DAISY JOYCE
The next morning, I woke up feeling restless and slowly realized I was lying on top of Damond. His warmth surrounded me, giving me a comforting yet exciting feeling. "When do you plan to get up?" he joked, a playful smile lighting up his face. My cheeks flushed, and I nervously stammered, "I… I'm sorry," quickly trying to sit up, my heart racing at how close we were. I hurried to get dressed, fumbling with my shirt buttons as butterflies danced in my stomach, waiting for Damond to finish getting ready.
As we walked to the dining room, the delicious smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, mixed with cheerful laughter that made everything feel warm and inviting. Damond's mother and sister greeted us with bright smiles and open arms. "Daisy, how was your night?" they asked, their curious eyes making me feel welcome, almost like family.
After a lively breakfast, filled with laughter and the clinking of silverware, Damond got a phone call that pulled him away to his father's study. With a kind look, his mother turned to me and said, "You can take a walk around the house while you wait." Thrilled at the idea of exploring, I replied, "Okay, thank you," and stepped into my newfound freedom.
I wandered through the beautifully decorated rooms, admiring the lovely artwork on the walls, the cozy carpets under my feet, and the sunlight streaming through the tall windows, casting soft patterns on the floor. My curiosity soon led me outside to a vibrant garden full of colorful flowers, with the gentle buzz of bees creating a soothing melody.
Suddenly, something caught my attention—a door at the end of a dark hallway. It was locked tight with three heavy padlocks, and its old wooden surface stood in stark contrast to the elegant decor of the house.
A feeling of intrigue washed over me as I approached, a cool breeze whispering through the cracks beneath the door, sending a shiver down my spine. I studied the door, my mind racing with questions: Who or what could be behind such a barrier? What secrets could lead someone to be locked away like that? A mix of concern and curiosity bubbled within me as I wondered what was hidden just beyond the door.
Driven by an overwhelming need to know, I knelt down and leaned closer, peering through a narrow crack at the bottom. At first, I saw only rumpled sheets on a bed, but then my heart stopped—there was a leg hanging off the side.
Panic surged through me as I whispered, "Is someone locked up in there? What has happened here?"
I took a moment to calm my breath before turning away, only to find Damond waiting for me with a serious expression. There was an undeniable urgency in his tone as he said, "Let's go."
Confusion twisted in my stomach, leaving me with a storm of emotions and unanswered questions. I simply nodded, feeling a wave of resignation wash over me.
"Okay, bye," I mumbled, giving a quick farewell to the others before heading towards the car, my mind racing with the discovery I had just made.
In the car, silence hung heavily. "I'm dropping you off at the bus station," Damond said abruptly, his voice cold. I opened my mouth to protest, but before I could speak, he threw a handful of cash at me. It fluttered down like leaves in autumn, awkwardly landing in my lap—a poor comfort for the confusion swirling in my mind.
When we arrived at the bus station, a chaotic mix of honking horns and busy travelers surrounded us. "Get out," he ordered flatly, his eyes focused on the road. Shock surged through me. "What the hell?" I shouted, incredulous. How could he be so careless?
With reluctance, I climbed out of the car, a blend of anger and disbelief swirling inside me. Standing on the pavement, the smell of exhaust pungent in the air, I realized with a pang that I didn't know how to get back home. Who did he think he was? How could he treat me like this? I wasn't even his wife—just a stand-in. I didn't even know where his house was. Stranded and confused, I felt the weight of my situation pressing down on me as I stood there, surrounded by chaos, unsure of my next steps. How would I even call a taxi without knowing the address?
I just feel like smashing his head. Blind arrogant man, You're definitely showing your age, aren't you? The thought raced through my mind as I sat on the bus station bench, feeling a mix of confusion and frustration.
I suddenly realized it was time to reach out for help. A name popped into my mind—Aliya. With determination, I dialed her number, holding my breath. To my relief, she answered almost right away.
"Hello, madam!" she said, her voice cheerful and warm.
"Hey, it's Daisy," I responded, trying to hide the nervousness in my voice. "I'm in a bit of a bind. I can't find my way home."
"Where are you?" she asked without hesitation.
I looked around the busy bus station, feeling lost in the crowd. "I'm not really sure, but I know I'm at the bus station," I admitted, frustration creeping in.
There was a brief pause, and then her comforting voice broke through the chaos, "Hang tight. I'll be there soon." It felt like a warm hug, easing my worries.
Before long, I spotted her making her way through the crowd, and relief washed over me as we reunited. That familiar bond between us reminded me that together, we could face anything. With Aliya by my side, we made our way home, thankful for her quick help and the strong connection we shared.
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As I walked through the lively city toward my office, I was surrounded by the sounds of honking cars, cheerful conversations, and distant construction work. It felt comforting, like the background music to my everyday life.
But then, my heart raced when my phone buzzed with an incoming call. A wave of unease hit me as I saw my doctor's name on the screen.
"Hello, young master," his voice came through, urgent and clear. "I noticed you missed your eye doctor appointment. It's been way too long since we last spoke."
His words lingered in the air, and I felt a knot tighten in my stomach. "We have some new options that could really improve your eyesight, and I think it's time we had a serious talk about them."
Suddenly, I felt the weight of his message settle on me, making me realize the challenges I had been facing with my vision. I had ignored the importance of regular check-ups for too long, but this call was a wake-up call: I needed to prioritize my health.