Page 115 of The Art of Obsession
“You’re not dying. Stay with me, Cal!”
“Could never go anywhere else. Even in death, I’ll haunt you until you end your life to join me.”
My vision darkens, but I make out the figure appearing on the boardwalk—my manager, flanked by the doctor I’d brought along, just in case—the real walking first aid kit. Everleigh’s sobs grow louder as she begs the doctor to save me.
“You better not die, you stupid asshole! Because I fucking love you, and I won’t stop fighting for you.”
Her words are the last thing I hear before the world goes black.
50
I’d say that takes the grand prize for crazy, unhinged stalkers
Chapter Playlist:
“I’m Gonna Show You Crazy” – Bebe Rexha
“You Should See Me in a Crown” – Billie Eilish
“Kings and Queens” – Ava Max
EVERLEIGH
The new exhibit is quiet,save for the faint hum of the estate’s heating system.
Pacing the floor, I sigh and look up at the moonlight filtering through the high, arched windows, casting silvery shadows over the central bed where Cal lies. It’s a cathedral of art and devotion, built around his still form.
He’s been breathing on his own for two days now.Cherry says from my right. She’s sprawled out in the chair I set up for her, flexing her wings.Goes in and out like a bad wifi connection. Maybe we should kick him; that usually works for stubborn machinery.
I can’t help the smile that tugs at my lips.If my sponge bath this morning didn’t wake him up, I doubt kicking him would do the trick.
Valid point, especially with what you did AFTERthe sponge bath.She doubles over, in stitches from my little prank that’s a Hail Mary in many ways.By the way, I’m proud of you, babe.The exhibit looks gorg.
I smile, glancing at the intricate tapestries, the carefully curated art pieces, the shelves of vintage books, even a Renaissance-era sculpture. All the ones Cal had in storage or transit from weeks ago. The space hums with his essence, as though everything carries his heartbeat.
Evie, you practically built a little Louvre around him.She leans over and nudges me with her elbow.I think you were hoping the sound of construction would be his alarm clock.
She’s not wrong. Because well, I’m not wrong. Too bad it didn’t work. After his surgery, Cal was unconscious for five weeks. I have a small baby bump now.
And a shit ton of morning sickness.
Cherry grins, her teeth gleaming in the dim light.When you threatened Cal’s estate manager after he hesitated, I swear I thought he was going to wet his pants.
I laugh.Oh, it wasn’t a threat.
The memory surfaces, sharp and vivid.
His estate manager had stood there, wringing his hands, stammering excuses about how he needed Acheron’s command to transfer the exhibit. I leaned in close enough to see the sweat beading on his brow and reminded him, very calmly, that I had stabbed Acheron. Twice. The God of Art himself.
And if I could dothatto the father of my child, what did he think I’d be willing to do to someone who refused to obey Acheron’s Goddess who wished to honor his legacy?
“I’m carrying his child,”I’d added with an icy glare.“What do you think Acheron will do when he wakes up and learns you denied the mother of his child the simple request to restore what he worked so hard to create?”
The manager had gone pale, muttering assurances before practically sprinting out of the room.
Cherry snickers, breaking me from the memory.You really know how to put the fear of God into people, don’t you? The God of Art, of course.
I sit beside her, resting my hand on the edge of Cal’s bed. The exhibit is perfect. A tribute. A promise. “I couldn’t just leave it the way it was,” I say quietly. “It’s a part of him. A part ofus.But… I couldn’t leave it underground either. It had to be something different.”
