After a 5 hour deep-dive stalking about this mysterious 'CheeseGrater9000' person last night, I finally cracked her real name— "Kaitlyn." And her sense of fashion? Let's just say..it's on another level. I spent the whole night rummaging through my closet for something decent to wear, anything that wouldn't make me look like a sad background character next to her…
Now it's morning, and of course I'm running late. I couldn't find a single decent outfit. When did my closet get this tragic? I might have to swing by a boutique using Vlad's card after I finish meeting up with her. Ugh…I hate asking him for his card, especially with how much I've been spending these days.. I just hope he doesn't start thinking I'm some kind of gold digger.
I grabbed what looked a bit decent and got ready in the outfit. I wore a striped blue button-down shirt, layered over a white tank top, paired with some high-waist white shorts, giving myself a twirl in front of the mirror.
"Yeah…I don't look that good." I muttered with a sigh, staring at my reflection in the mirror, unsure about my outfit. My eyes flicked to the clock, it's getting late, she's probably arrived at the café by now..dammit, there's no time to change!
I grabbed a pair of sunglasses and perched them on my head, grabbed my purse and rushed out the door.
1:20PM
The taxi dropped me off in front of the café Kaitlyn had mentioned. I opened the door and stepped inside, greeted by a worker as the cozy scent of coffee filled the air.
I glanced around, scanning the tables, "where is she.." I mumbled under my breath, my eyes darting the entire place.
"Annette! I'm right here!" A female voice called out from behind.
I turned around and saw Kaitlyn seated a little away from the rest of the crowd. My eyes lit up as I took in the sight of the woman before me. She had long, silky hair and eyes that drew you in without even trying. Her skin was flawless, with a noticeable blush on her cheeks and glossy, red lips that made her look effortlessly bold. Her sharp features gave her a striking and elegant look!
And oddly enough, she looked a lot like Vlad…
I swallowed, glancing at the mirror, fixing my hair before walking over to her. I knew she'd look absolutely stunning—somehow I still felt quite small next to her, not that I'd make a big deal about it.
I sat down across from her, clearing my throat and offering a small smile, trying my best to appear friendly. "Hello, you must be Kaitlyn..?" I asked, voice a little unsure.
Her face lit up at my question, she nodded enthusiastically, "That's me! How have you been? I heard you lost your memory, Annette. I'm surprised you even knew my name!"
I let out an awkward chuckle, "Haha.. You know, did a bit of research.." I said, keeping my tone light. "Now, you said you had something to tell me?" I asked, trying to get to the main point.
"Oh, right." Kaitlyn set her cup of coffee aside, her expression shifting into something more serious. "I tried really hard to get your phone number, I've been wondering for a while, why did you block me..? Her voice was soft, but there was a clear note of hurt in it. "You blocked me quite recently.."
I blinked, confused, "I… I don't remember anything, Kaitlyn. I'm sorry. I don't even remember who you are.." I said quietly, hoping she'd understand.
She looked down, nodding slowly. "Then, Let me introduce myself properly," She said, her voice soft. "I'm Kaitlyn. We were best friends since high school. Until you blocked me, but I somehow managed to get your new number, that's why I wanted to reach out.." she explained.
I sat there, thinking about her words. I don't remember blocking her. Maybe her number got lost when Vlad gave me a new phone? Whatever the reason, I couldn't bring myself to care too much. I wasn't here to make amends. I was here for answers—to know things that Vlad wouldn't tell me.
Kaitlyn cleared her throat, forcing a smile on her face, "So, enough about that. How have you been? Who's taking care of you..?" She asked.
"I've been okay…Vlad's been taking care of me, so far everything's alright." I replied.
The moment I said his name, she rolled her eyes dramatically, "Ugh. I forgot you were married to that guy,"she muttered as if it was a crime.
I raised an eyebrow, curious, "Why? What do you mean by that?" I asked, studying her expression.
"Nothing.." She muttered, clearly not meaning it. "I have no idea what you even saw in that guy.." She added, a hint of annoyance in her tone as she took a sip of her coffee.
My brows furrowed in disbelief. she and Vlad hated each other? "Why..? Do you think he's a bad guy..?" I asked Kaitlyn.
"Not a bad guy… but.. you're too pretty for him, don't you think, Annette?" Kaitlyn replied with a smirk.
I couldn't tell if she was being serious or just messing around, though her words stung a bit. "I don't appreciate that," I said firmly. "Even though I don't feel anything for him right now, I really don't want you saying things like that."
Kaitlyn leaned back on her chair, tilting her head with amused glint in her eyes. "I was just trying to get a reaction out of you. I didn't mean it." She said, a small smile tugged at the corner of her lips, "You haven't changed one bit, Annette. Still the same.."
I glanced at the clock on the wall— it was almost 2pm. It felt like the right time to finally dive into the real reason I'd asked her here.
Resting my arms on the table, I turned to her with a more serious expression. "Kaitlyn, if you don't mind, I'd like to ask you a few questions. Since I lost my memory and Vlad's being a bit secretive, you're the last person I can rely on.."
