Chapter 10 ** Victoria?? **

Chapter 10
**CHAPTER THEME SONG|| I don't wanna be you anymore By Billie Eillish**

**||VERONICA'S POV||**
Making my way out of the mansion I noticed, except for the night guards, the normal security guards were gone. I was stopped at the entrance again. But, after explaining my reason for leaving, they let me pass and I started toward the servant’s car that was parked in the garage. One of the night guards politely offered to join me, but I declined saying that I just needed to grab a few things and I would feel more comfortable on my own. What was going on? The guards were being so considerate. I wondered what could have happened in order for their behavior to change so drastically towards me.
Hopping in the driver’s seat, I started the car and drove away. I finally located grocery store and noticed the owner was already outside grabbing signs that advertised the day’s specials and ongoing sales. Shoot! They were about to close! I unbuckled my seatbelt and jumped out of the car. Hastily walking into the store, I didn’t see anyone except a young clerk who was talking on the phone. Feeling a little nervous; I quickly walked past her, grabbed a shopping basket and collected the ingredients that I needed to make the soup. Since I was alone in the store and no other customer was seen nearby, I tried my best to hurry.
I was heading to the clerk to pay for the groceries, but my eyes caught something at the doorway. I instantly froze. A woman, wearing a black hoodie, was leaving the store.
“Her back… looks just like Victoria’s,” I thought.
An idea was forming inside my mind and as it clicked into place, I started to hyperventilate. The basket slipped out of my hands and fell on the floor. The contents were sprawled all across the white linoleum floor and I accidentally stepped on a fresh tomato while I rushed out to follow the woman.
Running out the door, I couldn't hold down my urge anymore and I shouted, “Victoria! Victoria! Victoria!”
The woman didn't turn around but, even though she was few feet away, I saw her freeze mid step upon hearing my voice. All reason left me and I started furiously chasing her. I tried so hard to get close enough to see her. However, before I could reach her, a white car drove up to pick her up. The woman hopped in without a backwards glance.
“I would think anyone would at least take a look to see who was chasing them. Why didn’t she look back at me? Unless, she already knew who I was?” I thought.
I stopped running and I watched as the car grew smaller in the distance. My mind exploded with questions.
“Ugh, this is making my head hurt,” I declared to no one in particular.
I rubbed my temples and I started to rethink some things. Victoria had no reason to hide from anyone. Surely, she wouldn’t do that–right? What reason did she have to run away from a loving family and solid career?! Just what in hell was going on?
I let out a frustrated sigh while running a hand through my messy hair. Looking back at the store, I saw the store owner glaring at me. They probably thought I was crazy… I thought I was crazy!
…
On the way back to the mansion, I tried to forget about the woman. I was already in a bad mood because I had to go back into the store and apologize for making such a fuss. Then I had to beg for them to allow me to get more groceries! The whole situation was frustrating.
When I arrived at the house, I headed straight for the kitchen and started making the soup for Blake. With the housekeeper still watching over him in his room, I found it only reasonable that I prepare the soup for him. Even though I spaced out a bunch, I was successful in making it without burning anything. I took it to his room and reaching out to knock on the door, the door suddenly opened. The housekeeper smiled in relief as she saw me and then gestured for me to come in the room.
“Thank God, you’re back safely,” she whispered. “I am going to go make some herbal tea for him. Please, get him to eat the soup and I’ll be back shortly.”
She walked out of the room and I sucked in a deep breath as I went further into his room.
He was lying on the bed, looking nothing like his usual domineering self but rather like an empty shell of a man. I placed the hot bowl of soup on his nightstand and sat on the edge of the bed.
“Blake... Blake...Wake up…You need to eat,” I called.
Blake didn't open his eyes, but murmured, “Victoria... Don't leave me... Don't…”
My heart ached for him. He probably dreamt about Victoria all the time.
I tried to wake him again and bent my head down closer to his ear, I said gently, “Blake, please get up and have the soup. You need to eat...”
His response came out as incoherent mutter. I sighed in frustration and thought of shaking his body to bring him back to reality.
Immediately, I started tugging on his arms and repeated my words a little louder.
“ Blake. Blake. Wake up, Blake. ”
He didn't open his eyes; instead I felt a sharp pull on my waist. I gasped as I was practically on top of him with only an inch of space between our lips. My eyes went wide in shock and I looked up to see his eyes slowly open. He still wasn’t fully awake and was struggling to keep his eyes open.
“Victoria...!” he called out affectionately while staring down at me. He started to move dangerously towards my lips. I froze, partly due to shock and partly because he still had me in his grasp. I couldn’t focus on anything and started to panic. Was he going to kiss me!?