Chapter Fourteen

Talia's POV:

Without caring to explain further, both of them stood, packed up their goons, and left. What just happened? Was it over? Questions that had no answer were what I was faced with.

I couldn't bear to look at my grandmother in her eyes. I scrambled to leave, but she stopped me.

"Let me tell you, you might think that this is unfair, but, life itself is unfair. If you know what is good for you, don't even think about doing anything silly, or else, you will regret it. Leave as if nothing happened. If you dare to mention this to anyone, anyone at all, I will kick you out of my house." She finished.

Heavy heart, almost tearing, I left her without even looking back twice

******

The next week passed by in a blur. I celebrated my eighteenth birthday, wrote my finals, and hung out with Stella and Jake. To distract myself, I went to watch Jake practice more often and got ready for graduation.

I tried not to think about the incident that took place a week ago again. Because when I did, I felt like I was going to pass out. It was as if I was living my life in a hurry knowing that it could be taken from me at any time. Was I a coward if I should run now that I have the opportunity to? I can't comprehend why my life was this messed up. I was beyond frightened.

My nights were now filled with restlessness, as I kept having nightmares of being attacked. I frequently woke up sweaty and hyperventilating since that day, feeling hot and uncomfortable.

What killed me the most was not knowing. I didn't know who bought me. His name was only mentioned. No picture. No insight into what I was going to expect. I have never been in a position where I was helpless.

This time, I think I wasn't just helpless. I had no choice. I was going crazy. The scariest thing was that we heard no news from them since then. They never showed up or called. Just absolute silence from their end.

Pushing the disturbing thought out of my mind, I focused on getting dressed. My high school graduation was today, and I was excited. Stella, Jake, and I had big plans to have an awesome after-party. Technically, it was Lilly's idea. Her great plan to finally get her crush.

The party was at Jake's. Maybe, my opportunity of letting him know exactly how I felt before whatever was to happen, took place. My future now was uncertain.

I was wearing a white dress under my blue graduation gown. It was simple, but fitted me perfectly, showing off my small curves. I was also wearing four-inch heels. A little too loud for a graduation ceremony, but I needed the added height. All this was from Stella's collection.

I rode with Stella in her car to school. 'The universe, just for today, show me a little kindness. Please,' I whispered under my breath, hoping that, that one request will be fulfilled.

We arrived and quickly adjusted ourselves one more time before joining the others. Lining up for the ceremony, we waited patiently for our names to be called. It was a happy day for all graduates. Even the weather showed that. A perfect day—not too hot, not too cold.

Stella's name was called first. Luckily for her, her last name starts with 'B.' Stella Baron. My last name was Jacobs, so I had to stand until they got to turn. Fortunately, our graduating class was made up of a few people. That was because my town was small and had a little population.

My name was called, and I went to accept my diploma. Looking out at the crowd, I smiled and waved at the cheering crowd. I was on the brink of tears because I had no one cheering for me in particular.

No parents. Not even my grandmother showed up. She has never called about anything that had to do with me.

Today wasn't any different. If only I had parents…would my mother be proud of me wherever she was? Would my father…

I shook the principal's hand and turned to go back to my seat. And At that moment, I saw him again. My blood froze in my veins. He was sitting in the back, watching me. I could feel his eyes on me, even from a distance.

Somehow I managed to find my way down from the stage without tumbling. My legs were trembling, and my breathing was much faster than normal.

I took a seat next to Stella and prayed that noticed my shocked expression. Especially not observant Stella. Why was Mr. High and Mighty here? What does he want from me? Taking a deep breath, I told myself to calm down. Surely, he was here because of a more sensible and meaningful reason.

Maybe he was here for his brother or a sister, or to even give a speech. Something else. Anything at all.

Reassuring myself, my nerves calmed down, and I was able to focus. But I knew that his presence only meant trouble. Big trouble. A shudder ran down my spine at the thought.