Our Unfinished Lovestory

"I won't come around anymore... Our friendship ends here. Don't try to look for me either..."

Talia practiced in her head for the one hundredth time, but no matter how many times she tried, the words sliced through her heart with more pain than her previous attempt.

"Ethan".... his name rolled off her tongue in a gentle whisper. She watched from across the street with a heavy heart.

The last customer had just left and Ethan followed behind the lady, flipping the 'OPEN' sign around to display the 'CLOSED'.

He always stayed later as the full-time barista he was, but today, they had a date....A date Talia fantasized until last night. He'd promised to close early after obtaining permission from his boss.

Tears pricked her eyes, a painful lump rising in her throat. Her fingernails pierced into her palms, she finally crossed the road.

The door opened, causing the bell to chime. He had his back to her when his voice rang out casually. "We're closed"

She didn't say a word, she didn't move. She just stood there taking in his figure one last time before she disappears from his life for ever.

When he didn't hear a response or atleast hear the door reopen, he turned immediately.... His expression immediately melting into a smile... "Lia".

The way he always shortened her name.....

How perfectly it sounded coming from him...

Talia looked away, tucking a side of her hair behind her ears as she blinked back the tears that formed.

"Hey... We said 7pm...you missed me that much?" Ethan teased lightly, his voice smooth and soothing.

"I have to return early", she replied curtly.

He caught that! Of course he did!

He was the only person that paid attention to her. The only person that made her believe she wasn't invisible.

His eyes pinched as he began walking towards her, "Hey.... You good?" Worry cloaked his tone.

Talia took steps backward. Should this hunk happen to as much as graze her skin lightly, everything would go wrong.

"Let's talk here", she blurted, biting her lips.

"Lia-" he cut in, "Something happened at home again?" he asked. His confused eyes searched hers but she mustered a smile. Her fingernails sinking even deeper into her palms. She held his gaze.

"I have something to say Ethan...."

He cut her off with a raise of hand, swiftly closing the gap between them before she could back away again.

"I don't know what it is Li.... But let's get you brightened up first." his voice turned raspy. Her heartbeat escalated. She shuddered.

A part of her wanting to give in and rest her head against his chest, but she fought it. She fought hard and tore away from him.

"I won't be coming around anymore Ethan.... Our friendship ends here. Don't try to look for me either!"

Just as she practiced! Exact tone! Exact pitch! She spilled the words.

Time froze.

The noise of the busy street outside faded. Ethan's face went white. His enchanting crystal ocean eyes locked her gaze. He didn't blink.

Talia didn't know how to go on from there. She didn't know if he was to respond or something. Or maybe he should have! That's how it goes in the movies she'd watched. The man would try to woo her back and she'd insist and they'd go back and forth and - panic rose.

She'd never done this before! Heck! She'd never loved before!

"I..I won't..." she bit her lips. She didn't know if she was to say more. This had turned awkward than she imagined. She quickly turned to leave, but just as she grabbed the door's handle, Ethan caught her.

She gasped.

She didn't hear him run after her. His hands snaked even deeper around her waist, her head hitting his sturdy chest.

He pulled her in too close she could almost become one with his skin.

"Ethan...."

"Lia...." his breathe brushed her right ear. He drew in a long inhale next, her scent tangling with the tension, travelling up his nostrils, making him hold her even closer.

"this is not how I planned it," he murmured and spunned her gently around to face him. A huge smile dancing on his face.

"Lia....." he repeated her name and she wanted to scream at him to stop! Stop saying her name like that! Stop making it harder!

But Ethan wasn't done...

He went on one knee...

"this.... Um..", he chuckled, "this was supposed to be for later... The later end of our date, but you said you have to return early, so I thought I'd just move it to the first event on my list then..." he took the box out of his back pocket.

"Ethan...." Talia's heart broke.

"Let's date!... I know... I know its been like what... Just five months...but what we have... What we share.... I'm not asking you to marry me right away Lia. All I'm asking is for you to promise me you'll be mine forever. You'll be here until I change this into a ring."

