Love Me

Chapter Seven

Alyssa

I clutched the strap of the bag I held tightly as I walked into my so called home with Christopher, Hailey and Rebecca right behind me. I really didn't want to come back here, I would have been satisfied staying at the hospital for a few more weeks.

As planned, Christopher, Rebecca and Hailey played the roles of the caring and concerned family, one of them always in the room with me. I knew they weren't worried about me at all, at most, they were worried about what I would say to the police when I gave my statement.

Lying to people had become easy since I started living with them. I constantly had to lie about my feelings or about a new bruise I had so this was no different from what I usually said. I told them I was attacked and beaten up but was able to get myself home on my way from work and they bought it.

Contrary to what he said, Mr Graham never returned to the hospital to visit me which only made Hailey happy. She claimed that she had done so much damage that he had no interest in me anymore. I stayed quiet most of the time, not wanting any more trouble. I was still healing after all.

But, in all honesty, I wanted to see him again. The kiss he planted on my cheek stayed in my thoughts throughout the two weeks I spent in the hospital. I really wanted to see him again, just to ask some questions, of course.

I was about to rush upstairs to my room when I heard my name being called from the living room. I closed my eyes and said a silent prayer as I made my way there.

To my surprise, Mr Graham was sitting casually on one of the couches like he owned the place. Sitting next to him was Hailey who stared at him seductively as he spoke to Christopher.

His eyes lifted to me when I entered, making me shrink under the weight of his steely gaze.

“Alyssa, run up and get your things ready, you're coming with me.” He announced, standing up.

“What?!” Hailey exclaimed.

“Exactly my question.” Christopher said darkly.

Mr Graham looked back to them with a roll of his eyes, a spark of annoyance in them. “It is obvious that you cannot keep her safe, seeing how badly she was beat up in your care. It is best she come with me.”

“You cannot do that!” Hailey screamed.

“Why? You would miss her too much? I think you can survive without your dear sister, can't you?”

I am not her sister. I thought venomously.

Hailey opened her mouth to say something but shut up when her father spoke. “You are absolutely right, Nathan. Until we find whoever did this to her, she should live with you.”

“What? But Daddy...”

“Shut up, Hailey.” He snapped at his daughter then turned to me. “Alyssa, go pack.”

Obviously, I could only obey. I had no choice in this. I couldn't even speak during the exchange because I was scared. Christopher surely wasn't happy about this. He's still looking for a way to get Mr Graham to marry Hailey and I was just standing in the way.

Maybe I should just go down there and tell Mr Graham that I can't marry him. Yes, that's what I'll do.

Courageously, I marched down the stairs to the living room.

“Are you ready?” Was the first thing I was asked when I entered the room.