ANNALISE. PRESENT The moment I held the doorknob, he said what I feared the most to hear coldly, recalling the agonizing mistakes of the past. "Besides, a cheater shouldn't talk about loyalty." He stared heartlessly in my eyes before taunting. "That's what sounds disgusting." My heart broke making me lower my gaze in dismal. I couldn’t bear to stand a moment in his presence anymore after hearing the complaints he buried in his heart. “Yeah… you are right.” I forced my emotions down my throat to lock them inside and walked out of his office. Submerged into sorrow, I went back to my cabin, pushing my hair back, releasing rapid breaths to regain my senses. But, his words were distressing to me, the thought of what extent he intended to break before his resentment dreaded me. He was not going to stop, the fire in his emerald gaze proved it. Pacing around, I held my sides, trying to find a way out of this predicament but to no avail. He wouldn’t stop. Dragging me out from
VINCENT.Ask for my condition once too. Ask what I felt. Ask what I went through without you. But when you never held a prayer for me, how could I expect you to know? And even if you knew, what could it change? Whenever my eyes locked with hers, it stung my heart badly. Words reached the edge of my tongue but after releasing them, they failed to console my heart. No taunts, mocks, complaints could soothe me.But, upholding my facade, I acted proficiently, pretending nothing happened and everything was alright but deep down, I felt empty. Me and Victoria were paying a visit to the construction site of her new office. On the way, I asked casually with my eyes affixed on the road, “Are you happy, Victoria, after seeing Annalise?”“I am. I couldn’t tell you how delighted I am after meeting her.” She grinned, nodding happily which made me smile feebly as well. “Glad to hear it.” I hummed. Her felicity became my ticket to open the sinful thoughts I only imagined.“But, Did you forg
In the evening, Victoria wanted to play the role of a good friend and despite the fact I was more attached with Mrs White, she wanted to see her more.For the sake of old times, I guess.Complying with her request, I took her to Annalise’s place, giving me a golden chance to intimidate Annalise right in her home, in her place.“Oh, Auntie. Please take care of yourself.” Victoria whispered, holding Mrs White’s hands, emitting compassion for her condition.“I am fine, girl. You guys tell me first, how did this beautiful incident happen?” Mrs White asked with a chuckle.I faked a charming smile and held Victoria’s shoulders, “The power of her love.” I whispered, kissing the top of her head.Receiving a glare from Annalise, repulsed at my action but I couldn’t understand why. We all were bad in someone else’s story. I became the evil one in hers. No human was pure and how could I stay sincere with a bond I never had any attachments with? All my emotions were connected at one point- Hers
We were having dinner. I deliberately sat in front of Annalise. Everyone was lost in their talking, unable to notice the smirk I sent in Annalise’s direction which tensed her. Clearing her throat, she looked away, trying not to meet my gaze while eating but seeing her before me invited dark thoughts. The need to steal any sign of tranquility evoked. “Ah, I am so delighted to have all of you here.” Mrs White grinned, delighted to have us all over after a while. “Pleasure is all ours, Mrs White.” Victoria grinned, talking constantly but my mind was elsewhere. I couldn’t hear, nothing else mattered before the woman my eyes were locked upon. “You guys have grown so much. How time changes. I am so happy.” Mr White also added, turning to me. Unwillingly breaking the gaze, I forced a smile and nodded, “Thank you.” Turning back to my food, I moved my foot under the table and touched Annalise’s which made her breath halt. Swallowing hard, she abruptly straightened her back. Crea
Thankfully, the next day was a holiday, I gave my mind some time to regain my composure and lock my room again how it should be and control myself. Sadly, the holiday passed in the blink of an eye and the day where my patience would be tested again came, where I must face the nightmare of my night. But, by each passing second, I was losing myself. My own identity. And to augment the sensations brimming furiously in my body, I saw her talking with Edmond at lunch time. Talking sweetly, laughing with him, sharing a great like we once used to. I didn’t like it. Their closeness, her laugh, her smile, their friendship. None of it. I hate it. I feel possessive over her. I know I hold no rights over her. That is the ONLY thing which had restricted me or else I would never let anyone gaze at her shade. No man could look at her like I do. No one. And how do I look at her? “Shut up. Shut up.” Muttering under my breath, I locked my thoughts. I shouldn’t allow myself to think so fr
THIRD POVPASTHeartbroken, horrified, Annalise tried to convince Vincent for the following days but he refused to look at the person who invaded his privacy behind his back.“Vincent, listen to me, please.” Calling him hopelessly, she rushed to him.She couldn’t lose whatever they had but Vincent refused to listen to any useless justification. He was disgusted. He didn’t want to see her face again.Panting, she tried to grab his arm but he yanked it away, fuming with rage, glaring at her to stop creating a scene anymore.“What is left to listen, Annalise? What do you want to believe after seeing… that?” Growling, he moved back, eyes glistening with immense resentment, unable to forget what happened and give her a chance. “What the hell were you doing?” Hissing, he took a step back, disappointment flashing in his eyes as any explanation was nothing but a lie to him.“It was not me, I swear.” She tried to plead, hands shaking, not knowing how it happened but nothing could revive wh