He opened the mini box in his hand. It was the most beautiful thing ever! A diamond bracelet glimmered inside.

Tears blurred her eyes.

The little girl in her wanted to burst into tears! The lover girl in her wanted to kiss those lips till the world disappeared around them! Talia shook on her feet.

Accepting him meant war.

A war none of them would survive. A war she could avoid. A trouble she could avert and protect him from, if she backed away now.

She stumbled back.

"Don't make this harder Ethan. I can't be with you".

She turned on her feet and pulled the door handle, walking away. Leaving him confused, broken and on his knees.

Ethan wouldn't accept that!

The woman he loved was playing pranks on him! His mind raced through everytime they'd spent together in the past week... He didn't do anything wrong.

He sprang to his feet, he pulled the door open, he ran after her!

"Lia!" he grabbed her wrist. People stared. He didn't care! He wasn't seeing them! He was seeing the tears in her eyes. Of course he knew something was up! She can't do this to him! He was sure she loved him back!

"What are they making you do now?! Did they put you up to this?! Are your parents making you do this?!" his insides burned! Ready to wreck those that made her like this! But Talia jerked her hand free from him.

"Stay on your lane Ethan and don't mention my parents!" she glared sharply and walked away, but Ethan wasn't one to accept without a reason.

He ran after again, he pulled her into a hug.

_ETHAN PLEASE!!!!_

Talia yelled inside of her! Her heart ripped with pain! He was making things worse!

She wriggled away from him, defiling her desires to melt into him and slapping him hard across the face!

"Can't you handle a fucking rejection?!"

"I don't want you Ethan! I can't do this nonsense with you! You should return that bracelet and get your money back. You need every penny right now!" she spat.

"Lia-" Ethan was relentless.

"little advice.... You shouldn't do love when you can barely feed! Focus on your cafe, and find love when you can afford one!"

"Lia-"

"And don't you dare run after me again! Do not appear in my face else I will be suing you Ethan! I never want to see you again!" she turned and walked away.

The mutterings of passerbys pierced her ears. Her tears fell freely...but she believed deep down... This was for the best.

FIVE YEARS LATER....

The Reed family ranked fifth richest in the world and today, they're hosting their patriarch's 80th birthday.

The old man is a known philanthropist and he chose to hold his grand celebration with the kids at an orphanage down in Deventon.

For years, the number one medical center in Deventon had remained the Sanderson's family owned hospital, and thankfully, their hospital was chosen to accompany him to administer free health care services to the poor children. They would do that during the day and for the night afterparty, it was to be held in his new retirement villa here in Deventon as well.

The Reeds owned the largest private equity firm and the Sandersons are looking to have them invest in their hospital. This was a huge opportunity.

An opportunity in a lifetime that kept Talia Grey busier than her father-in-law himself.

It hadn't been any more than three minutes Talia Grey shut the door behind her and grimaced in exhaustion, that his car zoomed into the compound. The roaring engines reaching her ears. Her heartbeat escalated.

Her eyes narrowed down on her wristwatch. It was 4:30.

"God no!" she cried.

The morning party at the orphanage was over.

Her fingernails sunk into her skirt's light fabric. Her eyes closed. She counted in her head. At exactly the number 30, he was twisting the door knob to their room open.

"You're back....." her voice croaked in murmur, she mentally slapped herself.

He hated murmurings. She didn't mean to.

"You're back!" She repeated immediately, sounding firmer.

His tired brown eyes trailed up her figure, locking her gaze in his. Talia gulped. The slow blink of his eyes was an indication he'd heard her, but he didn't bother replying. He simply walked away, disappearing into his closet.

Talia exhaled...her eyes and shoulders dropped. She thought she'd grab a little rest before he returns after being tossed around all day by his family, but that wasn't clearly happening.

He was going to undress, shower and be out again, all in ten minutes. She'd lived with him long enough to know that.

