CHAPTER:18

"Sick?? I'm a man in love, baby." -He grins.

"That's not love. That's some sick obsession in your head. I'm not your fucking property. I am my own person, and I would never… never fall for you. Even if you had all the riches and looks in this world." -Elara grits her teeth. She wonders if she would've had the same courage to very it to his face. A part of her is grateful, that this is a phone call. And the other part of her is scared... He's out there somewhere.

"Of course you're gonna say that now. You're married to a freaking billionaire. Who also has the looks of a Greek god, like any woman would say." He taunts. "but then again, you're forgetting. He's going to treat you like just any other woman. He's fucked more women than you've held hands with a man! He'll throw you out when he's done with you! Not me! I love you. I freaking love you, Elara!"

Marshall snatches the phone from Elara, before she can respond.

"Now you listen to me, and you listen good. That's my wife, you're talking to right now. I may have fucked around when I was single. But when I tell you, I would rather gouge my own eyes out before looking at another woman now, I'm not lying. My feelings for my wife aren't one of love, but protectiveness and care. Unlike a monster like you. So, if you make the mistake of coming anywhere near my woman, and I can whole-heartedly promise you, there'll be no one worse than me. Not even death." 

Elara blinks in surprise. Studying Marshall. Trying to understand if he meant what he's saying right now.

. . .

This earns a silent response from the stalker. The stranger on the other line doesn't say anything for some time. Elara begins to think if he disconnected the call or anything. But he's still there, listening.. breathing. 

"Well, that's interesting. You're willing to change for Elara? Whatta surprise... I wasn't expecting that. I suppose."

"But tell you what, she was mine. Always mine. Before you came in the picture. We all know it.. This marriage was forced on Elara. I mean, haven't you always been so career oriented? Let go of my girl. Divorce her… or I'll be forced to take drastic measures. To ensure she's mine. And only mine." -The man threatens on the line.

Marshall's expression changes as his eyebrows furrow. He is clearly upset that some jerk has the audacity to suggest divorce. To let continue terrorizing Elara. Marshall growls, his gaze locked with Elara. His words, calm and collected. "You sound like a monster. A monster only capable of thinking with whatever is between his legs, that's for sure."

The stranger laughs on the line, his laughter sounding like cackling. And just as menacing as his unknown presence. "Divorce her. And I mean it. Okay fine, you decide; what's better? A divorcee or a widow?" -The stalker threatens on the phone.

And Elara feels the panic starting to rise in her chest. This man will stop at nothing. She stares at Marshall, waiting to hear what he'll say.

There's another moment of silence, and time seems to stretch itself. Marshall's eyes turn into a fiery shade of red. He finally speaks, his voice cold and full of anger and malice. 

"I am not gonna divorce her. I don't care if she's only mine on paper. I will protect her. I will protect my wife as if my life depends on it. I will protect her till my dying breath."

He takes a deep breath and then whispers on the phone; "So, try me." And with that, Marshall ends the call abruptly. Elara is shell-shocked by the entire phone conversation.

Marshall gives her a reassuring smile with a wink and kisses her forehead. He stands up from the bed and finally exits her bedroom. He leaves Elara behind, and she's left to ponder on the chaos that had just transpired.

_

It's been a month since that night.

Neither Marshall, nor Elara spoke about the intimacy that took place that night. Though it does heavily dwell in their minds. They usually stay out of each other's way. Unless of course, its anything concerning her stalker.

The stranger has made it clear, that he has no intentions of backing out. But then again, he's been stalking her for more than 5 years now.. He's here to stay and steal Elara, after all.

. . .

"It's a gathering. Among some of his business associates. It's kind of like a business family gathering. The wives are all invited too. Marshall thinks I should tag along with him." -Elara informs Hana, as she continues decorating the cupcakes.

And Hana stares at her, listening to her best friend. She nods her head excitedly. "You should go! It'll be fun! I mean, you can dress up, show off that killer body. Maybe make your own husband swoon..." She suggests, a teasing tone heard in her voice.

Elara simply laughs, shaking her head. But before she can say anything to protest, the cafe door opens. To reveal a new face.

"Welcome to Lavender delights! Please take a seat wherever you'd like. And we'll be with you shortly." -Elara chimes, greeting the customer instead of replying to Hana. Which earns an eye roll from her.

And as Hana turns to face the customer, her face contorts into one full of anger and annoyance. "Kim, you asshole. What are you doing here?"