The next day, I woke to a beautiful day, with the sun shining brightly and the wind blowing gently around the cottage. The sweet scent of the flowers I had planted in every part of the house filled the air, making me feel like I was truly at home. It was a feeling I had missed for so long.
I couldn't help but feel fulfilled and content. As I went around the house, cleaning and tidying up, I couldn't help but wonder where Tanner was. I hadn't seen him all morning, and I hoped he was alright.
As I finished cleaning the sitting room, I made my way to the kitchen, wondering what we would have for breakfast. But as I looked around the kitchen, I realized something - we had never really cooked a proper meal since we came here. Today, I decided to change that. Even though I had once been married to a multimillionaire, I had grown up poor on a farm, and I knew how to cook.
As I stood there lost in thought, I heard Tanner's deep voice behind me. "What are you thinking about so much that you didn't even notice my presence?" he asked, making me jump in surprise.
I turned around to face him, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Oh, I was just thinking about cooking a proper meal," I replied, biting my lip nervously.
Tanner seemed to like the idea and asked if I needed money for it. I nodded, feeling even more embarrassed, but he handed me some notes from his wallet and told me to buy whatever I needed.
"I'll look for a job soon," I blurted out, feeling grateful but also indebted to him.
But Tanner shook his head. "Not yet. You have to lay low for a while."
As he left the kitchen, I couldn't help but feel grateful for everything he had done for us. I quickly changed Jaimie's diapers and put him to sleep, then rushed to the market to buy some groceries.
Hours later, I served the meal onto two different plates, feeling nervous as Tanner watched me closely. But as he took the first bite, his face lit up in delight.
"Hmm...delicious," he groaned, and I blushed at the compliment.
"You didn't tell me you're such a great cook," he said, taking another scoop.
I smiled shyly. "You've never asked," I replied, feeling happy that he enjoyed the food.
"You have to make more meals like this from today onwards," he said, scooping up a forkful of spaghetti.
"That I will," I promised, I feel really good that he loves the food.
"I've not eaten such delicious foods since..." He cut off suddenly like he almost said something he isn't supposed to say.
"Since...?" I prompted, really hoping he'll tell me something.
"Nothing. Eat your food." He said instead.
I sighed in resignation and dug into my food. I've never met a more secretive man in my whole life.
You're keeping secrets too, Jasamina...a voice said inside me. I took deep breaths. That's just true.
We ate the food in silence, only the sound of the forks meeting the plates could be heard.
TANNER
Hours later, I settled on the couch to watch Jasamina move about the house. She was truly a hard worker, effortlessly managing everything with grace and poise. My eyes traced her every movement, entranced by her energy and dedication to making our little home feel warm and welcoming.
Not our home, Tanner. Don't forget that this is not your home. Your stay here is temporary.
I pulled the voice away and watched as she disappeared into the kitchen to clean up. I could feel the cool evening breeze blowing through the open window, beckoning me outside. I stood up from the couch, feeling the weight of my body as I made my way to the front porch and settled into a wooden bench. The breeze was refreshing, but a sudden prickling sensation on my back made my senses come alive.
I was not alone. Not anymore.
When the hairs in my nape stood up, I know that it was not Jasamina either. A stranger snuck up on me.
I stood up, but before I could turn around, a gun pointed at the back of my head.
I froze.
Don't move or I'll blow your brains out," a deep and menacing voice growled behind me. The sound of his voice shook me to my core.
It's him.
I knew this instinctively. Even without seeing his face, I knew it was him. I turned around slowly, my mind a frozen mess.
I was right. It was Xazix.
XAZIX
""I said not to make a fucking mo-" I cocked the gun as I spoke but suddenly cut off as the man faced me completely.
In the slight darkness of the evening, I saw his moustache-covered face.
"Hello, Xax..." He spoke.
That deep voice.
No. It can't be him.
I felt my world spinning, my head dizzy and my legs weak beneath me. This couldn't be real. It was like a dream that I couldn't wake up from.