Dashing for the mini kitchen immediately, she quickly reheated the meal she'd prepared. Thankfully, it was ready just in time as she heard his door unlock. Step after step, she counted subconsciously again till she heard the chair creak against the floor and he sat in to eat.

Another fact she'd learnt in her five years of marriage?

Standing close to his meal made him gag.

She moved away, not completely out of the room, but definitely out of his sight. She stood behind him, leaning on the wall in the living room and watched him eat.

Talia Grey - the eldest and adopted daughter of the Grey family. She was only 23 when she was offered on a platter to the Sanderson family....solely for business.

The man her eyes were locked on?

Julian Sanderson - 29years old and monstrous.

A fifth generation doctor and only son to the Sanderson family, with three crazy sisters.

Talia didn't want to be here, but what choice did she have?

She was paying back her family's kindness for adopting her sorry ass - their scapegoat.

She couldn't see the plate from where she stood, but she had her wristwatch on. She'd mastered counting and working with time in this family. Everyone had a way and time of doing anything, and not once has Julian Sanderson been at the table for more than three minutes.

At exactly the third minute, her feet moved. Truly he was done eating but the moment she grabbed the plates and turned towards the sink, the question hit her.

"Are the paintings ready?" He raised the glass of water to his lips...

SHIT!!

Her hands wobbled. Goodbye to her peaceful night. A day surprisingly could not pass without her falling into one problem or the other.

The plates touched the sink just as Julian laid down his empty glass with soft thud...

"I'm sure I asked a question?" His eyes locked in with her figure, she staggered backward but the monster in him had awakened.

The Sandersons lived in a huge mansion. Huge enough that each compartment seemed like a little mansion of its own... With a large living room, kitchen, bedroom, closet, bathroom, even a little storage area. And right in their own compartment, her back crashed hard against the dining table. Screaming meant death. She bit back the pain. Hot tears filled her eyes.

"Talia....." Julian drawled, completely bare chested and enraged. He shut his eyes and opened them again, staring down at her as she managed to sit up. "Can you...can you be a little understanding?"

"Talia....I... I'm trying my best," his tone was soft like he'd not just tossed her across the room like a bag of sack after gripping tightly onto her neck...his eyes...even softer like she was the devil and he was begging for his freedom.

"I'm trying my possible best to be nice but why can't you understand me? Huh?"

Talia coughed out tears. Her neck red from his grip..."I'm sorry," her voice came out in a whisper...her hands immediately wiping off the stubborn tears that fell. She has suffered so long to be stronger now, but maybe there are people that just can't hold their tears and she's one of them. Her tears flowed on their own command no matter her effort to bite them back. The more she'd struggle with her tears, the more the lump in her throat felt lethal and sore.

Her feeble frame whimpered beneath his towering build, not a single sound escaped her throat, but her body grew hot with pain. She'd gotten a good beating the night before, a stinging slap from her mother in law this morning and now, he wasn't anywhere near letting her recover when he grabbed a chunk of her hair.

"Hmmmm", she folded her lips in immediately, swallowing her scream.

Making a sound was as good as signing her death certificate. Screaming meant he'd gotten to her. It meant she couldn't hold it in. Though her tears disobeyed and disgraced her resolve, Talia wouldnt crack a scream. The pain was excruciating. It wasn't just the pain on her scalp or the pain in her back, the one in her heart cut deeper. Her heart bled. Every fiber of her being silently crying for help.

He dragged her by her hair into the living and sat on one of the cushions, pulling her forward to kneel before him. He yanked downward, causing her face to tilt upwards. Tears glistening her face like a skincare serum. He smiled ever so handsomely.

"you are sorry? Talia.. you're sorry?" His tongue ran over his lower lip into a smirk. He yanked on the chunk of her hair.

"Julian...." her voice whispered with fresh tears.

"Well ....sorry doesn't get the paintings on the canvas, do they Talia? Your husband is about partnering with the most powerful family in the world...the least you can do is contribute wifey! Why cant you understand that?" His grip tightened even more and subconsciously, Talia's hand moved to hold his, her eyes locked in with his. A plea to let her go.

