[YOU KNOW ME : NOT EDITED]

Cara's POV

"We're getting married."

It is like he knows how much it hurts me, it is like he wants to hurt me, so he said it with his sadistic smile, just so he can torture me.

I pushed his hand away and shook my head, my inside shaking with fear but i acted otherwise. "No, we are not." I replied back.

"Yes, we will." He said, his tone challenging, it's obvious he wants to anger me, and it's working, he has his own way in pushing my buttons.

"Don't think i am scared of you." I said with a confident tone, my voice came stable, not shaking and i liked how i took control over myself again. I am not going to give up, i am not going to let a man play with me according to his own rules. I don't care who he is, or what he can do, I am not going to oblige to him, at least not without a fight.

He chuckled lowly, "Oh, how innocent you are." He mockingly said.

"You think you are so strong-", He said casually with a raised eyebrow, "And i am here just thinking of the possible ways i can easily break this strength you're faking."

He stepped even closer leaving no space between us, a low gasp escaped past my lips when i felt his hand lightly touching my baby bump, "Starting from the baby you are carrying." He said, his voice low and threatening, yet the smile still there showing the wicked thoughts running in his messed up mind.

"I won't let you lay a finger on my baby." I instantly snapped back as i again, pushed his hand away.

"See, this anger, this bewilderment that comes upon you when i mention hurting your baby, this is just a proof of how weak you are." He stated in a matter of fact tone.

"You have so many weaknesses, which is good on my side, because i can slowly and painfully hurt them all-", his voice lowered, "- one by one, in front of your eyes, and i won't stop-", I didn't notice how his hand traveled to my hair from the back, his hand fisted around it and pulled hard, his tone changed, taking a more dangerous shade as he talked further, "-Not until you break down and give me what i want."

My jaw tightened at the confidence in his tone, i placed my hand over his arm to push it away, but in vain, he just tightened his hold, that it actually started to hurt, "What do you want from me !" my eyebrows furrowed as i snapped back at him.

He looked unfazed as he said it again , "How many times i have to repeat myself so you can understand that i want to marry you."

"Why ?" I asked, "You don't even know me !"

With his grip still tightened around my hair he pulled me closer to him, i gulped at how close his face is, our noses almost touching, his eyes looked directly into mine, the green color taking a darker shade and his pupils dilated.

His breath brushed over my lips as he ever so lowly said, "Because i love you."

My eyes widened, his words knocked off all the oxygen from my lungs, my mind blocked as i tried to register whatever he just spit on my face.

But that didn't take long, I was snapped back to reality when he suddenly burst into laughter, my eyebrows furrowed as i stared back at him confused, "Oh no don't believe that." He added with a slight shake of his head, "Your face though." He let a low chuckle before he pulled his lower lip between his teeth, his wicked smile there , "Me and love don't go together." He added with a tsk - sound.

"Let's just say, there is this thing i want and to reach it, I've got to marry his-" he paused for a while, as if he was about to say something he shouldn't, "I have to marry this someone , which happens to be you." he added leaving me even more confused, "Don't think you're so special, you are just-" he paused , his eyebrows pulled together as if thinking of the best word, "Just a tool to reach what i want."

"What is that you want ?" I asked out of curiosity.

"None of your business love." He said as his hand finally left my hair, he took one step backward leaving me space to breath again,"You just have to obey what i say, follow my rules and no harm will happen to you." He said as his right hand went to his hair, the area beside his ear and lightly stroked it. I noticed he does that a lot, my eyes traveled eyeing his movement and that's when i noticed the scar that runs all the way from his hair down to the right side of his neck, then it disappears under his dress shirt.

"And now i say, come sign the wedding papers and let's end this." His voice grabbed my attention back to him, my gaze traveled to his face. My eyebrows furrowed as i stood still in my place not knowing what to do next.

Should i do this, like Roman said, go on with this messed up life just so he can get out of here later.

