CHAPTER 06_Caught between

QUINN’S POV

My slender fingers absently toyed with the diamond necklace hovering around my neck.. The sparkling gemstones danced in the light, but my mind was swirling with questions. 

Every scenario with him becomes more perplexing than the last. Why was he showering me with extravagant gifts? Is he trying to get me drowned in love ? Was it a genuine attempt to sweep me off my feet or a calculated act to buy my affection? 

The uncertainty churned inside of me. I couldn’t neglect the feeling that I was trapped in a whirlpool of confusion. 

As exhaustion claimed me, my eyelids become heavy, and I drifted off to sleep, clutching the necklace. 

“Quinn”, a soft, innocent voice startled me. I turned to face the caller and my eyes melted at the sight of a little boy, his little cute eyes boring into my soul.

I became curious as I leaned in, attentive to why he called.

“You must grow up quickly and marry me” he declared, his voice filled with conviction. 

My heart skipped a beat as I woke up, startled, tears streaming down my face.

“It was just a dream” I said to myself, trying to control my lingering emotions. 

We grew up, but everything has changed. Life and its complexities and I have no right to dictate or predict the future. 

I glanced at the clock realizing I was running late for dinner with Bryan.

Hastily, I washed my face and hurried downstairs. He was already waiting for me in his tailored, resplendent suit. His punctuality, always intimidating.

His eyes searched mine narrowly, as his expression darkened. He sensed worry.

“What’s wrong? He asked.

“I...uh…was seeing a romantic movie, and it was really touching” I fabricated.

Desperate to steer the conversation away, I quickly added “I also want to talk to you.” 

Bryan’s expression changed, filled with questions. “What do you want to talk about?” 

My fingers tightened around the necklace as I pulled it off my neck. 

"Let's start with this". I can't accept such a valuable gift. "Please take it back." 

My eyes searched Bryan's, hoping for understanding, but his response caught me off guard. 

"This is just a necklace. "If you don't like it, just throw it away." His nonchalance sent a shiver down my spine.

I knew this was going to be difficult.

Undeterred, I pulled out the check he had given to me  earlier. 

"Please take this back too. "I haven't done anything for you; there's no reason for me to take this." My voice trembled.

His expression darkened, his eyes narrowed. My nerves froze under his intense gaze, and I felt myself almost panicking.

With difficulty, I continued, "I don't think we need to meet again. I'm just an ordinary student. Please let me go." The words tumbled out, a desperate plea.

But Bryan's reaction was not what I expected. His fingers slammed down on the computer, plunging the car into a disturbing silence.

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The air seemed to vibrate with tension.

Bryan's gaze locked onto mine, his eyes blazing with an unsettling intensity. 

"You may not realize this, Quinn," he said, his voice dripping with aggression, "but you don't have the right to negotiate with me". "As long as I want, you can't go anywhere."

My heart skipped a beat. 

Fear clawed its way up my throat, threatening to suffocate me. I tried to keep my voice steady, but it trembled.

"Even if you want revenge, don't you think bullying a girl like this is too much?"

Bryan's eyes widened, his pupils dilating as if they were struck by a jolt of electricity. The word "revenge" hung in the air like a challenge. The tension between us… pulsing with every heartbeat.

I knew I had hit a nerve.

"Yes, I know," I continued, my words spilling out in a desperate bid for freedom, as if speaking them aloud would shatter the chains binding me to his toxic dance.

"I have not forgotten you, just as you have not forgotten me. Although we have all grown up and look different from when we were children, I know you will not forget me; you will not forget anyone in my family." My voice cracked as I broke into little sobs.

The memories seclude my image.

Bryan's face transformed, his expression blank, as if void of emotions as I forced the words out, each one of them burning my tongue.

"Yes, it was my father who caused your father to commit suicide by jumping off a building, forcing you and your mother to flee far away," The words hung in the air.

"How could you possibly forget?" I whispered, my voice barely audible from the heartbreak I felt deep inside.

The car seemed to shrink, the space between us suffocating. Bryan's chest heaved, his breathing ragged, but he said nothing to me.