I was staring at myself in the mirror when I heard Devin telling me that Franco has arrived. After hours of digging I finally found a black knee length dress and a thin scarf to throw over it. I wore my black flats and my hair was loose on my shoulders. I wasn't the owner of makeup because why paint on a pretty face to hide the scars when the real damage is deep down inside?.

I took up my black clutch before leaving the room and going downstairs. I heard talking and as I got closer I saw Devin and Franco deep in a conversation. They stopped when they noticed me and I smiled slightly as I went up to them. Franco was well dressed in a tuxedo. A silver brooch was on his pocket and his hair was nicely styled.

"You look stunning", both guys said at the same time as I chuckled and they looked at each other. Franco's eyes met mine and they held lust and something else...something I may find out later on.

"Well, let's get going", he said as he stood and led the way. I glanced over my shoulder at Devin and he smiled and gave me a 'thumbs up'. I laughed to myself as I followed Franco outside. The car door was opened by the guards and we both got in the back. I clutched onto the scarf as I looked out the window.

Franco was awfully quiet even thou this wasn't the closest we've been. I looked at him but he was already watching me. Like a prey. His hand reached out and pushed some of my hair behind my ear. He did the same with the other side before smiling satisfyingly.

"You should wear it like that ; looks so beautiful".

I half smiled before turning away and continued to stare at the buildings as they pass us by. I struggled to stop my mind from wondering and over thinking things. I should just be calm and let life plays itself out.

"So where are we going?", I say trying to lighten the mood. Franco looked nervous which was quite odd because I should be the one who's nervous. He ran a hand through his hair before placing his head in his hands.

"Are you ok?" I say as I reached out to him and grasped his shoulder. He looked up at me before smiling and placing a hand on my cheek.

"I honestly don't know how to feel Vanessa" he replied as I got more and more confused. Was there something he wasn't telling me? Upon that thought I pulled back and placed my hands on my lap.

"I'm taking you to one of the best restaurants I know", he said as I looked at him immediately. He just changed his entire mood. He only sighed before relaxing into his seat and taking out his phone.

I really couldn't figure him out.

>>>

About half an hour later the car came to a halt and then the door was opened for us. Franco got out and held his hand for me and I took it as I exit the car. The place was definitely expensive but very well designed nonetheless ; from the interior to the exterior.

"Shall we?".

I looked at him before taking his arm as he escorted me inside. I got a few stares from men and glares from the women they were with. I started to become puzzled when Franco continued walking not stopping at any table. I kept quiet as I followed him down a long hall and towards an elevator.

"Franco? Where are -

"We're going up", he replied cutting me off as I nod slightly and went inside with the elevator with him. When we started to ascend I felt his hand on my waist getting lower and lower. I pulled away and made some space between us. Both of us didn't say anything but a few seconds later he spoke.

"Why are you acting Vanessa? It's not like you're not used to it?".

I was about to ask what he was getting at but the elevator came to a stop. The door opened and he walked out and into a dining area. There was a small table in the centre and a few candles lit up the room. It was romantic but I didn't want to even think about romance at a time like this.

"Do you like it?", he said as we both sat down and I examined the place some more.

"It's nice", I replied before placing my hands on my lap. He took up a menu and started looking through it but I stayed still. There was something that he wasn't telling me and I wanted to hear.

"What's going on?", I say as he glanced my way before sighing and placing the menu back on the table. He was about to say something but a waitress came out of nowhere and asked for our orders. He waved her off and I watched her retreat from our table.

"I know you Vanessa. I've known you for a while now".

"What's that suppose to mean?", I replied giving him a confused stare. He stood up before coming over to my side.

"Let's talk in the room".

He pointed to a small door that I didn't notice before and I got up slowly before following after him. I wanted to leave but then I didn't because I needed to find out his intentions. He better not do anything unpleasant.

"Now, what do you mean?", I asked as I took off my scarf and crossed my arms. He took off his jacket before throwing it on the small bed that was in the centre of the room.

"I knew you...when you use to work for Zed".

For a second I thought that I heard wrong. But as realization hit me I felt my body getting weaker by the second. I stepped back until my back hit the wall. My breathing was a bit shallow as I watched him. He knew about my past all this tine

I shook my head in disbelief as he started coming closer.

"Don't. Touch. Me".

He stood still as I continued to glare at him. I knew there was something more to this. Why then would he want to have dinner with me? Does that mean he's working for Zed? Upon that thought my heart raced even faster and I scanned the room for any signs of cameras or persons hiding in the shadows.

"Look, I'm not working for him. I was a client of yours -

He didn't finish because my palm went right across his cheek. I was angry, hurt and seriously pissed. I felt my eyes water but I refused to let them fall. He was disgusting and I wish I've never met him.

"Why are you mad Vanessa? It's not like I was the only client that received pleasure from you. I remembered when I entered the room and saw you with your head down and you were sitting on the bed. I approached you and you looked up at me with those beautiful brown eyes. You were so beautiful ; so young and irresistible. I know you have a scar on your belly, the one that I gave you from the cigar".

I touched my belly as those horrible memories flashed before my eyes. This time the tears fell but I wiped them immediately. I was stronger than this. This is the exact same reason why I hated trusting people. I didn't trust Franco but I didn't have a ton of hate feelings inside for him either.

"When I met you that day, when you were with Mordechai, I knew it was you and I wanted to have you....again".

"You disgusting piece of nothing. You think you're all that hmm? You think because I gave you my body those years ago you have a right to have me again?! So what if you did? It was my past and you have no damn right to claim me!. I'm leaving and I want you to stay away from me or else -

"Or else what Vanessa? You'll tell everyone that I slept with you in the past and now I want you for myself? I don't think anyone knows who you really are...not even Mordechai who I despised. He seems to have a mere interest in you and I hate it. I'm not sure Devin or Julia knows either...".

"You will NOT blackmail me Franco", I replied as I hurriedly took up my scarf and left the place. I felt like I wanted to faint as the elevator started to descend. He knew who I was all this time and not only that, he had my body and gave me the damn burn that ruined my skin!"

I didn't know how I looked at the moment and neither did I care. I left the restaurant ignoring the stares and started walking. I stopped at a closed shop as I tried to catch my breath. I slid down the wall and sat on the ground. I hated him. I hated him so much.

"Ma'am, are you ok?".

I looked up and saw a driver looking concerningly at me. I stood up shakily before entering the cab and closing the door. I told him my directions as he nod and drove off.

In the next three months the contract will be up and I can leave this cursed place. I had half the money already for my ticket and fees. For once I wanted time to pass by as fast as possible.

I just needed to finish my contract whilst avoiding Zed, Reid and most importantly Franco. He's a good for nothing manipulator and I wished I knew who he was before I got too in depth with him.

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