Shoutout to SamuelStormbringer for the awesome cover! It's beautiful 💞

Blake Ryder played as Nick Bateman

Alison's POV.

My finger reached into the depths of the handbag, fumbling with the keys. Struggling to keep my eyelids open, as I inserted the silver key into the hole, I pressed my palm against the cold wood and pushed. A soft creak lingered through the air as it opened and I internally winced at the sound. Making my way to the couch, I flung my handbag to the floor, slumping down on the leather. Immediately my body relaxed, and I let out a relived sigh, closing my eyes.

The distant sound of padding against the floorboards could be heard, and I blearily opened my eyes. A blur of golden suddenly collapses on me and I emit a soft 'umph!', my hands reaching out to stabilise the fur ball upon me.

"Clover?"

The dog barked happily, it's pink tongue licking the side of my left cheek in greeting. Laughing, I rubbed the back of her ear, earning an appreciative groan from the canine.

I had found Clover in the many streets in the city, covered in mud and grime. It had been a rainy day, the huge droplets pelting the gravel. The golden Labrador had been abandoned from birth, and was left to survive by itself in the big world. Many parts on her body were bare, no trace of fur there. Her bones had sticked out prominently, showing that the pup hadn't been eating for a long duration of time. At the time I was already struggling to support myself but my heart had broken at the sight, and I had quickly scooped the dog in my arms and hurried to my apartment. I was aware that I wasn't allowed to own pets in my apartment but after continuous begging, bribing and persuading, I had grudgingly been given the approval form the landlord. Yet, the man continues to glare at me whenever he bumps into me.

"Hey there buddy. How was your day?"

She grinned at me, her tongue poking out, cocking her head to the side, slightly. Picking the bundle of gold in my arms, I made my way to the bedroom, frowning at the mess. Raising an eyebrow, I looked down at Clover and she quickly hid her head between her paws. Laughing at her actions, I set her down on the floor, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

"Don't worry Clo, I'm not angry."

Her tail began to swing, and I reached down to pat her head before walking into the bathroom, and closing the door behind me. Stripping out of my work clothes, I scavenged for a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt before pulling open the lower drawer and grabbing a packet of makeup wipes. Roughly, pressing the wipes against my cheek, I removed any traces of makeup from my face, leaning down to the sink to allow the cool water to soothe the burning feeling on my skin.

Work today had been hectic. With famous men from America spending their  lunch at Madame André, and the usual rude attitude their customers held, I was extremely close to lashing out on somebody. There were times when I would gladly quit my job and high tail out the restaurant but the place was somewhere where I had family, and I earned a pretty good income. Rejecting the offer of working at a high class restaurant would be complete madness. But when you begin to meet the people who dine at the place, well you begin to rethink your decisions. Then again I couldn't expect my job to perfect, and I needed the money so for now I would keep my mouth shut and do my duty.

Opening the tap for the bath, I made myself a soothing bubble bath, with scented candles. This was a routine that I would usually do to calm myself down after a tiring day of work. Placing my sweats and shirt on the cabinet beside the sink, I slowly edged into the bath, a relieved sigh leaving my lips as the warm water came into contact with my skin.

Resting my head on the rim of the bathtub, I closed my eyes, sinking further into the water desperate for a never ending feeling of warmth around me. Memories of my failed marriage began to rush into my mind. A small whimper left my lips as I remembered a particularly nasty time when I had came into contact with Blake. Immediately I pushed out of the bath, climbing out and throwing a withering look at the bathtub. My heart was pounding roughly against my rib cage. Slipping on my clothes, I slid open the slider, rushing into my bedroom. Collapsing into the huge bed my previous thoughts began to cloud my mind.

Flashback:

I struggled to fight the goofy grin that crept up my lips. Stirring the spaghetti with the wooden spatula, my hands worked its magic as I spooled the food in a professional manner onto the plate. I had already mixed the mince and salsa with the spaghetti and I was tempted to take a bite, but my conscious reminded me to wait for Blake before I would do so. Smiling at my work, I placed the two plates on the table, settling down on a nearby seat.

Sitting up straight, I grinned early, awaiting his appearance . Would he like my cooking? Would he praise me and kiss me like I had only imagined he would do? The thought sent tingles down my spine and somehow my smile became even wider.

