The crackling sound of the fireplace was loud because of the quiet atmosphere of the room. Me-Irene Hensley was having a hard time calming my heart's beating after seeing 'him' getting closer to me as he unbuttoned his shirt one by by one and took it off, exposing his bare body.
"Didn't I say I'll never let you go? Were my words a joke to you?" His glare pierced through me by sending a shiver in my spine as I pushed myself backwards, knowing there was no escape from his grip.
This man in front of me is the CEO of Compass Mortgage and the man I got married to a few weeks ago against my will.
"C-can we not...? Let me go! Let's talk about this tomorrow." I tried to slip out by looking away but his large hands pinned me down to bed in a second.
"How do you expect me to listen to you when you haven't listened to me for 10 years? Irene, don't even think about running away again. I'm not that soft guy anymore. I might go berserk if I lose you again."
His lips touched my neck when I felt his hands going down, making me shiver from his touches. His body pressed against mine heatedly when his heavy breath touched my ears. I could taste our shared breath and feel the thud of our combined heartbeat when his lips connected to mine, giving me no chance to refuse it.
The night felt longer than ever as if I'm spending those 10 years in one night.
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A vivid flashback of 12 years ago encircled my mind when I was a high school student with strict parents. At that time, my house was in a rage and tense atmosphere because my sister left home with a guy she loved, without my parents consent.
I gazed at the mirror to check if my bow was set perfectly and noticed the yellow light reflecting on my black braids.
"Mom, I'm going to school." After catching the glimpse of her nod, I walked towards my school, which was 10 minutes away from there.
As soon as I reached my classroom, Ethan turned his head towards me with a warm smile and affectionate gaze to greet me.
The black bangs covering his forehead couldn't hide his sharp eyes.
"Ethan? What are you doing in front of my class?" My lips curled into a smile as I walked passed him by giving his shoulder a nudge. He followed me inside,
"I was looking for you since Navee isn't here yet. Want to play truth and dare in the evening?" Those velvety brown eyes were staring at me for an answer.
"I...Don't know. You're aware of my parents. But why truth and dare suddenly? We're not kids." I chuckled a bit and looked at him to see his satisfied smile. Something felt extra about it.
"Why're you worrying about that? Navee will manage your parents. As for the game, don't you think it's fun to be a child sometimes?" His hands touched my hair to remove the dry leaf, but I felt my face turning warm automatically. He raised his eyebrows twice at me, and his lips were pulled back as he walked backwards to leave the classroom when the teacher came.
"Irene, what're you thinking? He's your junior and a friend." I rubbed my forehead to clear my mind, which felt affectionate towards Ethan.
Ethan was my one-year junior in high school, and that was my last year. He and Navee were the only people who were close to me and knew every detail about me. Even though he was my junior, he was better than me in some decisions. If I said I didn't have any feelings towards him, that would be a lie.
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The slanting rays of the setting sun gave a warm orange tinge to the Sky as I looked at it while walking towards Navee's house.
"Let's take a shower. I feel filthy after spending all the hours in school." Seeing the 3 of them agree with my statement, I started striding, not knowing that evening was about to change the path of my life.
"Is it someone's birthday today? Everyone seems quite different somehow." I couldn't help but ask after seeing them acting suspiciously.
"No! It's been so long since we hung out. Also, Navee and you will graduate soon. So Ethan planned to do something fun today." I frowned at Arian's awkward smile.
"That's true, you'll see. Now let's finish showering." Ethan walked away after smirking at me.
The green bottle kept circling on the ground and stopped for a moment to land on someone for either a dare or a truth. The room was filled with giggles and enjoyment until my shoulder brushed against Ethan's. I felt butterflies in my stomach for no reason when I saw him staring into my eyes with that smile on his lips again. Our small moment broke when the bottle turned to Arian and they clapped.
"Well, I'm telling the truth." He shrugged.
"Then tell us, Is there any secret Ethan's hiding? If yes, then what's the secret?" Navee squinted at me with a smirk while asking the question.
"Yes, there is a secret. He's been in love with a senior for three years."
"Who's the senior? Hmm?" Navee raised her eyebrows.
"My turn's over. Don't ask me more." Arian raised his hands in the air leaving us in curiosity.
"Is it Irene? Hmm? Ethan, you silly boy."
"Hey, C'mon. What makes you think it's me?" I took it as a joke even though a small rush of fear ran through me.
"Because our Ethan doesn't talk to any girls except you and me."
"Yeah, right. Ethan, do you love me? Just say no and shut their mouth."
Ethan's silence made me skip a beat. Arian and Navee left the room by giving an excuse about getting phone calls and washrooms.
"Irene, I'm going to take your hand." He grabbed my hand before I could answer. All I could do was, stare at his light-brown eyes slightly covered with his soft black hair. I wanted to withdraw my hand and walk out of that room but something was holding me back.
"Irene, the feelings I have towards you aren't enough to express with words but I'm still going to say it. From the day I met you until today and in future, I want to be only the person holding you. I love you, Irene. Age doesn't matter. I'll make myself worthy enough to make you the happiest girl alive. Will you watch me turn into a worthy person for you?"
This moment and his words were entirely random. I should've rejected him and acted as if nothing ensued but I couldn't do it.
"Yes, I will. I just want you beside me." My mouth expressed the opposite of what I was thinking. To my surprise, he wrapped his arm around me and pulled me closer instead of kissing me, which made my heart flutter.
"I'm so happy, Irene. Just this much is enough. I love you, Irene. I swear, even if the world turns its back on you I will be there for you. You're everything I want."
I felt his arms tighten around me when he buried his head on my shoulder. His voice was trembling yet pleasant. Even though I was confused about my decision, I felt warm inside of me, as if I'd found a comforting place which I yearned for a long time.