"I'll get it done....i promise... I just had a lot to do. Your mom and your sisters needed my help with alot of things. I wasn't idle. I was really going to get it done... Please.. It won't ever happen again".

"You're blaming my family for your laziness?"

"No.....Never!" her lips quavered as she spoke, her tears flowing profusely, but he wasn't moved by tears: certainly not her tears.

The hatred in his eyes were full and overflowing....he hated her very existence and she'd been given to him on a platter to do as he pleased, but she hated him more.

His jaws clenched, his hand yanked again on the chunk of hair he held...her pain tripled...."are you trying to ruin me? Is that it?"

She shook her head profusely in the negative.

"Talia.... I really hate it when dogs think they've become human, neglecting the owner that holds its leash... Don't you hate it too?"

She nodded immediately...anything to let her go, but he wasn't done. Still holding onto his hand above her head, hot tears blurred her vision. This time she consented to the tears that flowed... Her body stung on every side.. It felt like she'd been thrown on the surgical table without anesthesia.

"it must never happen again Talia. It mustn't, but we're going to fix this.... Are you ready?" His smirk grew even more.

He left her hair and grabbed her top instead. She had on a knee length skirt and a blouse to match. He pulled the blouse over her head. Talia wasn't stupid to react. She just sat there in her skirt and bra, but he wasn't done... His hands reached behind for the skirt's zipper and he unzipped it, pulling it off.

Julian stood to his feet, tying her blouse's hand to the skirt's end. She didn't know what to expect, but definitely not what he did next.

Throwing the tied pieces over her neck, he pulled her with it like a dog and she followed on all fours, into the spare bedroom that was turned into her painting room.

If there was one thing Talia Grey was good at....it was drawing. A talent her family never approved of, but Julian was quick to turn it into his next source of income even though she never saw or knew how much was made off of them.

"you have two hours until the party Talia. Get it done and ready!" he growled and as though that wasn't enough.....he grabbed the AC's remote, increasing the cold air to his satisfaction and disappearing with it.

The cold air hit against her bare skin, she shivered all over. Talia rubbed her hands over her eyes, an attempt to get rid of the blur the tears had created, but the tears just flowed again and again and again.

Her mouth opened but her screams were silent.

Her heart wrenched in pains, she felt a million arrows piercing the feeble organ.

On the day of her wedding, she couldn't feel joy, but she felt lighter. She felt half her problems had been solved. She didn't want any part to this marriage but saying yes and accepting his ring was a deal she had made to protect someone.

She took comfort in the fact that she was leaving her hell, but since the night she drove in his car into this building with her single suitcase containing the little she took with her.. Talia had never stepped out without their permission. She thought she had it rough at her parents house, but this was greater hell. She was no different from their maids. She slowly picked up her brush.

Talia had tried in the first and second year of this loveless marriage to love and respect Julian. She'd tried to get him to atleast pity her if he wouldn't love her, but as days grew into weeks, months and eventually years.... She accepted the monster she married.

Not getting this painting done meant two things. The craziest beating of her life and manhandling of her soul...or he'd just tip her over the balcony to her death...but she knew the second option? He'd never do that. If she died, nobody would be his punching bag and his family's venting arena...and he wouldn't want that!

Talia froze with every passing second but in an hour and thirty minutes later, the painting was completed. Her hands rubbed against each other, her eyes resting on the art she created. She could see the difference. The little sketchings she made in secret at her parent's house bore so much live and purpose in it... What she stared at her screamed depression and a silent prayer to survive.

She looked away and stood from her stool, running to the door, she banged to get his attention.

"I'm done! Julian! I'm done!"

The door was unlocked and she jumped back in fear.

Julian walked in fully, his eyes staring at the painting. He'd always been amazed by her work but never showed it. He gave a fainty nod drawing the air conditioner's remote from his pocket, taking it back to normal.

