Chapter 7

Chapter 7

“No, please. No.” I begged, shaking my head in misery.

“Come along now.” She spoke with a hint of impatience.

She was standing outside by the door of the car, waiting for me to step out. But I didn’t want to step out. I knew what awaits beyond the door. I don’t want anything bad to happen to my family. No, not like this.

I regretted complying to that bastard’s demands, at the same time not. I had no choice. Right now, I don’t know what to do. They’re going to be in danger again because of me.

Tears pooled my eyes as I begged for her mercy.

“If you don’t step out of the damn car, tesoro, I will visit them myself.” She snapped.

“No, no, no! I…” I stopped her as she almost turned around to leave. I gulped. “Please… I’ll tell you who’s behind it. Please just leave my family alone.”

She stared at me blankly. I know she’s waiting for me to speak what she wants to hear. My mouth opened ready to spill it to her but I couldn’t. I choked.

My eyes were wide in alarm when she slammed the door shut and started walking towards my house.

Fuck.

Without second thoughts, I immediately stepped out of the vehicle in haste. My hands fumbled as I opened the door. I ran towards her, ignoring the pain in my leg. My movements already were driven by my adrenaline. I unconsciously grabbed her arm which I realized too late that it was a mistake. I instantly retract my hand.

“So-sorry.”

She only stared at me with those dark eyes of hers despite its clear gray color. She then proceeded to walk and I realized we’re already a few steps away from the front door of our house. My fears came back as my heart tightened like someone was squeezing it like an orange.

I couldn’t say anything. I felt I was choked and if I did say something that she didn’t like, I’m afraid she’ll do something that would risk my family.

I followed her in defeat. I messed up. I was screwed. My family will suffer because of what I did.

She stood at the front of our doorstep. I wondered for a second why she’s just standing there. I wondered why his men didn’t follow her.

She then turned to me. She nodded towards the door and I knew what the gesture meant.

I knocked.

I closed my eyes in pain as I heard my mom… my mom who was yelling to wait. I clenched my fists, hearing her footsteps nearing the door to open it.

The door was finally pulled open. My mom gasped at the sight of his son who rarely visits her because of how busy he was making money for his family.

“My Lincoln!” The next second, she wrapped her arms around me.

I hesitantly wind my arms around her with guilt and shame. “Mom… I missed you.”

“I missed you, too. So so much. Oh, have I longed to see you. You’ve been so busy for us.” She swayed me along her hug as if we were dancing. For a moment, I forgot that there was a witch just standing beside us.

I slowly and reluctantly pulled away from the hug. Just then, my mom noticed the figure standing at the side. She was shocked to see her. It took her a minute to pull herself together.

Cara was smiling at my mom. Her previous straight face was gone. I knew that smile so well. I’ve become accustomed to it. It held mischief and numerous plans she’ll about to enact to me… to us.

“Who’s this beauty, darling?” She asked, still in awe.

Cara tilted her head to the side while smiling. “Hello. I am Cara Luna.” Her eyes traveled to me playfully. “Your son’s fiancee.”

I heard my mom gasp as I stood shocked behind her, mouth comically in agape.

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“Why didn’t you tell me you had a girlfriend? I can’t believe you never told me anything. The first time you fell in love with someone, you should've told me. And now I found out she’s now your fiancee?! I’m so disappointed, my son. You hardly visit here and now, you robbed me of that important detail in your life!”

My mom was pacing back and forth while ranting her thoughts out to me. I was speechless. I was stunned. I, myself, didn’t know I had a fiancee.

And if I ever did have one, I would’ve told her. I would've told her how I fell in love with her or how I asked her out or how I proposed to her.

My thoughts drifted to my coworker who I grew to like for the past year we’ve known each other. Ami was so different from that woman. She was the sweetest and the kindest girl I’ve ever met. I should’ve told her l liked her when Charlotte pushed me to confess.

“Look at her! Don’t you think she’s more than worth mentioning? I have never seen anyone so beautiful like her!” I am embarrassed at my mom’s ramblings, especially when she’s praising the woman who’s about to kill us.

My eyes shifted to her. She was sitting right across the sofa in front of me. She was smirking as she watched me in mischief. She was enjoying this. She found enjoyment torturing me mentally.

“Mom, what’s wrong? Why are you yelling?” I froze.

Crap. I forgot about my ten-year-old brother.

He was rubbing his eyes. He’s just woken up from his afternoon nap. Behind him was our golden retriever named Ollie who never leaves his side. He was wagging his tail as he stood beside Damian.

“Oh, sweetie. Mom is so sorry. It’s because your brother is here visiting us.” She was patting Damian’s head.

He perks at the mention of my name. His head whipped while looking around to find me. When our eyes met, he ran towards me. Ollie was already by my side greeting me so excitedly.

We squeezed each other in a bone-crushing hug while his dog was finding ways to lick and cuddle both of us. “Hey, bud. I missed you so much.”

“Miss you, too. It’s not the same without you here.” For a moment, I forgot the evil woman sitting right across from me. The thought dampened my mood.

Damian noticed where I was looking. He turned to her in curiosity. “Who is she, Dylan? Is she a friend?” He asked in his childish voice.

My mom stepped to Cara’s side. “Come, Damian, and meet your brother’s future wife.” She beckoned Damian. I could feel her excitement all the way here. The whole town could probably sense how excited she is.

He slowly moved out from my arms and walked slowly towards them with shyness.

I frowned when I noticed Ollie was already in front of her wagging his tail like they were close friends. He was barking at her while licking at her face with elation.

What surprised me was how she responded. She was caressing him and was very responsive to Ollie’s affection.

She sure knows how to let me forget how evil of a woman she is.

The interaction between Ollie and her urged Damian’s confidence to approach her. My mom, despite her rants a while ago to me, had a smile so wide, it reached the back of her head.

I knew she’s waiting for this moment for me to have a woman by my side. She always thought that I was too focused on them that I forgot about my happiness. I already feel happy making them happy.

“What’s your name?” He shyly asked. Ollie, on the other hand, was almost climbing on her lap. Mom had to scold him so he’d behave.

Cara grinned. It was one that I did not recognize. I didn’t know if it’s genuine or not. I couldn’t deny though that I was scared for my brother. The woman in front her isn’t to be messed with.

“It’s Cara. Cara Luna Di Angelo.” I could barely hear her but I knew what I heard.

Di Angelo. Shit. She really was related to Sol.

“What about you? What’s your name?” Her sultry voice was soft and sounded kind. She was patting Ollie’s head who still wanted her attention. I couldn’t help but deepened my frown.

“Damian.”

“You have a cool name, little man.”

My brother’s face beamed. “Really?”

She nodded, smiling. “It reminds me of a certain superhero’s son’s name.”

“You mean batman?” His grin was from ear to ear.

“Oh, who wouldn’t know him.”

“I know, I know! My friends said the same thing. I am so glad mom gave me that name!”

Mom was so happy watching their interaction. From the looks of it, she was proud that I met a wonderful woman to be my wife. Even if she didn’t say anything, I knew what she was thinking. After all, she is my mom.

But they didn't know the horror I felt watching them interact. I could already imagine the blood spilled in this room.

I will do everything I can to not let her harm them. Even if it costs my life.