you talking about?” She couldn’t mask the fear in her voice. “Have you gone insane?”

“Oh, please!” Eric rolled his eyes. “Don’t pretend like you don’t know what I am talking about. I know you poisoned me this morning. You had mixed poison in my husband’s pudding and made me taste it.”

“Are you crazy?” Kim gasped, shaking her head. “Why would I do that?”

“Because we both know that ever since I came to this house, you’ve been trying to look for ways to get me out of your son’s life.” He yelled. “I honestly thought you were just doing it because of your love for your son. But I was wrong. You are an evil woman and….”

“Watch the way you talk to me!” Kim snapped, raising her finger at him. “I am still your husband’s mother.”

“Yes, I agree. You’re his mother but you don’t love him like one.” He said with tears welling in his eyes. “A mother is a goddess. An embodiment of love, mercy, power, and protection. She does all she can to protect her family at the expense of her own life. But unfortunately, some women have no qualities or any goodness in them.”

“Watch the way you talk to me!” She yelled, raising her hand to slap him. But to her surprise, he caught her hand and gripped it harder, getting closer to her. Since his entrance into the house, she’d never seen that look he gave her.

“I have always respected you as my husband’s mother and not for once did I think that I would lose all that respect for you.” He groaned, clenching his teeth. “Ever since I came to this house, you’ve only seen one side of me but that was what made you take my meekness for weakness. But now, Kimberly, neither will I fear nor will I tolerate your insults in this house.”

“How dare you?” Kim furiously released her hand, taking a step away from him. “Who do you think you are to talk to me like that?”

“I am Eric Alvarado and I am the son in law of this house.”

“This is my house and Sergio is my son. You’ve got no right…”

“Well, you’re just gonna have to wait and watch, Kimberly. I would have told your son exactly what you did.” He barked, chuckling bitterly. “But I will not do that because I know it will hurt him to learn that his mother whom he loves with his entire heart tried to kill his husband. I am not like you. I do not take joy in seeing other people hurt.”

Kim felt tears well in her eyes. She tried to fight them but nothing was working. And she had been expecting Eric to deal with her, call the police and tell her son. But he didn’t do that. Right at that moment, she felt something move within her.

“You…” She raised her finger at him. “Stop talking nonsense!”

“I am the son in law of this house. I have to ensure that my family is happy and secure from evil people like you. We’re supposed to be happy. Living in peace and harmony.” He chuckled bitterly. “But how will there be peace in our house when the woman that is supposed to be the pillar is the one destroying our home. From now on, Kimberly, I am gonna be keeping an eye on you. I am not gonna let you hurt anyone else again. Are we clear here?”

Kim just stood there quietly without saying a word.

“The next time you try this, not only will I let everyone know. But I will make sure you spend your remaining years in jail.”

With an angry look, he turned and walked out of there. Kim’s tears couldn’t hold any longer. They came flowing and she smiled through them. She had no idea why she felt happy after learning that her son in law wasn’t hurt.

“Words cannot express how glad I am that you’re alright, Eric!” She said under her breath, slowly rubbing her tears. “Maybe I judged you too harshly and I shouldn’t have done what I did. But I am a mother after all. I had to be selfish to save my daughter. I hope one day, you’ll understand why I did this.”

She chuckled and started heading inside. But she only took a few steps when her phone began vibrating. It was him. She took a deep breath and answered.

‘How’s the mighty Kim this evening?’ He mocked, laughing maniacally. ‘How are the funeral processions and how’s your son coping? I will be sending some flowers and a letter to show my deepest condo…”

“Listen, that’s enough!” Kim roared, breathing like a wounded buffalo. “Whoever you are I have had enough of your games.”

“Hahaha….’ He laughed sinisterly. ‘There’s no escaping from me, Kim. I call the shots and you’ve got no choice but to do them. The poisoning of your son in law was just a taste of what I can do to you. And I am sure that with his death, your house has already started crumbling.’

“Hahaha…” Kim burst into laughter as if she was going insane. She laughed so hard that tears started coming out. “Is that what you think? Well, sorry to burst your bubble but Eric didn’t die. He survived. He was just here a few seconds ago to…”

‘Ugh!’ There was a sound of something breaking on the other side of the line. ‘Ugh! That’s not possible. He couldn’t have survived.’

“He did.” She laughed. “He is a strong boy after all and the love that he has for my son…”

‘Don’t you preach to me!’ The man warned in a voice that sounded like thunder. ‘And don’t throw challenges at me because you’re gonna regret it. The more you challenge me, the more my mind looks for better tricks.’

“I am not playing games with you.” She seethed, gripping the phone harder. “I’ll face you one day and I’ll make sure you stop smiling.”

‘Don’t make a mistake, Kim. I am more dangerous than you think.’

“What can you do, huh?” She challenged. “The worst that you could ever do, you had made me do it this morning. I am not gonna be doing any more dirty works for you. You can do whatever you want. This is my family; my children are my life and I will not let you ruin my family. You’ve messed with the wrong lady.”

‘You won’t be able to do anything. Kim, the thing is you’ll only be able to do what you’re ordered to do.’

“You can go to hell!”

She cut the call and threw her phone angrily to the ground. Luckily, it didn’t break. But as she stared at her phone, she felt as if her lungs were slowly filling with water, as if there was just less space in them for air. Then sweat trickled down her back, free-flowing like condensation on a windowpane. What if she had made a terrible mistake by talking to him like that? What if he hurt one of her children, she thought as she covered her mouth and fought her tears.

***

Sergio opened the door to his room excitedly, chuckling to himself.

“Hey, baby. I am so sorry for…”

But he trailed off and froze in the doorway, staring straight at the bed. His smile didn’t seize and his heart started beating rhythmically. He shut the door behind him and started walking towards the bed while removing his jacket. He threw it on a nearby chair and walked to the bed.

Reaching there, he knelt and just stared at Eric while his smile got even bigger. God, the boy looked so amazingly sexy and peaceful. Sergio could have sworn he was smiling. How could someone be so beautiful, he thought as he chuckled to himself.

“Wow, you must be so tired, my love.” He took Eric’s hand and kissed it. “You look so peaceful and beautiful in your sleep. I Just wanna kiss you so bad right now. But I am afraid of waking you up, my love. I was kind of hoping I was gonna find you awake and then we were gonna make love.”

He glanced at the watch and realized that it was only 8.pm. He knew he’d come home a little later than he had thought but never had he thought that Eric was gonna be asleep so early. He chuckled when the boy moved his sleep and his grip on Sergio’s hand tightened.

“I know, my love, I am all here for you. I won’t leave you. I will spend the rest of the night with you.”

He took off his shirt and trousers, remaining with only a boxer brief. Then he slipped in bed with Eric and carefully moved his head to his chest while playing with his hair. The boy’s breaths on his chest felt heavenly. He kissed his head, wrapped his arms tightly around him, and closed his eyes. There was nothing sweeter than having his husband in his arms. Before a minute even passed, he was already fast asleep.

***

Eric moaned softly, his hands moving across the bed as if he was searching for something. He moved them all over but couldn’t feel anything. He quickly opened his eyes to find that his husband wasn’t in bed. There was a sign that someone had slept in that bed with him but he couldn’t see him.

His eyes glanced all around as he slowly rose, stretching his arms and yawning softly. It was morning and he felt better than he had felt before he slept the previous night. He’d been feeling dizzy and weak. He’d gone to sleep early because he didn’t want his husband to find out what had happened.

