Chapter 4

Almost

***

Content Warning: This chapter might contain violence, abuse, crime, or triggering factors that may be harmful, disturbing, or traumatizing to some. Reader's discretion is advised. Thank you.

***

"You're such a great baker, Leila. Thank you for this." Mrs. Johnson proudly commented as she stood beside her.

Mrs. Johnson contacted her to create a customized cake for her daughter's birthday. She was slowly building her name in the community and words were easily spread all throughout.

Those words brought her back to reality and gave the kind woman a gentle small smile.

"I really love baking. Thank you for trusting me on this, too." She sincerely replied.

"I'll surely help you market your pastries and cakes, then. Maybe you can give me your portfolio so I can share it with my friends." Mrs. Johnson excitedly told her.

That made Leila ecstatic.

"Sure, Mrs. Johnson. I'd do that. Thank you for giving me an idea." Her voice was filled with happiness and anticipation.

Leila was walking absentmindedly down the street a few more blocks away from her house. She didn't use her bicycle because the cake was just so big and heavy that it might be ruined, so she just assiduously took the ten minutes' walk away from her house.

It was all worth it, though.

She was busy staring at the full moon, watching her every move. She loved how it shines so brightly in the midst of darkness.

But the moment it was hidden in the dark clouds, someone had grabbed her from behind.

She yelped, but whoever it was instantly covered her mouth with his filthy hands.

He was so strong that he immediately dragged her out of the road. The attacker forcibly moved towards the dark forest.

Leila was so scared that her eyes instantly moistened. She was praying so hard for her life. Whoever was trying to kidnap her was just so strong. She regretted the times that she disregarded entering the taekwondo class, when her mother offered her to enroll. She even regretted bringing her baseball bat with her.

She could hardly breathe so she tried to calm her nerves. She needed to get away and to make that happen, she needed to think hard and fast.

Leila gathered her strength to step on the foot of whoever her attacker was. She tried to escape, but he grabbed her long wavy hair and forcibly dragged her down the ground.

She felt pain in her knees and elbow because of the harsh impact. She let out a hurtful sob as she tried to stand up and ran away, but the attacker grabbed her both arms and tied it together with a thick rope.

"Help!" She agonizingly yelled.

"Help me! Please!" She helplessly cried but a loud laugh resonated in her ears – making her look at whoever her attacker was.

"Even though you scream at the top of your lungs, no one would hear you." A familiar voice sarcastically commented – making her heart beat crazily.

Her eyes turned into thin slits as she tried to look at his face, but the darkness wasn't helping her.

"Who are you?!" She furiously exclaimed.

The man sarcastically chuckled.

"Oh, dear Leila. You just left home, and you have already forgotten all about me, huh?" The man mockingly replied as he stepped out of the darkness.

Under the bright full moon, she was able to recognize who it was – her eyes widened in shock and fright.

"Donovan..." She lowly uttered.

Her tears flowed down from her eyes down to her cheeks. She felt disgusted and scared.

It was none other than her stepfather, Donovan Harrow. He was the main reason why she left home and decided to live independently even though it hurt her so much.

He was always giving her malicious stares, and at night, he always tried to open her door – that she even bought an install three more locks just to feel safe.

Unfortunately, he always found ways to touch her hand and arms – and worst – her bottom when her mother, Sheila, wasn't around.

She was just so furious and disgusted that she decided to live independently, for she couldn't find the strength to tell it to her mom. She couldn't find it in her heart to ruin her stepbrother's father and their relationship.

Now, she thought she had already gotten away from him, but he resorted to this kind of thing.

"What do you want?" She asked while gritting her teeth.

She needed him to talk as she tried to untie the rope in her hands.

Donovan let out a hearty chuckle.

"That was so obvious, my love. I want you." He smugly answered.

She wanted to puke.

How could he do this to her? Even to her mom?

"You're sick!" She angrily yelled.