Should i marry this man even though every part of me is telling me not to.
Even though my inside is screaming, and my heart is trying to take control telling me to forget everything and go back home, bring myself back to life so i can bring his too.

But then the logical part interferes, telling me how I can't let my emotions come in between, how i should handle whatever is coming so i can protect the people i care about.

Nikolas took my hand in his as he tried to take me out of the room, but i immediately stopped making him stop as well, i pulled my hand back and shot him a glare, "Don't touch me !" I said.

His eyebrow raised, he chuckled as he looked away then back at me, "We're getting married, you should get used to me more than just - touching you."

My heart dropped in my stomach at the meaning behind his words. My throat burned and I couldn't form any other words after.

Oh my god-

All my strength suddenly faded away. The confidence I thought i had, just disappeared. He is right- i am faking it. I am not strong.

But he is.

He is way stronger than i'll ever be, he can easily destroy everything i care about. Then he will just destroy me.

He took my hand again, he opened the door and pulled me outside with him. I didn't fight back, I didn't stop him. Because like always, i have to put them first. And put myself last.

I have to shut these emotions and silence my racing heart for a while.

You're ruining your life. A low voice whispered in my head. You're ruining Alex's life, your daughter's life as well.

I know. But what else i am supposed to do-

How else i am supposed to escape this trap without anyone getting hurt.

It's the only way.

I held into Roman's words from before. I held into his promise. The only shred of hope i have left.

My only way to get out, the only way to go back home.

Just - Don't disappoint me Roman. Please don't.

Nikolas suddenly stopped making me lightly collide with his back. His hand tightened over mine as i stepped a bit away to see why he stopped.

My eyes directly met Roman's angry ones, he was standing right in front of us, his gaze traveled from me to Nikolas then back to our hands. A muscle ticked in his jaw before he sudddenly stepped closer and harshly removed Nikolas's hand away from mine, then gently pushed me behind him.

"Where are you taking her ?" He asked, anger evident in his tone

Nikolas crossed his arms over his chest, he let out a bored sigh, "Your father didn't tell you ?" he said, Roman shook his head, "Tell me what ?"

"That it is time." Nikolas said, the challenging look in his eyes just proves how much he is enjoying this. "We're getting married today, i don't want to waste more time."

"So step away kid." He added as he uncrossed his arms and took a step forward toward Roman. He looked down, his figure hovering over him.

Roman surprised me when he fisted his hand around Nikolas's shirt and tie and pushed his away till he collided with the wall, "I don't know what you want from this f*cking marriage-" Roman voice raised, "But if you hurt my sister, i will kill you Nikolas,

- I promise i will. "

Nikolas's eyes hardened, he pushed Roman away, and in a swift motion, he grabbed his arm and twisted it behind his back before pushing him harshly, pinning him against the wall, his other hand grabbed his throat so tightly, as if ready to tear it apart, "Don't make promises you can't keep." Nikolas said.

I directly inched closer, "Leave him !" I snapped, but that made him tighten his grip more over Roman's neck, "You couldn't protect Emma before, so i don't think it's going to be any different now, would it ?" He added, his tone calm yet you can sense the real anger behind each word, "You'll be no good to your sister because you are a fücking-"

"I said leave him, I am going to sign those stupid papers, what else you want !" I snapped as i grabbed into the back of his suit jacket. That was enough to snap him back, he let go of Roman, "Don't pretend to be the hero-" Nikolas said bitterly, his eyes shooting daggers toward Roman, "You are just a cowered."

Roman's hand curled into a fist, he looked ready to kill but he did nothing nor did he reply back and to that i was glad. I walked a bit closer toward him and placed my hand over his arm to grab his attention to me before he does something stupid.

His eyes traveled to me, they softened at my sight, he let out a tired sigh and shook his head in defeat, "I am sorry." he said, his voice so low.

"It's okay." I said before i inched closer and wrapped my arms around him, i hugged him just so i can tell him, "Please keep your promise." I whispered beside his ear as a tear trickled down my cheek.

