Page 30 of Gamble with Me
“What?” I squealed, my heart rate increasing rapidly. “Why? What happened?” I grabbed Zyon’s forearm, stopping him from leaving before explaining. His dark eyes narrowed, and for a moment, I caught a glimpse of pain. Like he was sad because I cared for Chester, yet I quickly discarded that idea. Dreaming about him in the middle of the night was one thing, but assigning the hidden meaning to his expressions and small gestures was another lever of craziness. I didn’t need that in my life.
“Chester asked the wrong man for money.” Zyon shrugged nonchalantly, and a pinch of suspicion settled in my chest when I gazed into his stunning, devious eyes. “He got what he deserved.”
I let go of his coat, gaping at him when he winked at me and left me standing on the threshold. He threw the axe over his shoulder, whistling while he went down the stairs like he just successfully accomplished a mission.
I didn’t know what to think about his bipolar behavior, but I knew one thing: if his men beat the crap out of Chester because of me, I couldn’t be more grateful.
-16-
Valeria
Istared in bewilderment at the money spread on the table. Zyon said that Chester won twenty thousand dollars from my three thousand, and it was all there, on my dining desk.
It was my ticket to freedom. Zyon had gifted me my independence, the way out of the hell Chester trapped me in. Twenty thousand was enough to rent an apartment, pay for Zara’s school, and find a nanny to care for her while I was at work. It was more than I ever dared to dream of.
On the other hand, I’d never felt so embarrassed and ashamed of my actions. Zyon, even unknowingly, saved my ass from an abusive husband while all I ever did was accuse him of horrible things and blackmail him. His behavior didn’t make sense, but I was extremely thankful for it. He had no idea how much he helped me. My dignity and pride would never allow me to ask him for anything, but he did it without one word from me. I would be forever grateful and committed to him for this offer.
However, a tiny voice in my head whispered to me to be cautious because it could be another trap. Zyon could employ me out of pure deviousness as a punishment for the things he considered my wrongdoings. He could make me his toy because I would feel bound to him, and he would use me for his entertainment. But everything looked better than my life with Chester. And if Zyon decided to bully me, I would survive it, knowing my girl was safe and I was doing it for her.
I packed the money back into the envelope, stored it in my purse, and left to pick up Zara from school. Initially, I intended to visit the doctor because of my bruised head, but I decided otherwise. I had to disappear from Chester’s reach before he would return home from the hospital. His idiotic actions gave me the perfect opportunity to leave him. So, I swallowed some painkillers and proceeded with the new plan.
“Where are we going, Mommy?” Zara asked from the backseat of my brand-new car, glancing around in awe. I was astonished by the elegant interior, too. Everything was in black leather mixed with crimson red here and there. Every feature was automatic. The car was probably more intelligent than me.
“I need to arrange something, honey,” I replied, looking at her in the rearview mirror as she played with the seatbelt. “I have a new job, and they need me to bring something to the office. You’ll stay with Grandma, okay?”
“Does it mean we’ll move out?” she whispered, staring at me like a deer in headlights. I stopped at the red light, turning to her.
“Move out?” I echoed, watching her closely. Her big, innocent, almost silver eyes scanned my face nervously, and I gently took her tiny hand. “Why are you asking this, Zara?”
“Dad showed up at Grandma’s house the other day,” she said, her eyes watering, making my heart clench. “He wanted money from her, but she refused to give him any, so he broke some plates and called her nasty names.” She gulped, a tear fell on her cheek, and I squeezed her hand supportively, hating my husband more with every word that left her lips. “Granny said you should find a new job and move out.”
I sighed heavily, turning back to the front because of the green light. But the thoughts about my catastrophic marriage didn’t leave me. I’d hoped Zara didn’t know about Chester’s violent nature. But he went so far as to abuse his mother while his daughter was with her. He didn’t have any boundaries.
However, it brought another idea to light. Maybe she would help me with Zara after I moved out—that way, I wouldn’t need to hire a stranger to care for my baby girl.
“Zara.” I stopped her when she exited the car and wanted to run to the door where Lisa, my mother-in-law, was already waiting. I crouched before her, noticing how extremely thin she was, and my voice wavered. “We will move out. I promise.”
“Okay, Mommy. I love you.” She hugged me tightly, bringing tears to my eyes. The feeling of guilt grabbed my heart, and I didn’t want to let go. My poor girl lived in hell with me without me seeing it. It was about time to put an end to our undeserved suffering.
“Thank you, Lisa,” I said sincerely when Zara bolted to the garden to play. My mother-in-law lived in a beautiful, cozy house she built with her husband years ago. She offered Chester and me to stay with her many times after her spouse died, but we always refused.
“Anytime, Valeria.” Lisa gently patted my shoulder, her face reflecting love. We had a great relationship. She was like a mother to me, but I never wanted to drag her between her son and me. Our marriage was our problem, yet she deserved to know the truth this time.
“Chester is in the hospital,” I whispered, checking to make sure Zara wasn’t around. Lisa's eyes broadened in shock, and she prompted me to continue. “He has a dislocated shoulder, some cracked bones, and bruises all over his body. He pissed off someone big time.”
“Money?” Lisa muttered, shaking her head and sighing exasperatedly when I nodded. “It is getting worse, Valeria. What are you planning to do?”
“I’m leaving him,” I admitted, expecting a scolding from her, but to my surprise, she smiled encouragingly.
“Do you need money? Or a place to stay?” she questioned, waving at Zara, who yelled at us from the treehouse to let us know that her friend from the neighbor’s house had joined her.
“I’ve got it covered. Lisa, thank you,” I said, feeling happiness and love toward that woman wash over me. I wouldn’t have thought she would take my side against her son. “But I will need help with Zara. My new job requires work at night.”
“Of course, sweetheart,” she stated sincerely, embracing me. “I’m so sorry,” she muttered into my hair, and I squeezed her in my arms.
“It’s not your fault. I should’ve done it a long time ago.” I pulled away and looked at my girl, playing carefree in the treehouse. “Chester will freak out when he finds out. Zara can’t be around to see it.”
“He won’t let you go easily. I’m sure you know it,” Lisa uttered, concern written all over her aged face.
