Page 25 of Behind the Mask

My hand tightened on Lindsey's arm, as I tried to keep myself up right. My stomach churned. I didn't dare to look at Axel to see if he understood what was going on. If he found out, he would kill Brad without a second thought.

"Um… yeah. I'm… fine." I breathed. "I just need to use the restroom real quick." As I tried to get the words out, I eventually tore my gaze from Brad and walked in the direction of the bathroom.

When I made it to the bathroom, the mask I had perfectly worn crumbled for the last time. I gripped the edge of the sink to slow my breathing to a normal pace, but it didn't work. With shaky hands, I turned on the faucet and splashed some cold water on my face. I reached for a paper towel and wiped my face. When I stood to my full height I looked in the mirror. That's when I noticed a woman standing in the back corner, watching me. I tried to slow my unsteady heart.Everything will be fine, Liv.

I went to dispose of the paper towel in the trash can.A pit formed in my stomach, and I knew I had to get the hell out of there.

But as my hand reached for the door, I was grabbed from behind. A dirty white cloth was placed over my face. I gasped, stupidly breathing in, and my vision blurred.

"Yeah, I got her. Tell the boss." The next thing I knew, my world turned black.

Chapter Twenty

Olivia

My eyes fluttered open, and I was blinded with flashing colorful spots. Nausea overwhelmed me and I leaned over, spewing up my stomach contents. Pain throbbed so violently around my skull that I briefly wondered if it was cracked open. I sat up and vaguely made out that I was in a cold dim-lit room, tied to a metal chair. Instead of developing an escape plan, my mind drifted to Axel. What would our future be like if I hadn’t run? Would I still be in this mess? Of course not, he wouldn’t have allowed it. I made this mess myself and I had to get out.

Adrenaline surged through me. I needed to run, but it was no use. The ropes were too tight. They were digging into my wrists and ankles, cutting off any circulation. I could taste saliva thickening in my throat and beads of sweat trickled down my forehead as I fought off the urge to puke again.

As much as I tried to tell myself that Axel deserved better than me, it turned out I couldn't let him go. I was in a bad place. I didn’t even know if I would make it out of there.

"So what? You're going to just drop in on him and say hey Axel, it's been years but let's get back together!" I could hear the disbelief in Lindsey's voice, and I understood, but I couldn't sit by anymore without him. I needed him like my last breath. Even if he wouldn't take me back, I needed to get this secret off my chest so I could live in peace, or at least try to.

I sighed into the phone as the cab pulled up to a beautiful two-story house. "I have to try. I can't live like this anymore."

I hung up the phone without another word and gave the driver some money before getting out. He got out of the car and met me in the back where he opened the trunk and pulled out my small bag. I smiled and turned around feeling as though my heart would beat out of my chest.

Thankfully, my parents had kept in touch with Axel's family, and they willingly gave me their address. They had no idea why I wanted to come all the way to Dallas, especially since I didn't want to come home, but they never questioned me. They just tried to be supportive, which was something I truly loved about them. They never judged me.

I walked up the small path of the house and rang the doorbell. The fresh smell of flowers filled my nose, as the small garden to the left of the house had blooms all over. It was truly a beautiful place, and it reminded me of Axel's mom who loved the true beauty in the world.

"Coming!"

I heard his mother's voice and gulped nervously, feeling a little lightheaded. The door opened quickly, and his mother's face went from happiness to shock. "Olivia? Is that you?"

Tears welled in my eyes. I nodded and stayed rooted to the spot. I wasn't sure if I should hug her, or stay put, but it was nice being able to see my other mom who I haven't seen in so long. Her blonde hair was a little darker, her striking blue eyes pulled me in and her face was still as flawless as ever only now with a few tiny wrinkles showing her age. She was still perfect.

"Oh honey, come here!" She pulled me into a hug and led me in the house. "What are you doing here? Do your parents know you're here? They've been so worried about you!"

She led me through the house and to the kitchen, where she took my bag and set it on the floor, grabbing a cup from the cabinet and pouring some coffee into it. She placed it in front of me and leaned against the counter looking at me as if her lost child had just returned home.

My fingers gripped the cup as I pulled it closer, not knowing what to do with my hands. I didn't know where to start. "I... I wanted to see Axel, if possible."

Her blue eyes stared at me. There was a mixture of happiness but also a tiny bit of anger knowing what I did to her son. I knew it was going to be hard to confront the parents of the man I'd loved, knowing I broke his heart.

"I'm not so sure that's a good idea, honey. You broke his heart." I winced at the words, hearing them come out of her mouth.

"I need to tell him why I left. I need him to know why I made the biggest mistake of my life. I know he won't take me back, but I can't live with him not knowing anymore."

She considered my words carefully as I took a sip of my coffee. The silence was deafening. I had no idea where Axel's father was, but I was grateful to only have to tell his mom rather than both of them.

"Well, you are more than welcome to stay here. Axel's at practice right now but he said something about coming home tomorrow because he had some big news to tell us. He will surely be surprised when he finds out our big news." And then she gave me a full-blown smile. For the first time in a long time, I finally felt at ease.

I gasped when a bucket of water was poured on top of me, breaking me from the memory. "Wake up!"

I shivered when a light turned on above my head, bringing me back to the cold, harsh reality.

"It's been a long time, Olivia." That deep voice, I recognized it. "I heard from a little birdie that you've exposed my son's darkest secret."

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