His Obsession

Chapter 23 - Surprise Surprise!

               

THIS CHAPTER IS UNEDITED.

Chapter 23

" What... " I stuttered because I was shocked and because I did not know what was going on. " What do you mean you saw it with your own eyes? " I asked.

" There are photos of you and Augustus, Anna. Don't even try to deny it. " I jerked back at the aggression of his voice. I was in disbelief because he was accusing me of something I never did. But I needed to know what the hell was going on. What photos he was referring to and where did he get those.

" What photos, Colton? "

He walked to his desk and threw the unsealed envelope at me. The photos inside scattered all around the floor. In one of them, I could see Augustus passing me the money and in another, I could see myself walking into a hotel with Augustus. My eyes widened in astonishment. That never happened. I never received any money from Augustus and I sure as hell did not walk into a hotel with him. I slowly bent down and picked up one of the photos.

" Nothing to say now, huh? " He scoffed.

I swallowed, and then started to speak. " I never did it, Colton. They must have been photoshopped. "

" You really think I would believe that? After what you did to me? You really think I would be that naïve again? " He repeated incredulously. He looked at me with disgust and hatred. Suddenly, I came to a realization that no matter what I said, Colton is never going to believe me.

" Who sent you these photos? "

" Some kind soul out there, perhaps. Kind enough to let me know how foolish I was, loving someone who has been playing with my feelings the entire time! " He said harshly. I stared at him, appalled and more than a little frightened by the anger I saw in his eyes, felt in his taut body. I did not know what to say and I did not want to explain myself further because there is nothing I can do to make him believe that I did not do it. I have no reason to do that anyway. He has a fiancée and we're both finally moving on.

" You are everything I hate in a woman. Selling yourself out for money. " He slowly approached me and insulted me with disgust. I blinked back useless tears. I would not cry now. Not in front of this cold, hard stranger I once called my lover.

I gathered everything I had in me and retorted, " Then stop meddling in my life. "

" I will when I'm done with you. " His gaze darkened and he reached for me, one powerful hand encircling my wrist. His fingers felt like a vice on my arm. Terror clawed at my insides. Where was the gentle, protective, charming man I'd fallen for? Realizing how frightened I was, he slowly let go of my wrist.

" You will be the ambassador of my new product launch, whether you like it or not. " He demanded.

" Why are you doing this to yourself? You have a fiancée that you love and will be marrying soon. You're happy now, aren't you? Why are you dwelling on the past? " I said in a low voice. " I sincerely want you to be happy, Colton. "

" You have no right to say that to me! You have no right! " His eyes glittered, but with malice rather than the desire I'd once thrilled to see there.

At that moment, I realised that if I don't do as he says, he can never get past this vengeance. He can't find it in himself to forgive me nor can he let it go. That was his only option – hurting me the same way I did to him. That was his only solution to letting go of everything. He is suffering and hurting now too and I was the cause of his sorrow. It was my fault.

" What are you doing here? " I recognised the voice that came from my back.

" Olivia, why are you here? " Colton asked, his callous tone made me wonder if he was really in love with Olivia. Olivia looked at Colton and then back at me again. She strutted towards Colton and wrapped her arms around his neck.