Chapter 50

Priscilla's POV

After ensuring that Nelly had left, I gathered all my drawing materials and headed to the pool. As I sat down with my things, I began to sketch something, although I didn't know what it was. At the moment, my mind was blank and I didn't have a specific design in mind. To be honest, I felt better after making sure that Nelly was out of the place, but I was still annoyed and angry at Max, and as a result, I couldn't think very clearly.

I've never met someone like Max. He was a good guy when he thought I was pregnant with his babies, but now that he isn't sure, he has turned into someone unrecognizable. I don't know this new Max and I hope he won't continue behaving this way until I give birth and the DNA test is done. Perhaps, if he finds out that I'm carrying his children, he will go back to being his usual caring and gentle self. I don't want him to remain this monster he has become.

I was jolted out of my daze by the sound of footsteps approaching the pool area. I turned to see Max's tall stiletto coming towards me. God knows what he wanted after making me so angry.

"Priscilla, it's late. You should go to sleep," he said as soon as he reached where I was. I rolled my eyes at him; he was pretending to care about me when the truth was that he didn't care at all. He was just trying to ease his guilt.

"Priscilla, don't you think you're overreacting right now? You can't keep ignoring me, even after I've apologized!" Max said. I rose from the floor and stood in front of him. I wasn't as tall as he was, but I made sure we were at eye level. I could feel heat radiating from my face. Did he think I was overreacting after what he had said?

"Do you think I'm overreacting right now? Don't you remember what you said to me? You questioned my upbringing, and insulted my mother, all because you thought I had gone to see Dave. And now, you think I'm overreacting? Are you for real, Max?!" I yelled, panting. I couldn't believe the nerve of this man.

Max let out an irritated sigh. "I said I'm sorry, didn't I? What's the big deal? It's not as if I had broken your leg or something. Why are you exaggerating like that? Go to sleep and stop acting like a baby," Max said, with an edge of annoyance in his voice.

"Go to hell Max, and leave me alone," I said. I walked back to the floor, sat down, grabbed my book and pen, and continued my sketch. I wish I could go out and get some fresh air but who am I kidding, Max won't let me go out.

"You are stubborn, aren't you?" Max asked,

"I told you to leave me alone, didn't I? Stop wasting your time and leave me alone. Is it too much to ask?" I replied. I was holding a book, but I couldn't concentrate because of Max's presence.

Max squatted to my level, but I didn't bother to look at him. Suddenly, he caught me off guard when he scooped me in his arms.

"Max, what are you doing? Put me down right now before I lose my cool," I said, raising my voice. I was confused and annoyed by his sudden behavior.

"You are stubborn. You don't listen to me. You leave me with no choice but to carry you forcefully," Max explained as he rose from the floor and started making his way upstairs, carrying me with him.

"Max, I said put me down right now!" I yelled, feeling frustrated and trapped.

"Priscilla, will you keep quiet?" Max said lazily, my veins pulsing. I wanted to punch him in the face right then and there. What was wrong with him? Did he make it his mission to trouble me and make me angry?

"Max, put me down, please. Don't make me do something I'll regret later," I said, desperately trying to control my emotions. First, he made me angry, and now he was making me even angrier. This was the limit.

"Priscilla, if you're stubborn, then I'm even more stubborn. So just keep quiet and let me take you to your room," Max said, making me grind my teeth. My patience was being tested, and I knew I had to keep quiet before I did something I would regret later.

Max pushed open the door to my room and walked over to the bed. He laid me down on the bed. Today, I would rather have those nightmares than share a room with Max. He has made me angry more than enough, and I've had it with him. Enough is enough.

"Leave my room. I don't want to sleep with you today," I said sternly, not bothering to look at him.

"With pleasure. I can sleep alone. I don't have any nightmares at night, but you do. So, suit yourself, Ms.," Max said sarcastically as he started making his way out of my room. That's much better.

I sat on the bed, my head resting on the headboard. Nighttime brings fear, as nightmares haunt me relentlessly. Vivid images flood my mind: blood, lifeless bodies, piercing screams, shattering glass. It plays like a recurring movie, trapped in my thoughts. The worst part is the isolation, unable to confide in anyone. If Max discovers my secret, he will surely cast me out. Who would want to live with a murderer? Liz, too, would sever all ties, leaving me once again alone.

As tears flowed down my cheeks, I regretted chasing him out of my room. I knew that with him around, I would feel safe. But it was too late to go to Liz's room and wake her up. I decided that I could wake Max up instead.

I put on my slippers and left my room. Max's room was just a few steps away from mine, so it was easy to reach. I stood in front of his door, unsure if I should knock. After some hesitation, I finally decided to knock. I waited for him to tell me to come in.

