It's Christmas today and also it's been a week since everything happened. I have maintained distance from everyone and till now I'm doing well. Freya is still trying to talk to me but I always make some excuse and leave. I have dissolve myself in work. I barely get time to think about something else except work.

Don't lie to yourself.

I ignored the voice and book a cab to my apartment. Yeah I came to work even on Christmas. I was all alone like I'm always so it doesn't matter much. Freya was so angry when I left and I know she is waiting for me to come home. But why don't she understands that I don't need anyone.

My thoughts wander back where Claudia told me about Charles. She told me Mr. White was released from jail and was back at work and also how Charles threatened him. But it didn't matter as he hasn't called me once. Was he done? Did he give up? Or he's with Mariah?

The cab honks breaking my thoughts, I opened the door and settled myself in. My phone starts ringing, I took it out of my bag.

Luke calling....

I feel bad for ignoring him..

I shouldn't have hugged him that day, I don't know what came over me maybe I was tired of pretending that everything was okay and he just happened to be there. After he dropped me to my place, that's when I realised I shouldn't have done that. And now he is calling me again and again...

Freya's upset too, I have barely spoke to her in past few days. I don't need anyone

Because everyone leaves remember? Everyone leaves.

I press the ignore button. I haven't visited the orphanage after Charles's birthday and Mrs Williams might be thinking the same as I got a voicemail from her but when I opened it, it was Lily. She said she misses me and when I am coming to meet her and bring cupcakes. She sounded sad. I really want to go there as it was the place, my home when no one was there for me. I will visit them soon after I deal with everything.

My head is constantly going back to things that happened in span of few days.

I can't shake off the feeling, the betrayal, lies and feeling of being used. It haunts me every night that I gave everything my time, my care, love, body to that one person only to be betrayed and cheated. How can I ever move on from that? I loved him actually I still do and it hurts more because after everything I still love him.

I shake my head to clear my thoughts and looked outside the window. The city is lite up with lights and Christmas trees. New York is the best place to celebrate Christmas. Christmas used to be our favorite, I and Freya used to always come to this side of the city just to enjoy the snow and the Christmas lights. The feeling you have here is surreal and amazing. People seems happy as they are having fun with their family.

Family.

I always wanted one. But seems like it's not for me. I smile sadly as I continue looking at them

The cab comes to halt as it reach my apartment. I paid the driver and jumped out of the car.

Pulling the Blazer close as the cool breeze hit my body. I ran towards the elevator rubbing my hands. I looked at my phone, 15 miscalls from Freya. I put it back inside my bag and walked out of the elevator.

Hearing me open the door, Freya stood up abruptly from the couch. Aaron who was sitting next to her also stood up

"Where the hell were you?" She shouts

"Work" I placed the keys on the counter, walking to kitchen.

"I know but look at the time" she followed me to the kitchen

"It just 9 o'clock Freya, geez" I pour myself some water.

"I know what you're doing. You're ignoring me because Charles hurt you-"

"Freya don't" I warned her as I don't want to lose my calm. I tried pressing it down I don't want to feel that pain again

"No, you think I will leave you like your parents did. I have always been there for you. Always. When you cry I'm the shoulder you lean on and when you laugh I'm the one to laugh with you" she was on the verge of crying

"You think I'm enjoying this? It's been a hell for me freya. But I can't handle it anymore. I am tired of people not wanting me. Because I'm not good enough. And you are the only one who don't feel that way but if what if you feel the same one day. You would leave me too. I don't want that. I don't want to feel that again" I said it back, as I turned around not wanting her to see me cry again.

"God, Oli. You have so much things going inside you and you didn't even share it. You are overthinking. Just because a guy messed up don't mean I will too. How could you do that to me? I am your best friend, don't push me away" she yelled

"Freya don't. It's not a good time" Aaron made his way towards us, but I didn't hear him

Glaring at freya, "Stop saying that. I am tired of telling you. I don't need anyone. I am better alone. So please just leave me be" I ran upstairs and bang the door closed. I lost it. I cry, cry and cry.

My eyes started to get tired as I doze off.

Ring, ring...

"Ugh!" I pulled half part of my body up as I searched for my phone.

Brandon? It's 2 in the morning

"Brandon what happened?" I was fully awake, worried

"Charles" he sounded breathless

What happened to him? My heart started beating loudly

"Charles? What happened to him?" I held my phone tightly

"He is not here Olivia. He hasn't come home for 2 days I called him but he was not answering his call and I- I came to see if he's home. H-he is not here. His place, it's a mess. I don't k-know. H-he"

"Brandon, Brandon calm down" I could hear the worry in his voice.

"Did he call you?"

"No he didn't" pinch in heart.

I heard him mumble something.

"Listen Olivia, he didn't do anything wrong. When he calls you just talk to him and also let me know"

Didn't do anything wrong? What does that mean?

"What-"

"I can't talk right now I have to find him" he ended the call

I stared at the phone, confused.

He didn't do anything? That means he didn't cheat on me? And the engagement was that also not true?

My sleep is long gone as so many questions clouded my head and only one person can answer that.

I looked at the number I promised to never call.

Breathing heavily, I pressed on the number.

It went straight to voicemail.

Where are you Charles?