CHAPTER 16: Cruel Reality

Catherine's POV 

I needed time to comprehend what was just staring me in the face. For the first time in my life, I had never been startled to this extent.

I had thought I had woken up and forgotten about everything that had happened earlier today, but it seemed I was damn wrong.

The nightmare I believed I had left behind was staring me right in the face, and the fact that I was stuck in this damn sea of confusion was ripping my heart apart.

"Don't be scared. I don't bite," he said, his voice cold but unreadable.

Did he really just say that? He doesn't bite? I scoffed silently.

This was the same man who had killed three people without mercy.

"I know you probably think I'm a damn asshole or some cold-blooded killer, but you're wrong," he said firmly, turning to the computer in front of him.

I swallowed hard, my mind spinning.

"I only did you a favour," he said, lifting his eyes from the screen for a second. "I saved us both from dying," he muttered, then turned back to his computer and started typing.

I stood still. Those words echoing in my eardrums. Favour?

"Drop the files on the desk, you can resume your internship training tomorrow," he spat, without looking in my direction.

I forced myself to believe I wasn't making a mistake coming over to Sterling Hospitals.

Taking a deep breath, I dropped the files on the office desk and turned to leave.

"Make sure you're not late," he added, his voice echoing behind me. I turned slightly, nodded, and shut the door.

On the way back to my car in the elevator, the air felt heavy with mystery. Something I couldn't understand yet.

I tried to piece them together, but nothing was making sense. It was damn scary how the world moved around, bringing back memories that seemed to have faded.

Sitting on my bed later, my thoughts were a mess, full of doubts and questions. Then suddenly, something vibrated beside me.

I sighed and reached for it. It was my phone.

A sharp gasp escaped my lips.

"Hello, Mum."

"Hi sweetheart, I'm so sorry I hadn't called to check up on you." Mum's voice surged, with a tone of apology.

"That's fine, Mum, the trip was just perfect," I replied.

"That's fine, my baby, how's your new place of work? Hope you like it?" Her voice dropping with curiosity, her face full of hopes.

I looked away slightly, the weight heavy on me.

"Are you alright?" Mum asked. I turned to meet her gaze on the screen, forcing a little smile.

"Mum, can I ask for a favour?"

"Sure, go ahead and whatsoever it is, it would be granted."

I blinked, then spoke. "Mum, please I want the place changed. It's perfect, but it seem I'm not comfortable in the environment." I forced the words out of my lips.

A brief silence creeped in, as Mum's face froze with surprise. The early excitement fading away.

"Mum," I called out, breaking the silence.

"You know it's the best place for you to do your internship. I think you just need to give it some time and let your heart settle there," she replied firmly.

"I think it's just because it's your first day. Soon, you'll get used to it and even grow to love it."

"You think so?"

"Yes, I know so," Mum replied, more certain than ever.

"Alright, Mum."

We continued discussing other things and she kept asking me how the trip had been, which I lied countlessly was just perfect.

Soon we were done and I hung up the call, hurriedly freshened up, took my dinner, and retired back on the bed, briefly turning on the alarm.

I wasn't going to show up late.

The thought of Jack Brown kept flooding, never leaving my thoughts as I drifted up in the ocean of sleep.

*****

The loud beeping sound of the alarm clock over the bed filled my ears. I reached for it, pressed the stop button, and rolled onto the other side of the bed.

I covered my ears with a pillow and let sleep pull me back. I was almost gone when something in me stirred, like a reminder.

I jumped out of bed as the morning sunlight hit my eyes, but I was too anxious to let it sink in.

When I checked the time, a gasp left my mouth. I rushed into the bathroom, and soon I was dressed neatly, ready for the day.

Standing in front of the mirror, I tied my hair into buns, did my makeup quickly, grabbed my bag, and slipped on my shoes.

As I rushed outside, I noticed a chocolate-brown Benz with tinted windows parked in the compound.

Surprised, I looked at the security guard, but he stayed silent.

Slowly, I walked toward the car. Just then, the window rolled down, and I saw James Brown behind the car owner's sit, wearing black shades.

"Hi, Catherine," he greeted.

I blinked, confusion shredding me apart. How did he know where I lived in just less than twenty-four hours?

"Hi, Mr. Brown, are you stalking..." I started but his voice cut me mid-sentence.

"Don't bother yourself, just hop into the car, let me take you along," he said, his cheeks flushed invitingly.

"I'm sorry, sir, but I don't mean to be rude, I don't follow strangers. I can go on my ride," I replied, turning to leave.

"At least I can be of help to you," he said.

I stopped in my tracks and turned towards his car.

"Help?" I exhaled sharply, my eyes rolling, confusion masked my expression.

"Just get in the car. You're already late for work," he said calmly. My heart was torn between saying no and wondering what would happen if I did.

I took a step closer to the car. "I don't know who you are or what you want from me, but whatever it is, you won't get it. Just because I work in your company doesn't give you the right to control me," I said, letting the words pour out of my chest.

I expected him to be harsh, sad, or even get back to me. But then I was wrong again. He never reacted, he never was sad, the smile still on his face.

"Just a ride and it wouldn't hurt," he spoke, his voice calm as ever.

"I'm sorry, sir, but thanks for the offer," I replied, turning to leave without looking back.

"I know you have feelings for me, I can see it in your eyes," his voice loomed behind my back.

I flinched, stopping and turning once more.

A small smile formed at the corner of his lips, his gaze cold, unreadable.

My stomach twisted.

"Don't fight it, Catherine, I have the same feelings for you"....