ch 10

The realization that the anniversary of her kidnapping is here hit her hard. Just a few nights ago she was laying in bed getting the best pleasure.

Now she stands in the shower with the coldest water on. Scrubbing hard on her already red body. She just needs to get through this week and then she'll be fine.

Things will go back to normal. She won't hide in the corner like a lost cat, she'll no longer fake being strong when her legs are shaking.

Seeing how red her arms and legs were she stopped scrubbing. She pulled herself together got ready and went for dinner with Xerxes.

"Ceo Ling, I'm glad to know you made it"

"I have things to do so I'll get straight to the point....That's the only reason why I'm willing to marry you"

"Ah I see. Well then let's sign a contract. Here I already had one made"

Esmeray scanned through the paper reading every single word and letter. She didn't want to be screwed over. And while the contract had simple rules she demanded some things be changed.

"Instead of marrying at court or even at church let's just sign the papers in front of our family. That way it won't take time"

"I see...I would expect you to make this public"

"Oh it will. Just not like this. Right now we are having dinner no one is around. Next time let's pick a public place. That way rumors spread."

"Well then." After adjusting other things she signed the contract and he signed her agreement.

While taking a sip of her coffee from the corner of her eye she saw HER standing, holding a belt. The same belt she was punished with.

In a panic she stood up walked towards the direction she saw her. She looked around looking for her but didn't spot her. Time stoped just for a second until she realized her mind was playing with her.

Snapping out of it she turned to Xerxes who was sitting there confused.

"Are you alright Ceo Ling?"

".....I-i am fine. Excuse me but I must go" she blurred out not going back for her purse or coat.

Once in her car she burst into tears. It happened so long ago but the pain is so fresh. Wiping her tears she drove off without taking a notice of Xerxes who watched the whole thing unfold.

Not once did he see her nervous or anxious. Not once did he see her cry, or become agitated.

"Ceo Ling, Dr. Aryan is here to see you"

"Make up an excuse, I don't want to see anyone"

Through the remainder of the day she ignored calls and rescheduled meetings. When she was about to leave her office she remembered her mistake.

She had left her things behind. She called the restaurant but was told a man had taken her things. Right before she dialed Xerxes number he entered her office.

"Ceo Deimos, my things-"

"You left in a rush earlier. Here."

"Thank you" he offered to walk her to her car as it was already past midnight.

Once again she thanked him and drove off. The next day things weren't any easier, by the third day she had lost sleep. On the fourth day she had lost five pounds from not eating. The fifth day she faught the nightmares and anxiety.

Six days later she lost her strength. While in a meeting with Xerxes she fainted.

"Ceo Ling wake up. Damn it! Bring the car"

Without thinking twice he took Esmeray to his place and called a Doctor.

"fortunately she is fine. She didn't injured herself. "

"But?"

"It seems as though she hasn't eaten or slept and her body just shut down. For now I'm going to prescribe her with some pills but I suggest feeding her something small for now"

"Thank you, Doctor"

"*sigh* every year is the same. Poor thing the hell she must've gone through and now it still hunts her."

"What do you mean?"

"...her kidnapping? She was taken and tortured for a week. I must go"

For the first time he knows something about her he never knew. Wanting to know more he had his lawyer look into it.

'You act so strong yet deep down you are afraid. Why can't I stop thinking about you? Tell me why do I love you so much. Esmeray why did you push me away. I hate the women you became but is there something more to you I don't know about. Tell me ....is there a side of you that allows you to be humble instead of arrogant?'