A few moments later, Max opened the door. He stood there shirtless, and I couldn't help but notice how his muscles rippled beneath his bronzed skin. Was it even possible for a guy to look this hot?

"Can I help you, Priscilla?" Max's voice snapped me out of my daze, and I met his gaze. My heart started racing, but I wasn't sure why.

I cleared my throat, unsure of what to say. "Um, can I sleep here?" I asked, avoiding Max's gaze.

"I thought you didn't want to share a room with me. What's changed?" Max questioned, causing me to look down in embarrassment. I couldn't believe I was standing in front of him after chasing him out of my own room.

"If you don't want me here, it's fine. I'll just go back to my own room," I replied, turning to leave. However, Max caught my hand and pulled me towards him. I stumbled and landed against his chest, my heart racing as I tried to compose myself.

"You can stay here in my room," Max whispered in my ear, sending shivers down my spine. I didn't know what was happening to me, but I felt like I was losing control.

"Oh, thanks," I said, my knees weakening. I couldn't even stand properly.

"What's wrong, Priscilla? Why is your face so red?" Max asked. I looked away, hoping and praying that I wasn't falling for this guy. Was I falling for him? No, I wasn't.

"Let go of me, please," I managed to say. The closeness between us was making my heart race and I couldn't stand it. Max let go of me, and I quickly took a few steps away from him.

"You can go ahead and sleep. I have work to take care of," Max said. Without saying anything, I walked to the bed.

*********

I woke up to the sound of water running from the bathroom. Glancing at the nightstand, I saw that it was already 6:30. I had just 30 minutes to get ready for work. As I got out of bed, my bare feet touched the cold tiles and I shuddered. Suddenly, the door opened and Max stepped out, looking as handsome as ever. I found myself staring at him but quickly looked away. I knew I shouldn't be affected by his looks. I can't afford to lose myself like that.

"Good morning Priscilla!" Max greeted me with a smile. I tried to hide my feelings and replied, "Morning. I'm going to get ready for work." I hurriedly walked out of his room, feeling my heart beating fast against my chest. This shouldn't be happening to me. I can't fall in love. I don't believe in love. Maybe I'm just lusting after him, that's it. Lust, not love.

Upon reaching my room, I immediately headed to the bathroom. After taking a refreshing shower, I made my way out and decided to wear a black jeans, a white shirt, and sneakers. I combined my hair and applied some face cream and lip balm before leaving my room.

Upon arriving at the dining room, I saw that Liz, Lurry, and Max were already waiting for breakfast.

"Good morning everyone," I greeted them with a warm smile.

"Hey Priscilla," Lurry replied with a small smile, but I could sense that something was wrong. I made a mental note to talk to her later.

"Hi Larry, are you okay?" I asked with concern.

"I'm fine," she replied shortly, but she didn't look okay at all. She got up from her chair and said, "I'm leaving," before quickly making her way out of the room.

"What happened to her?" I asked, my eyes fixed on Liz. She shrugged her shoulders.

"I don't know. I tried to talk to her, but she didn't want to open up. I'm sure she'll be fine," Liz replied, and I nodded in agreement.

Marie arrived with other maids carrying trays of food, and they started setting the table.

"Marie, where is Nelly?" Max asked impatiently. Did he really have to bring this up now, just before I leave for the office?

"Sir, I don't know where Ms. Nelly went. I haven't seen her since this morning. Her room is as it was yesterday, and it doesn't seem like she slept here," Marie explained. I didn't dare open my mouth.

"Where could she have gone?" Max asked, his eyes fixed on me with suspicion. I ignored him and started dishing food on my plate.

"Priscilla," Max called my name. I didn't dare look at him.

"Mmm!" I mumbled without opening my mouth. Of course, he knew I had something to do with this.

"Priscilla, look at me!" Max commanded, his tone husky with anger that he was trying to hold back.

I raised my head and looked at him. "What?" I asked nonchalantly, his face turning red.

"Do you have anything to do with this?" he asked coldly.

"Why would I have anything to do with Nelly? It's not as if I'm her friend and I would know everything about her," I lied through my teeth. There was no way I was going to tell him the truth when he was this angry.

"And you expect me to believe that shit?" Max asked, his tone rising.

"Max, stop it now. Nelly left, so what? It's not as if you're still in love with her. Just let go if she wants to," Liz said. I just hoped Max would listen to her.

"Stay out of this, Liz!" Max yelled, his face turning even redder. I hated this angry side of Max.

"Priscilla, do you have anything to do with this?" Max asked again. I swallowed hard. He was angry.