Sea of time

Chapter 4: revenge

She stared into his eyes for a very long time.

The raindrops rolled on the umbrella falling drop by drop on the ground.

He cleared his throat, "how long are you going to keep staring at me?"

She looked down, pulled away from him, "I'm sorry."

"Get in. It's late."

He walked over and opened the door for her.

"Thanks." She whispered.

He didn't bother answering, he walked around the car and got in.

Soon the car drove into the night.

She looked out the window, the falling raindrops on the window made the city outside look blurred.

It was a long drive and the both of them were silent, only the sound of breathing and the pouring rain was heard.

Xavier brought Casey to her room immediately they got back.

He stood in front of her bedside lamp, looking at the little glowing light that lit up the room.

After a while, he turned around to leave but her words stopped him in his tracks.

"I.... I know the truth, about your sister, Bonnie." She stuttered her words.

He turned to look at her, with a cold and indifferent tone he said, "how much do you know?"

"I know that you married me because of what happened to your sister. I know that my mom was the nurse responsible for your sister before she was taken to the operating theatre.

I know my mom's mistake caused the death of your sister." She cried as she spoke.

"I didn't expect you to find out so soon. Seems like I underestimated you."

"I'm sorry. I'm really sorry." She sobbed.

"What difference would it make now. She's gone, saying sorry wouldn't bring her back." He spoke angrily with a harsh tone.

"But why?" She asked.

He looked at her once again waiting for her to complete her statement.

"Why get married to me? Why are you being so nice to my parents? Why are you helping us? There are a lot of other ways you could get back at us, but why marry me?" She asked in between sobs.

He had an evil smile on his face as he spoke, "why? That's because I know that no amount of money would ever worth how much you're going to suffer. I'm going to make you pay for everything my sister had to go through. While your family enjoys, you'll be suffering. I can certainly make due with that."

He stared out through the window, his emerald eyes reflecting the neon lights shining in the dark raining night.

"I'm sorry. I really am. If my suffering can give you a little bit of relief and also mean my mom can be free then I don't mind. You can make me suffer as much as you want, I don't mind. I won't try to resist or fight."

He held her chin, "Casey dear you shouldn't say such things. What fun will it be without a little bit of struggles along the way." The cold smile on his face bore a sharp contrast to his tone making his words sound ironic.

"But why get married to me?" She asked again.

"Since Bonnie wasn't able to get married to the person she wanted to, she wasn't able to live a happy life since your mom snatched that chance from her. Why? Why should I let you have the happy life she couldn't? You'll never be able to get together with Jason. I won't allow it."

"Do whatever you want. As long as my family is safe, I don't mind."

"Time will tell." He said and finally left.

She felt all her strength and courage was drained from her. She slumped on the ground, covering her face she cried uncontrollably.

She sat on the floor for a very long time, her hazel eyes were listless.

This was her new life.

The raindrops fell noisily on the rooftop,

Every drop crashing loudly,

Forming a sharp contrast

To the harmonious soothing melody it created

The gusty wind blew harshly against her skin

Leaving a lasting cold

The gloomy sky recognizes her lonely heart

The disturbing sea waves,Reflected her chaotic mind.

Fate plays tricks on all of us.

She had thought she'd be the one taking revenge on him for destroying her peaceful life but now she realized that she owed a debt she could never repay.

It was a long, cold and moonless night.

Her heart was torn, she didn't know how things were going to be for her, she only hoped that her family would be safe and happy.

When it was midnight, she sluggishly walked to her bathroom, took a bath then slipped into her night dress and went to bed.

She woke up a bit late.

She heard her room door open, she raised her head to see who it was.

Her eyes met a pair of cold emerald eyes.

He was holding a mug of hot coco which he handed to her.

"Drink this." He smiled but the smile on his face wasn't the one that reassures you. It was a evil smile that sent chills down her spine.

You could just tell he was up to something.

She took the mug in her hands and stared at it for a while then she looked at him.

"Drink it." He said in an intimidating tone this time.

She took a sip. Then sip after sip and soon she finished it.

She looked at him, he seemed satisfied.

"When you can't bear the pain anymore, tell me." He left after dropping a few words, leaving a confused Casey staring at his retreating back.

She couldn't understand what he said.

She glanced at the empty mug on the bedside table.

