Chapter 85 - Chapter 84

@International_Pen

(ZHIO)

"Go to the venue first," I asked Deo who was already in the Brioni pinstripe suit I gave him.

"And call me if Claire is indeed attending the party."

"Yes sir," he nodded and left instantly as instructed.

My suite offered a big fully-furnished bed room where I sleep whenever I wanted to. I went there and lay down mindlessly. I couldn't help but think of Claire. She's been bugging my mind ever since we met.  

I was restless now that I'm at the edge of finally introducing my true self to her.  

Soon, she'll finally know the truth.  

Who I really am…

There was this strange fear that she'd hate me but I'm risking our friendship for her safety. Derick could be dangerous for her…

Little by little I dozed off to sleep and that fear brewed into a nightmare.

"Leave me alone!" Claire was yelling.

Her eyes were bloodshot and tears were abundantly streaming down her cheeks.

"And now you have the guts to act like that towards me?"

I answered back hysterically. The demon I was has resurfaced.

"Like everyone, you're just a trash that deserved to be dumped."

She slapped me hard.

I suddenly woke up cold but sweaty.  

Was that a foresight?

I took my phone to see if Deo has called.

17 missed calls. From 32 minutes ago.  

He did.  

From 32 minutes ago. I had been in deep sleep that I didn't notice.  

My phone buzzed once more for an incoming call.

It was Deo.

"Miss Claire is here."

I remembered the slap.

"Alright. I'll be there," I replied and hurriedly donned on the best suit I have.

Tonight she'll finally know me as Zhio Zel Cantheliz.

Whatever the consequence I'll get for keeping it this long from her, I'd gladly accept. I'd gladly take her slap but I'll never say whatever I had in that bad dream.

I'm not that kind of monster anymore…

Not towards her.

She'd changed me…  

@International_Pen