My confidence did not cease even when three hours had past, and the hands on the clock told me it was fifteen minutes to twelve. Yet my smile faltered as the hands hit twelve, and I allowed myself to sink to the floor. Eyes stinging and hope thoroughly bashed, I clenched my fists, willing myself not to cry.

The sound of keys jingling and footsteps entering the house came to my attention, and a huge grin overtook my features once again. Grabbing the plates, I quickly put them in the microwave before making my way down the hall and turning the bend. Blake's long figure made its way closer to me, and I grinned at him.

"Hi!"

He rolled his eyes, turning around to put up his coat. My smile fell slightly but I gathered myself together, presuming that he was having a bad day.

"How was your day?"

Again, he ignored me, walking deeper into the house. Frowning, I followed him, my sock-cladded feet making a soft patting sound as it hit the wooden floorboards.

"I made you some food, do you want any? Are you hungry?"

Blake let out an aggravated sigh, whipping around to face me.

"Will you ever shut up!"he roared, his eye wide in irritation.

Cowering backwards, I ignored the sharp stab to my heart. He was having a bad day. I'm sure his attitude isn't meant for me, he's just letting it all out.

"I-I'm sorry."

He snorted, rolling his eyes again,"Like hell you should be."

Bad day. It's just a bad day.

- End of flashback -

As much I had tried to convince myself that his harsh demeanour towards me was just purely because of a stressful day or prior annoyance, deep down the hope that he loved me seemed to flicker within me. Like a lighter. It flickered, its light like a hopeless beam against the darkness. The black desperately engulfing the fiery orange, it's attempts become greater as it continued.

A quiet yelp widened up the bed, and I was snapped out my thoughts, my head leant down the side of the bed.

Chuckling lightly to myself, I pushed half of my mid section over the bed, my hands reaching down to mess with Clover's fur.

"Hey there buddy."I whispered, my eyes watching her as she gave me a lopsided grin.

Her paws scratched against the sheets, desperate to climb up and join me in the bed. Mewling softly, she pouted, resting on her rear. Snaking my arms around her small body, I pulled her up onto the bed, resting her near my stomach. Clover had always been there for me. Every afternoon I would return home, opening my mouth to spill out all my hate at the customers and the latest gossip. She in return would sit and listen patiently, occasionally pestering me for a treat. We both end up falling asleep halfway through my rant.

And that was exactly what we did.

--------------------------------------------------

Doned in a pair of grey sweatpants and a blank tank top, I stumbled to the kitchen, my eyes half closed. Clover still remained in the room, sprawled against the bed and emitting a soft snore.

My hands clasped around the handle of the kettle, making myself a cup of tea. I was never a fan of coffee. Occasionally I would have a cup of the bitter beverage to keep myself awake during late shifts but I tended to stick to my tea.

Resting my side against the wall, I sipped the hot tea, testing its warmth. Pressing my tongue to the roof of my mouth from the burning sensation, I blew softly on the liquid. The sun had begun to lift itself upwards, it's hazy yellow rays spilling against the city. Like a yolk being broken apart, sweeping into the streets.

And so I stood there watching the sunrise with a cup of lukewarm tea in my hands. This routine I would partake in about three times a week, where I would go through my fails and accomplishments in life. Nothing would disrupt me and there seemed to be a calm feeling around in the morning.

Yet as I fumbled through my thoughts, I furrowed my eyebrows at the sound of a soft knocking. Setting the cup down on the coffee table, I made my way carefully to the door. Who would come knocking at my home at thirteen past six in the morning? Luke would never do such thing, he valued his sleep a lot. It felt like I was in those horror movie when the main character would hear a noise from downstairs and begin to walk cautiously towards the sound. My hands rested meekly on the doorknob, hesitating. A sharp knock came from the other side of the door, and I refrained myself from jumping back. I turned the knob slowly, fisting my hand and swinging it back in case of an intruder.

But to my outmost shock it wasn't a six foot man donned in black clothing and holding a knife. No, it was a fairly tall man, fitted neatly in a tuxedo, his eyes filled with amusement as he spotted my raised fist.

"Well Mrs Ryder, give me your best shot."he smirked, motioning towards my hand.

I gape at him, blinking.

He was here.