She went down for breakfast. He was already there. It felt strange having breakfast with him as she was already used to eating alone.

She sat down across the table and started eating not bothering about the man sitting in front of her.

"Where are you going?"

She threw him a glance, "college."

"I'll drop you off."

She was surprised but just nodded,"okay."

The car was awkwardly silent as no one said anything.

The drive felt long but she finally breathed a breath of relief when she got to the college.

"We're here." His voice reached her ear.

She thanked him,"thanks," then ran into the school.

She met with Hannah and they both went to the lecture hall together.

When they were done and sat at the canteen, they contemplated on where to do their internship training.

"I already have a place in mind." Hannah said with a bright smile.

"I'm not sure yet." Casey sighed.

Hannah placed her hand on Casey's, "it's going to be alright."

"As long as I'm married to that Xavier guy, nothing's going to be alright."

"Why? Did something happen? Was our speculations right?" Hannah asked with a frown.

"Sigh...."

"Don't leave me hanging." She urged shaking Casey's hand a bit.

"Sigh..... Yes. We were correct."

She looked down, "my mom was the nurse who caused his sister's death. He did marry me for revenge."

Hannah gasped, "has he done anything so far?"

"Sigh.... Maybe. I can't tell." Casey breathed.

She got back, he wasn't around.

She went straight to her room after she took a bath and got changed, she went to bed and fell asleep.

She woke up a bit late in the evening.

She suddenly felt cold. Her hands shivered slightly even though the sun was down, she shouldn't be feeling cold at this time of the year.

It was still summer.

She got down from bed and headed down.

To her surprise, he was back.

After having dinner, she went back to her room.

This time, she felt her feet become stiff as she struggled to walk to her bed.

She sat on the bed in a meditation position, covering herself with a blanket.

Her laptop placed just in front of her.

She was searching for places where she could apply for her internship training.

She marked out some certain places then wrote applications for them on her laptop.

She decided to have it printed tomorrow.

She stared to feel dizzy and tired.

She kept her laptop aside and went to bed.

She got up in the middle of the night feeling cold.

She stood up, walked to her drawer and took more blankets, stalking back to bed.

She laid on her side with about three thick blankets covering her.

She shivered underneath the blanket.

She increased the temperature in her room, making the place hot.

This gave her a little bit of relief.

She closed her eyes and soon drifted to sleep.

The next day, when Anne stepped into the room, she saw a shivering Casey on the bed.

She took long steps to the bed, placed her hand on her head and immediately withdrew her hand because she was cold.

She ran down the stairs to report to Xavier.

The doctor was called to their house.

After examining her, the doctor concluded that she must have caught a cold, he then left after prescribing some drugs.

When they were alone in the room Casey turned to look at Xavier, "so this is your plan?" She asked.

She finally understood his words.

He had a wicked smile,"hope you loved my gift."

"You even got a doctor to cooperate with your ugly schemes. Despicable." She sneered.

"I didn't have to. No doctor would be able to detect the poison in your body yet. So you might have to endure for now before that time comes."

So he poisoned her.

She had a sad look in her eyes as she stared at him then a mocking smile crept it's way to her lips.

He frowned at her reaction.

"What do you mean?"

"Nothing that will bother you Mr Blackwell." She sighed. "Like I said I won't argue with you, do what you like just keep my family out of this."

"It's still too early to say that my dear wife." He walked to her bed and stood just in front of her, looming over the place she sat, "there's more to come."

She looked up at him, "do what you want."

She lay down, her back to him."I have to sleep now, please see yourself out."

Xavier looked at her then left.

That morning, Luv brought her her breakfast.

A bowl of congee.

She had it, took her medicine then went to bed.

It was late in the afternoon when she woke up.

She got up from bed and took a hot shower.

She could still feel cold so when she was done, she wore a White knee length dress with black pop socks and a pair of black boot.

She wore a black coat and wrapped a white scarf around her neck and carried her Black bag pack.

When she stepped into the parlor, everyone turned to look at her.

She wasn't the least surprised. She had expected their reactions to be so, afterall she was dressed for winter when it was still summer.

After staring for awhile, they all convinced themselves saying she was still sick so they went back to their various duties.

Mr Will, the butler walked to meet her, "Mrs Blackwell, are you headed out?" He asked glancing at the backpack behind her back.

