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T
he prospect of Hannah brought back my nightmares. I was thankful it did not trigger my sleep paralysis. I did not need Annette asking me any questions about it. In one of my dreams, I dreamt about floating in a lake. At first, I was at peace. Floating face up, looking at the serene blue sky.
Not a bird in sight, not a cloud in sight, just peace. I lay there, head free of thoughts. Suddenly, I felt warmth in my hand. Someone was holding it. The warmth was so familiar. Who is it? Andrew? I wanted to turn my head and look, but I could not manage to turn my head. Even if it was a dream, I was with him. It was enough. But his grip became tighter.
It was becoming uncomfortable. I tried to set my hand free but to no avail. He was gripping it so tightly that I could feel my bones breaking. I could hear screaming. Was I screaming? I finally turned my head. Andrew's dead body looked at me, with the knife still stabbed in his neck.
I screamed louder and woke up. I was covered in sweat. I was out of breath, and my heart was beating wildly. Tears were streaming down my face. I sat with my face in my hands for a while. I tried to go back to sleep, but more nightmares kept me awake. Once the sun was peeking from the blanket formed from the clouds, I got up to wash my face.
Nathan was already up and sitting outside. He saw me coming and motioned for me to sit down beside him. “Did Annette wake up?” I shook my head. “Everything okay?” I sighed. “Some things happened last night. I will tell you later.” “You should just come back with me. We will leave today after breakfast. I have to go back to work and prepare for your trial and another upcoming one.”
As we were talking, Annette walked in. She looked quite fresh and happy. I wanted to swap my life with her. Taylor walked in after Annette. Taylor avoided my eyes after last night. I realized the only way I was going to get some answers out of her was by pulling Annette into the loop.
I did not know what else I could do. I knew it was manipulation, but I had no choice. "So, Taylor, how about we resume our conversation from last night?" Taylor looked shocked. Not just her eyes; her entire visual representation depicted one of shock. She did not expect me to mention it so casually. Good. If she does not want to tell me, then I have no issues playing it dirty. “What conversation?” Annette looked over at Taylor suspiciously. I had decided that if Taylor would not say something in the next five seconds, then I would speak up.
One, two, three, four, "She asked me about your aunt, but as you already know, I have not been in contact with her for years. So, I had nothing to say to her. Victoria, why don't you help me set up breakfast?" I smirked. I had found her weakness. She may be cold-hearted, but Annette was her weakness, and she would not let her get in harm's way. I got up and walked behind Taylor. “I know what you just did. I know people like you.” “Then you would know that I can go to any lengths to get what I want.” Taylor grew quiet at that. We had entered the kitchen now.
Compared to the rest of the house, the kitchen seemed too normal. White cabinets, marble shelves, a stove, and a sink. I was genuinely surprised. I resisted the urge to ask Taylor about the kitchen because there were more important topics at stake here. “What do you want to know?” “Who is Hannah?” She smiled at that.
An evil smile. "Did your father not tell you? After ruining her life, he wants to keep her a secret?" Dad? Ruined her? I thought it was the other way around. "Dad never mentioned this, which is why I am here. Someone died because of the mess he left behind. That is why I am here. Someone very important to me." I tried not to let the emotion show in my eyes or voice.
Taylor looked to be in deep thought. She was now standing by leaning on the countertop while I stood in front of her. Both of our expressions were now vulnerable to each other. “Let’s set up and have breakfast first. Annette will grow suspicious if we are gone too long.”
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