Chapter 2 – Emptiness

Waylon Six years, two months, and fifteen days to be exact since that day. Not a single day has passed without me remembering those ashen, innocent, doe-like eyes. I thought I would never see them again—but in the depths of that little boy’s gaze, I saw the same innocence. In his still-developing features, I saw the exact replica of me. “Dan,” I called to him. “Yes?” he answered, looking up from the lab report. “I want a thorough report on Terra Anderson and her children. ASAP.” “Yes, sir.” Dan dropped the report. “I’ll have Amber come pick you up.” “No need. Just leave the car.” “You’re not in any condition to drive,” Dan argued. “I’m fine. Just leave the car.” He didn’t argue further and left me alone. Once I finished getting my head wrapped, I returned to the office and tried to focus on work. But it was proving difficult—I couldn’t get that face out of my head. A long time had passed—Terra had changed. She stood tall, meeting my gaze with quiet strength. She was no longer the naïve, sheltered girl I once knew. The softness in her eyes was still there, but it had been reshaped—tempered by pain, betrayal, and time. That is how things are. We learn. We grow. We changed. Suddenly, my attention was drawn to the door as it opened. It revealed a woman of similar stature to Terra—but she was not Terra. This one never learned. “Sam,” she waltzed in, concern etched on her face. She wasted no time rushing over and tenderly caressing my forehead. “Does it hurt?” I took a step back, putting distance between us. “Why are you like this?” she asked, her voice pained. “You know exactly why. Don’t play dumb,” I said, turning my attention back to the report. “Why can’t we go back to how we used to be?” I laughed bitterly. “Wasn’t it you who broke up with me for my half-brother?” “You left me first,” she shot back. “And you promised to come back.” “You promised to wait,” I snapped. “And I did.” “So did I,” I replied, frustration bleeding into my voice. “Your body did,” she whispered, tears forming in her eyes, “but your heart didn’t. You changed after you met her.” “And that’s your justification? That’s enough reason for you to fuck my half-brother—in my bed—for me to walk in and watch? Is that what you call justice?” “It was the heat of the moment. I was hurt because of you. I just wanted you to feel some of my pain.” “And I did,” I said coldly, “just not your pain.” She turned to me, stunned. “What do you mean?” My stupidity—my regrets—they’re none of her business anymore. “I’m done with this nonsense. Leave. I have work to do.” “Sam, I demand an explanation,” she snapped, standing her ground. “Don’t call me that,” I growled. “And get the fuck out.” We grew up together. Demi should’ve known better than to push my buttons. But today, she decided to test my limits. “Sam!” she shouted. Apparently, my limit was very low. “Shut up and leave,” I said, calm but with a sinister edge. “Before I have security escort you out. It would be a shame to see the perfect image you’ve worked so hard to maintain… ruined.” Demi stomped her foot, refusing to budge. But my limit had already been breached. I grabbed her by the arm, pushed her out, and slammed the door in her face. After wasting two hours listening to Demi’s bullshit, she finally gave up. The noise died down, and silence hit me like a brick. I hadn’t gotten anything done—and with more work on the way, I should’ve stayed focused. But instead, I felt the urge to take a long drive. I ended up in front of the Anderson residence, just watching. Right after Terra and I broke up, I used to drive here often—just to witness the damage I had caused. I’d sit in my car and watch her sneak out of the house, only to return drunk and stumbling. The more she spiraled, the more satisfied I felt. I wanted to watch the Andersons crumble by breaking their beloved daughter. I thought if I could destroy her, I’d destroy them. But nothing ever goes as planned. While the Andersons only grew stronger, my own life began to unravel. As if karma had finally caught up to me—my father turned on me, Demi betrayed me, and Damian was always… Damian. I was left with nothing but emptiness. I stood there in the dark, watching a house lit up with laughter as they celebrated her return. Terra was right—everyone loves her. Her parents, her brother, and now even their wives. And me… even me. At the end of the day, she was the best thing to come out of this petty revenge scheme. I stayed until my own jealousy became unbearable, then finally headed back home. Or rather, hell. As I pulled into the driveway and saw the black Lamborghini parked out front, I sighed. Tonight wasn’t going to end without an argument. True to my word, Demi came running down the stairs, tears streaming down her face. She paused for a moment, locking eyes with me—then threw herself into my arms. I didn’t move. I kept my arms at my sides, unmoved by her crocodile tears. “Sam, you have to help me,” she sobbed. “I can’t take it anymore.” “Whatever happens between the two of you is your problem. Don’t drag another person into it—it’ll only complicate things,” I told her off gently. Her expression shifted into a scowl before she stormed downstairs, likely heading for the liquor stash. It’s her usual routine after every argument with Damian. I looked up and saw Damian standing at the top of the staircase. I rolled my eyes. Of course, he was there—waiting to stir up more trouble for me. I made my way up the stairs, doing my best to ignore the mocking smirk Damian wore like a badge of honor. “So,” he drawled, “how far did you two go tonight? How many climaxes?” “Show a little respect for your fiancée,” I warned, my tone flat. “That whore? Please. She doesn’t deserve an ounce of it. You and I both know why she agreed to marry me—money. She’ll do anything for it. Sleep with you once, me twice, and then crawl right back to you.” “You’re still engaged to her. At least pretend to have some dignity—if not for her, then for her father, the man you’ve been leeching off. If they call off the wedding, you’re finished.” “Respect?” Damian scoffed. “And you’re the one preaching that? What a damn hypocrite.” His smirk deepened. “Remember that one girl you humped and dumped like trash? What was her name again—Taya, Tina… Oh, I remember now. Terra, wasn’t it?” Punch! I didn’t give him a chance to register what was happening—I grabbed him by the collar and yanked him close. “Don’t ever let me hear you say that name again,” I warned, my voice low and deadly. “Or you’ll regret it.” To drive the point home, I used his shirt to wipe the blood off my knuckles—the blood from the punch I’d just landed. “Oh, and one more thing,” I added coldly. “Be nice to Demi. Screw around all you want, but don’t let anyone get dirt on you. If your father-in-law cuts you off, don’t expect me to lift a damn finger.” I turned and started walking away, then paused. “And for that little insult back there? Say goodbye to next month’s paycheck. It’s going to the orphanage—at least they’re worth the money.” “You can’t do that to me. That’s my money!” he shouted. “Try and stop me,” I replied, then shut the door in his face. Before I could breathe easy, I triple-locked the door—just in case. With those two lunatics, caution was a necessity. The extra deadbolt was specifically for Demi. Last time she broke in, she nearly caused a riot in the house. I’m not scared—just tired. Tired of the chaos. Tired of the noise. All I want now is a moment of peace after another long day filled with nothing but dread and emptiness.