Chapter Two

( A WEEK AGO)

Eveleen' s POV

       I smiled a bit when the most awaited voice poured in my ears. Her soft hands were slightly ruff with household tasks. She was running her fingers in my hair. Then, She was caressing my cheek. I missed it like hell. " Evie! Wake up doll. " Familiar voice jumped in my ears again. 

    ' It's a beautiful dream ever I have. I can't meet my mother, but today I'll see her in my dreams,' I thought when I was going to open my eyes. 

     I slowly opened the shutter of my eyes. She's the most gorgeous lady for me, fit and taller than me. I broadly smiled at her. She spent her early first hour in the gym. After breakfast, she headed to the hospital. She barely gave time to anyone.

     My eyes caught the most beautiful face of my life. She was beaming ear to ear, " Oh God! I missed you a lot, my doll! " Mom exclaimed in joy and bent down to kiss my cheek. 

    I straightened up from the mattress and threw my arms around her neck, gleefully. Her arms engulfed me instantly, " I miss you more mom, like he**!." I sighed. 

    She pulled back with a frown, " What's wrong with your language? " She pursed her lips and pretended to be upset.

      I smiled and kissed on her cheek. She always used this sentence when she found my language advanced, " It slipped, mom." I pouted, tried to be innocent. We both laughed loudly making it echoed in this massive room. 

    I saw a glimpse of Duante's standing in the door, bearing a adorable smile on his lips. His hands were in his pocket. His eyes were on me. 

    " Wow! It's a beautiful dream. " I said out loud. I was glad to see two most important people in my life in the same place. I know. I'll never get this occasion in my life ever. Although, at our wedding party all were there but I saw hatred for me in my family's eyes. And my mom she'd never hate me, no matter what. 

    Mom bent her head to say something to me, " It's not a dream. " She smiled and held my hand. She hoisted up the jug from the nightstand. It confused me. She put my fingers in the jug. 

    I felt the cold water around my fingers. My eyes widened. She was right, " You're in actual mom! " I shouted and embraced her in my arms again. 

   " Yes! It's me doll... " She confirmed it. 

     I didn't break the hug. I had missed her every second of my life. She ain't just my mother. We're best friends. She was always there for me. She trusted me, when all thought, it was planned. Although we didn't talk and I respected her for her decision. I'm married now, so I know when my husband insisted, specifically the mafia.

      They make sure of it you have only one option to say only yes. 

     " Mistakenly, I thought you're in my dream, mom. " I said with watery eyes. 

     " Your husband agreed to let us meet you on one condition. " She said. 

    I was a bit embarrassed at what I said out loud thinking it to be a dream, " What! " I frowned and glanced at him. His smile didn't fade from his lips. 

   " No tears in my wife's eyes. " She smiled, running her fingers on my cheeks. 

     I looked at him and smiled to tell him. I'm extremely glad. No one would do it for me. 

     " Happy tears." I asked her, showing my teeth. My thoughts went to my father and looked around for his glimpse. But there was only her in this room. I know my father, he wouldn't forgive me ever. Mom brushed her hand on my cheeks. 

     " Your father knows this, our visit to you. " She smiled. I didn't inquire about it. It would only hurt me. I bit my inner walls of cheeks. It wasn't helping me to stop my tears, " Time is a great healer. Give Money some time. " She said and kissed my forehead. I nodded my head and tried to smile through my tears. 

    " Our little monster is awake, " Mayra auntie mocked in her sweet voice with a huge grin on her round face. She was standing near Duante. 

       " Aunt Mayra! Oh God... I missed you all so much. " I said, running and hugging her tightly. 

        " All thanks to your husband, " She said, patting my back. 

      I broke the hug and sauntered toward Duante. I pecked on his cheek, " Thank you so much. " I said, wrapped him in my arms. Instantly his arms crawled around my lower back. Holding me tight to his chest. 

     " Mom? What should I wear? " Mini asked Aunt, coming into our room. 

    My gaze moved from him to her. I backed away from him. 

   " Woo look at our girl, she's blushing. " Mini taunted. 

    " Shut up. " I hit her on her forearm. All laughed at the same time. This was a rare moment of my life. 

   Mini was holding dresses in her hands, "Are we going um. somewhere? " I asked, looking at them. 

     " Yes, shopping! Only girls. " Aunt smirked. 