“Baby? My love.” He called with a sexy moan. “Where are you? Are you in the bathroom? Sergio, I wanted to tell you that…”

But he trailed off when he glanced at the table beside his bed. There was a tray of covered food with a beautiful red flower. Beside it was a small note. He quickly grabbed it and started reading.

‘I am so sorry, honey. By the time you’ll see this, I won’t be with you there. I wanted to wake you up but how could I when you look so beautiful. I went early to the office because we’re receiving some goods that need my attention. Love you to bits. I will return soon.’

A smile popped up Eric’s face as he held the note closer to his heart, taking a deep breath.

“I love you too, my handsome husband.” He said under his breath. “And when you come back home, a beautiful surprise will be waiting for you.”

He took the flower and held it closer to his nose. It smelt heavenly and took him places he hadn’t expected to be that morning. How he wished he’d been with his husband that morning. It would have made everything so beautiful. They would have made love, kissed, and just enjoyed themselves.

Eric took a deep breath, putting everything back on the tray. He got up and went to shower before enjoying his husband’s specially prepared breakfast.

***

“Do as I have told you,” Kim said to the beautiful maid that was standing in front of her. “My son left early this morning without having anything. Make sure you cook everything deliciously. I will come and make the stew and his favorite pudding.”

“Yes, ma’am!” She slowly bowed. “I will do exactly as you have said.”

“Good. Go and start then!” Kim smiled brightly. “I will join you as soon as…”

“There’s no need for that.” A voice spoke, getting the attention of both women in the living room.

Kim slowly turned and found Eric coming towards her with a stern look, tying his hair into a knot. He looked hot that morning in a black skinny pair of jean with a pink shirt that was folded at the sleeves. He looked better than she had seen him that evening.

“You can go back to doing other things.” He instructed the maid. “I will be cooking my husband’s food. I don’t want…” He paused and glanced at Kim. “…anything to go wrong. Besides, I think he will love the food prepared by his husband’s hands.”

The maid smiled, slowly bowing. “I agree, sir! Excuse me!”

She left quickly. Kim and Eric remained there glaring at each other like enemies that had met after a long time. Kim’s eyes were narrowed, rigid, cold, hard. Eric knew that look very well. She was angry but he simply didn’t care.

“How dare you insult me in front of my maid, Eric?” She snapped, raising her finger. “Whom do you think you are to go against my orders?”

“Well, last time I checked, mother-in-law…” He paused and crossed his arms. “…Sergio is my husband and I have every right to change any decisions made for him. Even by you. And besides, we don’t want any little accident to happen to him, like poisoning, do we?”

Kim clenched her fists, her jaws shaking like a leaf. She was so pissed that she felt irritated that she had even thought Eric was a good boy. He was a mess.

“And what are you implying? Do you think I would poison my son?” She snarled. “I love him so much and…”

“But not as much as I love him!” Eric chuckled bitterly, chirping. “You know, that’s the difference between the two of us. I love him to the point where I am willing to sacrifice everything for him. But your love is toxic and I will not put his life in danger or anyone else in this house. Don’t think that I have forgotten what you did to me yesterday.” He slightly raised his voice. “And I will not let you forget it either. The only reason you’re still standing here is because of your son. I don’t wanna hurt him by telling him that his mother is a murderer.”

Kim chuckled bitterly, feeling a storm forming inside of her. “Am I supposed to thank you? I am glad, you won’t have to pretend to be nice now. I know this marriage is nothing but a façade to you.”

“It doesn’t matter what you think or what your opinion is.” He shook his head. “Get one thing straight, Kimberly. I am not gonna let you succeed in whatever plan you have against me or anyone in this house. I will not let you do what you did to me to anyone else. I am gonna be the one looking after this house now. And also remember that you’re only here because of me. I can have you arrested just like that.” He snapped his finger in her face. “So, if I were you, I would be thanking me.”

Burning rage hissed through Kim’s body like deathly poison, screeching a demanded release in the form of unwanted anger. It was like a volcano erupting; fury sweeping off her like ferocious waves. She groaned and stormed out of there cursing under her breath.

Eric took a deep breath as he watched her.

‘I am so sorry, mother, but I have to do this. I don’t know why you did what you did yesterday but I feel like there’s some external force.’ He thought. ‘I know you hate me but I also know you’re not capable of murder. And this is the only way for me to find out the truth.’

***

Giada was standing in the room with little lighting, staring at the pacing man. He was mad and she could feel the anger emanating from him. She was quietly looking at him, feeling nervous herself. She was yet to recover from her husband’s death.

“Will you please calm down?” She sighed. “We need to think of something quick.”

“Calm down, you say?” The man growled. “I thought that woman was gonna be in so much fear that she was gonna back down coyly. But she is fighting back with me. She has got the nerves to threaten me.”

“Well, Kim is one hell of a lady.” Giada sighed, chuckling softly. “She is not one to back down so easily or to go down without a fight. I can assure you right now that she is thinking of something to finally know who we are. But I wouldn’t be so worried about her. It’s Eric that is a threat in that house. The fact that he survived the poison is what scares me a lot.”

“You’re right. And it looks like Kim got back her strength from that.” He groaned, pushing everything from the table angrily. “No one has ever survived that poison. And my fear right now is that the boy has probably gotten suspicious. If he starts his investigations, it won’t be long before he finds out the truth.”

“And he will.” Giada sounded like she was scared. She was more than scared. “We need to take care of him. You should instruct Giada to eliminate him as soon as possible.”

“I am afraid I can’t do that.” The man sighed, sitting back on the chair. Giada still couldn’t see him because he was in the dark. “Giada has started retaliating. I have got a plan of eliminating Eric once and for all. I have my thugs on the lookout for him. The moment they spot him, they’ll carry out the execution. But it won’t be easy.”

“How about we use Sergio to lure him out or one of his family members?”

“Eric is very smart. That’ll be the biggest mistake we’ll make. A boy who owns the biggest company in the entire continent is bound to be dangerous. I cannot use Sergio because that will be game over for us.”

“Then what?” She hit her forehead, raising her shoulders in a half shrug. “We can’t just leave things the way they are.”

“Don’t worry about anything, Giada.” He chirped, putting his legs on the table. “It’s about time I give her a test of what I can do. That way, she’ll come back to her senses.”

An evil grin appeared on Giada’s face. She couldn’t wait to exact her revenge.

***

Kim was seated by her window, enjoying her latest novel. After everything that had happened, she just needed to relax and forget about all her troubles. She had spent the entire day in her room because she didn’t wanna argue with Eric. She was feeling better and the entire day, she hadn’t received any threats or blackmail. Maybe the blackmailer had given up after their conversation the previous night.

But suddenly, Kim heard her phone ringing. She rolled her eyes when she saw that it was the same private number that always calls her. She sighed, getting up from her chair.

“Speak!” She answered rudely.

‘I must say that you’ve been very courageous, Kimberly! Why’s that?’

“I’ve always been courageous.” She laughed. “And I have just had about enough of your stupid games. I have also realized that you’re nothing but a psychopath and I have no reason to fear you.”

‘Mind your tongue!’ He warned. ‘Last time I made your son in law taste a dose of death but now I fear that one of your children might suffer the consequence of your tongue lashing.’