Time passed but Annalise’ mind was elsewhere. She grew dismayed over the time course. Trying to conceal it behind her facade but failed.“Are you coming to prom? So many guys have asked you but you have refused them all.” She asked in a hollow tone, losing the charm of her resonance.“Why would I accept when they are not the one I was looking for?” Victoria sighed, stuck between her friend and love.Sighing, Annalise told her what was on her mind for a while. A step for her friend’s glee.“You should break your friendship with me, Victoria. Our hatred would never let you guys become one.”Gasping, Victoria shook her head in denial, “Don’t be ridiculous. I have faith in fate, if it was mine, he would become mine under all circumstances.”“And if he is not. He won’t be yours even after being yours.” Their current situation.What was yours remains yours, what was not, could never be yours. “Hey, don’t say this.” Chuckling nervously, Victoria looked down, not praying this would ever happ
SIX MONTHS LATER“Elise, can you get me the printouts?” Annalise’s senior, Jessica, asked sweetly. She was a lovely person, being her mentor. Annalise who gave time to herself, becoming more beautiful than she already was, flashed a bright smile, “Sure.” A good college with a good placement- she gained by selling her Mother’s diamond ring.“Thanks,” Jessica grinned and went back to her work.“No problem.”Annalise started her new life, away from those eyes which called her nothing but a stalker. Those people who used to love her company once and then began to smear her name.“Ah, Elise, one more thing.” She needed a fresh start and her college life provided her with a chance. She started her six month internship in a reputable company.“Yes?”“You might get a new mentor soon. I don’t know who yet.” She told her sadly which made her frown.“But, I feel comfortable working with you.” She reasoned but Jessica smiled apologetically.“Me too but can’t do anything about it.”“Okay…”Sh
5 YEARS LATER.I was setting the school bag of my four years old son, Jamie. He was messy just like his Father. Sighing, I was putting the lunch and placing the books properly.“Can I take Dahlia to school with me? Please, please, please?” Jamie called me excitedly, pointing at his Father and three months old sister who were sleeping on the couch in the hall.“No, you cannot.” I sighed, frowning at the pair and giving him his bag.“Look, Mama, Papa and Dahlia are sleeping on the couch.” He giggled, clinging onto my arm.Actually, Dahlia was not sleeping last night and Vincent said proudly that he could take better care and took her outside and look at them now.Half of his body was hanging from the couch, holding Dahlia.“Ah, him.” I giggled, shaking my hand after seeing how uncomfortable he must be.“What are they doing outside?” Jamie asked, tugging my sleeves.“Your Papa proudly accepted he could take better care of Dahlia and seems like he is stubborn in proving it.” I sighed, set
ANNALISE. I was carefully listening to his words, how his eyes were refusing to greet mine and it was aching me but he couldn’t see. He was not looking at me in the first place to notice the tears glistening in my eyes. “Come. Let’s end this pointless relationship.” And I lost my forbearance when he dared to speak what I cannot have imagined, releasing the tears I managed to suppress so far. And brimming with fury, I slapped him hard to knock some senses into his damn mind which astonished him to no extent. “How dare you call our marriage pointless?!” I whisper-yelled. Grabbing the collar of his shirt outrageously with tears scattered over my cheeks. “Annalise?” He called me hesitantly at my unforeseen action as I forced him to stare into my desperation, to witness my love and despair too. I wanted him to see my condition. “Do you have any idea how deeply I am in love with you? That I have given my all to our marriage?” I asked desperately, shaking him a little to hear m
After I mindlessly hit Edmond and lost myself, unable to control myself, the neighbors came and forced me to stop until the cops came and took me away.I was looking down the whole time, not moving an inch with an anguish stacking in my chest, I was heartbroken. I felt devastated for losing control and doing what I shouldn’t.Something is seriously wrong with me. Here, in the station, I was locked up and Annalise was talking to Edmond.“I am begging you, Edmond, please, don’t file a case against Vincent.” Their voices were faint but I could hear how my Annalise was begging Edmond to not send me to jail. Tears brimmed in my eyes as I kept staring at my hands out of woe. I didn’t want to hurt anyone. I didn’t want to make Annalise cry. This is not who I am, that is not who I should be.I am sorry, I am so sorry…“Edmond, please…” She continued to beg Edmond for her husband’s image. I had never been behind the bars in my entire life. I felt horrible, I was never like this and with
