Amara swallowed hard, heart racing.The look on Adrian’s face screamed with utter rage as he gritted his teeth. The softness in his eyes was replaced with hard volatile emotions. Adrian's face contorted with anger, his brow furrowing deeply, and his eyes narrowing into an intense glare. His jaw tightened, and the muscles in his cheeks tensed.“Where were you?” As he asked, his voice was sharp, each word punctuated with the underlying fury that simmered beneath the surface. The lines on his forehead became more pronounced, and his nostrils flared subtly with each controlled breath, signalling the brewing storm within.Amara swallowed hard, clenching her fists as her lips wobbled. She had no answer to give him. Instead, she lowered her head in shame. “I-I was…out.” Adrian thundered taking a threatening step towards her as she unconsciously backed against the door. “With whom?” Adrian paced, frustration evident. Amara shook her head. The lie instantly dripped on her tongue. “No-no one
She tried—but failed miserably. The tremble in her hands now worsened as she dropped the knife for the tenth time. Adrian refused to let her change, and the tattered pieces of her dignity clung to her skin. She was relieved at least her chest and private parts were covered, but what about her self-esteem, her dignity, her womanhood? She felt herself slipping into a fake abyss once again. She hated this. With all her guts and wanted nothing more than to run back to her room, close the door and hide underneath the blanket. She wanted to cry. But she couldn’t. Adrian just told her to make dinner. She didn’t know why she was obeying him, but one thing was for sure, he was not going to let her leave so easily. She shuddered at the feel of his cold gaze on her as he sat on the chair and observed her. His eyes lingered on her with such intensity that paralysed her to her core. That made her wither in disgust. “How long?” Adrian asked feigning boredom tapping his chin as if he just tried
The morning was not as tense as Amara expected it to be. In fact, by the way, Adrian was reacting, she wondered if the last night was just a nightmare. Adrian was making breakfast as soon as Amara entered the living room. The sweet delicious aroma of blueberry pancakes filled the air, along with a tangerine whisk of orange juice. It took her a while to process the situation. Adrian was making breakfast. For her. However, that wasn’t enough to calm her raging heart. The hurt from last night was too much. She barely slept a wink, fighting with her demons. Afraid that Adrian would barge into her room and force her once again. She was so scared that she stayed cocooned under the blanket with a vase so that she could use it to protect herself from her husband. The situation was laughable. Amara took a cautious step forward, making sure not to give Adrian any—“Oh, you’re up. Good morning.” Adrian spoke stopping her in her tracks. Amara tensed as he looked over his shoulder at her sca
Amara was restless. She couldn’t even do any chores. The laundry was dirty, the kitchen was a mess, and even her room was unkempt. It took everything in her not to get under the warmth of blankets and sleep in. Cause the more she stayed awake, the deeper her thoughts were taking her. Ever since Rhys left, she sat alone in the dimly lit living room, the curtains draped over the window—she didn’t even know if it was still a day or the night was ascending. The silence echoed the turmoil within her. The subtle hum of the clock on the wall seemed to mock the chaotic rhythm of her thoughts. As she traced absent patterns on the armrest of the couch, her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. Her fingers brushed over the petals of Peonies, the velvety texture felt soft against her skin, and the sweet and delicate fragrance, not overpowering but rather a soft lingering aroma that reminded her of Rhys.The way his fingers traced the length of her neck, the way his lips moulded her in a fierce heate
Adrian had his arm wrapped around Amara’s small waist. As much as she wanted to run away, she had no option but to obey him. He was acting more psychotic with the passing day. It was scaring her. She knew it wasn’t right for him to treat her like this, but there was nothing she could do. So she let him do what he wanted for the time being. If she resisted, he’d punish her. Her tear-soaked pillow was wet and held all her emotions. She couldn’t even dare to move an inch. How disgusted he made her feel, she couldn’t explain it in words. The pain her heart held was enormous than the pain from his tight hold. Amara closed her eyes and waited for him to doze off. Soon, Adrian was snoring beside her. She was caged by him. All night, she stayed there like a lifeless doll. When the morning came, Amara was wide awake and tired. She didn’t have a wink of sleep. Slowly, she looked over her shoulder at Adrian. He was sleeping soundly, so she decided to get up. With utter precision, she unhook
Amara narrowed her eyes at him. The audacity of this man. Something in her expression must’ve betrayed her because he let out a short laugh. “Ah, I see. Is it because I didn’t tell you I lived here?” Padding to the kitchen in his bare feet, he asked, “Have you had breakfast?”Amara shook her head unconsciously, feeling like a mute but afraid that her voice might betray her nervousness. This was not the best thing she was doing. Why had she thought that bearding the lion in his den was somehow better than trying to avoid him altogether? But there was no turning back now.She was standing in his house. Even though he was just wearing pants, with full clothes she was feeling more vulnerable. She tried not to look at him as it was indecent for her to ogle at him. She averted her eyes to the floor-to-ceiling window giving her full view of the city. The curtains were opened and there was a large black leather couch in the middle of the living room. The contrasting shades of beige and nu