“Stop threatening me!” She yelled, letting out a harsh breath. “I won’t be scared of your false threats. Do you get that? What are you going to do? Are you gonna expose my secret or you’re gonna make me poison my son-in-law again? Why don’t you go ahead if you truly have any evidence? I used to be afraid of you but now I am not afraid of you anymore. Do whatever you want.”

The man laughed maniacally. ‘Those were just samples. You’ve got no idea what you’re about to face soon.’

“And what’s that? You’re gonna kill me. If you have balls face me, mano-womano. And then we’ll see exactly which of the two of us is stronger. You’re a worthless man, who plays childish games of hide and seek.”

‘Enough!’ He snapped, breathing like a monster in a cave. ‘You think I have got time for your nonsense? Why don’t you go downstairs and find out if truly I am playing with you?’

With those words, the call cut leaving Kim speechless. Suddenly, she got very scared because she thought she might have gone too far. She took a deep breath and started rushing downstairs. As soon as she reached the living room, she saw her son entering the house holding his jacket and with shirt folded at the sleeves.

She rushed to him and cupped his cheeks, staring into his face.

“Are you alright, Sergio?” She gasped, shaking her head.

“Yeah…” Sergio smiled, raising an eyebrow. She was acting strange again. “Are you alright? You look restless. Maybe you should rest.”

“No! I am fine. Why don’t you come inside? I have something I wanna talk to you about.”

Sergio nodded and she smiled brightly. Then she held his hand and started leading to the living room. But before she took even a step…

“Ouch!” Sergio winced, making her stop in her tracks.

She quickly turned, glanced at him before she saw his hand-tied with a white handkerchief that was a little bloody. Her eyes widened as she held her breath, chills taking over her body. She gulped as she carefully took his hand.

‘I fear that one of your children might suffer the consequence of your tongue lashing.’

Her whole body shook in fear of the future that loomed before her.

“How… how did you get hurt?” She gasped.

“Oh, it’s nothing, mommy.” Sergio smiled. He didn’t wanna make her worried. “it’s just a little cut.”

“Cut?” She shook her head. “Tell me how you got hurt.”

Sergio sighed, running his fingers across his hair. “Well, there was a motor accident, mommy. I had gone to a shop to get something. While coming out, a motorcycle driver nearly bashed into me. I fell but I didn’t realize I had hurt myself until I got to the car.”

Kim’s heart twisted and sunk with nerves. She recalled the warning very well and her fear came back. It was so intense that she felt like she was gonna pass out from the very impact. Her breaths came in sharp pants and she tried to gain control, but nothing was working.

“Mommy, what’s wrong?” Sergio sounded worried. He took his mother’s hand and kissed it. “I am fine. It was just a minor accident. I will be careful next time. I promise!”

Kim tried to breathe calmly but every time she remembered the warning, she just went crazier with fear. Slowly, the panic and anxiety attack flowed away, and yet she still shook.

“Mommy? Please, you don’t have to be this worried. I am fine, remember.” He was trying to cheer her up. “I have Kimberly Alvarado as my mother. I have her blood running in my veins. How can I get hurt?”

Kim smiled sheepishly, nodding slowly. “Why don’t you go upstairs? I am sure Eric is waiting for you.”

Eric! The very name was able to bring Sergio a bliss he’d never thought existed. He blushed, biting his lip and chuckling. He kissed his mother’s cheek and held her hand. “But you wanted to tell me something. Eric can wait.”

“Err… well, I just wanted you to stop going to work starting tomorrow.”

Sergio raised an eyebrow, chuckling softly. “Why? Is everything alright?”

“Yeah, err… you’re newly married. You should be spending more time with Eric at home. Enjoy your life. Work can wait and besides, that’s the reason why we have workers. But anyway, you go upstairs and we’ll talk about it later.”

Sergio took a deep breath. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

He started rushing upstairs like he was going insane. As soon as he left, a frown appeared on Kim’s face and she started panicking.

“How can I tell you that someone is trying to hurt you and your sister because of me, Sergio?” She said under her breath, gripping her hair. “I need to find out who is blackmailing me once and for all. I need to save my children from this trouble that’s about to resurface.”

She started rushing outside like the hounds of hell were after her. She needed fresh air to think clearly about what her next plan was gonna be.

***

Sergio opened the door and was welcomed by nothing but darkness. He couldn’t see anything in the room. He slowly glanced everywhere to see if he could spot the switch but he couldn’t see a thing. He had expected to find Eric but there was no one in that room.

He closed the door behind him and got out his phone to see with. But before he even managed to switch it on, the lights went back on, brightening the whole room. He slowly raised his head and his brain stuttered for a moment and his eyes took in more light than he expected. Every part of him went on pause while his thoughts caught.

The whole room was beautifully decorated with balloons and wonderfully colored flowers almost everywhere. He was standing on red flower petals and the room had that sexy vanilla scent that made him horny and drove him insane with desire. The petals had made a path to the bed on which were red and blue flower petals made into a love symbol. Just seeing that, Sergio felt his hormones get excited and his heart started racing.

He was about to take a step when he looked towards the direction of the bathroom door and found Eric coming out of there. God, he looked so deliciously sexy that Sergio’s heart skipped a beat. He wore a sexy blue, long see-through shirt and a tight yellow skinny jeans that showed his seductive curves. On his feet were a pair of red and white snickers. His hair was made parted and curled slightly at the sides and his face, God, Sergio nearly died. He was beautiful.

Eric smiled when he saw his husband, knowing fully well that he was seduced by his looks. He started walking sexily towards him like a gorgeous seducer, moving into Sergio’s personal space with just the right look of heat in his eyes. He just didn’t look at the man, he looked into him as if he knew his desires.

Sergio on the other was like a statue. The only thing moving was his eyes. He gazed into Eric’s eyes longingly. He was lost within the breathless paradise of Eric’s dreamy eyes. Eric’s smile was from out of this world, much as a spring flower opens. It seduced Sergio and his cock started rising slowly.

Eric came near and he just blushed. Sergio was expecting a hug but got the disappointment of his life when Eric took the jacket from him and flipped his hair most seductively. Sergio closed his eyes and drew in that sweet smell that rocked his senses. His cock became instantly hard and when he felt Eric’s hand on his shoulder, he bit his lip to suppress a moan.

He opened his eyes and found the boy with his back to him. He raked his fingers through his hair, turning to glance at his husband. He could tell the man was already seduced, just like he wanted.

“Why are you staring at me like that?” He moaned, totally undressing him with his eyes.

“Whom do you want to murder?” His voice had that lilt Eric knew so well.

“Murder?” Eric chuckled, shaking his head. “What are you talking about? I just dressed up a little to welcome husband.”

Sergio clutched his hands onto Eric’s hips, leaning him in against his muscular body. Eric felt weakened by his husband’s gentle seductive touch. He didn’t want him to know that he wanted him just as much as he did.

While pressing his body against Eric’s and continuing gazing within his eyes, Sergio began leaning in for a kiss. He couldn’t wait to taste those lips. His eyes started closing as he neared Eric’s lips but to his shock, he felt Eric’s hands on his lips. He opened his eyes and found Eric winking at him.

Eric laughed silently, slowly turned, and started walking towards the bed. Shit, Sergio was so horny that he could drill a hole in a wall. He felt hot and he began sweating. He quickly took off his shirt and threw it on the floor.