The next morning, I was in my bed, refusing to move an inch. My head was throbbing in pain. I couldn’t move my body, it was burning.It was because of the stress, whenever I worried too much, my body began to burn, my head began to hurt terribly and I didn’t know how to deal with this ordeal.For a while, I remained motionless, covering myself with the blanket until the tenderest hand of my angelic wife dragged the sheets down from me. “Vincent. Wake up.” She whispered softly.Removing the duvet and sitting next to me. “I don’t want to.” I groaned, turning to my side, hiding my face in the pillow, not in the mood to move. I had borne with this feverish feeling before when she was here, I wanted to display that I am in pain and stay with me.Before I was alone, I had no one to take care of him so no matter what state, I must go to work but I have a reason to stay.I won’t go today.“Why?” She called but I refused to listen to her. Glancing from my shoulder, I looked at her timidly,
VINCENT.The following week, limitless thoughts were roaming in my mind. I was tense, I was perturbed about what I should do that could save my marriage. I could feel it under my fingernails that things were on the verge of falling apart all because of my behavior and I was impotent to stop it.I failed to control, I failed to keep her happy. In fact, I made her cry after promising myself that I wouldn’t.I feel worthless. I feel terrible.It was Sunday, my soul was at solace to hold my love. We were spooning on the bed, I was holding her, her back pressed over my chest.“How are you feeling now?” I whispered, biting her earlobe when she woke up from her nap.Annalise was having a headache constantly so I massaged her head until she fell asleep and took a nap with her as well.“Better.” She hummed, relaxing in my arms, smiling tenderly.I hummed and shifted, sitting up slowly. Worried how to confront her about what I knew I must. I couldn’t lose my love with my own hand.I cannot mak
“YOU ARE A LIAR!” The sound of his thundering cries echoed in the room and they hurt me in a way I was unable to recover. The sound I unintentionally created. He covered his mouth, sobbing. And I couldn’t bear it, his sorrow was immeasurable and it made me guilty. Shutting my eyes, I screamed to release the shame gathered inside me.“I AM SORRY! I AM SORRY! I AM SORRY!” Crying my anguish out, I held the hem of my dress. My tears were flowing, he was not the only person whose heart was torn apart. The regret that was built inside me had already stolen my mental peace. I don’t want to hear from him that I am his culprit. I know I am.“I will apologize as many times as you want, Vincent but please don’t be away from me.” Crying, I came closer, tears rolled down my cheek. My body was deprived of strength, I accidentally stumbled on my steps but Vincent held my arms to refrain me from falling.“Be careful!” He gasped quickly to hold me. He couldn't watch me falling or getting hurt
“That I am going to steal you from this world and ensnare in a way, only ‘I’ would exist.” My breath hitched, my eyes widened in terror when I sensed Vincent’s dominant form before me, glaring down at my body which made my soul immobilized. “Vincent…?” Swallowing hard, I forced my weak orbs to look up at his assertive form. He rested his hand over the headrest and placed our heads adjacent.I shivered violently when the fumes emitting from him were felt by my skin. Unable to utter another sound, I knew he was furious. I gasped when his hand from the headrest moved across and rested over my shoulder, giving it a lethal grip which warned me not to do anything vacuous.“That you are going to become mine in an exquisite way that nobody would be able to stop me from possessing you.” “Vincent, please-”I was about to plead but he leaned down to my ears and growled seductively, burning my skin with his minty breath.“That you are going to become. All. Fucking. Mine.” I trembled, glanci
There were countless questions and thoughts roaming wildly in my mind, thoughts that I wanted to share with someone to find and know what was happening.He cannot keep an eye on my actions, that is not okay. I won’t let it.And I knew for it, I had to do what might outrage him but I must do it.Before Vincent could come looking for me, I wanted to seek answers so I called Edmond to meet me in a restaurant.I was anxiously waiting for him, my hands were freezing by the thought of Vincent’s fury. It was scaring me, It was stressing me out.“I didn’t expect you to call me here. What happened? Is your fairytale coming to an end?” Edmond came, smirking mockingly at me but I growled at him.“Shut up. I have called you here to know everything.” I hissed in a low tone. He chuckled and took a seat, arching one eyebrow.“Everything? I thought I was a liar and the bad guy here.” He taunted, leaning back on his seat.Inhaling deeply, I was not in the mood for argument so I came to the main conce
ANNALISE.After spending a memorable and unforgettable time alone, away from everything we returned back, back to our routine and I was feeling strange lately.I didn’t expect Vincent to get this furious because of my harmless prank. I was only kidding around but the way he got perturbed, that made me worried.I wanted him to improve but I agree it would take time. Vincent is attached to me, he couldn’t fathom losing me. I am all he has after all. He was like that all his life, of course that would take time for him to adjust, to settle. Marriage is a sacred and big responsibility, we need time.Vincent was humming to himself, his towel over his head as water dripped to his tempting exposed chest. He was about to leave to grab his white but I stopped him.“Love, I can get your white shirt.” I spoke sweetly, stopping him in his tracks, smiling sweetly.“No, no, it’s okay.” He chuckled nervously, stopping me.“Come on,” I whined, pushing him back playfully with a wink. I like doing sm