His eyes travelled back to her. For a minute, it raided her body, taking in each and every curve. His member kicked, his feet moved in obedience to its command.

One step after the other, he stood just before her, Talia seemed to cower into herself as his hand met with her brunette hair...

Slowly his fingertips travelled down some more, sending shivers up her spine due to the cold. Those fingertips stopping just above her breasts....he smiled warmly. "I should reward you wifey."

Talia's heart flew out her chest...Julian was never nice anywhere....not even in bed. He pulled her in.

At the Deventon airport, his plane had landed.

He slowly opened his eyes, his face void of expression. His family had come home a week ago which he should have been part of them, but he just couldn't bring himself to this town.

With lies of extra work, Ethan Reed locked himself away in the office, mentally preparing himself for this visit he could not miss, yet even as he stared out the plane's window, the memories flooded in with a rush..

Why, of all cities, would his grandfather choose to settle here?! Why Deventon?!

This city had left a permanent scar in his heart and as his feet touched the ground away from the plane, Ethan shielded his eyes with darker shades. A black face cap sat on his head and he walked away to get his luggage.

Five years ago he was in this city, and the day he left, that same day he vowed never to return.

His phone rang in his pocket, the screen boldly displaying MOM. He swiped green.

"You're not planning on skipping grandpa's birthday are you?"

Ethan exhaled. He really wish he could if it was an option.

"I'm at the airport mom. I just landed", his voice weak and dry.

"I thought you're planning on keeping us waiting all day! You've missed the important part already. You know the orphanage is the main deal for your gra....."

"how about you nag me in person hmmm? I haven't even taken in ten breathes of Deventon's air and you're making me wish I didn't come". He sighed.

"Well if you didn't come, I'd make you wish you weren't my son", she scoffed and cut the call on him. Ethan managed a smile at the dimly lit screen of his phone. He threw it into his pocket and kept walking whilst reasurring himself that there was no way he'd run into her. He didn't plan on touring the city. He'd seen enough of it...and her family can't possibly be attending this party.

Yes! This crazy would soon end like it never happened and he'd go back to his life.

Meanwhile back at Sanderson's mansion, Julian tore her bra off. His fingertips pinching at her cold and pointed nipples...

She shivered......not in pleasure.

Locking her up was the kindest he could be and seeing her naked body like that....he just couldn't control himself.

Asides a beautiful talent, Talia had a beautiful body - what he called the perks of having your own human. She could be anything to him...at anytime he wanted her. She lived for his satisfaction.

With every thrust he gave, her heart bled even more, but he focused more on the adrenaline rush and dopamine that coursed through his being...caring less of the useless and worthless tears that fell from her eyes.

He bent her however he pleased over the couch. She'd been sold to him anyway, how could she resist him when he owned her.

Careful not to release in her, he spread it all over the floor and rose from her. His sweat-covered body glistening in the bright bulb that luminated the room. He slapped her legs close. A lone tear ran down her eyes. He saw it but he looked away. He pulled up his pants and began walking away.

"Get dressed and looking pretty", his voice came through just before he disappeared through the door.

Talia sat up and pulled up her panties. She cried badly. She'd expected the tears to stop flowing now. It's been five years already, but they weren't stopping. The hurt she felt wasn't stopping. This was her hell....but she couldn't understand why?

Wasn't hell meant for those who'd been evil? People who had done bad all their life?

The essence of life was hope....but there was no light at the end of her tunnel! It was plain darkness! And even scarier, she knew it was going to remain that way till her death!

Her death was only escape!

Her chest tightened in pain, but to avoid another hell breaking loose....she quickly stood and got to cleaning his semen off the floor first.

She walked into the storage room where he had her keep her stuff as her own closet and she got out the gown his sisters rented for her for the night.

The painting was for the old man who loved arts and collectibles, so Talia washed up quickly and packaged the painting first, then began dressing up.

She'd sustained too many marks to count, there was need flaunting her body. It wasn't perfect. But the black gown they'd gotten was perfect. It flowed to her heels and was long-sleeved as well. It covered the marks on her back and the little on her face, she did the magic with her makeup.