He hugged me back, "I will." He whispered, "I promise."

I pulled away and gave him a slight nod. With the back of my hand, i wiped my cheek. I turned around and looked at Nikolas - my husband to be.

The anger in his eyes is long gone, and his smile is back.

He knew he won, he got what he wants. He knows exactly how to play me, he knows how to break me down. I have a feeling, a really bad feeling -  this won't end well, someone is going to get hurt.

I am sure. And i am so scared.

I swallowed hard, "Shall we ?" I said pulling the blank act again.

First step in destroying my life - Done.

"We shall." He said, his hand took mine again before he started walking away.

My eyes traveled to the window as we walked, i paused my steps for a few seconds as i took in the raindrops as they harshly hit the window.

I knew it was coming. I knew it was going to be bad, but now, now I know - it's going to destroy everything in its way.

Looks like - The storm has just begun.

****
One week Later..

Katherine's POV

"Mama !"

I directly turned my head and looked at Chase, he was sitting in his car seat in the back. He extended his hand handing me his empty milk bottle as he muttered something like, "Fis fis-", i understood it as - i finished. Probably.

I chuckled lowly at his own way of making words. I took the bottle from him then turned around in my seat and placed it in his bag.

My eyebrows furrowed as i saw how my hand shook as I closed the bag. I swallowed hard then placed my hands in my lap, i fisted them around the hem of my shirt to stop them from shaking.

Ashton's hand suddenly came and held mine, his thumb gently stroked it. I turned my face toward him, "Are you okay?" He asked then looked back at the road.

I placed my other hand over his, i smiled, "Yes i am."

Almost a week has passed, and things feels different now. Better - i think.

Alex looks better than before. He would throw a lame joke every now and then, he would stay silent other times, but still, he is different, different than the Alex i first knew.

We don't talk about Cara at all, which is better, i think.

Everyday when Ashton comes from work we go and see him. Check on him, see if he needs anything.

I shook my thoughts away when the car suddenly stopped, i looked around to see Alex's house is few miles away.

"Goddammit !" Ashton muttered angrily. My eyebrows furrowed as he went out of the car, he bent down beside the door and took a look.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"Flat tire." Ashton replied.

"Oh but we are here anyway." I said as i went down as well.

Ashton nodded, "Take Chase and go inside, i will fix it and follow you." He said.

I nodded before opening the backseat's door, Chase was already asleep as i unbuckled him and took him in my arms.

He laid his head over my chest, snoring lowly, I smiled and kissed his head before i made my way toward the house.

Once arrived, i was about to knock when i noticed that the main door was slightly opened.

My eyebrows pulled together before i placed my palm over it and slowly pushed it. I looked around, "Alex." I said , but no response came.

I took a step inside, my eyes wondering around searching for Alex. My legs took me to the living room and when i saw him sitting there, my heart calmed a bit.

He was sitting on the couch, his legs extended over the table in front of him, a bottle of what i think is alcohol in his hand.

At my footsteps, his eyes traveled me, placing the bottle to his lips, he took one large gulp.

When i reached him, i noticed the other two empty bottles laying on the ground. With an unsatisfied look, and without saying any word, i just took the bottle from his hands.

"Hey !" He said, annoyed as he shot me a glare, "I was drinking that." The words slurred out of his mouth.

My lips curled in annoyance, "You're drunk again - great." I said sarcastically.

He pursed his lips as if thinking about it, his mouth wrenched into a grin, then words slurred out, "I think i am."

I shook my head as i took a look at him, his eyes looked so tired, as if he hadn't slept at all, his clothes wrinkled and his hair all messed up.

And I thought he was getting better.

"What are you doing to yourself." I said, my voice low, not for him to hear.

He tried to take the bottle again from me but i stepped away and placed it aside.

He let out a sigh, he ran his hand in his hair before he stood up. He almost lost his balance but he held into the couch to steady himself.

When he managed to stand up, he simply just walked away.

"Where are you going ?" I asked.