"Whatever you say, dear Leila. I wanted to collect your debts. I am the one who raised you. Now, that you've grown up so stunningly beautiful, I wanted you." He maliciously said those words as he touched her face.

"F*ck you!" She cursed at him as she helplessly stared at him.

The knot he had put in her hands was just too tight that it was making it hard for her to untie it. She was feeling pessimistic now.

"You don't even try to think of my mom?! How dare you do this!" She bitterly accused him.

He just smirked at her.

"Your mom was aging, dear. I wanted a new one." He seriously told her as he licked his lips and looked at her entire body using his ghastly stares.

"No. No, please... Don't do this..." She eagerly pleaded.

But it was making Donovan more turned on that he grabbed her hair and sniffed it.

"I just so love your smell, you know." He whispered before running his filthy tongue over her left cheek.

Leila shut her eyes tightly. She could feel the hair at the back of her head stand up because of pure repugnance.

"Beg, Leila... I want to hear your sweet pleadings." Donovan whispered into her ear.

She opened her eyes and clenched her fists before hardly biting his ear.

Donovan automatically cried and slapped her hard – wounding her lips and cheek. She finally untied the rope!

"You b*tch!" He irritably spat while holding his bloody ear.

He was about to hurt her when they heard a loud growl.

It was so eerie that her heart almost stopped beating.

Before she could even run, a huge dark brown furred wolf appeared in between them.

Leila was rooted to the ground while Donovan tried to get a stick and whipped the wolf.

It let out a furious snarl – showing its bared long canines.

Donovan's eyes widened in horror, and without thinking twice, he instantly ran away – leaving her with the enormous wolf.

Should she be thankful? Or should she be praying now; for she might be its next prey?

The massive wolf stared at her and groaned before leaving her – stunned in the middle of the woods.

Chapter 5

Left

***

Leila was dumbfounded, but she tried to stand up with her trembling knees. She had no idea why, but she followed the massive wolf that actually... rescued her!

She couldn't believe that there's a meek wolf like that – not to mention that it was so huge and bulky. She had seen them on television, and they were predators – mostly wild and fierce.

Leila ignored the bruises that were throbbing in some parts of her body. All she could think about was following the massive wolf and finding out who owned it.

She wanted it!

She wanted one for herself!

Well, that might serve as her best friend while living here in the village.

Her mind was clouded with the gratitude towards the wolf that saved her. She couldn't believe that during that hard, awful, and hopeless time – she could find someone unexpectedly.

She was panting inaudibly – breathing in her mouth as she tried to keep up with the wolf, which was slowly walking like it had nowhere to go.

The owl cooed, and it echoed in the entire forest. It intensified the eeriness of the place – making the hair at the back of her neck stand up. She had been following the huge wolf for about five minutes now, and her heart almost dropped when it took a short glance at where she was standing. She instantly hid in the huge tree in front of her.

Leila blew an inaudible sigh into her mouth. She was almost caught by the wolf!

It might change its mind and eat her! It would dig its bared canines into her flesh, and blood would splatter everywhere and-

'Oh, great! What a morbid imagination, you have there, Leila!' She murmured to herself and slightly shook her head. She was already being carried away by her own thoughts.

But then, the wolf stopped, and she almost dropped her jaw when she saw it enter the backdoor of... Hunter's Mansion?!

"Oh, my gosh!" She whispered under her breath as her hands flew in front of her mouth.

"Did he own the wolf? How did that happen? Wait... I need to talk to him..." She added and was about to go near the mansion when she suddenly fell down.

She took a swift glance at herself. She was full of bruises – not to mention the blood that was falling into her knees. She might also be so filthy because of the mud and dirt after her struggle.

How could she face Hunter now?

She tried to touch her bruises, but they were so bad. It was throbbing in pain – the reason why she fell down.

Her tears fell from her cheeks unconsciously. She felt like she had been transported back to what had happened earlier. Fear started to consume her entire being.

