Chapter 17: His Demands

I was genuinely shocked when he said that he would hurt Andrew. Till now, I had believed he had a soft corner for Drew. But what he said right now threw me out of my senses.

I scoffed after a while.

"Wow."

I was at a loss for words. How low could a person possibly go? How heartless can someone become? How many expectations could someone break?

"I told you, don't be over smart," He said. "I can do literally anything to you. So why don't you suck it up and face the reality?"

"You can't control my son," I said after thinking for some time. "I was okay with whatever shit you were doing till now because it involved me. I didn't say much. But if you think you can hurt Drew and get away with it? Or make me okay with it? You're—you're wrong. I may be weak but I won't let you hurt him!"

He sighed heavily on the other side of the phone.

"So, you just have to do one thing. But you won't do it — not even if it helps to save your son."

"What is it?"

"Like I said," I could picture his smirk, "Date me."

I had no reply to that. It was hard to understand why he wanted that, and it was even harder to think how it was possible. I mean, I thought he liked Andrew but that was clearly a misunderstanding. He hates me too. So why would he want this?

What was the real intention behind this excuse?

"Why?"

"Why does anyone date?"

"You're not anyone."

"Well. You're really cute. That's why."

I scoffed and literally wanted to laugh out loud. But then it hit me and my face was immediately covered in horror.

"Wait. Do you have a wound fetish?"

"Huh? Wha—"

"That's why you hurt me! You wanted to like me. Now that my face is hurt, you are obsessed with my face. God, you're creepy!"

"Are you out of your mind, Scarlet?" He suddenly said with a tone depicting disbelief, "I don't have any freaky fetish!"

"Oh, sure you do!" I insisted. "Now suddenly I am cute to you. Of course, that's the reason!"

He sighed and I smirked. It felt good to frustrate him.

"If you're done, I want you to pack your bags since we are still going on the business trip tomorrow. Pack for three days, summer season. And, don't embarrass me."

"I—"

He hung up the call before I could reply. I stared at the phone in anger and knitted my brows in irritation. God, that's why I hate phone calls. Anyone could insult anyone so easily!

With another sigh, I decided to pack my stuff. I guess I really didn't have any choice anymore, but to follow what he says.

____________________

"Mommy, mommy!"

I heard a voice beside me the next morning, and I rubbed my eyes. Andrew was standing with a worried face, trying to wake me up.

As I looked around and yawned a bit, I turned to him immediately. "What's wrong?"

"Mommy, you said Uncle Xavier was a bad guy. But he says you are going on a trip with him for three days. Is that true?"

I almost shouted in irritation. I exhaled heavily and sat back with complete exhaustion. This man never leaves me alone. How the hell did he contact him now?

"I…" I looked at him with a small smile. "It is a business trip. It is not like a vacation."

"What's the difference?" He asked.

I pulled him up and made him sit beside me. "It means it is for work. Not fun. He is still a bad guy, Drew."

"So why are you working with him, mommy?"

"It is not my decision, honey," I said with a small smile.

He nodded and sighed. "Oh okay, mommy. I thought he changed your thinking!"

I grinned and shook my head. "No, Drew. No one should change your thoughts. Okay?"

He grinned back. "Yes, mommy. C'mon mommy, he is in the living room. Let's ask him to leave!"

What? He was in the house?

"You let him in, honey?" I asked, my smile threatening to disappear.

"No, mommy. When I woke up, he was here."

I nodded slowly, completely confused. What was going on? It seemed like I had no control over my life anymore!

I got up and after changing into normal clothes, I came out. Naturally, I asked Andrew to stay in his room for now.

He was indeed sitting on the couch when I came out. His gaze shifted towards me as I stepped down and a smirk appeared on his lips.

"Hey, Scarlet."

"How did you get in?"

"Um, about that…" He smiled and took out a key from his pocket.

"How did you—"

"Shh. You're looking dumb with all your questions." He got up. "Is Drew asleep?"

"No."

"Well, okay. Anyway, have you packed your bags?"

"It is 6.45 AM. Why the hell would you come here at this time?" I interrupted his stupid question.

"Time doesn't matter when it is about love, baby." He smirked.

"Shut up."

"Rude, baby. I love rude girls."

"Leave my son alone." I changed the topic.

"You know what to do for that."

For a second, I could really date him to keep him from hurting Andrew. But all the rights dating me gave him? What about all the things he would say he could now do?

I couldn't risk that. But could I put that above Drew?

Nothing came above my son. Not even my life. So how could a part of it make me think about it so much? Why was I hesitating? What was the worse he could do?

I looked at Xavier who gave me a side smirk again. His smirk makes me so nervous… and not in a good way.

What was I supposed to do?