He just waved me off with his hand before going up the stairs.

I shook my head annoyed, i walked to the couch and slowly placed Chase over it so i can follow that stupid guy before he trip over the stairs or something.

But the moment i turned around to follow Alex, Chase started crying.

I turned back again and sat beside him, "Shush baby boy, mommy is here." I said as i gently stroked his hair but that didn't stop his cries, he kept on crying as he inched closer toward me. I immediately took him in my arms again and tried to rock him back to sleep.

His cries started to die, but then the silence broke with a low thud noise coming from upstairs, it's like as if something fell on the ground. Then it was followed by another, then another.

My heart thumped harder, my arms wrapped tightly around Chase as i stood up and immediately went upstairs.

I reached the bedroom, i stopped by the door, my eyes widened a bit when i saw Alex standing by the counter, whatever was on it, is now thrown on the floor.

Then all of a sudden, his fist went and collided with the mirror, the sound of his groan was followed by the loud shattering of the glass.

I gasped, my arms involuntary tightened around Chase as i took one step backward.

My eyes wide as i took a look at the mess on the floor now. My eyes traveled to Alex, he was panting, barely even able to let a normal breath out, his eyes furious as they eyed his hand, the blood over his knuckles.

My stomach tightened and i wanted to rush toward him but holding Chase in my arms stopped me.

He unclenched his fist, his eyes not leaving his hand, he brought his fingers and lightly traced the blood over it. He then turned his hand to the other side, my heart dropped when i saw him looking at his wrist.

"No." I whispered as if i knew the thoughts now running in his head.

His eyes left his hand and looked at the broken glass on the floor, he stared at them for a while as if trying to figure something.

When he bent down and took a piece of the glass, i lost my mind, for a moment i forgot that i am holding Chase in my arms, I didn't know what to do so i just ran inside toward him.

"Alex NO !" I snapped at him before trying to take it away from his hands.

He groaned and removed his hands away, "Alex please !" I said, my voice shaking. I didn't know how to stop him, I couldn't think straight as Chase started crying again, and Alex held the sharp end to his wrist.

The logical part of me fled away, i inched even closer and tried to snatch it away, but he didn't let me, my fingers wrapped over the piece of the glass, making it penetrate through my flesh as i tried to take it away.

But Alex pulled it back, he didn't let me, he fought back, "LEAVE ME !" He shouted, he didn't look aware of what he is doing. He didn't seem to notice that i am holding Chase in my arms as he harshly pushed me away.

I didn't know what happened or how it happened, but the force of his push threw me away making me lose my balance, my arms tightened over Chase protectively as i felt myself falling. My back came in contact with something hard and my arms hit the floor letting the glass pierce into my skin, i let a cry in pain as i felt the burning ache shot all the way from my back inside to every part my body.

My vision blurred for a moment and i lost conscious of what's happening. But Chase's hysterical crying pulled me back, i tried to sit but failed. My mind went wild at thought that something happened to my baby.

I suddenly felt strong arms around me as they helped me sit down, "Katherine !"

I blinked when i heard Ashton's worried voice, he looked at me with wide eyes, "Are you okay?"

I didn't answer him, I couldn't, I didn't feel any pain at the moment as i took a look at Chase, his face red, his cries so loud, i've never heard him cry like this, almost in pain.

I lost control over myself when i saw blood - there was blood over the palm of his hand, "Oh my god !"

I inspected his hand, the small shreds of the glass cut into his palm, blood welled up along it making my heart twist harder.

Ashton said nothing as he saw it too, his whole demeanor changed. He angrily stood up and within a second he yanked Alex by his shirt before he slammed his body against the wall then threw a punch to his jaw, "You crossed your line Alex !"

He snapped as he landed another punch, while Alex didn't fight back, he just let him hit him, "We are just trying to help you !" The anger in Ashton's voice scared me. "That's how you repay back ?!"