Amara panicked. “R-Rhys!” His grip on Amara intensified, his fingers tightening like a vice, as he forcefully handled her, leaving her trapped and powerless in his grasp.“You’re hurting me!” Panic surged through Amara as the brush slipped from her fingers, its descent to the carpet marked by the ruinous trail of white staining its pristine surface.Rhys clenched his jaw and looked down at his hand on her wrist and loosened his grip but did not let go. “Tell me, little one. Who did this?” Gritting his teeth, his eyes ablaze with seething rage. Amara gulped, her eyes welling up with tears... “Why…why do you care?”He clenched his jaw. “I care. Everything involving you concerns me. Now say the bastard’s name before I do it my way. And I assure you my ways are more violent than your silence.” She remained quiet and lowered her eyes. What was she to say? That Adrian did it? Her husband? The one she should feel protected with tormented her nights and days. Rhys observed her contemplati
Amara blushed. Her cheeks and the rims of her ears were painted in the deepest shade of red. Just like the soft hue of a rose in full bloom, like a delicate sunset. Rhys fought for his self-control, which was slowly slipping through his fingers. How could someone look so innocent yet temptingly stunning at the same time? The way she looked at him through her lowered eyes, the way her skin tingled underneath his touch. Rhys could die thousands of deaths just to feel her. His eyes slowly raked over her neck which now was covered with marks, the marks that he left on her. The possessiveness in his thundered like the wild roar of a hungry lion. He wanted her, wanted the peaceful delight of being a part of her life, of being able to embrace her during the midnight hours and observe her presence at the breakfast table. He longed to be with her during her sickness and revel in her happiness when she was in good health. Occasionally, when his monsters overwhelmed him, he also wanted to c
A lush garden filled with vibrant flowers and towering trees. In the centre lies a small, serene grave adorned with a single peony. Rhys with a weathered face and gentle eyes, slowly approached, his steps heavy with the weight of memories. Raindrops fell softly, casting a melancholic veil over the scene.He smiled down at the grave and replaced the weathered Peony with a new one. “Another day, my doll.”With trembling hands, he delicately placed a fresh peony on the grave, its petals glistening with raindrops. He knelt beside it, his movements slow and deliberate. Sitting beside the grave, he gazed at it with a mixture of longing and acceptance.Twenty-five years have passed and he still couldn’t fill the void in his chest.He looked up at the sky and closed his eyes. Can you feel the rain, my love? It's as if the heavens weep with me.He reached out, his fingers brushing against the cold stone of the grave. A soft smile graced his lips as he recalled memories long past.“Do you remem
TWO MONTHS LATERRhys focused his attention carefully on the picture in his hand, slowly analyzing each detail captured within it, memorising it. His face remained void of any noticeable emotion, leaving his inner sentiments hidden from his friend’s eyes. However, Lorcan despite this, managed to catch a fleeting glimpse of longing and despair that momentarily flickered across Rhys’s dark eyes. It was an invisible twitch of his jaw and a subtle clenching of his fist that Rhys was attempting to hide. Lorcan instinctively lowered his gaze, avoiding direct eye contact with him, before repeating his previous words.A bouquet of soft pink peonies was on his lap. The one he'd never forget to bring. “Doctors said we can shift her-“ He started looking pitifully at Rhys. The man destroyed Francis and Abigail in days, and his brother behind bars, but couldn’t save his destination.“She’ll come back, right?” Rhys mumbled caressing the picture in hand. It was of them, as children.“Of course…” Lo
Two weeks laterNo matter if I am alive or not, you must always be with me, residing inside me. If I were to face death, my only wish is to spend my final moments in your arms, Amara. Whenever the rain troubles you, consider me as the raindrops. And when the warmth of the sun touches your feet, know that it is my essence within those sun rays.Rhys gripped the pen tightly in his hand, his eyes staring in darkness and he watched the stars dissipating behind the clouds in the dark sky. His heart was heavy and his eyes blurred with unshed tears.The chords of his heart were broken, his nights were sleepless. Yet he couldn't stop recalling the last look of panic and concern on her face. He should be happy that she felt something for him, but at what cost? On the verge of losing her...Whom I should ask, Amara? You are not here. Where do I search for your touches of laughter, this world is filled with silences. Where do I find happiness, Amara, when you are not here? I don't know how many