And amidst the massive fear that was engulfing her – was the thought of fury stirring in her blood. She just couldn't believe that her stepfather would do something as low as this!

If not for the wolf that saved her... she didn't know what would happen to her in the hands of Donovan.

She didn't know how she managed to go back to her house. Her mind was drifting with too many thoughts.

Above all, she felt so alone... scared... and violated.

However, after she tended to herself, she decided to go home to her mother's house. If Donovan could do something immoral like that to her, there's no reason for him not to do something worse to her mother and to Darcel.

A lone tear escaped from her eye, and she instantly wiped it away. Her hands were trembling as she clenched them tightly in her lap.

The travel time she had to take seemed to be so fast because of the thoughts that were lingering inside her head. Her mind became more chaotic after she reached her mother's house.

The sun had almost risen, and she hadn't even taken any food since last night. She couldn't feel the hunger – only her clenching heart, which was slowly drowning in pain.

What if her stepfather was in the house?

Can she really say everything to her mother?

What will happen to Darcel once he finds out that his father tried to abuse her?

No.

She couldn't say anything like that... but she must!

But how?

Her thoughts abruptly stopped when she saw her mother crying on their patio. Her eyes widened as she instantly ran towards her.

"Mom, what happened?!" She worriedly inquired – ignoring her things dropped on the ground.

Her mother's face was shocked upon looking at her. She might not expect her to go home now.

"L-Leila..."

She hugged her mother while sobbing in her shoulders.

"What happened?" She inquired, as she had gotten her some water.

Her mother swallowed hard.

Darcel was still inside his room sleeping, while her wicked stepfather was nowhere to be found around the house. And she was grateful that he wasn't around.

"It's... It's D-Donovan... he already left us..." Her mother whispered lowly, but enough for her to hear.

She was speechless. She knew that deep inside her, that was what she had been waiting for. Her vicious stepfather didn't deserve her mother but all that she could thank him for was having Darcel.

"He left a note and left. I already s-see this coming. He changed, and he is becoming hotheaded these past few days. But..." Her mother sobbed as she explained those things.

Leila didn't want to see her mother like this. Maybe, it was a good idea that she went home. She mentally heaved a deep sigh.

"But... he has left all of his debts to me..." She problematically stated.

Her forehead creased at that.

How dare he do that?!

And how the heck did that happen?

However, Leila wasn't surprised anymore. Her stepfather could be this merciless if he wanted to be.

She gritted her teeth.

"And they will be here in the house later. Donovan signed some papers that he agreed to pay his debts through the sale of this house." Her mother wept as she said those words.

Her blood boiled at that.

That's not possible. This house was named after her mother. This held a lot of memories for all of them, and she wouldn't allow that to happen.

Her mother seemed so problematic and in deep sorrow, as she might be thinking the same thing as hers.

"Don't worry, Mom. We will think of something." She assured her.

"But how?" Her mother cried.

However, before she could even say another word, a luxurious car suddenly stopped in front of their house, and a familiar man stepped out of the front car seat.

Her mouth dropped open when he moved towards the backseat door and opened it for someone.

Leila held her breath as she saw who stepped out of the opulent car.

Her heart raced as her stomach churned inside.

She always laughed at her best friend's stories about her boyfriends and crushes. She always scoffed at her whenever she told her about how her world stopped whenever her crushes walked towards her. She always rolled her eyes at her whenever she told her how her heart warmed and how fast it beat at mere eye contact and interaction with that particular man.

But she couldn't scoff, roll her eyes, or ignore the fast beating of her heart.

For at that very moment, her best friend was right.

Everything seemed blurry, and her own world stopped. Her eyes were glued to the man who was dashingly walking towards them – wearing his midnight blue suit and tie. His dark brown hair was neatly done, and his stubble was all shaved now.

He was gorgeous the very first time that she laid her eyes on him, but now, he was even hotter and more strikingly handsome in her eyes.

