I thought I knew him well enough, for only he was someone I could trust. He was my love, my family, my everything. Turns out, I'm still figuring him out.
All I knew was a personality created by him all along.
It started that day...
It was just like any normal day, I was cooking, waiting for Lucas to come home. It was our seventh anniversary. I had known this man for seven years, it still feels like yesterday.
We met like any other normal couple, on a blind date. His mother chose me for him and unlike most arrange marriage couples, we loved each other. We had understanding and love. I had a loving and doting husband and a really nice job. I work as a professor in a reputed institute whilst he is a doctor. My life was perfect.
It was raining the day we met and I hate when it rains. All my perfect days are ruined by the rain. I was waiting for my blind date with a bad mood. I was a bit early so I decided that I would finish my novel till he arrives.
To my surprise, he was there early too, he came as soon as I pulled the book out of my bag. He was all dressed up, like a gentleman with a bouquet of my favourite roses in his hands. It was a beautiful coincidence.
With a deep voice, he asked "Are you Miss Jennifer?"
I smiled at the man standing in front of me and gave a nod to confirm my identity.
While we were talking about each other, I looked out of the window and the words "When will it stop raining" came out of my mouth.
As if he read my mind, the topic suddenly changed to rain. I gave all the reasons to hate rain. Suddenly, he took the umbrella out and took me out.
I was utterly confused. While walking, we came across the kids on the street, sailing paper boats and jumping around. I couldn't help but smile.
Funny thing I started liking the rain and the man.
Each time we met, I got to know him more and more and more and more did I fall for him. At last, we married.
I was immersed in the thoughts of our sweet memories, when all of a sudden, I heard a loud voice outside the house. It was him, at the door, all covered in blood, with a surgical knife in his hands.
Worried, I opened the door and let him in. I was shocked. I mustered some courage and asked him if he was okay. I noticed that it wasn't his blood. He asked me not to worry and admitted to harming someone. He told me that everything has been taken care of and that I should not think about it.
I was shook to the core. This monster can't be the man I love. He is not someone I love. I love a polite man who loved everyone around him. He showed me the beauty of the things that I couldn't see myself.
I went away, and locked myself in the bathroom. I couldn't leave this man for the sake of our families. Mostly, it was personal. I still love the image that he created and I can't let go. He was banging the door.
After giving it some thought, I decided that I would end things with him.
I knew it wasn't possible but I couldn't stand the sight of a criminal.
When I came out, he was sitting there. Very calmly he said "Let's be roommates. I know it's hard for you but, please, for my parents. I can't lose you either."
Those words were enough to make me stay. A tear escaped my eye. I knew it was dangerous but I somehow knew that he would never harm me. I might be looking like a stupid girl. I am a fool when it comes to him. But I couldn't quite accept this man. I couldn't say anything. All I could do was to get up and set the table. The food reminded me of our anniversary that was ruined by the bitter truth.
I passed him the plate and we ate in silence. We didn't say anything to each other.
Days passed, weeks passed and eventually months passed. Nothing changed. We didn't talk to each other except for the things that were absolutely necessary.
It has been two months since we talked to each other. It was so strange that the man I once loved was now a stranger to me.
It was a fine day, the weather was perfect. I was sitting at the backyard porch, immersing in the moment. I thought of getting some wine from the cellar but I dropped the idea and thought of settling on to the juice. I noticed that it was midnight and my roomate wasn't home.
I found it quite strange. I was thinking about calling him but my brain told me that I had no right to do so anymore.
There was a knock at the door. I looked through the door and saw my roomate standing there.
He was banging the door saying "Hurry up, I'm being chased, please open the door."
As I touched the door knob, my phone rang, it was a call from my roomate.
I picked the call up and he without hearing anything he said "It's not me, do not open the door."
I was confused, but I knew that this man, the one who could kill anyone that easily is not someone who would not be able to handle someone chasing him. I did not open the door. When I didn't give any response, the man knocking at the door started firing at the door.
Good thing I didn't open the door.
I was looking through the screen and I saw Lucas, running towards his doppelganger with a gun in his hands. Without any thought, he shot the doppelganger on the head.
He opened his phone and put it to his ears. My phone rang all of a sudden. I picked the call up and he asked me to open the door. He assured me that it's safe.
As soon as I opened the door, he embraced me and asked me if I was okay. I was trembling.
Everything started disappearing and I feel down.
When I opened my eyes, I was in our room.
I went downstairs to find him sitting there having some toast.
I couldn't control myself. I had an outburst of emotions.
I was crying and soon, anger filled me up. I grabbed him by the collar and screamed "Explain, for god's sake".
He was calm and had a sad emotion over his face. He wiped my tears and made me sit on the table.
After thinking something, he said "It started that day. I was working at the ward with a patient when some people barged in. They grabbed the patient by the collar and asked him to go with them. As a doctor in charge, it was my duty to prevent that. I asked them to leave but they were adamant. It started getting violent, thankfully, I knew some martial arts. How, you must be wondering. I was at a high position in the army for two years. I had to retire due to some personal reasons. I know combat skills and I am good with the guns. So, I was able to defend myself but I had to use the scalpel. When I came back, you saw me like that and misunderstood. They did some background check and found you. As soon as I knew they were coming for you, I meddled in.
I want you to be safe. I love you, I really do.
We're safe for now but they might come again for us, and when they do, we'll be prepared. I'll protect you but please, stay with me."
I had no words. I was listening to him explaining everything but I know for sure that don't know this man wel enoug because, as the events would unfold, I'd get to know him more but, I know that I love him and I trust him. Perhaps the only reason I managed to stay here after that day.
To this day, I'm figuring this man out but the only thing that's changed is that I trust him and I love him. And I know he loves me too, to the same extent.