    I gazed at Duante. He confirmed it with his half nod. I hopped in his arms in excitement. He held me tight again. I heard his laugh. 

     ' God must have written this day of my life with his favourite pen. '

      " I've got work to do. You enjoy and no mischief." he said, pulling his head back. 

    I took my bottom lip under my teeth and smiled, " Promise. " I said.

     ' I still couldn't believe how this happened. My husband is full of surprises. '

     " Good. " he kissed on the top of my head and put me on the ground. 

     He nodded at mom and aunt. Then left us to do his business. We took hours for our

 gossips and laughed hysterically and some happy tears. Mom told me that Dad missed me. I wasn't sure what should I say. I didn't wanna weep more. Tears covered my view again. I nodded at her. She understands me. She doesn't need any reply from me. I hope time would mend everything between us. I want my dad to look at Duante with a smile. I remembered his hateful look. He gave Duante at our reception party. It was my love toward him who stopped Duante. I've witnessed it, no one dared to look at him. 

     " We didn't see this smile on your face before, " Thomas came into the hall. 

     " Good morning, Thomas. " I smiled, " Mom, aunt he's Thomas…. " 

     " We have met him. When you were sleeping. " Aunt said, smilingly. 

     I didn't want to have lectures on my sleeping habits from them. I just passed her my best smile. 

    " We should go. " Mini got up on her feet. 

    " Yes, Let's go girl. " Mom said, dubbing her purse under her arms. 

    " See you in the evening. " Thomas waved at us. 

    " Ain't he's coming." I asked Mini. She glared at me and beckoned at her mother. I smirked and shook my head in understanding. 

     I was feeling like a free bird today. There was only one bodyguard with me, although there were two cars filled with men scattered in the crowd. Assassin who tried to kidnap me, was my bodyguard now. My husband appointed him as my bodyguard. Luckily, mom and Aunt didn't question it. They must have inquired about him after my wedding. Strange! Sometimes It seemed I didn't know him anymore. I was joyful to be free like before I used to be. My family was with me. We shopped open heartedly. After a long time, I knew it was only three months, two days away from them. It seemed like almost a year. We were waiting for our food to arrive in the restaurant after our shopping. 

      " Tell me about your husband. You look happy with him. I wanna know the truth. " Mom said, glaring in my eyes. Aunt also put her fork down. Their attention was on me. 

    ' He is a mafia boss. He can treat people the way he wants. You can't stop him, if he wants to treat someone badly, he can do that and he'd. I have seen him in his anger twice or more. That was horrible. ' I wanted to say to her. But I stopped myself. 

     " He is nice to me. He takes care of me. Moreover, he loves me. " I told the truth to her. I smiled at the last sentence. 

    " Do you love him? " Aunt asked with seriousness on her face. I know how much our family is serious about us as they have lost their sons. They don't wanna lose their daughters. 

   I looked at my hands in my lap and nodded in yes to her. 

    " Oh my god! You're blushing my doll. " Mom got up from her seat and hugged me. She kissed me on my head. 

   " People are watching mom. " I told her. 

   " I don't care. " She said, throwing away her hand, " I'm glad for you. Now we can go home." She said. 

   My smile disappeared from my face, " What's your mean, mom? It hasn't been twenty four hours and you're talking about going.... " I almost squeaked. 

   " We came here to meet our children. You are happy and healthy. That's all, matter to a mother. " Aunt said, holding Mini's and my hand in her hands. 

   " Absolutely right, Mayra. " Mom and Aunt both smiled. 

   Our food was on table. We were together, it reminded me of my father. How we used to eat dinner together in the night, in fact every night. Tears welled in my eyes. 

    " Well, I've something for you. " Mom said, fished for something in her purse. She took out a blue velvet box from it. She gave it to me. 

   " What's this? " I asked. 

   " See yourself. " she said. 

  Aunt Mayra and Mini stopped eating to see me. I opened the box. Tears fell down from my eyes. Mom wiped my cheeks with tissue. She always used tissues to wipe my cheeks whenever I cried a lot. She said that I was scared to touch you, your skin is so delicate in a mocking way. 

     It was six silver and six gold bangles. Once I asked dad to buy me. He told me to buy it at my wedding. Did dad send it for me? He was against this marriage. 