But what's more intriguing is how her heart beat suddenly turns wild at the mere eye contact that they have. It was like there's something in between them that suddenly arose, and she couldn't pinpoint how or what.

"Hunter Black..." She uttered unbelievably as he stopped in front of them.

Chapter 6

Poisoned

***

It happened so fast that Leila couldn't believe how she had come this far. She was flabbergasted upon discovering that it was Hunter Black, whom her mother had been indebted to.

Well, technically, it was all her stepfather's fault, but her mother had been his collateral. That man really had to give them a headache after what he had done to her!

She couldn't believe him! A heartless beast if she might add!

But what's worst was that she couldn't believe how she had come this far and how fate was truly playing her right now.

She stared at the huge mansion in front of her as she managed to press the doorbell.

Butler Henry's cold and blank expression welcomed her and ushered her towards the pathway.

She mentally heaved a deep sigh. Now, she was welcomed here already, and that was because she had no other choice but to be the one who would pay for everything instead of her mother.

"There are few rules that you had to remember while working here, Miss Leila." Butler Henry started.

Yes.

She will be working here... as their servant.

Leila mentally groaned. She didn't want to do this either. However, she was left with no choice. She had no money. Her mother wanted to do this instead, but she needed to tend to Darcel, and she wouldn't allow her to. She's already too old to do heavy chores like this, and she was fine working at home as an agent.

They were all doing great, and it's a bit of a sacrifice for her to do this.

What infuriates her is her stepfather. It's a good thing he's already left. She had told her mother not to accept him anymore and to tell her if he returned.

With all of the things that happened, she hadn't told her mom about what Donovan did to her. She was already brokenhearted, and it would intensify once she found out.

"Did you hear everything that I said, Miss Leila?" Butler Henry suddenly interrupted her thoughts.

She bit her lower lip and unconsciously nodded her head.

'Oh, my gosh, what did he say?'

She was in a panic inside. Butler Henry heaved a deep sigh.

"Anyway, just clean the ground floor, and you are not allowed to go on the second floor. All you have to do is clean, do the dishes, and cook, and if Master Hunter needs you to do something for him, you do it. No lurking around. And strictly no gossiping." Butler Henry eyed her suspiciously.

She swallowed hard and nodded her head submissively.

'I am not that nosy!' She tried to maintain a straight face but failing miserably.

"Okay..." She murmured before biting her lower lip.

"What happens here, stays here." Butler Henry explained.

Leila heaved a deep sigh before nodding her head. To be honest, she just wanted to roll her eyes at how she might leave as an impression to Hunter's butler to make her think that she's a nosy creature.

Well, she couldn't blame him, though. Might as well, she tried to be friendlier to him this time.

"Anyway, you can drop the 'Miss' thing, Butler Henry." She tried to act friendlier this time.

But the good and loyal butler just shook his head – making her forehead creased.

"I'm sorry, but I am already used to it. Anyway, if you have more questions, don't hesitate to tell me." He said it monotonously.

After Butler Henry left her in the kitchen, she couldn't help but feel awe. It was certainly huge, and everything that she needed was all present and complete. It was organized and clean.

Butler Henry told her to make breakfast for 'Master' Hunter. Well, Leila couldn't believe that she had to call him that. It was as if she were the lowest of all the human beings that had ever lived here in this world.

"Oh, gosh, what am I thinking anyway?" She muttered under her breath as she rummaged through the fridge.

She suddenly missed her parents, her grandparents, and Darcel. She used to cook for them. Her eyes moistened at the mere thought of it, but she instantly shook her head.

Leila tried to lift her spirit up.

"You shouldn't be drowning yourself in negative thoughts, Leila. It'll affect the food that you'll serve." She tried to talk to herself.

"Now, now, what do we have here?" She thought to herself as she suddenly remembered her father's favorite dish.

She could still remember how she and her father cooked it together. She could still remember why he loved that dish so much.

