Five days passed, and Madelyn could not take it anymore; the news was nonstop on the television. She could not work for a while, and there were times when the paparazzi would follow her and ask her questions. Octavio tried to help the best he could, but his help alone was insufficient. He even tried to call the CEO of the news company, but the CEO was not helpful either. However, Octavio did inform her that he thought that the CEO acted a bit strange. It was as if he was nervous if he tried to help.
Both knew that Xander was involved and probably threatened the CEO. Madelyn believed it was best to meet Xander face to face, but Octavio advised against it. Yet, she could not take her privacy being taken away from her anymore. Madelyn wanted to bring the nightmare to an end. She was in her room and had gotten a hold of her cell phone. Madelyn looked at the phone and felt hesitant, but there were no other options if she wanted her peace. She dialed a phone number and heard the other line ring. Each ring made her heart pound.
Then...
There was an answer.
"Hello?"
Madelyn stilled as she felt her heart was about to leave her chest. "Xander."
It was silent on the other end, but he spoke a few seconds later. "Madelyn."
"We need to talk. I want to meet."
"For what, if I may ask?"
Madelyn sighed. "Please, you know the reason. Can we meet, please?"
"...Very well, where?"
"Here, in my apartment. It is quieter, but you know my neighbors have my back if you try something again."
She heard him chuckle on the other end. "Very well, I will see you there."
Both hung up, and the young woman couldn't believe what she decided to do. A part of her thought it was a dumb idea, but she couldn't sit around and not try to de-escalate the situation. Madelyn paced in her living room and waited for Xander. About thirty minutes later, there was a knock on the door. Madelyn went and opened the door.
It was Xander.
He wore a black business suit, slacks, and black shoes; a buttoned-down white shirt was beneath. Cold air filled the apartment; Madelyn motioned him to enter, and he did so. Neither said a word as Madelyn closed the door. Xander stood in the center of the living room, facing Madelyn.
"Xander..." He turned; his face was emotionless. Xander did not speak as his eyes were on her. She knew this was a way for him to hold his power over her. The CEO was part of the business world and faced and destroyed many of his rivals; she knew she didn't have much against him. However, she refused to succumb to his demands. "Why are you doing this?" When there was no answer, Madelyn let out a frustrated sigh. "I know you are behind all of this; even Octavio knows. All because I broke things off between us?" She shook her head. "Why can't you accept it, Xander!? You are not only hurting me but also yourself! You are putting yourself out there. You are part of the lie that you created!"
Xander then began to walk closer to her. Madelyn had the urge to move away but decided to stand her ground. She did not want him to win. Both were before one another. "I told you that this is not over. I am hurting you as you hurt me, the pain you caused me."
Madelyn's eyes became wide open. Xander then got a hold of a strand of her hair. "This will not stop, Madelyn, unless..."
"Unless what?"
He slowly got a part of her hair and gently touched it before letting it go. "Unless you come back to me. If you still refuse, I will take your privacy away. No matter what you do or say, I will not accept. You have no power over me." He smiled as he let go of her hair. "That is my only condition. I will give you time to think about it. In the meantime, this will continue to happen. Until then." Xander walked out of the apartment, leaving Madelyn alone, shocked. The young woman could not believe it. Xander was taking her life away, and there was no escape, only if she gave herself to him.
She did not know what to do and prayed for a miracle.
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