     " Your dad sent it for you." Mom said clearing my doubt. 

    " Really," I asked in disbelief. 

    " Yes, he did. Give him some more time. " mom said. 

     I nodded and brushed the back of my hands on my face. 

    " You know, Men of our family have poor digestive systems. They need extra time." Aunt Mayra mocked, rejoicing with us all. 

    " Stop crying Evie! Your husband will shoot us." Mini mocked. 

     " Shut up. Let all finish there's food." I chuckled and threw the napkin at her face. 

       I picked my phone and texted mini - Ain't you telling about your relationship with Thomas to them? ' I sent it and glanced up at him and wiggled my brows. 

      She picked her phone, ' They'll kill me- Mini ' she pursed her lips and stared at me. 

    I looked up at her and raised my an eyebrow at her and type

         ' Seriously ://// ' I typed it and sent it. 

         She glared at me and made a face then nodded her head. 

    Mom cleared her throat, " What you girls are up to? " Mom asked. 

      " Nothing. " Mini instantly replied with discomfort. 

      " Well! Who was that cute boy? " Aunt Mayra asked. 

      " Thomas? " I asked. 

     " Yes, he looks close to your husband. " she said. 

      " He's cousin of Duante like I'm to Evie." Mini replied. 

    I opened my mouth, but was cut by a known voice. 

    " Hello ladies." I looked to my right.

    All necks swiveled at uncle Antonio. I greeted him and introduced him with my family. Mini was biting her nails, she didn't want them to know about her relationship yet. It was her decision so I respected it. We came back with Uncle. My mother and Aunt Mayra were leaving tomorrow morning. I was grinning the whole time to have them in front of me, but sad too. They are leaving so soon. It was already falling dark when we came back home. They were looking tired, they sauntered toward the guest room. 

      I got to the door of our room. Duante wasn't in. I didn't see him the whole day today. I picked my phone and hit call on his number. It was ringing. He didn't respond. I quickly typed message for him, 

       Are you busy? ' I punched the letters and clicked on the send button. 

    I waited, but didn't get a reply. I should ask Thomas. I got my door. I paced toward his room and twisted the knob. My eyes widened, " What the......... Can't you lock your door? " I said in a high pitched voice. Thomas and Mini were making out. I turned my back at them. 

     " Can't you knock on the door? " Mini snapped. 

    " Excuse me? " I turned and glared at her. 

   " No one will dare to walk in his room like this. You have invaded our private moment. We hardly get time together today. " She annoyed. 

   " Stop it, Mini. " Thomas said, wearing his shirt. 

   I really felt bad, her words were hurting me. My throat choked and tears were piercing to hop out. It just felt bad, the way she talked to me. 

     " I'm sorry. " I whispered and took my steps back to my room. 

    " Eveleen.." I heard from Thomas. I didn't turn back. 

    I saw Assassin behind me, " I'm home. You haven't any need to follow me. I'm safe here. Please, leave me alone." I said to Assassin and locked my door. 

      I glanced at the display of my phone. He didn't call back nor reply to my text. He didn't leave me like this before. There were his men who must have filled with the information that I did the whole day. He didn't think to text me once. I hurled the phone in annoyance. It hit the wall and broke in pieces. I plopped on the bed. I hid my face under the pillow and cried until I slept. 

        I slowly opened my eyes and blinked. I got up from the mattress. I looked next to me. He wasn't there. My broken phone was still resting in the same place on the floor. He didn't come the entire night. He told me every time when he couldn't come and stuck in some important business, today he didn't. Tears slipped from my eyes.

      " Eveleen, we're going. Wake up, sweetie! " Mom banged on the door. 

      " Are you alone, mom? " I asked her. 

      " Yes, your Aunt, cousin and Thomas. " She said from the other side of the door. 

      " Only you and Aunt are allowed. " I said sadly. 

      I didn't care what they thought. I don't wanna face Thomas and Mini. It was quite embarrassing. I didn't intend to invade in their private moment. She knocked again, " It's only me and your aunt. Can we come in? '' She asked. 

      I creaked open the door and peeped out. It was only two. I let them in, " Hey, what's wrong doll? " Mom asked, holding me from my arms. 

       Aunt caressed my cheeks, " Did you cry? " She asked. 

       " Nothing. " I whispered. I was biting my tears back. 