"I just need to take care of some things." She smiled. "I'll be back soon."

Her looked at her worried then asked, "how about you let the driver drop you off?"

"No." She shook her head. "I'll go myself. Don't worry, I'll be fine." She assured with a smile.

He still looked worried. "But.... Mr Xavier...."

"Don't worry about Xavier, I'll talk to him when I get back." She smiled.

She turned to leave. "I'll be back." She waved her hand and dashed towards the door.

She had the driver drop her off at the main entrance.

She was already weak, she couldn't trek all the way to the main gate.

The driver stopped at the main gate then she came out.

He seemed hesitant to leave her there but he could only turn back and leave.

Afterall, she was his boss' wife and he couldn't disobey her commands.

Casey only went further when the car was out of sight.

She didn't want any of Xavier's people with her, it made her feel uneasy. Almost like he was stalking her.

She didn't like the feeling off being watched. No body does.

First, she had to visit a cybercafé where she could get her applications printed.

When she was done she tried to submit the applications to the respective companies. She stopped by her favorite coffeeshop to grab a cup of cappuccino and hand burger.

She was starving after walking around.

She sat at her favorite spot, right outside the coffeeshop under an umbrella shade.

She couldn't help but sigh.

She saw some group of high school friends walk into the cafe smiling. It took her back in time when Jason, Hannah and herself would come to this same cafe every Tuesday and Friday.

At times, they'd do their assignments there.

It all felt like yesterday.

She stared at a table inside the cafe at the far edge, just beside the window.

She could see her young self running to the table with about five huge textbooks. Just as she's about to reach the table she trips and fall with the books falling hard on her head.

Then Hannah's and Jason's hearty laughter resounds in her head.

She's drawn back to reality by her ringing phone. She looks at the phone screen to check who it was before answering.

It was Hannah.

"Hello."

"Hey Casey, what's happening? Are you alright?"

Casey could sense the worry in her friend's voice as she spoke.

She didn't want to bother her so she only told her that they'll talk on Tuesday over coffee.

She hangs up almost immediately after talking.

She managed to squeeze a good night before hanging up.

Casey was starting to feel cold again.

The coat and scarf weren't of much help anymore.

After finishing her coffee, she hailed a cab back home.

It was already noon when she got home.

She asked Anne to bring her dinner to her room, she couldn't come down to eat.

After Anne and Luv left, she locked the door.

She felt very cold.

Once again she increased the temperature in her room. To others the place would be very hot but to her it only brought a little relief.

She went to her bathroom and sat under the pouring hot shower for a very long time.

She only came out of the shower after midnight.

She wore her sweater then climbed into bed. Covering herself with about five thick blankets this time.

She couldn't help wondering if her life was going to be like this everyday. For how long?

On Saturday, she received a call from one of the companies she had submitted her application to.

They asked her to come to the office around 3pm.

She got dressed and headed out.

She was happy, at least today she hadn't suffered the poison attack. She could only hope that it didn't come while she was at the company.

When she got there, she met with the receptionist who directed her on where she had to go. She wasn't the only one there.

There were at least ten people who came there.

They were led to a room and asked to wait.

Few minutes later, a man came in with papers telling them that they'd have to take an exam to see if they're qualified to be taken as interns.

Casey wasn't prepared as Xavier's poison had made her weak these days but nonetheless, she had to try.

When the results where out, she hurried to check hers.

She got 85% in the exam.

Thankfully she reached the company's acceptance score.

The company was only taking those with an 80% and above.

She wondered how hard it would be to get into the company as a worker if they do so much just to take in interns.

Out of fifteen people who came, only three including Casey were accepted.

They were to resume on Monday.

Casey was excited. She could begin with her internship training.

She was starting to feel cold once again so she hurried home.

Her usual routine played out today again.

Increase room temperature, hot shower then thick blankets for covering.

The next day came by fast.

Xavier was home today so she went up to his study with a bowl of calming soup.

She placed the bowl of soup on his table and took a step back.

He glanced at the bowl of soup and then at her.

"Have it while its hot."

He returned his gaze to his computer, "i don't need it. Take it and leave."

She turned around as if to leave but then looked at him again.

"Why? Of all things why choose a cold poison?"

His emerald eyes became dark.

