Possessive Displays

The day started like any other, with Elies hoping she could keep a low profile. However, the reality of her current situation meant that low profile and peace were luxuries she no longer enjoyed. From the moment she stepped into the school building, Damien’s presence was impossible to ignore.  

Whether it was the way he lingered near her locker, his sharp eyes scanning anyone who so much as glanced in her direction, or how he suddenly appeared in the same hallway she was in, Damien was everywhere. His possessiveness was suffocating, and Elies had no idea how to escape it.  

Her latest encounter with Damien had left her jittery. The whispered “You’re mine” from earlier that morning replayed in her head, and she could still feel the way his eyes bore into her as she hurried away. She tried her best to focus on her classes, but every time she thought she was safe, Damien’s shadow loomed again.  

It was during lunch when the situation escalated.  

Elies had decided to sit at a quieter table near the windows, hoping to avoid unnecessary drama. She’d barely unpacked her lunch when Chris, the boy she’d originally had a crush on, approached with his usual friendly smile.  

“Hey, Elies,” Chris said, his voice warm and inviting. “Mind if I sit here?”  

She looked up, surprised but pleased to see him. “Of course not, Chris. Go ahead.”  

Chris settled into the seat across from her, setting down his tray. He leaned forward slightly, his expression earnest. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you about the chemistry project. I’m struggling with it, and you’re one of the smartest in the class. Do you think you could help me out?”  

Elies smiled softly, momentarily forgetting her worries. “Sure, I can help. We can go over it after school in the library if that works for you.”  

But before Chris could respond, a shadow fell over their table.  

Damien.  

He stood there, his hands shoved into his pockets, his signature smirk in place, but his eyes were cold. “Well, well. Isn’t this cozy?”  

Chris looked up, clearly startled. “Uh, hey Damien.”  

Damien didn’t acknowledge him. His attention was fixed on Elies, his smirk widening as he leaned down, placing both hands on the table and caging her in with his presence. “I didn’t realize we were inviting company, sweetheart.”  

Elies’ stomach sank. “Damien, it’s not what you think—”  

“Oh, I think I see exactly what’s going on,” Damien interrupted smoothly, straightening up and turning his gaze to Chris. “So, what do you want with my girlfriend?”  

Chris blinked in confusion. “Girlfriend? I… I didn’t—”  

“Yes, *girlfriend*,” Damien drawled, his tone laced with mockery. “You know, the one you’re currently trying to steal away from me?”  

Elies felt her face heat up, mortified by Damien’s public claim. “Damien, stop it! Chris isn’t trying to—”  

“Shh,” Damien cut her off, placing a finger against his lips as he glanced back at Chris. “Listen, buddy, I don’t like repeating myself. Elies is off-limits. Got it?”  

Chris frowned, clearly annoyed now. “Look, man, I wasn’t trying to step on anyone’s toes. I just wanted help with a project.”  

Damien’s smirk vanished, replaced by a sharp glare. He took a step closer to Chris, his voice dropping dangerously low. “And I’m telling you to back off. There’s plenty of other people who can help you with your project. Elies doesn’t have time for you.”  

The tension was palpable, and several students around them were starting to take notice. Whispers and murmurs filled the cafeteria as eyes darted between Damien and Chris.  

“Damien, stop this,” Elies pleaded, standing up to face him. “You’re being ridiculous!”  

“Ridiculous?” Damien turned to her, his expression softening just enough to make her heart race. “I’m just protecting what’s mine, sweetheart.”  

“I’m not yours!” she shot back, her voice trembling with frustration.  

Damien’s smirk returned, but this time it held a dangerous edge. “You’ll come around eventually,” he said confidently before turning back to Chris. “This is your last warning, pal. Stay away.”  

Chris stood his ground, though his jaw was tight with irritation. “You don’t own her, Damien. Maybe you should let Elies decide who she wants to talk to.”  

The cafeteria went silent. Damien tilted his head slightly, as if considering Chris’s words, before letting out a low chuckle.  

“Cute,” Damien said, stepping closer until he was nose-to-nose with Chris. “But here’s the thing—you don’t want to test me.”  

Chris didn’t back down, and Elies quickly stepped between them, placing her hands on Damien’s chest to push him back.  

“Enough, Damien!” she said, her voice firm despite her racing heart. “Stop making a scene!”  

Damien’s gaze dropped to her hands on his chest, and for a brief moment, his expression softened. But it was gone as quickly as it appeared, replaced by his usual smug demeanor.  

“Fine,” he said, taking a step back. “I’ll let this slide—for now.”  

Chris glared at him, his fists clenched, but he didn’t say anything more.  

As Damien walked away, he called over his shoulder, “Remember, sweetheart, you’re mine. Don’t forget it.”  

Elies slumped back into her seat, her appetite completely gone. Chris gave her a sympathetic look but didn’t say anything. The damage had already been done, and she knew the rumors would only get worse from here.  

But as much as she hated Damien’s possessiveness, she couldn’t deny the flutter in her chest every time he called her “his.”  

And that scared her most of all.