Eric on the other hand placed the jacket on the bed, smiling to himself. However, when he turned it was to find himself staring into his husband’s passionately beautiful eyes. He was so close that just the heat emanating from him felt like the sun on a summer afternoon. His musk almost made Eric just bow and submit to his husband. But he wasn’t gonna do that.

Unexpectedly, Sergio’s hand drifted to his hip. It settled there and pulled him closer. Eric inhaled in sharply. He looked at Eric’s lips and Eric knew what exactly he wanted to do.

“What are you doing, Mr. Alvarado?”

“I will not let you murder me this evening, Eric.” Sergio’s voice was raw and sexy. “I am not ready to leave this earth, not ready to leave you alone. Why are you doing this to me? Do you want to murder me?”

Sergio had his way with words. Eric’s heart raced with joy and ecstasy. “You know I wouldn’t do that to you. But like I said, I just dressed up a little to welcome my husband.”

“And this?” He gestured with his head. “How would you explain that?”

“Well, I just decided to decorate our room. Do you like it?”

Sergio took Eric’s hand and placed it on his chest. When Eric heard felt how fast his heartbeat, he felt a jolt of joy. His plan had worked.

“Look what you’re doing to me. I feel like if I don’t have you, I am gonna have a heart attack.” His eyes were gazing into Eric’s. “I am so horny. I wanna make love to you so bad. Unless you want my death right now and…”

“Shhh…” Eric blocked his lips with his hand. “Don’t talk about death, my love. You’ll never die as long as I am with you. I promise.”

Sergio took in a harsh breath. “Then I have got my answer.”

He slowly lowered his face into Eric’s. His lips brushed against his. Not innocently, like a tease but hot, fiery, passionate, and demanding. As their lips crushed together, they both felt like they were walking on air. The kiss was brief and they broke apart. Sergio rested his forehead against Eric’s chuckling to himself while he pulled the boy even closer.

“You’re gonna be the death of me.” His voice was so low that Eric barely got him. But he smiled and spread his hands on his husband’s bare chest, enjoying the feel of his heartbeat. Sergio’s smirk told him everything and he smiled back, sinking into his hold.

His hand moved up and caressed Eric’s cheeks, making him slightly close his eyes. His head moved around Eric’s ear and he whispered an ‘I love you’ while both his hands moved to Eric’s shirt. He began unbuttoning him while his mouth worked on Eric’s neck, nipping and sucking.

Shit, Eric moaned as Sergio’s mouth felt electric, leaving tingles in a frenzy. He dropped it, giving more access and he didn’t even realize Sergio had removed his shirt. As his hands moved over his skin, Eric’s body had a transitory paralysis, his mind unable to process the pleasures so fast.

Just like a flash, their lips were back on each other. Their lips fitted so perfectly… as if they were meant for each other. Moving against each other, feeling each other. Eric grasped the back of his husband’s head, closing the remaining space between them.

Before they both knew it, they were naked, their body stuck to each other. The whole room was filled with their moans and groans of pleasure. They were so horny both of them leaked so badly. They wanted each other.

Eric pulled away from those wonderful lips and pushed Sergio hard on the bed. Sergio moaned and tried to sit up, but Eric pushed him back down with his finger, crawling on top of him.

“Eric…”

Eric cut him by blocking his lips with his finger. He wanted to be in control that night, he wanted everything to go his way. He wanted his husband to scream in pleasure. Sergio took Eric’s finger in his mouth and began sucking on it like a newborn on its mother’s breast.

Eric leaned in and began placing butterfly kisses down his chest and abs. His hand went further to his cock, wrapping it around that girth. Sergio jerked as his breaths changed and he groaned on the finger he was sucking.

When Eric began stroking that shaft, Sergio’s breaths sounded like a violent storm getting ready to hit. Fuck! Eric was driving him insane. Each stroke took him into a land he hadn’t thought existed. He gripped the sheets as he writhed on the bed, his eyes moving into his head.

“Eric!” He cried softly. Eric could hear and feel the desperation in his husband’s voice.

He kissed his way up to his lips and began kissing him softly, enjoying the moans that escaped his lips. He stroked harder and Sergio cried in that mouth. He leaked so badly that Eric’s very hand became wet. His heart was pounding violently in his chest while his body got hot with each passing second.

Eric’s hand moved to the drawer beside the bed and got out the bottle of lube. Not once did he let go of Sergio’s lips. He poured a huge amount on his hand and then lubed up Sergio’s cock. He stroked it even harder, feeling it get bigger in his hands.

“Oh my God!” Sergio cried as he ripped away from those lips. “Shit… Eric… fuck! I want you so bad. Please, I need you, my love. I wanna make love to you.”

Eric bit his lip and kissed Sergio. He had a great idea. He took some lube and lubed his hole. Then he got on top of Sergio and positioned himself on his husband’s cock. Sergio almost came when he realized that Eric was gonna ride him. Fuck! His heart almost ripped out of his chest.

Eric winked and then started sliding down that cock. He didn’t find it difficult and the pain was just a bit but he hit the hilt and his husband was all the way. Fuck! Sergio gripped on the sheets, his eyes widened as the warmth of Eric’s channel moved up and down his cock like a powerful vibration.

“Fuck!” He cried.

Eric positioned himself comfortably and then started slowly moving on that cock, making sure that he was looking at his husband’s face.

“Fuck…” Sergio gasped, ecstasy slamming into him.

His hands moved from the sheets and he grasped Eric’s hips, watching as the boy rode him nice and slow. Eric moved his hands up, taking his hair with him as he rocked up and down that cock that felt so dangerously amazing in him.

“Ohhhh, God… Sergio…” Eric cried, totally lost in the pleasure of feeling that hard cock hitting his pleasure button, totally driving him insane.

The feeling of that cock rubbing and hitting his prostate was nothing like he’d ever experienced. Each time Sergio’s cock hit his pleasure button, chills traveled down his spine to his cock and it throbbed dangerously, releasing a huge amount of precum.

A ragged sound tore from his throat as sweat misted his brow. He’d never felt anything so raw and exquisitely heavenly. He whimpered sexily as each second drove him towards his climax.

Sergio on the other hand was lost in words. He was in ecstasy. He could feel it in his heart, his bones, his mind, everywhere. He held on tighter to Eric’s hips, guiding him on that cock as his ride got even faster. Both of them moaned like it was the last thing they were gonna do.

“Shit…. Shit!”

Sergio’s mind was getting blown. Eric rode him slow and passionately, dancing on that cock as his life depended on it. None of them were going to forget that fuck. Short, sharp gasps escaped Sergio’s mouth as Eric gave him that ancient dance of ecstasy. It was slow, it was deep, it was mind-blowing and it was hard.

The explicit sounds of ecstasy were all that could be heard in the room. Eric rocked and twirled against Sergio like he was riding a rodeo. He would slide up against Sergio’s length until his cock was almost out, and then impaled himself hard, filling himself with that pulsing cock that took him to clod 9.

“Huh…” Sergio hissed as Eric began to whip his hips back and forth and side to side. It felt so damn good that he almost came.

Sergio felt possessed like he was gonna go insane. His hands instantly flipped Eric over violently, getting on top of him. Then he slammed his cock hard, right into that pleasure button hidden deep inside of Eric. Eric held on tighter to Sergio, his nails biting deeper into his back, drawing beads of blood. His whole body shook from the intensity and precum gushed out as though Eric was spurting. His eyes found their way into his head.

