Page 169 of She will Always be Mine

Riaan may seem calm and collected but his fury is unmistakable. I press closer to desperately seek his warmth. And find solace in his strength.

In a split second, my world is flipped upside down. The sadness and cruelty has replaced the happiness I felt the whole day. It was perfect and romantic until this. Now, I want to hide away forever.

“Is it the same video?” he questions, his voice restrained as if he’s hanging on by a thread. “The one he blackmailed you with?”

I nod slowly, incapable of forming any words. I don’t need to see the video because it’s imprinted in my mind. The disgust that I finally buried returning with a vengeance.

I’m startled by the loud ringing of my phone and when I stare at the screen, the wordMomin bold letters flashes in my screen.Did she see it? Why else would she be calling in the middle of the night?

“I can’t talk to her, Riaan,” I say with a shake of my head. “If she saw it…” I trail off.

“It’s okay,” he says, bringing my attention to him. I don’t relax even when it stops ringing. If I was in a better mood, I would’ve been a little pissed off that Riaan is treating me like a caged bird by leading me back toward the bed and murmuring soothingly. But right now, I couldn’t care less. I just feel mentally, emotionally, and physically drained. “Let me take care of you.”

Taking my phone away from my sight, he comes back with his shirt and dresses me. His familiar scent makes me feel comfortable and safe.

“Why would anyone do this, Riaan?” I numbly whisper. “I-I can’t ta-take this anymore.”

Kneeling down before me, he rests his hands on my knees and fiercely vows, “They can’t hide forever, Nyra. I promise I will hunt them down and make them pay for each time they’ve hurt you.”

“What if we don’t?”

His gaze turns stormy at the hopelessness in my voice and he growls viciously, “They won’t get away.”

Softening his expression, he stands up and presses a kiss on my forehead. “I need you to be brave for me, baby.”

When he rises to his feet, I ask, “Where are you going?”

“I have to make a call and then I’ll be back. Okay?”

“Who?” I ask out of curiosity.

“Someone I shouldn’t have waited to call,” he answers mysteriously before walking out the bedroom.

I lie down beneath the comforter, feeling miserable and drained both emotionally and physically. I’m afraid to even close my eyes without Riaan by my side. His strength is the only thing holding me together.

I tell myself everything will be fine and try to convince myself that I’ll survive this too.

All my grave fears have come true so nothing worse could possibly happen.

At least, I’m not alone this time.

A sad laugh spills from my mouth because my sacrifices were all for nothing.

I was never in control.

It was all an illusion.

Chapter Fifty-Five

NYRA

Morning comes way too soon.

Despite wanting to stay and hide in bed, I can’t. I’ve been so lost in my dark thoughts that I fell asleep without even knowing, and only woke up once during the night when Riaan came back. Snuggling in his arms, I let sleep take over me.

I wanted to ask about his secretive call with the mysterious person but I didn’t have the strength.

When I turn to my left, I realize that his side of the bed is empty. I don’t even hear him in the shower like I normally do every morning. My curls stick to my face and I push them away before throwing the covers off and sitting up.

---