Marrying my high school bully

Dexter

Okay… This is going to be fun.

“W-What k.. kind of question is that?” She stuttered, her cheeks flaming red.

I folded my arms and huffed. “I asked a simple question that needs a simple response. I hope you know that you’re wasting my time.” I said calmly, even though I was anything but calm.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

She straightened her hair and swallowed nervously, unable to keep my gaze. “Ummm…” She took a deep breath. “I went to the office and asked after her, then Stefan told me where she went. Are you happy now?” She snarled, picked up her purse and walked past me.

“Are you sure about that?” I probed further, watching her uneasy gesticulations.

“Yes. You can go ahead and ask him if you think I’m lying. I’m out of here.” She hurried out of the living room.

Once again, good riddance to bad rubbish. Now that she was gone, the reality of Lorraine’s absence dawned on me. The house was empty and boring without her. I couldn’t even think straight.

I called Drake and he picked up immediately. Without beating around the bush, I asked him straight up. “Have you seen Lorraine this morning?”

“No, I haven’t. You said that she wouldn’t be needing my services for now.” He reminded me.

“That’s true.” I said through gritted teeth, then inhaled deeply before dropping the bad news. “She has left the house. She drugged my food last night, so I overslept and when I woke up this morning, I couldn’t find any of her things-just a few that she didn’t take along.” I tried to sound strong, but analyzing the situation to him weakened me.

I couldn’t remember the last time I showed this kind of emotion.

“She left or she was taken?” Terror resonated in Drake’s voice.

“She left, goddammit.” I cursed, getting crossed at his question.

He got the memo and sighed. “What do you want me to do?”

This was one thing I appreciated. His promptness when it came to solving issues.

“Find her.” I said shortly and ended the call.

I sprinted towards my room and had my mouth washed. I took a quick shower then wore a sweatpant and a hoodie. I didn’t want to have cameras all over my face while walking around the street.

There was only one place my mind directed me to and that was Arnold’s house. Getting his address was a piece of cake so I raced there, not minding the traffic rules.

The cops could come after me later, but right now I didn’t care.

Arnold’s house came into view and I parked the car by the gate. It was simpler than I thought it would be, then I remembered that the house wasn’t his actual residence.

I didn’t know how I’d feel if Lorraine was here; I’ll be relieved but disappointed.

I knocked loudly and impatiently, hoping that he’d be at home. The door opened some seconds later with Arnold appearing behind the door.

“Good morning, Dexter.” He wore a puzzled gaze then allowed me in and shut the door. “How did you know where I live? I thought I made that private.” He looked a bit pissed, but he managed to hide it behind his stoic expression.

“I’m sorry for barging into your privacy but I’m very desperate right now.”

“What do you mean?” He pointed towards the couch so I could sit, but I was too tense to entertain any form of courtesy.

“Lorraine left the house this morning and she’s not picking my calls nor returning them. Most of her things are no longer in the wardrobe and that only means she has been planning this for long.” I explained.

He folded his arm, pinning a glare at me. “And you came here first because you thought she’d run straight to my house?”

Shit! This wasn’t going the way I thought it would go.

I was short of words. “You are the only friend I know she has, so it’s normal for me to think that she came here.” I defended myself and he scoffed.

“What did you do to her that made her leave without your knowledge?” His voice wasn’t cool anymore, he sounded angry and looked ready to rip me apart.

“It’s a long story, and I don’t think Lorraine would be happy that I told anyone about it without her permission.” I muttered. “I’m scared that someone might have her. She has so many enemies out there. She’s not safe.” I lamented, my emotions getting a hold of me.

His offensive gait fell away with empathy blaring from his eyes. “You are going to find her, but I promise you that Lorraine isn’t here. She doesn’t even know where I live.” He admitted and I glanced at him in disbelief.

“That’s not true.” I mouthed, shaken at his admittance.

He huffed. “Your wife is a principled woman. We only meet each other at your building, the park or a cafe. I don’t think she’s been here before.”

My chest became a bit light. “Alright. Thank you. I’ll keep searching.” I replied with disappointment.

“Don’t forget to keep me posted.” He said as I exited his house.

Not wanting to return to my house, I headed to a cafe downtown. Loneliness etched a mark within me as my eyes caught the sight of some couples, holding hands and strolling with their dogs.

I didn’t have a thing for animals, but taking a stroll with Lorraine in the mornings wouldn’t be a bad idea. I just had to find her first.

A cafe came into view. I liked the aesthetic look of the surrounding; glass walls which were see-through, neatly trimmed flowers with different colors and floral scents, well patterned stone flooring that made up the walkway.

I parked my BMW properly and walked in, hiding my face with my hoodie. I picked an empty table close to the window and ordered a cup of strong black coffee without cream, a plate of pancakes and eggs.

Since I was here already, I might as well have breakfast as there was no need to cook for myself at home.

The waiter brought my order, and I thanked her, then took a huge gulp from the cup, enjoying the relief the strong flavor brought.

My eyes darted towards the street, and I caught the sight of a young lady with dark chestnut hair. She had the same height with Lorraine and they even had the same walking step.

I dropped the coffee aside and stalked out of the cafe.

“Wait, please!” I shouted, running after her.

My heart leaped with expectation as she spun around and stared at me blankly.