“Ah…” He writhed on the bed.

That was an assurance that Sergio was doing a great job. Eric arched his back and Sergio pounded into him harder than before. Eric screamed out, feeling like he’d been deprived of oxygen. With each thrust, his breathing changed. Then Sergio leaned in and took those lips again, kissing him while making sure he did his best to pleasure him.

He kissed Eric’s chin, his neck, his chest, and his stomach. He was watching Eric’s reaction, feeling how his legs moved, and watching his body writhe. It turned him more and boy did he fuck the boy out of his mind. Each thrust drew him closer to an explosive orgasm that was building up like a volcano that had been dormant for years and ready to shoot.

He could tell from the look on Eric’s face and his moans that the boy was near too. He took hold of Eric’s leg, opening him wider and then slammed in. Both of them cried at the same time, sweat dripping off their bodies.

Then just like magic, Eric felt his cock pulse and swell as each contraction against it gripped him like a vise. The pressure was building everywhere...inside his head, in his balls, inside his chest, in his belly, his heart, and even his legs... Sergio could already feel it too and he knew it was gonna knock him out senselessly.

A rasping growl tore out of him as sensations so powerful rushed through him. He started coming violently, spurting hot cum repeatedly deep into his husband. But with each rope that he shot, he felt like he had released his entire energy inside Eric that his vision blurred for a few seconds. He took Eric’s lips and kissed him just as Eric started shooting in between them, screaming in Sergio’s mouth. It was the most powerful orgasm he’d ever had.

Sergio kept on coming and coming until he felt it slow down and by the time his cock spurt the last cum inside Eric, Sergio felt tired, spent. And so, did Eric. He felt like he’d come gallons and his body trembled like a cat on a winter night.

Sergio collapsed on top of Eric, still quivering with pleasure. That had been intense. With a moan, he broke from those lips, gazing the boy in his eyes. Both of them couldn’t mask the feeling of fulfillment on their faces. It had been long and now that they’d done again, it felt heavenly.

“Wow!” Sergio’s voice was breaking. He was panting. “I could get used to coming home like this every day, my love.” His hands were on Eric, caressing his cheeks. “So are you up for it.”

“I am gonna have to think about it, Mr. Alvarado.” Eric gasped. “You’re gonna convince me and then if you impress me, I’ll consider it.”

“Alright then. I better start right now, my love.” Sergio placed his hands on either side of Eric’s body, leaning in. “Perhaps we could start in the shower or the jacuzzi…” He kissed him softly. “…or maybe the hot tub. I just wanna cuddle with you.”

“Hmmm… a tempting offer. Then…”

“Shhh….” Sergio kissed him softly. “You talk too much, Mr. Eric Alvarado. I wanna cuddle but I will take you there myself. There’s no way I am gonna let my groom walk to the bathroom.”

Carefully withdrawing his cock from Eric’s tight channel, Sergio carefully lifted him off the bed bridal style and took him to the bathroom. The two of them stayed in the hot tub, holding each other and kissing. Their fun had just started and they knew their night was gonna be amazing.

***

Kim was seated on the bed, leaning on the headboard. It was already past midnight and she didn’t feel sleepy. She was disturbed. She had taken her sleeping pills but they didn’t seem to help her at all. It was as if even they were running away from her.

Her hair was messy… her face was a little pale and her body was a little hot. Her heart was racing and her breaths were harsh. She was in her nightdress but no matter what she did, she couldn’t fall asleep. She was seated in the darkness of the room, trying to think clearly.

Suddenly, her phone began vibrating and she almost jumped off the bed. Cold sweat glistened on her furrowed brow. She clenched her fists tightly until nails dug into the palm of her hand but she didn’t even notice. Her breaths were harsh and fear took her by storm.

‘Hello, Kim, I can see you’re still awake. Did you like my message?’

“Listen, stop annoying me with your calls,” Kim warned, tears welling in her eyes.

‘Still audacious, I see.’ He chirped. ‘Wasn’t the message I sent through your son clear or maybe you need something intense, maybe death? You think just because you’ve faced my attacks, you’ve learned how to attack also? There’s more to me than you’ve seen.’

Kim covered her mouth, trying to hide that she was scared. It was as if her brain shredded from the inside.

“I am not scared of you and from now on, I’ll not be scared of you.” She didn’t know where she got that courage from. “Do whatever you want to.”

The man gave a high cold cackle that seemed to pierce through Kim. Her fear intensified and she visibly trembled.

“I am gonna tell Eric everything.” She said harshly. “I’ll explain to him what’s been happening. I’ll ask for his help and the both of us will find you out together.”

There was silence on the other end for a few seconds before Kimberly heard the sound of something breaking and then breaths like a huge hurricane followed by a growl that scared the hell out of Kimberly. She didn’t wanna awake any demon that was gonna destroy her.

‘Are you threatening me?’ He barked.

“It’s not a threat!” Kim snarled, feeling like she was getting possessed. “It’s a promise! You consider yourself to be unbeatable while being hidden? I will do everything to bring you down. All this fun that you’re having, I’ll wipe it off your face.”

‘You seem to forget who I am, Kim.’ He chuckled bitterly. She could feel the wrath in his voice. ‘If you try anything, your loved ones will get it, and…’

“You can do your worst. Eric is the strongest boy I know.” She said with such fire in her voice. “You might be able to take advantage of my weakness but will you be able to hide from Eric? He’s powerful, influential and he’ll get you out of your hiding place.”

‘I am warning you, Kimmy. If you try anything….’

“Why? Are you scared? What happened to your laughter?” She teased, taking a deep breath. “Now you listen to me, the both of us are gonna meet and settle this nonsense once and for all. You’ll name your price and I’ll pay you. You’ll disappear like a bad dream and my secret will stay safe. Do you get that?”

‘Don’t you dare order me around?’ He yelled. ‘I call the shots. I decide when I should meet you and…’

“Tell me where and when!”

‘And if I don’t want?’

“Then I tell Eric everything. I don’t care what I’ll lose because it can’t be worse than losing my children. And besides, with Eric’s help, I’ll be able to finally bring you down. My children might forgive but I’ll make sure that you spend the rest of your life in jail.”

The man groaned and cursed under his breath. Kim didn’t give two hoots about it.

‘Fine! I will send you the address and we’ll meet this very night to settle this once and for all.’

“Good!” Kim chuckled. “See you!”

She cut the call and immediately she did, a message arrived containing the address of the meeting place. Kim changed into a black blouse, a black skinny jean, black boots, and a red coat. She tied her hair in a ponytail and left like the hounds of hell were after her.

***

Eric was slowly passing his hands on his husband’s hairy chest on which he lay with a smile on his face. His husband was sleep, breathing on his face and snoring softly. Those sexy snores were music to his ears. They had come to bed like an hour back after spending hours in the hot tub. Sergio had probably been too tired but Eric had failed to sleep. He just lay on his husband’s chest, playing with his hairs.

Both of them were only putting on boxer briefs. Eric’s memories were only filled with the wonderful loving making in the bedroom and the hot tub. He’d never felt so satisfied before and he didn’t want to even sleep. He just wanted to stare at his husband the entire night.