At exactly ten minutes after seven, she was done and stepped out to see him on a call which he ended right away.

"you're lucky, I would have hated to come check on you myself", he snorted and began walking.

Not a single compliment on how she looked. She wasn't even expecting it anyways. She simply trailed behind him...meeting the rest of the family in the larger living room.

"I really don't know why she has to come..." Bianca - the last daughter of the family rolled her eyes on seeing Talia.

Talia clutched tightly onto her purse, her eyes on the floor as she felt their million eyes on her.

"Don't fucking say a word and disgrace us there!" Aria - the second daughter warned.

"Where's mom?" Julian asked as he stared around the living room.

"I'm here," the elegant woman descended the stairs with grace, her husband solidly behind her with an even more commanding presence.

"you don't look so pitiable today..." her mother in law charged at her. Talia bit her lips.

"of course! I picked the perfect dress. How else would a rodent look manageably presentable on her own?" Bianca giggled and her mother nodded.

"Hmmm" chairman Sanderson cleared his throat, "let's go else we're going to be late". They all nodded and headed towards the door when Julian's voice rose again.

"And Where's Nora?"

"she said she'd meet us there" Aria responded dryly.

Nora was the eldest daughter and first child. Julian came after her and then Aria, before finally Bianca. She wasn't a doctor like the family wanted. She was more stubborn and studied law instead.

Chairman Sanderson and his wife drove in a separate car. Aria and Bianca drove in another, whilst Talia gauged her breathing as she sat beside Julian in another.

The ride was a suffocating and long one, but soon they were driving into the largest compound, littered with cars and flickering with lights and breathtaking decorations..

The compound was filled with people.

The Sanderson's cars parked in and they all alighted.

"if you don't want to sleep with the dogs tonight, do not cause a scene" Julian warned sternly buttoning his suit. His face relaxed into a smile, ready to mingle with the flow of affluence all over.

"I know you've never been to any gathering such as this... Thanks to us you're experiencing one...better stay out of trouble leech!" Bianca spat and walked away with aria.

Talia exhaled..

What could she possibly do to cause a scene? They just needed a reason to call her names tonight, but she exhaled and walked in. The night was yet to start but she wished it was over.

Stepping into the hall that was solely for the birthday celebration, she couldn't even admire the decors enough... Who knew? That might be her 'disgracing the family and causing a scene'

She tore her eyes off the chandeliers and the rested on Julian who was shaking hands with big smiles with men she guessed were wealthier than himself. His mother and father stood beside him with smiles as well.

She exhaled again, quickly grabbing a glass of champagne off from the waiter that passed with a tray full of it..

"they shouldn't be needing me for anything" Talia sighed and took the stairs on her right.... She didn't know where it was leading to but she wanted somewhere quiet.

It was definitely not that route. She returned to the hall and left through the doors.

If it was possible, she'd rather just go sit in the car and wait till its all over...but she kept moving, turning away from every corner that had atleast fifteen persons in it till her feet finally brought her to a glass door. She pushed open and came to face with a pool.

A smile spread across her face for the first time since today.

The way the lights above danced in the blue waters of the pool, it was calming to watch. Her eyes glanced around, finally a place without people.

Talia walked in fully, taking in the cool breeze till she finally stopped. The pool called out to her but she couldn't jump and 'cause a scene'... Even more, she couldn't wet the rented dress.

She settled for the pool chairs instead, releasing her feet from the shackles of the white heels she wore and gently placing her purse down. She emptied her glass of champagne and shut her eyes, savoring the taste and the way it worked down her throat, not to mention the quietness around her.

She smiled again, letting her eyelids part to capture the glory of the night stars in the sky, but from the corner of her eyes, an image formed. Blurry and slowly rising from the water.

Her eyes widened immediately. In reflex she flung the glass, her eyes tightening shut and a shrill cry escaping her throat..."ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!"