       " We'll not push you. Remember always, we're always here for you. " Aunt said, brushing her finger's pad under my eyes.  

        " Did Duante? " Mom asked. 

        " No.. " I immediately replied back. 

        She nodded," We'll talk, whenever you want to.." Mom said. 

        " Sure. " I smiled fake. 

       Both hugged me, I returned it back. They bid goodbye to me. I again locked the door. 

       It was feeling like I wasn't part of this family and house. Mini is more comfortable in this family better than me. She knows better than me. I don't know, how did she do this? 

      I wanted to go with my mom, but Duante would never allow it. I ambled toward the washroom. 

      I wore in black jeans and a white crop top. I wear a hood over it. I hanged my backpack on my shoulders. When I was sure, no one was around. I ran from the building. I knew there were cameras all around. They didn't care for me. They'd not chase me. I came out of the building. It was so easy. Perhaps, it became easy to leave when people didn't care for you. Last time, I spun, I glanced at it. I sighed and I started to run away from the building. My throat and lungs were burning after the run. He couldn't catch me. I stopped. My legs started to hurt. I looked at my watch. It had been more than an hour. I could catch my mother. But I don't know where my passport is. I have to find another place. 

       " Do you want some water? " A decent voice asked me and advanced a water bottle before my face. 

        I took it from his hand and gulped the water. I wiped my lips with my back hand, " Thanks. " I said and I took another gulp from it. I turned to return it back. I turned my head to see him. My eyes widened and I poured out the whole water on his shoes. He glanced down but didn't shout at me. 

      " What are you doing here, Assassin? " I asked in shock. 

      " It's my duty, Ma'am. To protect you. " He replied. 

       I was on the moon that I easily got out of the house. The fact was, he allowed me. I failed once more.

       Shi*! I threw my backpack at him. Which he caught easily and put on his shoulder. I was stupid to think that I was out. He let me do this. 

       " Not a word to anyone, can you do this? " I asked him. 

      " Sorry ma'am! Boss already knows about it. " He shot it at me. 

       " What! " I shouted. It'd be best if he knew it when I would be truly out of his claws, not now. He would punish me, worse that death. 

       " He's back his way to New York. You're tired. Would you like to sit in the car. " he asked politely. 

       Prepare yourself for the worse, I told myself. 

      I have a few hours to enjoy my time. I heaved deeply. My legs were paining, " Can you take me to a park? I'm hungry. " I said. 

     He's gonna yell at me. I should eat at least, I thought. 

      He walked me a few more steps. I was watching around the crowd and bustle of the city. There was a gigantic park. This was a busy place. It was morning. People must walk to their office. 

      I was sitting on a bench in the park. He bought me a sandwich. I ate in peace and smiled. Sandwich was amazing, perhaps I was hungry as it would kill me. 

     " Boss has landed. He wants to see you. " He said. 

     " I'm not going back to his house. " I told him and started to walk away. 

     " Sorry ma'am, it's an order. I can't go against the order. " he said. 

     " Let me go. I'm warning you. " I tried to give an angry look but failed myself completely. 

       " Sorry ma'am, you've to come with me. " he said with a calm voice, blocking my way. 

       An idea stuck in my mind. I counted one, two, three and started it. 

      " Please, don't beat me. " Assassin was staring at me in confusion, " I don't wanna be with you. We're not good for each other. Please, let go of me. " I said with sobs.

      " Ma'am, " He gave a perplexed look. 

      I wasn't sure it'd work in New York or not. Hearing my shouts, two police officers started to walk toward us. 

      " What are you doing, ma'am? " Assassin asked with an open mouth. 

      " I told you, don't mess with me. " I whispered. 

      I told police officers, this guy was teasing me. 

      I stepped back behind the cops. I wiggled my eyebrows and waved my hand in goodbye to the Assassin. I picked up my backpack and started to run. 

    I heard groans. I watched behind me. Police officers were on the ground, unconscious. It panicked me. I was looking back while running. I hit something hard and fell on the ground with a thud as groans jumped from my lips. 

       I touched my head. I felt wet on my fingers. People crowded around me. I saw a familiar face of assasin. He removed the people around me, " Ma'am got herself injured. Her head is bleeding, sir. " I heard him saying. 

    I tried to speak, " I ha te uu… " It went blur around and then dark.