After so long, Eric started feeling thirsty. He needed water. He glanced at the table beside his bed and noticed that it was empty. He knew he had to go to the kitchen to get some but he didn’t wanna leave his husband alone.

“Hey, baby…” he whispered. “…I am gonna have to leave you for a few seconds, okay? I will be back. Don’t miss me too much!”

He kissed his husband’s tender lips and got off the bed. Sergio stirred but he didn’t wake up. Eric wore black cargo shorts and his husband’s t-shirt with sandals on his feet. He didn’t wanna go downstairs naked for fear of meeting someone.

He threw his husband air kisses and left the room, still smiling. But as soon as Eric got out of the room and started heading towards the stairs, he spotted someone rushing down the stairs while looking all around as if sneaking out. Eric quickly hid at a corner, trying to see who it was. At first, she thought it was Adrianna but once he got to see that face, he got the greatest shock of his life.

“Mother?” He gasped under his breath. “Where could she be going this time dressed like that? And why is she acting like she’s sneaking out? Could she be hiding something?”

He watched as she slowly walked to the door, quietly opened it, and got out. He ran downstairs to see what she was up to but all he heard was the sound of the car. She was definitely up to something, maybe the reason why she had been acting weird the past few days.

Eric sighed, combing his hair with his fingers. But when he saw his husband’s favorite car keys on the table, crazy thoughts started hitting him. Without wasting a second, he grabbed the keys from the table and started running outside just in time to find Kim’s car exiting the gate.

He rushed to his husband’s Range Rover Evoque and didn’t waste any time. He started the car and followed Kim behind. He honked and the security guard opened the door. When he got out, he saw Kim’s car at a distance and he reduced the intensity of his headlights and followed her at a safe distance. He didn’t want her to suspect anything.

He followed her, watching as she made her way to the outskirts of town. She was driving at a speed that made him wonder where she was going. But he followed her and made sure not to be spotted. She got out of town and then made a turn and parked in front of an abandoned building.

Eric quickly parked his car away from where she was and got out. He carefully and quietly went near and found her entering the building. Now he was sure that something was up. He was just hoping Kim wasn’t in anything illegal, otherwise, it was gonna break Sergio’s heart.

***

“Hello?” Kim called out in the poorly lit building.

There were boxes and planks all over. She had to be careful not to hurt herself. She called again but the only thing that was responding was the echo of her voice. She looked all around trying to see if she could see anything or anyone but she couldn’t. The place was creepy and it was starting to freak her out.

“Hello? Is anybody here?”

Kim’s heart jumped in her chest when she heard a loud noise behind her. She screamed, quickly turning. But there was nothing there. It was only a cat that had been chasing something. She grasped her chest, feeling like someone had just pulled on her heart. It raced so much that she felt like she was gonna have a heart attack.

She continued going inside until she reached the wall and started glancing around. She could have sworn that was the address she had received. She took out her phone and started checking the message. She was right. That was the place? Could he have tricked her, she thought?

“Hello, Kim?”

Kim almost dropped her phone when she heard a sweet female voice behind. She made a quick turn and froze when she saw who it was. She became white as chalk. Her eyes and mouth were frozen wide open in an expression of stunned surprise. Her heart raced at tremendous speeds, and her lungs shallowly rose and fell in time. But suddenly, she started getting upset.

“Giada, it was you?” She snarled, shaking her head angrily. “You were the one blackmailing me? How? Why? I thought… I thought we were friends. How could you do this to me?”

Giada stood there looking like a queen with her arms crossed and an orgasmic smile on her face. She was dressed like she was from a fashion contest with the highest heels Kim had ever seen. Her hair was curled and her face was made up, but not overdone.

“You were the one that was playing hide and seek with me? The poisoning of Eric?” She gasped, hitting her brow. “Oh my God, I should have figured it all out at that time. Who would want to hurt Eric more than you? But you know what…” She chuckled bitterly. “…you messed with the wrong lady. Do you know what happens if someone troubles me a lot? They get to feel my wrath.”

She clenched her fists and was about to vent at Giada but got shocked when Giada got out her gun and pointed it at her head. Kim’s heart leaped into her throat and her legs became wobbly with fear. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up and her mouth went dry.

“Are you tired of your life, Kim?” She chuckled sinisterly, chirping. “What could I do? You and Eric are alike and I hate you more than anything in this world. The two of you won’t be at peace until you take all that I have.”

“W-what?” Kim stuttered, taking a step back as Giada got near. “What did you think? Eric will steal my son’s husband and I will remain quiet? I will do nothing?”

A tear rolled down Kim’s cheeks. “What are you talking about? I was helping you. I promised I was gonna bring them back together, didn’t I?”

“Yes!” Giada barked, making Kim’s heart hammer. “But did you do anything to fulfill your promise? No! You just watched because you’re useless.”

“Is that it? That’s why…”

“You’re dead wrong, Kim!” She laughed heartily. “It’s more than that. My son’s marriage to your son was supposed to make me rich, powerful enough to destroy that son of a bitch once and for all. But he destroyed my plans and you didn’t do anything to help me. That is when I lost it.”

“You’re insane!” Kim gasped, her jaw shaking. “All this time I was thinking I had a friend but I was wrong. The only thing I had was a big snake in my house. I can’t believe I even wanted to bring Sergio and Trevor together. I am so glad Eric got married to him instead. He saved my family. But do you know what you are? A criminal!” She yelled.

“Enough!” She turned on Goode like an enraged panther, cocking her gun angrily. “You think I am a criminal? You’ve got no idea. How about I put a bullet in your head right now?”

Fear sat on Kim like a pillow over her mouth and nose as she watched Giada’s finger playing with the trigger. She slightly closed her eyes waiting to be shot but….

“Now, now, Giada… is that any way to treat our guest?”

Kim froze when she heard that voice, a very familiar voice. It wasn’t as deep as it was when he was calling her but she couldn’t miss that voice anywhere. She quickly moved her eyes past Giada to the direction of the voice and saw a figure in the dark that was coming towards them.

Then suddenly, he emerged and came into the light, a man that Kim couldn’t recognize. He was just average height, wearing a pitch-black suit with the jacket unbuttoned. He had a sky-blue shirt that was halfway buttoned up with the collar raised, revealing his muscular hairy chest on which a gold chain rested. And he had golden brown shoes on his feet.

But it wasn’t that which got her. It was the man himself. He was quite handsome with caramel highlighting on dark hair which he had in a comb-over. He had that evil grin on his face that gave sent chills down her spine and she didn’t know why. The man had one hand in his pocket and he was slowly shaking his head like he was gonna do something evil.

He must have been in his mid-30s or somewhere near his late 30s. As he got near, Kim couldn’t help but notice that he looked a little familiar. But she couldn’t seem to remember where she had seen him before.

Meanwhile, Eric sneaked into the building and hid behind a pile of boxes. He got shocked when he saw Giada holding a gun to Kim and there was another man that he hadn’t seen before.

“So finally, we meet, Kim!” He chuckled. “I must say that you’re one sassy lady.”

“It was you?” Kim gasped, shaking her head. “You’re the bastard that was blackmailing me…”

“Don’t even think about it!” Giada warned. “If you even make a move, I’ll blow your brains out.”

“Relax!” The man slowly held Giada’s hand, making her drop it. “There’s no need for that. Kim is as harmless as a newborn baby here. Even an iron lady knows to respect a dangerous man’s territory.”

