Chapter 6 Stockholm syndrome

Ethan guided Melinda into her home. Jane, his assistant, followed behind, struggling with bags of groceries and treats.

Melinda collapsed into the cushion, her eyelids gently closing as she breathed out a gentle sigh. "I truly appreciate this Sir, thank you for taking me to the hospital..." her words withered into a whisper.

"No, you should be grateful to the policeman who came back to check on who your husband was yelling at," Ethan cut her off, his deamour hardening as he sat across her.

A thick silence shrouded the parlor as Ethan's stare stayed on Melinda.

"Please, which prison exactly is he in?" Melinda broke the silence, her voice barely audible as she locked eyes with Ethan.

"Black Ice Maximum security prison," Ethan replied, his tone cold. "I made sure he was put there. He disrespected me in front of my clients, he deserves to suffer" he continued.

Melinda lowered her eyes as she fiddled with her fingers nervously. Ethan broke the silence.

"Leave him. You're the one stopping me from making sure he rots in jail for abusing you. Just say the word and it's done."

"It's not that easy," she murmured. "Ryan's all I have known since my parents passed away. I know he can be vicious sometimes but.."

"But what?" Ethan cut in, his tone controlled yet a trace of rage bubbled just beneath the surface.

"He tore the divorce papers... and now he's behind bars. The land with which this house is built is his and he assured me he wasn't going to sell it to me" Melinda stammered.

"I can't leave my house for him, I can't uproot the house either. What am I supposed to do?" She continued.

"This has to be Stockholm syndrome. That's what this is because all you just said? Bullshit!" Ethan snapped, irritation flashing in his eyes.

With tears rolling down her eyes, Melinda uttered, "It's not that..."

"Enough! Who cares about the house?! You know I can get you a hundred houses, I just need to snap my fingers and it's done!" Ethan's voice rose as he lashed out, his face flushed with anger.

Melinda's eyes were filled with tears as she sobbed. She loved Ethan but the thought of leaving Ryan scared her. The strength she had to serve him the divorce papers, she couldn't bring herself to do it again.

What if what Ethan felt for her was pity? Risking her marriage for Ethan terrified her even though a big part of her wanted to.

Ethan observed her as she cried, his expression softening.

"It's Saturday, get some rest. Tomorrow, you're coming with me to California for a weekend getaway, we're celebrating my dad's birthday on my private island. The driver will come pick you up by 10am."

"But... I have to work on Monday, Sir" Melinda muttered as her sobs subsided.

"And who do you work for?" Ethan snapped.

"B-but" Melinda stammered.

"I don't want to hear it. You're coming with me. You need a break from this sad house." Ethan said, his tone firm and resolute.

RINGG!!! Melinda's phone rang. It was a strange number. She paused for a moment and then picked up the call.

"Hello?" she said, her tone wary.

"Baby! It's me, Ryan!" a voice burst through the line.

Melinda suddenly felt a rush of rage flooding her. "Ryan, yes?" she spat.

"Baby, please I'm sorry. I have wronged you, I see that now. Please don't leave me, I promise to be a better husband to you" Ryan uttered, his voice soft and sweet.

Tears fell from Melinda's eyes, her body quivering as she spoke, "How do I know you're not saying this because you're in prison, huh?" Melinda stuttered.

"No, no baby, I mean it. Being here has opened my eyes and baby, I promise you, I'll never hurt you again." Ryan replied, his tone smooth and remorseful.

Melinda's body shook with sobs as she listened to Ryan speak.

Ethan's eyes widened in disbelief. He couldn't believe Melinda's gullibility and how easy it was for her to be swayed by Ryan's manipulative antics.

"Baby please come visit me, I miss you. Can you come tomorrow?" Ryan sliced through Melinda's sobs, his words spied with charm.

"End that call," Ethan snarled, his tone low and firm. Melinda stared at him as she hesitated for a moment, then ended the call.

"If you go see him, we're done," Ethan said, his tone calm yet threatening. "I love you Melinda and I know you feel the same way but I certainly will not compete with an abuser. You'll have to decide, me or him"

Melinda's eyes brimmed with tears, her expression collapsing.

"Jane." Ethan called out sharply as he stood up, his expression cold. Jane joined him and they both walked out of the house.

Melinda sank back into the cushion, her face a mix of worry and confusion. She undeniably loved Ethan. Despite his cold personality, he made her feel safe and happy, a feeling that shielded her mental health from Ryan's abuse.... So why wasn't she able to leave Ryan?

Overwhelmed by the conflicting emotions, she inhaled deeply and retreated to her bed, fatigue overtaking her.

____

The sound of knocking at the door woke Melinda up. "I'm coming! Just a moment!" she shouted as she hurried to the door. She opened the door to find Ethan's driver standing on her front porch.

"Good morning ma'am. Mr Ethan sent me here to come get you. Are you prepared to leave ma'am?" the driver uttered with a smile.

Melinda's eyes went wide. The weekend getaway! Her mind reminded her.

The driver looked at her with concern, puzzled. "Ma'am, are you okay?"

RINGG!!! Melinda's phone rang inside.

"Excuse me please," she said as she rushed to pick up the call.

"Baby, it's me, Ryan. I'm itching to see you baby. Please if you can, come this morning." Ryan spoke softly on the other end of the line.

Melinda froze...