Page 49 of Tormented By Regret

“But isn’t that what he calls you? Your lover?”

“Fuck you.”

I chuckle again. “The princess spits out venom. I’m sure it tastes just as sweet as it sounds.”

“You have no idea who you are dealing with,” she threatens, and I smile.

“Oh, but I do. Yet, I don’t seem to care. Only one thing matters to me. You see,” I continue, my voice dripping with malice, “Lee’s fate was sealed the moment he crossed me. And now, you’re going to be the instrument of his destruction.”

I watch as her facade crumbles, her fear vibrates around her as she squirms in her seat.

“But… why?” she whispers, her voice trembling with uncertainty.

“Because, Princess, in this world, there are no second chances. And when you owe someone a debt, you’d better be prepared to pay up. One way or another.”

Silence encompasses the line and I watch as Lee waves at her from his perch at the bar. She waves back, halfheartedly.

“Good girl. Make sure he believes everything is perfect between you.”

She glances around the room frantically. “You can see me?”

“Shhh, don’t even try to find me. You never will. Just behave, Whisper,” I continue, my voice dripping with malice, “and nothing will happen to you or your dear mother. But if you step out of line, well… let’s just say the consequences won’t be pleasant.”

I can hear her swallow hard, the sound amplified in the silence that stretches between us.

“Do we have an understanding?” I press, my tone firm and unyielding.

“Yes,” she whispers, her voice barely audible over the pounding of my own heart.

“Good,” I say, my lips curling into a sinister smile. “Because trust me, Whisper, you don’t want to find out what happens when you cross me.”

With every word I utter, I can feel the grip of fear tightening around her like a vice. Whisper's discomfort is palpable even through the phone line, and I relish every moment of it. It’s exhilarating, this power I hold over her, this ability to instill fear with just a few carefully chosen words.

“I want you to meet me,” I continue, my voice soft but commanding. “Alone. Tomorrow night.”

There’s a moment of hesitation on her end. “Remember Whisper, your mother’s life is on the line here. I suppose you could blame your lover; this is all his fault.”

I sensed her resignation, but she knew she had no choice but to obey if she wanted to protect her mother, if she wanted to keep Lee alive. Although that was futile, since the whole point of this exercise was to see him suffer then die.

“Fine,” she murmured, defeated.

“Good girl,” I say, my voice dripping with condescension. “And Whisper? Dare to try anything foolish and you’ll regret it. Don’t forget who holds all the cards here. We are playing a dangerous game, and I will win.”

“I promise you that you will not get away with this.”

“Oh, I hope not. I am looking forward to coming face to face with your lover again, only this time it will be on my terms.”

I could practically hear the shiver that ran down her spine, the tremor of fear that coursed through her like a live wire.

“I’m always watching. Now go smile and play your princess role for him. Do you understand?”

“Yes,” I watched her clench her fists on the table, and it excited me to know she was up for a fight.

“Excellent,” I say, a cruel smile playing at the corners of my lips. “I’ll be in touch, Princess.”

With that, I ended the call, savoring the fear that lingered in the air like a bitter taste. I could tell that Whisper was a clever girl, but she was no match for me. I couldn’t wait to meet her.

POWERTRAIN

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