Madeline's POV.
A week passed without Liam's presence in his apartment, it was just me, and the music as the pages shuffled as I worked on my assignment.
I didn't know if he left the place because he hated me, or if he was afraid of conflict or if it was just a part of working in the showbiz, but all I knew was the emptiness I felt.
Some people enjoyed it, the silence, the isolation, the feeling of being with oneself but I hated it.
I was not the kind of person who would go out and explore places, I was too lazy for that.
I barely went to parties because I don't drink and smoke, and the music was sometimes too loud for me.
But I loved having people surrounding me, my people.
But I didn't have my people here, nor could I invite them here; this was a place that didn't belong to me, a place that didn't welcome me.
So I wished I had some company here, anyone, someone.
Papa called me every day, made sure I was okay, and his questions would mostly range from 'How are you?' to 'Liam didn't take advantage of you, did he?'
'Did Liam do me any harm?'
'Did he take advantage of me?'
'No, but why was I feeling so wronged?'
I had so many questions that I didn't have answers to.
I have so much to say but no one to listen to.
At this point, I think it was better to roam around in the streets with no shelter with my papa rather than feeling like a bird in a golden cage with its beak shut.
My thoughts were disturbed by the ringing doorbell.
I immediately sat straight, 'Who could it be, at this hour? It was 8 in the evening.'
A thousand thoughts rushed through my head, 'What if it was Liam?'
'Or worse his stalkers?'
'Or maybe the woman who was making out with him?'
'Who could it be?'
Staying in this house made me feel so insecure, I didn't know anyone here, not a single person from next door, the neighbourhood was completely unfamiliar to me.
'Who would I call for help if something happened?'
Before I could make more assumptions and break my head, the doorbell rang again.
''This was it, Do or die, Maddie''
I said that out loud as if it would offer me extra courage before making my way towards the main door.
I peeked through the peephole and saw a woman with brown hair and blue eyes, tapping her feet impatiently as she stood outside.
She seemed to be in her mid-40s, but somehow she felt very familiar.
I gasped as I realised it was Mrs Fernandes! Liam's mother!
I hurriedly checked the window glasses to fix my hair and look as I opened the door, Mrs Fernandes's face lit up as soon as she saw me.
''Oh dear! Look what you have turned into! A very fine lady! Oh my gosh! Just look at you!'' She squealed as she pulled me into a tight hug that shook me.
Mrs Fernandes smelled very expensive, a sweet scent emanated off her, I wondered if I was stinking?
I didn't have many memories, but Mrs Fernandes was always hyper excited and talkative, I remember my mum quietly listening to her ramblings.
Mrs Fernandes eyed me from head to toe, ''You have grown so tall, I can't believe that you are taller than me.''
I chuckled awkwardly as she continued, ''Where is Liam?'' she asked, eyeing the hall.
I bit my lip, not knowing how to answer that question, so I decided that it was better to be honest than to make up lies that I couldn't cover up.
I cleared my throat, ''I don't know, he hasn't been here for a week.''
Soon she gasped, ''A week?! What is that boy thinking, leaving you all alone here, in this quiet, dim place?''
She didn't stop as she continued, ''All his schedules are done for the next five months. This is supposed to be the time he takes a break, but where is he? How dare he leave his wife alone?!
''Son of a b*tch!''
I heard her curse, and an involuntary chuckle came out of my throat.
She sighed in relief, ''Finally a genuine emotion from you, child, just give him a call, my dear.''
I stared at the floor, suddenly finding the tiles interesting. How could I tell her that I didn't have his number?
''What are you waiting for? Call him my child.''
She urged again.
I sighed before truthfully replying, ''I...I...I don't have his number or contact information.''
Mrs Fernandes let her neck roll dramatically, ''Lord! I can feel my head spinning. I know it was a contract marriage, but don't you both as humans want some social interaction with each other?''
As she asked me that question, I couldn't help but purse my lips.
Then she narrowed her eyes, ''Did he do something? He has a habit of running away from conflict, tell me honestly, don't lie to me.''
Under the scrutinity of Mrs Fernandes I had to explain what happened a week before as she listened to me patiently her expression stoic.