I tried to calm Chase down but I couldn't, I didn't know what to do, i am his mother, and I didn't know what to do. Oh my god-

My hands shook as i tried to get the glass out of his skin but he cried harder making me stop. My heart stuttered.

"I don't want your help." Alex said bitterly, he pushed Ashton away then wiped the blood from over his mouth with the back of his hand, "I just want to stay alone !"

Ashton's fingers wrapped around his neck, he pinned him against the wall, "Then you'll get what you want." He said before releasing him.

He then directly came toward me and helped me stand up, the pain shot throughout every part of my body but I didn't care. The only thing that mattered now is my son, and seeing him hurt in anyway, is the only pain I can't bare.

Ashton turned around ready to leave but Alex decided to speak again, "You think i am happy when i see you guys here." He asked but it was obvious he wasn't waiting for an answer.

Ashton stopped but he didn't turn around, i turned my back and saw the blank look in Alex's eyes, he gritted his teeth as he angrily let out, "When i see that you've got everything i've lost !"

I shook my head, this is not Alex who is talking, Alex always wanted the best for us, he won't say something like this.

"I am not the one who is supposed to lose everything !" He snapped, looking at Ashton's back, he pointed his finger toward him, his voice lowered, "You should've."

My eyes widened at the bitterness in his tone, and what he said next, he really did cross a line, "At least i wasn't the reason behind someone's death."

That was it for Ashton, a muscle ticked in his jaw before he lightly shook his head, he turned around and walked closer to him. He balled his fist and landed an uppercut against his jaw sending him staggering backward into the floor, "You better not show me your face, because i won't be responsible for what i'll do !"

With that he turned back toward us, he took Chase from me, then took my hand in his and pulled me away with him, i looked at Alex one last time before we went out of the room, his eyes met mine and i saw a completely different man. I turned my face away and lightly shook my head as few tears trickled down my cheek. What's happening to us ?

Ashton placed Chase on the couch and ushered me to sit as well, "I'll get the first aid kit, stay here." He said before walking away.

I looked at Chase, he was no longer crying but his lips pursed in a pout as he looked at his hand, tears lined his lashes and his nose red from all the crying. My heart ached as i gently stroked his cheek, he lifted his head and looked at me, i immediately inspected his face to see if he got hurt anywhere else.

I looked at his arm and other hand,there was nothing, but when i saw more blood over his shirt, i freaked out. "Oh my god, where else you got hurt !" I said as i frantically pulled his shirt to see the source of this blood, my hands started shaking, my whole body shook with fear as i tried to check every part of him.

"Katherine."

"There is more- where-"Even my voice didn't sound familiar to my ears.

"Katherine, look at me." Ashton said again as he tried to grab my attention back to him but i ignored him, i have to see where my baby got hurt, i will not forgive Alex if i saw him more hurt, i won't.

"Goddammit Katherine it's your blood." Ashton said as he cupped my face in his hand pulling me out of my daze. His eyes traveled to my forearm, i followed his gaze, to see he is right, it is my blood. I didn't even notice it or feel it, but when he lightly touched my arm i directly flinched away as i felt the burning pain shoot through each cell of my body.

"You've got hurt so bad." He lowly said eyeing both of my arms. His jaw tightened, he lifted his eyes and met mine, "You're not stepping a feet in this house ever again, you understand." He angrily said, but i knew his anger is not directed toward me.

"Asht-"

"You won't come here again." He said interrupting me, stressing on each word.

I swallowed hard and nodded. I know better than to argue with him when he is angry.

***********
Two Days Later..

Alex's POV

I parked the car in my usual place, i turned the engine off but stayed still in my seat. I adjusted the rear-view mirror to have a look at my face before going down. I ran my hand over my jaw, it still feels out of its place.

I winced, damn, it still hurts.

I deserve it anyway.

My jaw tightened as i recalled what i did, or what i said.

God, I could've hurt Katherine or Chase. What's wrong with me-

I shook my head, i don't want to go there, i don't want to lose my mind again, i just want to go down, go back to work, maybe it'll take my mind off things for a while.