“Why?” Kim asked. “What did I do to you that you and this evil woman decided to destroy my life. What will you gain from all this? As far as I know, I don’t have enmity with you. So why would you do this?”

“She… she doesn’t have enmity with me?” He laughed hysterically, pointing at her. “She doesn’t have enmity with me? Did you hear her?” Then all of a sudden, he stopped laughing and got stern, getting closer to Kim with his fist clenched. “Well, it seems like you’re getting old, Kim. Even your memory is getting old. Well, let me jog your memory a bit. Perhaps, it will come back to you.”

The man’s jaws started shaking uncontrollably. “It all happened 30 years ago in this very city. A happy family, mother, father, and son. They were very happy and they lived a fairy-tale life. The man loved his wife more than anything in this world and did everything for her and their son.

But like they say, not all fairy tales have happy endings. There’s always a villain trying to ruin the happiness of lovers. This one came in form of an evil lady who tried her possible best to lure the man into her trap. After trying so long, she managed to seduce the man and got him away from his beloved family.

The sweet family started breaking. The man became violent, abusive, and obsessed with the evil lady. The wife tried all she could to bring back her husband’s love but it was too late. The family completely broke when the man brought the evil lady home and introduced her as his new wife. His wife and her little child were thrown out like yesterday’s garbage!” He groaned, making Kim take a few steps back.

“The wife begged but the man was deaf to her pleas. Heartbroken and shattered, she left in the heavy rain. The child got so sick that he almost lost his life. But his mother tried all she could to heal him. Desperate and helpless, she had no choice but to leave her son at an orphanage in another city. She went back to her husband but they murdered her in cold blood. She left her son alone in this wicked world to suffer in the street after running away from an abusive foster home.”

Tears welled up in his eyes. He was breathing like he was in labour.

“Does that refresh your memory, Kimberly?”

Pure terror surged through Kim’s veins, ice daggers straight to the heart. The fear she’d felt when he was blackmailing her was nothing compared to the way she felt at that time. Darkness washed over him sending chills down her spine. Already, her heart rate was accelerating and her mind replayed the story he’d just told her. Her breaths were harsh and her muscles were frozen in place but filled with such a tingling pressure to run away. But she couldn’t.

“Do you remember that story? You know it very well, don’t you?”

“I... I… I don’t know what you are talking about.” Her voice was filled with so much fear it felt as if she was face to face with the devil.

“Really?”

He furiously gripped Kim’s hand, bringing her closer. She winced in pain, feeling like he was burning her.

“You think I am joking here?” He barked in her face. “Well, since you’ve decided to play dumb I will tell you. My name is Jayden Alvarado, the son of David Alvarado and the same woman you murdered!”

He threw her arm and she furiously hit the wall with a thud. It was painful but Kim didn’t feel anything. It was like the man had paralyzed her nerve. The adrenaline flooded her system like it was on an intravenous drip- right into her blood at full pelt. Her eyes widened as she took short harsh breaths.

***

30 years ago

*

“David, please, I am begging you!” Audrey pleaded, kneeling in front of her husband. “Don’t do this. You know that I love you so much. Where am I gonna go with your son at this time?”

“Back to hell where you belong?” David yelled, waving his finger angrily in her face. “I don’t know where you or that bastard is gonna go. But I want you out of this house this instant.”

Audrey sobbed uncontrollably and got up. She rushed to Kim who was standing near David with her arms crossed and an evil grin on her face, enjoying the entire drama. She was dressed elegantly, looking down on Audrey like the most disgusting thing she’d ever seen.

“Please, you’re a woman too.” She pleaded. “You can understand my pain. Do not destroy my home like this. I love my husband so much and we have a son together.” She was holding her three-year-old son who was crying. “If not for anything but the sake of my son, do not do this. I am ready to forgive you for this and…”

“Forgive me?” Kim laughed, shaking her head. “I don’t need any forgiveness from you. My husband told you to get out of this house so get your lousy self out. And as for that…” She grimaced, pointing to the crying boy. “…bastard, he’s not my husband’s son. The truth came out. You’ve been sleeping around and he found out. So, if I were you, I would just take my shameless self to the street I belong.”

She flipped her hair and clung to her husband, laying her head on his shoulder.

“Did you hear that?” David pointed to the door. “Get the fuck out. The next time I see you, I am gonna find myself in jail for murder.”

“Please, don’t do this, David!” She pleaded. “I have nowhere else to go.”

David laughed manically, hitting his brow. “You know what, I have no time for this.”

He gripped her arm painfully and started dragging her out of his house together with her son. She was crying… she was on the floor but he didn’t care. He dragged her out like a thief and threw her in the rain.

Kim was smiling where she stood, feeling like a man that had just won a race.

‘Wow, Kim, you’ve outdone yourself this time.’ She thought, rubbing seductively on her temple. ‘You’ve landed yourself in the arms of the richest man, got rid of his wife and son. And now you get to live a lavishing life alone with him. Who could have known that a simple plan would get me here? Goodbye, Audrey, and good riddance.’

She chuckled inwardly and continued enjoying the drama.

*

“What have you done?” Kim gasped, covering her mouth in shocked surprise. “David, what the hell have you done?”

She was staring at the body lying lifeless on the floor with blood on her mouth and white shirt. It was Audrey and she was dead. Kim dropped to her knees, breathing like the hounds of hell were after her. She glanced at her husband that was staring back at her, trying to get to her.

He looked horrified. He had blood on his hands, her blood and he was sweaty. Tears had welled up in his eyes and he was shaking in fear.

“M-my love, I didn’t do it,” David said abruptly. “Please, believe me. She… She came here to beg me to take her back and threatened to kill herself. I thought she was joking. The next thing I knew, she drank poison and… and…” He couldn’t finish his sentence before he burst into tears.

Kim groaned, trying to calm down. Her heart was pounding in her chest but she tried to ignore it and slow her breathing.

“We need to call the police, David.” She muttered. “We need to tell them what happened.”

“W-what?” He was scared shitless. “We can’t do that, my love. They’re gonna think I killed her. By now, I am sure most people know the circumstances under which we got separated. They’re gonna think I killed her to get rid of her.”

“But what do you want us to do?” She yelled followed by a sob. “We have to report this because… because…”

“Think about it, my love.” David reached her hand and held it tightly. “If we report this to the police, it will be all over. There will be a scandal and we’ll lose everything we have. We’ll lose our business, our business partners and our investors. It will paralyze me in the business world. I can’t risk it. We need to somehow get rid of this body.”

“David? What are you saying to me?” She yelled, releasing her hand. “If you didn’t kill her then what are you so scared of? Let’s…”

“Listen!” He cupped her face, staring into her eyes. “Look at me and tell me you believe me. You know me and what I am capable of. What would I gain from killing her? I would never hurt her. Please, believe me.”

He gave her a soft kiss on the lips, one that melted her very being. That was all that was needed to convince her. They got rid of the body and decided to keep it a secret. The next day, there were reports about her body being found in the river. She had committed suicide.’

***

Present-day

*

Eric covered his mouth in shock, trying to prevent anyone from hearing his pants. He silently gripped a metal bar that was near him, trying to calm himself down. He couldn’t believe what he had just heard, another son. Sergio’s father had been married before and he had another son, Sergio’s brother.