"Fuck, Amara! Don't die on me!" Rhy’s fear was palpable as he carried her inside the car, his growl echoing in the tense atmosphere. The urgency in the air increased when Lorcan swiftly followed suit, his actions mirroring the sound of distant gunshots that pierced through the day."Rhys... Rhys.." Rhys clenched his fists as she muttered through her mouth drawing in deep breaths. Her hand limply slipped through his fingers.Lorcan wasted no time in sliding into the passenger side, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any threats. With a surge of adrenaline, he pressed his foot on the accelerator, causing the engine to roar to life, matching the intensity of their situation.He felt a rush of adrenaline. It was too intense and too overwhelming as he felt sweat trickling down his back."Drive fast!" Rhys muttered as a few cars followed them. Lorcan cursed in Italian and pulled the windows down.Rhys’s concerned gaze fixated on Amara’s complexion, which appeared remarkably pale, while
A sharp agonising pain stung the side of her body as she moaned in pain. She panted as she tried to blink the blurriness away. There was a long silent pause for a moment when a scream left her mouth as her body was jerked forward. Confused and panicked she yelped as she felt something trailing down her arms.Looking down she saw blood oozing down her arms, the pain came afterwards when she realised she had a deep cut over her upper arm. The tattered piece of shirt dug into the wound as she winced at the stinging sensation. Crawling on her legs she pushed herself up as she swayed at the dizziness.With unfocused vision, she breathed heavily trying to stand still but due to weakness and exhaustion, she stumbled a step back before a large pair of hands e flushed her in a warm embrace.There was chaos all around but what stood among them was shooting sounds. Amara felt her heart pounding loudly in her chest as she looked baffled at the person behind her. Her eyes widened as she saw his fa
"Get up." Amara looked confusedly at two men towering over her. Dressed in black clothes and scary tattoos.A deep frown formed on her face, accompanied by a sense of discomfort and unease. Having remained in a stationary state for a long duration of nearly a day or so, her legs had gradually succumbed to a numbing sensation, rendering them almost unresponsive to her commands. Thus, when she attempted to move, her steps were unsteady and unstable, causing her to stumble momentarily. The guard hastily and instinctively reached out, swiftly grasping her arm. With a swift motion, he began to lead her towards the door with an undeniable urgency.A sudden surge of panic forcefully swept over her entire being, overwhelming her senses and plunging her further into a state of trepidation. It was as if a new, more potent wave of fear had washed over her, intensifying the gravity of the situation. As her gaze frantically scanned the surroundings, her eyes inevitably locked with the piercing sta
"YOU PROMISED SHEʼD BE SAFE! YOU FUCKING PROMISED!" Adrian bombarded in Rhys’s office unannounced. Rhys’s jaw ticked a subtle frown of annoyance on his handsome face."And she will be," Rhys said nonchalantly ignoring him. Rhys didn’t pay him any attention, all his focus was on his computer screen where he was looking at the files on Francis. If these filed were to be released in public, Donovon's reputation would be in ashes in less than an hour. "HOW?! YOU LET THOSE FUCKERS TAKE HER!" Adrian slammed his fists on the table as Rhys glared at him. Adrian looked dead in his brother’s eyes, his orbs dilating as his teeth clenched. "You said you won't let anyone touch her again!" Rhys tilted his head, remembering he also sent the video footage to Adrian a day ago, which explained why he was in Spain. The videotape. Ever since Rhys had seen that, he hadn't been able to sleep. The pain and humiliation his little doll went through was bone-chilling. It took every ounce in him to not do s
Amara shrieked in fear, she woke up terrified from the nightmare, her body drenched in sweat. Her heart racing and her hands trembling as she tried to catch her breath, the memory of the terrifying images still fresh in her mind. She didn't understand what she exactly saw a nightmare or twisted fragment of her lost memories. It all seemed too real to be called a mere nightmare.Reality blurred with the remnants of the nightmare, leaving her disoriented and unsure of her surroundings. Anxiety coursed through her veins, a relentless tide threatening to overwhelm her fragile sense of composure. She longed for the comforting embrace of Rhys.Yet, despite her desperate yearning for solace, she found herself hesitating to close her eyes again, afraid of what horrors the night may hold. Each moment of wakefulness was a precarious balance between the desire for rest and the dread of reliving the nightmare's torment. She was scared. Terrified. Top of FormShe patted her cheek when she felt som
He clenched his fists, teeth grinding as he looked down at her unconscious frame. The straps of the dress had slipped down to her shoulder exposing the delicate collar bones. A flash of raging blood flashed through his eyes as his dark eyes zeroed in on the hickeys on her neck descending under her blouse. It infuriated him when he saw Rhys with her, and it angered him more knowing that the bastard had her. So many days without her. "I fucking don't care. I am not backing down." He raised his head ever so gradually as his dark eyes held his Francis. Francis clenched his jaw as he said. "I can kill for her too. And I won't hesitate, not even a bit." Francis let out a frustrated sigh as he ran his hand through his dishevelled hair. He looked at Amara and another stressed breath left his mouth. He was fucked, along with his son. Not only did he mess with Rhys, but Rhys De Luca would also crush them under his feet. ***** Amara woke up with a pounding sensation and dizzy head. The firs