He looked up glaring at her

The look in his eyes sent chills down her spine.

He then burst into laughter. Not the type that reassures you or calms your mind but an evil, wicked roar of laughter that gives you goosebumps.

She stared at him with fear in her eyes. She didn't know whether to be happy or sad that his study was soundproof.

He stood up and took a step forward towards her and she subconsciously took a step back.

Normally he had a very cold aura that made people scared, but now he had a murderous aura that could make people around him to pray to God to give them a chance to see another day.

At this point even though he was acting like he's been possessed by a demon, she knew he wouldn't kill her somewhere at the back of her mind.

Not because she trusted him or had any special believe in him, but because she knew that he wanted her to suffer even though she might die at the end of this path of revenge, he wouldn't make it happen so soon.

Their little game continued. With his every step forward, she took a step back.

Their situation now could be likened to a predator and a trapped prey.

She stepped back till her back hit against one of his bookshelves.

He had an evil smile plastered on his face.

He placed his hand above her head and the other by her waist trapping her completely.

Her heartbeat increased pounding loudly in her chest. This wasn't the kind that gave you butterflies in your stomach but the one that gave you that feeling of inexplicable fear where your adrenaline can't function, your mind feels blank and numb, your knees are too weak to run.

She couldn't help but shudder.

She looked up at him, " xa.... Xavier." She stuttered.

She could see the burning hatred at the depths of his eyes.

He raised his hand, his finger gently tracing the contour of her face then he grabbed her chin forcefully causing her to grimace in pain.

"Casey to know the answer to your question, would you dare go on a drive with me?" His voice was cold and indifferent with a mocking smile spreading his lips.

Why would he suddenly ask her to go on a drive with him?

He was taking advantage of the fact that she was scared. "Don't ask questions when you can't afford the price?"

He was walking back to his table when she caught his wrist, "I dare."

There was a glint in his eyes that lasted for only a split second then his lips curved in a triumphant smile.

He grabbed her hand and off they went.

"Seat belt." He said before driving off.

At first she could see other cars driving along but as time went by, she noticed that they were the only ones on the road.

Literally, the road was empty.

She stared at him only to see that same evil smile on his face.

His smile said it all, she was not going to enjoy this drive.

The car slowly accelerated till the speed was unbearable.

With the window open she could feel the harsh wind blowing against her face, almost like it was going to tear the skin off her.

Her heart was in her throat, she could only close her eyes hoping for this torture to end soon.

Not just the speed of the car but him as well.

The aura he exuded was enough to scare anyone out of their wits.

Thankfully the car came to a stop.

He stopped at the foot of a mountain. He came out and just walked up the stairs, she followed behind.

When they got to the top she couldn't believe it. She could see the whole city from where she stood.

Though it was beautiful and all but she knew that this wasn't the right time to enjoy the scenery.

He stood there staring at the city.

They were both quiet, only just listening to the wind blowing against the trees, the birds chirping, the rustling of leaves and watching the beautiful view.

A place like this would make people feel calm.

It gave out a peaceful vibe.

After a while he finally spoke, "why cold poison? I'd also love to ask your mom that same question." He said still staring down.

She stared at his back, surprised and confused.

Did her mom poison his sister?

Impossible. She'd never do that, right?

Instead of guessing unnecessarily she asked, "what do you mean?"

He breathed out, as if to calm down before he spoke.

"Your mom injected my sister with the cold medicine she was to give a patient with excess heat. That medicine froze her heart. Your mom killed my sister." He turned around glaring at her with nothing but hate.

He walked up to her,"now you know." He smiled but the emotions in his eyes showed only anger ,rage and hate.

"I'm sorry." Her tone was very low, like a soft whisper.

He let out a throaty laughter that echoed in the air giving an eerie feeling.

"Sorry? That's useless now." He walked away.

She felt her heart clench.

All her life she's tried her best to do what's right. She's always believed that she fall in love and get married, yet here she was drowning in a loveless marriage.

Trapped in a net of revenge and hate.

Destiny really shows no mercy at all.

She stepped into the car and they both went home.

As he drove she couldn't help but wonder if his sister hadn't died that day would he be different now.

Maybe his sister's death changed him and made him the way he is now.

...

Xavier, is there a chance that you heal in the future? After your revenge, will you finally let go of the past?