I fixed the collar of my shirt before i went down. My steps heavy as i entered the company's main door. I felt everyone's eyes on me as i walked, i felt them pausing their work just to get a look, to give me a pity look. My jaw tightened, as if this pity look will get me back everything i lost.

I tried to ignore everyone as i made my way toward the elevator, i don't want to stop, i don't want anyone to talk with me, to tell me they're sorry.

But my wish didn't last long, out of everyone, Ashton had to be there in my way, talking with few of the employees. I was hoping not to bump into him.

But i guess, today it is not my lucky day.

His eyes flicked to me, i saw them kind of shocked but i also saw how they hardened at my sight. I didn't say anything, i just looked away and continued my way toward the elevator.

But guess what, Ashton being him had to come and block my way, "What are you doing here ?" He asked.

I let out a sigh, "What does it look like i am doing ?" I rolled my eyes, "I was going to do my job before you came into my way."

He looked annoyed by my sarcastic tone, "Go back home, Alex." He simply said.

I ignored him, stepped aside ready to pass by him and go do whatever i came here to do, but Ashton pressed his palm against my chest stopping me again, i let out a sigh, can he just leave me be.

"I said go back home, don't make a scene Alex." He added, his voice low, his tone kind of threatening.

I looked around to see everyone's eyes on us, i removed his hand away, "You are making scene, i came here to do my work hoping i won't have to see your pretty face but well, life can be a bitch sometimes."

He gritted his teeth before his hand fisted around the collar of my shirt,wrinkling it, fuck- "Damn man , i ironed this in the morning." I said with an annoyed tone.

He ignored my comment "I meant it when i said don't let me see your face." He added, "No one hurts my wife or my son and stays alive, it is a bonus you are my friend or i don't know what i would've done to you."

He pushed me away letting go of my shirt. I tried to not let his words affect me, I casually fixed the collar of my shirt and said, "Are you finished ?."

"Because i've got work to do." I added casually before i started to walk again. GUESS WHAT AGAIN, that bitch stopped me AGAIN.

I am starting to lose my patience over here.

"I won't let you." He said.

"Look Ashton, like you have your place in this company, i have mine, so-"

"I gave you this place, and like i did that, i can easily take it away." He said interrupting me, his voice loud, and i am sure everyone heard, "I made you who you are now, and i can take you back to what you were before me - so don't test my temper Alex, because you won't like it."

Okay now this - this hurts. It fucking hurts.

"I always thought that one day this would come and bite me in the ass." I said and shook my head, "But then i'd say Ashton is my friend, he won't do it."

"You were always the little rich kid who felt bad for this poor one."

I let out a chuckle, a pained one. Wasn't everything happening in my life enough already-

From all the people, i though Ashton won't do it. I thought he'd understand.

"You think you know me Ashton-" I said as i took a step closer toward him, "You don't, no one does-"

No one.

And no one will.

"You want to take me to what i was-" I made quotation marks with my fingers, "-Before you."

"You don't know what i was-" I stopped myself there, i don't want to remember what i was.

I inched even closer, my anger taking the best of me at the moment, my past and my present all came crashing in my face, "So fuck your money-"

I pushed him away, "Fuck your company-" I added as i pushed him again one last time.

"And fuck you for being such a great friend."

*********************************

GOSH I AM SORRY FOR TAKING SO LONG TO UPDATE !

Anyways, so this happened, told ya before *winks* , SO, who you think was at wrong at what he did, Ashton or Alex ? And do you think things would go back to normal between them ?

And and the other day, i was thinking about this story and i realized how it's going to be more heartbreaking than Ashton's and Katherine's story. OH GOD WHY I DID THIS *sniffs* WHY I DID'NT LEAVE ALEX AND CARA HAPPY TOGETHER *cries*

Warning : Somewhere later in the story, someone will die, actually, maybe two will die, I didn't decide yet *runs away*

Love ya all ❤