Chapter 6

Chapter 6

"Mind your step," Ethan alerted Melinda as he led her into her home, his grip tightly on her hands. Jane, his assistant, followed behind, struggling with bags of groceries and treats.

Melinda collapsed into the cushion, her eyelids gently closing as she breathed out a gentle sigh. "I truly appreciate this Sir. I honestly don't know what I would have done…" her words withered into a whisper.

"No, you should be grateful to the policeman who came back to check on who when your husband was yelling," Ethan cut her off, his deamour hardening as he sat across her.

"Ma'am, please where should the cheese go?" Jane shouted from the kitchen.

"In the fridge…thank you" Melinda responded, her voice faint.

A thick silence shrouded the parlor, as Ethan's stare stayed on Melinda.

"Please, which prison exactly is he in?" Melinda broke the silence, her voice barely audible as she locked eyes with Ethan.

"Black Ice Maximum security prison," Ethan replied, his tone cold. "I made sure he was put there. He disrespected me in front of my clients. He deserves to suffer" he continued.

Melinda lowered her eyes, as she fiddled with her fingers nervously.

"Leave him." Ethan broke the silence.

"You're the one stopping me from making sure he rots in jail for abusing you. You just say the word and it's done. You deserve better Melinda. Come stay with me, I'll give you the love and happiness that you so deserve" he continued.

Melinda's eyes briefly met his before looking down again. 

"It's not that easy," she murmured. "Ryan's all I have known since my parents passed away. I know he can be vicious sometimes but.." 

"But what? Wait?… You told me what caused the fight yesterday was the divorce papers you handed to him. What's holding you back?" Ethan cut in, his tone controlled yet a trace of rage bubbled just beneath the surface.

"I'm unsure about what to do, he tore the divorce papers… Now he's behind bars. The land with which this house is built is his and he assured me he wasn't going to sell it to me" Melinda stammered.

"I can't leave my house for him, I can't uproot the house either. What am I supposed to do?" She continued.

"You surprise me Melinda, you know that? This has to be Stockholm syndrome. That's what this is because all you just said? Bullshit!" Ethan snapped, irritation flashing in his eyes.

With tears rolling down her eyes, Melinda uttered, "It's not that… I just…" 

"Enough! Who cares about the house?! You know I can get you a hundred houses if that's what it takes! Security, money, houses, you know I can snap my fingers and it's done!" Ethan's voice rose as he lashed out, his face flushed with anger.

"Melinda, he abuses you! If he doesn't want to let go of the land or whatever, let him have it! Stop making excuses for your abuser!" he continued.

Melinda's eyes were filled with tears as she sobbed. She loved Ethan but the thought of leaving Ryan scared her. The strength she had to serve him the divorce papers, she couldn't bring herself to do it again.

She had a history with Ryan and maybe why he didn't sign the divorce papers was because he still loved her, she thought to herself. What if what Ethan felt for her was pity? Risking her marriage for Ethan terrified her even though a part of her wanted to.

Ethan observed her as she cried, his expression softening. "It's Saturday, get some rest. Tomorrow, you're coming with me to California for a weekend getaway with my family. We're celebrating my dad's birthday on my private island. The driver will come pick you up by 10am."

"But… I have to work on Monday, Sir" Melinda muttered as her sobs subsided.

"And who do you work for?" Ethan snapped.

"B-but" Melinda stammered.

"I don't want to hear it. You're coming with me. You need a break from this sad house. Make sure you're ready when the driver comes" Ethan said, his tone firm and resolute. 

RINGG!!! Melinda's phone rang. It was a strange number. She paused for a moment and then looked at Ethan as she picked up the call.

"Hello?" she said, her tone wary.

"Baby! It's me, Ryan!" a voice burst through the line. Melinda suddenly felt a rush of rage flooding her. "Ryan, yes?" she spat, her face twisted in subtle rage.

"Baby, please I'm sorry. I have wronged you, I see that now. Please don't leave me, especially now. I promise to be a better husband to you" Ryan uttered, his voice soft and sweet.

Tears fell from Melinda's eyes, her body quivering as she spoke, "How do I know you're telling the truth, Ryan? How do I know you're not saying this because you're in prison, huh?" Melinda muttered.

"No, no baby. I mean it. Being here has made me realize how wrong I have been towards you. It has made me reflect on my life and baby, I promise you, I'll never hurt you again" Ryan replied, his tone smooth and remorseful.

Melinda's sobs became bigger, her body shook as she listened to Ryan speak.

Ethan's eyes widened in disbelief, his face pale with shock. He couldn't apprehend Melinda's gullibility and how easy it was for her to be swayed by Ryan's manipulative antics.

"Baby please come visit me, I miss you. Seeing your face will make my day. Can you come tomorrow?" Ryan sliced through Melinda's sobs, his words spied with charm.

"End that call," Ethan snarled, his tone low and firm, his expression rigid with fury. Melinda stared at him as she hesitated for a moment, then ended the call.

"If you go see him, we're done," Ethan said, his tone calm yet threatening. "I love you Melinda and I know you feel the same way. But if you choose him over me, that's your decision, we will keep it professional from that point forward."

Melinda's eyes brimmed with tears, her expression collapsing. Ethan's demeanor softened, his tone a mixture of bittersweet. "I care for you Melinda but I'm not stupid. I will not compete with an abuser. You'll have to decide, me or him."

"Oh my God... I'm so sorry Ethan, I didn't mean to offend you, this is just too much for me" Melinda cried out.

"Jane." Ethan called out as he stood up, his expression cold. Jane joined him and they both walked out of the house.

Melinda sank back into the cushion, her face a mix of worry and confusion. She loved Ethan, which was indisputable. Despite his cold personality, he had a tender side. He made her feel safe and happy, a feeling that shielded her mental health from Ryan's abuse…. So why wasn't she able to leave Ryan?

Perhaps he has changed back to who he was when they first met, she pondered. Maybe his time in prison had truly taught him a lesson as he said. But what about Ethan? He didn't need to change, he was the perfect man. 

Her mind stirred with a jumbled blend of feelings and questions. Overwhelmed by the conflicting emotions, she inhaled deeply and retreated to her bed, fatigue overtaking her.

____

The sound of knocking at the door woke Melinda up. "I'm coming! Just a moment!" she shouted as she hurried to the door. She immediately opened the door to find Ethan's driver standing on her front porch. 

"Good morning ma'am. Mr Ethan sent me here to come get you. He is expecting you in his home. Are you prepared to leave ma'am?" the driver said with a smile.

Melinda's eyes went wide. The weekend getaway! Her mind reminded her. Her mouth parted ways in a silent gasp.

The driver looked at her with concern, puzzled. "Ma'am, are you okay?"

RINGG!!! Melinda's phone rang inside.

"Excuse me please," she uttered as she rushed to pick up the call.

"Baby, it's me, Ryan. Are you preparing already? I'm itching to see you baby. Please if you can come this morning, I'd appreciate" Ryan spoke softly on the other end of the line.

Melinda froze…