Chapter eleven
After breakfast,I took the initiative to clean up the kitchen, washing the dishes and pots since our maid only comes on weekends. Once done, we both retreated to our respective rooms for a refreshing bath. With our plans already set, we reconvened in the sitting room, eager to spend the afternoon playing games together.
As we settled in, I looked at him with a hint of mystery, my eyes cast downward. "Can we talk, please?" I asked, exuding confidence.
His expression turned serious, his jaw set and lips pressed together. "What's this about?" he asked, his eyes narrowing slightly, conveying contemplation and concern.
"We've only just started our relationship, and there's still so much we don't know about each other," I explained. "I thought it would be great to have an intimate conversation. This won't stop us from playing our Scrabble game, though."
He suggested, "Should we play Truth and Dare instead?"
I countered, "Why not both? We can play Scrabble and Truth and Dare together."
He agreed, and as we set up the game, I asked, "What should be the punishment for not answering a question?"
He looked up at me with wide, innocent eyes, blinking like a cute puppy. "I haven't played this before, so you come up with something."
I thought for a moment before responding, "How about ducking? Submerging the second party's head in water for one minute?"
He nodded, "Okay, let's do it. Ask your question first. Truth or dare?"
I chose truth, and he waited expectantly for my question. As I paused, reflecting on the many questions I had thought of while bathing, I realized I still needed a moment to decide where to begin.
I finally mustered the courage to ask the question that had been lingering in my mind. "What was your intention when you approached me and asked me out, despite never having seen me before?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.
He placed a letter tile on the Scrabble board, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Since you chose truth, I'll be honest. I saw your picture on my friend's phone when I returned from my trip. I was immediately drawn to your beauty, and my first thought was, 'I want this beauty to be mine.'" He chuckled, recalling the conversation with his friend. "My friend teased me about it, but I told her I wanted to try this 'relationship' thing."
I was so captivated by his explanation that I forgot about the game. "Oops, sorry," I giggled, returning to the game.
He continued, his voice filled with sincerity. "My intentions were pure from the start. I wouldn't say I fell in love with you at first, but I wanted you to be mine. Now, I'm attached to you, and I think I might have fallen in love with you." As he spoke, he gently held my hands, cradling them in his.
His eyes locked onto mine, filled with affection. He pecked the back of my hand, sending shivers down my spine. I smiled, feeling happy and content.
He beamed with excitement, having made the first move in the game. "Yay, I got the first one!" His eyes sparkled with mischief, and his broad smile stretched across his face.
I chose truth again, and he asked, "How did you really feel when you saw me in such a monstrous condition?" His eyes searched mine, seeking answers.
Memories of his fierce golden eyes flooded my mind, and I took a deep breath, preparing to respond.
I hesitated for a moment before responding, "I was scared." My eyes met his, and I quickly looked away, avoiding further eye contact. "But at the same time, I was worried and curious about what was wrong. I wanted to help, but I didn't know how."
I made my next move in the game, then turned to observe his expression. His eyebrows were raised and furrowed, indicating surprise and concern. His eyes were wide with a hint of worry, and his lips were pressed together, conveying seriousness. I chose to ignore his expression and continued with the game.
"Your turn, truth or dare?" I asked, watching him contemplate his next move. He hesitated, covering his chin with his hands as he focused on the game.
"Well, well..." he trailed off, finally placing his piece on the board. "I'll go with truth."
I posed my question, "Tell me the truth about you, or what happened to you that day in your room." His reaction was intense, his eyes wide with terror. His eyebrows were raised and arched, and his mouth was slightly agape. His facial muscles were tense, giving his face a pale and strained appearance.
"This is a truth and dare game, it's the rules to answer the question or face the consequences," I reminded him, my eyes narrowing intensely. My eyebrows were straight and level, and my jawline was set, giving my face a sense of strength and purpose.
He refused to answer, his eyes cold and narrow. "I'm not answering this question. Let's end this game." His eyebrows were furrowed, adding to the intensity of his expression. The effect of his gaze was unnerving and intimidating.
I reached out, holding his hands gently. "I'm your girlfriend and personal assistant. I need to know the truth so I can protect you." My voice was soft and calming, but firm in its resolve.
He warned me, his voice low and aggressive. "Emily, let this go. I'm being nice." But I stood firm, my voice fierce.
"No, Alex! I won't give up. I need the truth behind this. I must help you and make you a happy and better person. I am not relenting on this! You must tell me!" My determination was unwavering, driven by my desire to support and protect him.
The air was thick with tension as we locked eyes, the game forgotten in the face of this deeper, more personal challenge.
He shot up from his seat, his hands sweeping across the small table, sending the game pieces scattering onto the floor. His voice thundered through the room, a turbulent storm of emotions boiling over. "I SAID NOO!" he bellowed, the sharp edge of his tone cutting deep, leaving emotional scars that lingered long after the initial wound.
As I gazed up at him, I saw beyond the aggressive exterior to a deep well of sadness and pain. It was as if a heavy weight was crushing his heart, making it hard for him to breathe clearly. His tone was a raw, emotional, and intensely personal expression of inner turmoil - a scream of frustration, a whisper of despair, and a cry of anguish all rolled into one.
I recognized the anguish in his voice, having experienced similar emotional turmoil myself. The intensity of his emotions was palpable, and I could feel the weight of his pain bearing down on me. His eyes blazed with a fierce inner storm, and I knew that I had to tread carefully to avoid exacerbating the situation.
As the echoes of his outburst faded away, the room fell silent, the only sound the quiet rustling of the scattered game pieces on the floor. I remained seated, my eyes locked on his, searching for a glimmer of calm beneath the turbulent surface.