Page 37 of She will Always be Mine

I lock the door behind her so no can disturb me for the rest of the night. I switch off the lights and lie down on my bed, pulling up the last text. Then, I type and hit Send.

ME:I did as you asked and now it’s your turn.

His reply comes almost immediately, as if he was waiting for me.

UNKNOWN: But the fun’s not over yet.

UNKNOWN:I have another present for you.

Below his text, there’s an attachment that without even looking at it, I know will bring nothing but morenightmares.

The fear I was trying to keep buried, floods back to the surface unlike before when I tap on it.

No. No. No.I chant inside my head while my lungs feel suffocated as I stare at the image in horror. An itchy feeling spreading all over my skin.

It’s another picture of me and Riaan but so much worse. It’s of us on the terrace where he has me pinned against the wall, his hand between my thighs, and our lips locked in a kiss. There’s no disguising what we’re doing, under my uncle’s roof.

Oh God! I run toward my bathroom and open the toilet seat in time to throw up. I hurl until there’s nothing left in my stomach and slide down to the floor after flushing.

I don’t know how long I sit pathetically with tears streaming down my face and pull myself up. After washing my face and avoiding staring at my reflection in the mirror, I walk back over to the bed.

Somehow, I find the courage to open my blackmailer’s—or should I say Zain’s—last message.

One should always be careful with what they wish for.

I wanted proof that I was right and he handed it right to me. Zain was at the house before heading to the terrace with Riaan and by then, he already knew about us. I remember our argument earlier that morning. He could have easily caught us and took the compromising picture as revenge.

Fuck. I should’ve been more careful. This is the price I pay for being a reckless, wanton woman. Riaan had finally made me his, and Zain just had to go out and taint that unforgettable night for me.

ME:Why are you doing this? What do you want?

UNKNOWN:Like I said… the fun has only just begun. ;)

It’s just like I predicted. He’s toying with me.

If he has this photo of us, he also must have more and if I thought the first one was risky, this one is a thousand times worse. If it got out, it wouldn’t matter if people knew we were cousins or not, my reputation will still be ruined. The horrible names that I will be called would devastate my parents.

It is so easy to say never give in to a lunatic’s demands and believe that one can easily take their power back by just refusing to do a blackmailer’s bidding.

However, I realize I couldn’t be far from the truth.

When your loved ones are at stake, you’re powerless and just can’t afford to risk it all. Had it only affected me and not Riaan or my family, I could’ve refused in a heartbeat, but I don’t have that luxury.

Until I find a way that brings all of us out unscathed, I need to let him believe he’s in control for the time being.No matter the price.

And as long as I’m stuck here at home, I won’t be able to stop Zain. So when it’s not you in. So until then, I have to do his bidding or he may let his anger get the best of him.

Before I accuse him, I also have to get my hands on his phone and delete all the pictures he has of Riaan and me. Only then, will I dare to tell Riaan the whole truth, hoping he forgives me for not telling him sooner.

ME:I’m not scared of you.

UNKNOWN:Oh… but you should be. I’m going to break you in ways that Riaan will never be able to piece you back together. That is if he’ll even want you after I’m done with you.

ME:I’ll tell him the whole truth.

UNKNOWN:Save the lies for him. I know you’re smarter than that.

ME: How can you be so sure?

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