NELINA
Before I even went to Royce’s company I already packed my things and brought them back to our condo. In the living room, I left the car key the one he gifted me. Making sure Royce wouldn’t have a chance to get to me after I slapped the truth on his face and I succeeded. It was fulfilling being able to execute my plan smoothly. The only thing that didn’t go as planned was seeing Royce in pain. It tore me apart.
It wasn’t even half an hour when I heard a doorbell. I wondered who it could be. Even Marica didn’t know that I would be back home. My heart skipped a beat, viewing the man on the CCTV standing on my doorstep.
Royce must have learned I already got all my things from his condo so he presumed I would go back home as I don’t have any other choice. My heart broke seeing him begging me to open the door. My phone vibrated, Royce calling marked on the screen. Thankfully I had it in silent mode. It saved me.
Royce’s desperate look broke my heart but I stopped the urge of opening the door until I got the idea of how to get rid of him. With the help of my neighbor Mandy, Royce walked away with sadness in his eyes.
I went to my room to unpack my things but Royce’s face was still vivid in my mind. Royce begged me, he cried in front of me, wanting me to listen to all his lies. He even followed me out of his office but it was of no use. I’m done with all his lies. I hate him.
I crawled in my bed and curled myself into a ball, trying to comfort myself.
“It was my fault, it was my fault. There’s no one to blame here but me alone,” I mumbled.
I hated myself for being so vulnerable despite what I went through with Dennis. “Nelly, when will you ever learn? You are so dumb and weak. You let those people manipulate you easily,” I said angrily, slapping my head.
I was worried about how mom and dad would react when they learned about Royce’s motives. They were so nice to Royce after knowing him for quite some time. They thought he could be trusted but the truth was the opposite.
I lay on my bed, staring at the white ceiling pondering what I should do next. I didn't mind wiping the tears that kept streaming on my face. My eyeliner, my makeup was smeared but I didn’t care. Who cares if I look messed up? Nobody cares anyway.
I jolted as I heard a doorbell. It took me out of my reverie.
“Is he back?” I asked myself.
My heart was pounding hearing another doorbell outside. It must be Royce who came back for me.
My heart dictated me to see Royce’s face but my head said no.
It isn’t right. I’d rather suffer not seeing him instead of falling into another trap. I thought to myself.
Should I look at him again? I found myself getting out of the bed but didn’t mind fixing myself. I wouldn’t open the door anyway.
I celebrated seeing Marica on my doorstep. I immediately opened the door.
“Marie,” I greeted happily. Marica’s face was the opposite of what I expected. She scowled like there was something she didn’t like about my face. “What is it?”
“Nelly, what happened to you? You look like a mess,” Marica said, closing the door behind her. She got her handkerchief and wiped my face like there was a pile of dirt she wanted to get rid of.
“Okay, I know I look like a mess but please, wipe it softly. It’s just the dirt you want to wipe out, not my entire face. Okay?”
“What did you do to yourself, Nelly? I didn’t think it would end up like this.”
“What did you expect? Slept with him every night after all the truth I’ve read? I’m so done with Royce, Marica,” I said as I sat on the couch. Getting away from Marica before she would bruise my face.
“Seriously? You’re done with him?”
I looked away and refused to answer. It was hard to forget Royce, I didn’t even know if I could get rid of his lies in my head. Everything was an illusion and it was almost impossible to get away from it.
I still love him so much. Bullshit!! I shouldn't feel this way anymore, I feel like my emotion is betraying me. My mind and my emotions are having an internal battle.
“How did you know I’m here?” I asked, diverting the topic.
“He called me.”
“Who called you?”
“Royce, he was asking if you were with me as he found out no one was in your condo. Were you here when Royce came?”
“Yes. Fortunately, I got help from Mandy, our neighbor on the other side of the condo. I saw her in the lobby before I got up here. I thought of calling Mandy and helping me get rid of Royce. It went smoothly as planned.”
“Smooth now, but how about tomorrow and the next day? Nelly, you can’t run away from Royce like this. You need to talk to him and hear his side.”
“The only time he had the chance to speak his side was when we were together. He had a lot of time to confess but he didn’t. That made him suspicious. Royce knows that I have trust issues, he should have considered not keeping a secret from me but he didn't. He hid all those things that were written in the papers. Marica, tell me, how could I trust him again?”
“I get, Nelly. For now, you need some rest. Come with me, you’re not safe here alone.”
“Marie, I think I’ll be fine here but I want to have a break from work tomorrow.”
“No, you’re not safe here. Remember Roxie and Dennis? They are still out there looking for a chance to get close to you. In my house, you’ll be guarded and I’ll make sure Royce won’t get in unless you allow him.”
Marica was right, though, so I agreed. She helped me pack my stuff and she drove home.
“Marie, thanks for inviting me here. I feel safe here with you.”
“Nelly, you don’t have to say that. This is your house too, we are family.”
“I have favors to ask. If I may.”
“Sure, what are those?”
“Please don’t tell mom and dad yet. I’ll find the right time to say it all and explain it to them. I don’t want to break their heart, they like Royce so much.”
“That’s not a problem. What’s the other favor?”
“Marie, I want to use this time to be with my parents again. Can you give me a break? I’ll give my projects to the other organizers; I’m sure they can handle them. I know this will disrupt the event a little, but I can’t give my full attention to the work this time which will make me incompetent. I can’t do that to you, especially the new Salon branch opening.”
“Sure. If that’s what makes you feel better, I’ll support you.”
I sat on the couch with Marica and broke down on her shoulder. I hate to admit it, I'm trying to convince myself to stop wanting to be with Royce, but it won't. I already missed him.