It's been too long to cook that certain dish, and she would love to serve it to Hunter. She just hoped that he'd like it.

Meanwhile, Butler Henry walked towards the second floor, where Hunter was sitting cozily on his couch.

"Why do you have to suggest that? You know that I am not fond of anyone lurking around my house." His voice was menacing and dark.

Butler Henry swallowed hard. Hunter could be this intimidating, but he knew better.

"There's no other choice, Master Hunter. They had no capacity to pay their debts. Besides, Miss Leila begged them not to get their house. They hold it dearly and she can't afford for her mother and stepbrother to be homeless nor to live with her here. I discovered that her mother will be so lonely if she lived here and-"

"I don't care..." Hunter cut his words.

Butler Henry let out an inaudible sigh.

"It's just for a few months, I guess, it will be better to have her this close, right? You almost got caught when you saved her in the woods." Butler Henry politely reminded him.

Hunter shot him a deadly glare and he just shove it away.

No matter how much Hunter would try to hide it, he knew that something was up to him. And Miss Leila was the very reason why.

He had been serving the Blacks all his life – especially Hunter – and he knew that something was changing within him. Whether he acknowledged it or not, he needed to help him. He just knew that he needed this... much more, he needed Leila.

She could trigger something inside him – which he could sense is a good thing for him... well, hopefully.

"By the way, your food might be ready now. I believe Miss Leila is done by now." Butler Henry informed him before he excused himself.

Hunter lazily stood up and went downstairs.

For the first time, since he arrived here, he had never felt himself to be starving with food... not until now.

The moment he stepped down the stairs, the delicious aroma of whatever that girl had cooked attacked his nostrils. His stomach churned in hunger.

He had to maintain a straight face, especially when she saw the woman's smiling face. His forehead creased as she clapped her hands – like a kid who was so proud of her achievement.

Hunter wanted to shake his head at what he had gotten himself into.

The woman's eyes widened when they met his.

He mentally groaned because of her exaggerated expression.

"Oh, you're here! Good morning. Your food is served." She stated with a smile.

This was the very first time that he had seen her like this. He might say that the woman was really strikingly beautiful.

He wanted to smack himself at the way his thoughts were running.

Hunter pretended not to hear her as he went into the dining room.

"This is my father's favorite. Come on, try it." She energetically informed him.

He wanted to stop her from talking more, but he bet she would be talking to him more. The best thing that he could do was to stop talking to her.

Hunter started eating the food. It was delicious, alright. But his forehead creased when it became harder for him to breathe.

Leila looked at him bewilderedly, and he tried to calm himself, but to no avail.

'What is in this food? Wait, chocolates? Is she trying to poison me?'

Hunter couldn't breathe properly already – making Leila so shocked that she swiftly ran to call Butler Henry.

"What happened?!" He worriedly inquired.

"I... I don't know." Leila was already teary eyed as she said those words.

He closed his eyes as he tried to calm himself.

"What did you cook?!" Butler Henry demanded.

"Uhm, a c-chocolate-chipotle s-sirloin steak and d-dark chocolate sauce..." Leila unsurely replied.

'F*ck!'

"What the hell, Leila?! Are you trying to poison him?!" Butler Henry's voice thundered – making Leila feel the fear slowly eating her up.

"I... I...." She couldn't say a word.

She didn't know.

"Uhm, s-should I call a doctor?" She concernedly inquired.

But Butler Henry just gave her a cold look – stopping her from doing anything.

"Stop doing anything and just wait."

His cold voice sent shivers down her spine. She was glued to the ground as she watched Butler Henry help Hunter go to his room.

Leila felt so guilty. She didn't know what to do or what had happened to Hunter. Then, it suddenly hit her.

Her eyes widened as she bit her lower lip.

'Wait... Is he allergic to chocolates?!' She mentally asked herself.

'Oh, my gosh, what have I done?'