Kaitlyn looked surprised for a moment, but slowly nodded, "He's being secretive again huh..? Yeah sure. Ask away."
I cleared my throat, bracing myself. "Do you know anything about my parents..?" I asked, my voice laced with hope and hesitation.
Kaitlyn looked down, fidgeting with her fingers, clearly unsure how to put it into words. "Yeah…why..?" She replied, her voice hesitant.
"Maybe you could tell me something about them…?" I asked gently.
She hesitated, then finally said, "Well.. they died when you were turning 20. They were.. murdered in their home." She murmured, her voice barely above a whisper as she avoided my eyes.
My breath caught in my throat. My eyes widened. Murdered? That can't be true..
"Who murdered them?!" I asked, my voice rising with panic.
"I don't really know," She said quietly, the killer was never caught, and.. to be honest, you were a bit happy about it," She said, resting her arms on the table as well.
I paused, blinking in disbelief. "Why would I be happy about my parent's deaths..?" I asked.
Kaitlyn looked at me, a mixture of pity and frustration in her eyes. "Well, why not? They used to beat you almost every day. They didn't let you study so your precious brother could have all the chances instead."
"Oh.." I muttered quietly, the words sinking in. I lowered my gaze, feeling a strange mix of sorrow and disgust. What kind of family was that?
"That's when your superhero Vlad swopped in!" She said with an overly dramatic tone, trying to lighten the mood. "Gave you a part-time job at that local convenience store so you could keep studying. Oh, how romantic~" She added, with a teasing smirk.
I felt a soft heat rise to my cheeks. Vlad had done so much for me— even back then, and he still does now. Maybe that's why he's been hiding the past, to protect me..?
Kaitlyn caught the blush almost instantly and raised a brow, a smirk forming on her lips. "Woah, somebody's in love, huh?" She teased, leaning in playfully.
"I..I'm not!" I stammered, quickly looking away. "I was just.. thinking about something else." I tried to sound convincing. "Besides, I don't even know him that well." I added, firmer this time.
"I know you see him as a good husband and trust him. It's just that.. I always found something off about him," She said, her tone soft but honest. Despite the suspicion in her voice, she didn't sound like she was lying.
"What do you mean?" I asked, narrowing my eyes slightly.
She let out a small sigh, "Nothing. I'll explain another day." She waved it off and changed the subject. "Anyway, how's your work?" She asked.
"W-work..?" I echoed, confused.
Kaitlyn blinked at me, genuinely surprised, "You seriously forgot everything?!"
I looked down in embarrassment, lightly swinging my feet under the table. "Uhh…I work too..?" I asked awkwardly.
Kaitlyn let out a laugh, "You know, I actually brought something for you—your high school journal. You wrote in it almost everyday. Don't worry, I didn't read it!" She said, already getting up from her seat.
I also stood up, my eyebrows raised. "My journal? Oh, you're here to return it?"
She gave me a mischievous smirk, her eyes gleaming with playful intent. "Not for free! You have to spend the entire day with me for this!" she declared, before darting off with my journal in her hands.
"W-wait up!" I shouted, scrambling to grab my purse as I chased after her.
8PM
Time had flown by without me realizing. I couldn't stop laughing the entire time I was with Kaitlyn. Between jokes and spontaneous window shopping, I'd learned so much about my past. It felt… nice. Almost like I belonged somewhere again.
I didn't even check my phone, unaware of the countless missed calls from Vlad.
We walked out of the shopping mall, our arms full of bags, still giggling like little kids on a sugar rush. The evening breeze was cool against our flushed cheeks.
She nudged my shoulder with hers, practically bouncing in excitement. "I can't believe we finally got the tickets!! EEEEK!"
I chuckled at her reaction, adjusting the bag on my shoulder. "Is this the first time you're going to their concert? You seem.. really excited." I asked, tilting my head in curiosity.
Kaitlyn shook her head, "After this, it will be my 22nd time!"
"22nd time..?" I muttered in disbelief. "Wow, so exciting…" I gave an awkward laugh. "I'm not going though. Last time, I went to a concert with Vlad, everything got cancelled when we arrived."
"Oh, that's just because Vlad chooses the worst places. This one will be fun, I swear!" She tried to convince me to go with her. "C'mon. These singers are hawttt~~ you can't miss out!"
I chuckled, "I mean, you're not wrong.. but still.." Kaitlyn kept staring at me with upset, puppy eyes. I sighed, looking away. "Fine, I'll go-"
Suddenly, my phone buzzed inside my purse. I quickly reached in and pulled it out. "Hold on, let me check who it is."
My breath hitched when I saw the screen— multiple missed calls from Vlad.
"Dammit.."
My chest tightened with panic. How was I going to explain this?
"Woah.. somebody's in deep trouble.." Kaitlyn muttered, peeking at my screen with a teasing grin.
"Annette Ellsworth!"
The sharp call of my name made me freeze in place. I recognized that voice instantly. Slowly, I turned around, my stomach dropping.
And there he was. Vlad stood a few steps away, his arms crossed tightly, brows drawn together in a deep scowl. His dark eyes locked onto mine, filled with cold fury. That look alone sent a shiver down my spine.