Kim had lost her senses. Just as she began to feel the sweat that she was covered in, she felt something cold grip her arm. She gasped, literally jumping. She just came face to face with Jayden, staring into his angry piercing brown eyes that stared into her very soul.

“You stole my mother’s love and then killed her.”

“No!” She wailed, shaking her head. “I didn’t kill your mother. I know what I did was wrong and nothing can ever make things right but I didn’t kill her. Your mother drank poison and…”

“Liar!” He screamed, pushing her to the floor with a thud. “You’re a liar! My mother had left something for me and she said if she didn’t return then… you had done something to her. Both of you killed her.”

“No!” Kim cried, heart pumping, head spinning, and lungs bursting. “I didn’t kill anyone. She drank poison and… and…”

Jayden was red in the face with fury and his anger was brewing like a storm out at sea. His fists were clenched and he had tears of anger in his eyes.

“Long ago, my mother didn’t say anything but I am back now. I am thirsty for blood. And I want revenge!” He shouted venomously. “Even God knows that you’re gonna pay for your sins, Kim. You separated a son from his father, a wife from her husband. I will take everything that you cherish away from you including your husband’s illegitimate son!” He yelled.

Kim’s voice suddenly went and she stopped crying. She thought her heart was gonna explode and her eyes were wide, letting in every ounce of the light in that building. Once again, fear found her. It spoke to her in its crackling voice. It told her stomach to lurch and her heart to ache.

“Wow!” Jayden clapped, chirping as he knelt in front of the woman. “Why do you seem like you’ve seen a ghost? I have been doing my research and I know that Sergio is not your biological son. He is your husband’s bastard.”

Back where Eric was hiding, a tear streamed down his cheek. His palms became sweaty and the adrenaline coursing down his system was shutting down his ability to think logically.

“I know very well that 27 years ago, one of my father’s bitches died while giving birth.” He laughed in a curt voice. “You received a call from the hospital and mistakenly answered father’s phone. That was how you found out about your husband’s newborn illegitimate son. You were broken, weren’t you, Kim? You felt betrayed and you almost left him. But your greed led you to accept the child although you so wanted to kill him. That’s the secret you’ve been protecting from him all these years. The very reason why you poisoned your son in law.”

Colour drained from her face as she stared at the man. She tried to open her mouth but no word came out. On the other hand, Eric wanted to come out but he knew that was gonna be the silliest thing ever. He was so shocked he couldn’t breathe properly.

“You’re afraid, Kim. You’re afraid of losing him. You know that if he finds out, he’s gonna leave you just like that.” He snapped his finger in her face making her tremble. “But I am back and I will destroy you until you beg for death.”

“P-p-please.” Her voice was barely above a whisper. “I am begging you. Do not hurt my children or anyone in my family. Please!” She rose and stared at Giada who was looking back at her with an evil grin. “Giada, you love my son and you know that he’s got nothing to do with this. Yes! I agree that what I did was evil but… but… but they’re innocent. Take my life instead but leave them alone.”

“And why would I do that when I can enjoy watching you suffer?” The man laughed, opening his arms. “Today I am back and I will take my rights back.”

He furiously extended his hand to Giada and she got out some papers from a bag, handing it over to him. He then handed them to Kim who was just staring at them.

“Now sign these papers!” He instructed, losing his smile. “Right fucking now!”

Kim hesitantly took the papers with the pen. “W-what are these for?”

“None of your fucking business!” He answered rudely. “Now sign!”

Kim set her gaze on the papers and the moment she saw what was written on them, her strength left her. She abruptly looked at the man, shaking her head.

“Power of attorney papers?” She gasped. “I cannot sign this. I won’t. There’s no way…”

“You think I am joking!” He snapped, grabbing the gun from Giada.

He angrily cocked it and fired at Kim but making sure he didn’t get her. The bullet whizzed over Kim’s head and she screamed in fear, dropping to the floor. Her heartbeat in her chest, pounding, banging, trying to get out. She was wet with sweat and the buzzing sound in her ear didn’t make things any better for her.

Eric who was hiding felt the tension grow within him. He felt the soft panic that could grow or fade depending on what he did next. He could feel the pulse-pounding in his temples. What he had found out was pretty shocking but he also knew Kim’s life was in danger. Whatever he had heard about the man, he knew was dangerous. He wanted to go near, take the man by surprise and help Kim. But when he was about to, he suddenly realized that some thugs were hidden in the dark, right behind Kim and the man. He couldn’t risk his life or Kim’s.

“Sign it or I swear to God, I’ll kill you right after I make you watch your children’s deaths.”

He gave an evil grin, chirping. Right now, there’s a man outside your house waiting for just one call from me. If I call him, he’ll bomb your house to the ground with your precious daughter, son, and son in law with it.”

Eric’s heart stopped. “Sergio!” He muttered.

He clenched his fists tightly and decided. He needed to save his husband because the man wasn’t jokingly. Slowly and quietly, he got out of the building and started running towards his car. He felt as though his blood were on fire. His limbs were moving on their own.

Meanwhile, back inside…

“Sign it or I will…”

“Please, don’t do that.”

Kim quickly took the pen from the floor and signed every page that needed her signature. She knew it was a mistake but she had to save her son. She sat on the floor, sobbing uncontrollably.

Jayden took the papers and laughed as he went through them. “Do you know what you’ve done, Mrs. Kimberly Alvarado, you’ve just signed your life to me. Now watch how I destroy your life and your family. I will make you rue the day you met my father. Now it’s your turn to suffer…”

The man laughed manically together with Giada, looking down on the poor woman. Giada couldn’t believe it. Finally, she had gotten what she wanted. There was only one thing left to do. The two of them laughed like it was the last thing they were gonna do.

Could this be it?

***

Eric had his foot on the accelerator, his hands firmly gripped on the driving wheel. The distance was all that mattered. Eric wasn’t stopping for anything and he sure as hell wasn’t taking his foot off the gasp for a little rain or showers that hit his glass shield.

‘I know very well that 27 years ago, one of my father’s bitches died while giving birth.’ That voice rang in his head and he added on the speed. ‘I have been doing my research and I know that Sergio is not your biological son. He is your husband’s bastard.

There’s a man outside your house waiting for just one call from me. If I call him, he’ll bomb your house to the ground with your precious daughter, son, and son in law with it.’

He had his eyes on the room, his lights were at full beam. Shit! He was still far away from his house and at that moment he wished he had the power of flight. Luckily, he saw the spare phone his husband always kept in his car. He took it and quickly dialled his number. He didn’t know what he was gonna say or how he was gonna break the news to him, but he just dialed his number.

“Fuck!” He cursed when it cut without ringing. “Why?” He hit the driving wheel harder, making the call honk severally.

He dialed the number again and fortunately, it began ringing and so did the racing of his heart. He was thinking of what to say when all of a sudden, a really powerful light shone on him from the side window. He decided to take a glance to see what was going on but he found a huge track charging at him from the side.

Before he even had time to react, the truck hit his car with such an impact that it went flying off the road and down the hillside. It began rolling and flipping violently down the slope, hitting trees along the way. Eric’s body jerked forward, his forehead colliding with the driving wheel. He soon tasted coppery blood pooling in his mouth.

He hit his forehead on the driving wheel again, this time harder and he lost consciousness. The car flipped so many times before stopping. There was an explosion, a ball of flame, and a fist of gray smoke. The car had burst into flames.

Could this be the end?

To be continued...