I clutched the edge of the island counter, shaking. My body burned, and my pulse thundered in my ears at the mere thought of what she was capable of.
After she came that night, sleep wouldn’t come to me. No, I couldn’t even shut my eyes. I knew she knew about this penthouse. That was why, the moment I returned, I made security repeat it until it was carved into their minds—Cindy was forbidden. I even ordered Dave to stay close to Tshabina at all times, because I knew Cindy would come for her next.
And I let my guard down. I fucking slipped.
Cindy was holding my heart in her hands, forcing me to keep breathing in her presence and leaving me no escape.
“But I’ll soon find a way to break free,” I muttered, clutching my phone hard. “Even if I crush my own hands in the process.”
I also read Zaeem’s message saying that my former therapist’s protege had arrived—she would take over my therapy during my stay in Indonesia. I drew in a long breath, slipping my phone back after giving Dave his order.
Zioh:Focus on keeping her safe.
Dave:Miss Sophia is already heading to your penthouse, sir.
Setting the phone aside, I turned back to my cooking. I’d promised to make Tshabina steak, as I often did in the past. When the universe still favoured us, I’d always cook for her—especially this dish.
I would spend my time watching her chubby cheeks puff with joy as she chewed away my food. No performance could ever soothe me better than watching Tshabina. Her expressions, her colours—they were all I ever wanted to see, all I ever wanted to feel.
I had always tried to make her happy every single day, to bring out those colours on her face—laughter, smiles, anger, pouts, shyness—even tears—though I loathed the last one.
I was always willing to pay any price for the colours she gave me.
I worked hard for them because they were mine alone.
Because when it came to her, no matter how hard or troublesome, I wanted to do it myself. Because I was convinced that my little Sophie was mine to cherish, protect, and treat as precious.
I wanted to treasure her that way.
I see you, Zioh. I always do. Do you know why? Because you’re always shining, just like the stars in my room. So don’t believe anyone dares say otherwise!Pink. 33.
After some time, I plated the meal neatly on the dining table, laid out the cutlery, and carefully arranged everything. Then, the doorbell rang.
I turned at the sound, unable to stop the smile from spreading. A rush of warmth and joy shot through me instantly at the thought that she was here again.
Strolling to the door, I pressed the wall panel. Her figure appeared on the monitor, her back turned, and her long black hair filled the screen.
At once, warmth lit my face.
I pressed my fingerprint on the lock and opened the door. “So, where’ve you been with Andi—” I stopped short.
Her scent hit me—different,wrong.
This wasn’t Tshabina’s scent. It was similar, but not hers.
And right enough, when the woman before me turned around, a storm of black clouds and thunder tore through my head and body.
Cindy.
That woman stood at my door. NotTshabina.
Darkness crashed into me, my body reacting in the worst way it always did at the mere sight of her: my stomach churned, and my head spun, filled with a deafening voice.
She smiled, with that bloody, poisonous smile. In her hand, she carried something.
A brown file folder.
My heart pounded so fast that it felt like it would rip my chest apart because I could already guess what lay inside that file.
