Falling for her oppressor

chapter 14

An hour after arriving home, Jason stepped through the front door, his heart racing slightly as he scanned the house. It was quiet, save for the faint sound of the TV in the living room. He walked inside, and there she was—Kyra, sitting alone on the couch, staring off into the distance.

Without thinking, Jason dropped his bags and rushed toward her. Before she could react, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a tight hug, burying his face into her shoulder.

“f**k, I really missed you,” he muttered, his voice thick with emotion. He had no idea how much until this very moment.

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**Kyra’s POV:**

I was lost in thought, my mind drifting as I sat on the couch, staring blankly at the TV. I hadn’t realized how much I’d been thinking about him these past two weeks. Where was Jason? When would he come back? I hated feeling like this—so lonely, so uncertain about someone I swore I didn’t care about.

I was deep in those thoughts when suddenly, I felt the warmth of someone’s arms wrapping tightly around me. My body stiffened in surprise, and then I heard his voice—Jason’s voice—muffled against my shoulder.

“f**k, I really miss you.”

My heart skipped a beat, but I immediately sniffed and blinked, pushing the sudden rush of emotions aside. I glanced at him, coldly at first, just like I always did. He wasn’t supposed to get to me like this. With a soft sigh, I gently pushed him away, trying to regain some control over myself.

As I pulled away, Jason’s eyes narrowed, his expression shifting from affection to concern. He studied me for a moment, and then his brow furrowed. “Kyra, what’s wrong? You look… pale.”

I waved him off, not wanting to make a big deal out of it. “I’m fine. I had a fever a few days ago, but it’s gone now.”

His frown deepened. “You should see a doctor.”

“I’m fine, Jason,” I said, my tone firm. The last thing I needed was for him to start worrying about me. “It’s nothing. I don’t need a doctor.”

But I could see the worry in his eyes, the way his hands itched to pull me closer again. And for just a brief second, I almost wanted to let him. But I couldn’t. I wouldn’t.

Instead, I shifted my focus back to the TV, trying to ignore the way my heart raced at his closeness, the way his return had thrown me off balance.

Jason couldn’t help himself. Even after Kyra gently pushed him away, he reached for her again, pulling her closer into another hug, his arms tight around her as if he was afraid to let go. He rested his chin on the top of her head, his voice soft as he asked, “You didn’t miss me, huh?”

Kyra stiffened in his embrace, and after a pause, she said coldly, “No, I didn’t. I didn’t even think about you.” Her words were clipped, distant, but deep down, she knew it was a lie. She had been thinking about him constantly, wondering where he was, when he’d be back. But admitting that felt too vulnerable, too real.

Jason nodded, feeling a pang in his chest, though he tried not to let it show. “I know,” he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. He pulled back just enough to look at her, offering a small, sad smile. He could tell she was lying, but he didn’t push her. Not now.

“I’ll head upstairs and take a shower,” he said, his tone lighter now, trying to shake off the tension. “I’m starving, too.”

Kyra didn’t respond, her eyes still averted. Jason lingered for a moment, waiting for her to say something—anything—but she remained silent, her gaze fixed on the TV again. With a quiet sigh, he let go of her and turned toward the stairs. As he disappeared from sight, she could hear the soft sound of his footsteps fading.

For a while, Kyra stayed still, staring at the screen but not really watching. Her mind was racing, torn between the distance she tried to keep and the undeniable ache that formed when he was close. After a long moment, she finally stood up, heading to the kitchen.

She couldn’t help herself. Despite everything, she found herself preparing something for him to eat.

Jason finished his shower, the steam still clinging to the bathroom mirror. He slipped into a comfortable shirt and jeans, feeling refreshed and ready to face the day. As he made his way downstairs, he heard the doorbell ring. Curious, he went to answer it, finding Mark standing on the doorstep.

The two men exchanged warm hugs, their laughter filling the air as they greeted each other. Jason, still smiling, stepped aside to let Mark in. "Come on in, Mark. It's good to see you."

Mark entered the house, taking in his surroundings with a practiced eye. He leaned in slightly and whispered, "So, where's your girl?"

Just then, Kyra emerged from the kitchen, carrying a steaming hot dish. She didn’t acknowledge the men but moved with purpose, placing the dish carefully on the dining table before heading back to the kitchen.

Jason watched her for a moment before turning back to Mark. "She’s just busy with the cooking. Let's sit down and catch up."

They settled at the dining table, and the conversation shifted to business. Jason and Mark dove into their discussion, their voices becoming a low murmur in the background as Kyra continued her work in the kitchen, giving the men their space.

Kyra quickly set the table for the three of them, placing plates, cutlery, and glasses with practiced efficiency. After ensuring everything was perfectly arranged, she called over to Jason and Mark, “Dinner is ready.”

Jason looked up from his conversation and smiled at Mark. “Come on, Mark. Join us.”

Mark’s eyes lit up. “Great, I’ve been starving!” He moved to take his seat at the table.

As they began to serve themselves, Mark took a bite and immediately complimented Kyra. “This food is delicious!”

Kyra didn’t look up from her task, her focus remaining on clearing the kitchen.

Jason grinned and shot a playful warning to Mark. “Just so you know, don’t get any ideas about eating here regularly. Kyra’s cooking is a rare treat.”

Mark chuckled, enjoying the banter. “Noted. I’ll make sure to savor every bite.”

The three of them settled into their meal, the conversation flowing easily as they enjoyed the food and each other’s company.

After finishing their meal, the three of them tidied up the table. Kyra cleared the dishes with quiet efficiency, her movements deliberate but unhurried. As she worked, Jason and Mark exchanged a few more words, their conversation now focusing on lighter topics, but the underlying tension from earlier was evident.

Once the table was cleared and Kyra had retreated to the kitchen, Jason and Mark headed upstairs to Jason’s study. The room was a comfortable, well-lit space lined with bookshelves and furnished with a large mahogany desk. The scent of leather and paper filled the air. Jason motioned for Mark to take a seat on one of the plush chairs while he settled behind his desk.

Mark glanced around, appreciating the room’s warmth and the sense of order it conveyed. “So, what’s on your mind, Jason?”

Jason leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples as if trying to chase away a headache. “It’s this marriage proposal I’m stuck with. I’m in a bind. It’s not something I can back out of.”

Mark’s brow furrowed with concern. “I’m sorry to hear that. If it were just about money, it might be easier to handle. But this… this is different.”

Jason sighed deeply, his frustration clear. “Yeah, it’s not just about money. I don’t even know if I can go through with it. I mean, it’s all so messed up.”

Mark nodded sympathetically. “So, tell me—are you in love with Kyra?”

Jason’s gaze fell to the desk, his expression one of resignation. He nodded slowly, his voice low. “Yes, I am. But I know things are complicated. It’s not something I can just walk away from easily. She… she doesn’t love me back.”

Mark leaned forward, his concern evident. “Jason, if you’re sure that Kyra won’t reciprocate your feelings, maybe it’s time to consider letting her go. It’s not fair to her, and it’s not fair to you. You both deserve the chance to start fresh without being tied to this situation.”

Jason’s shoulders slumped slightly. “I know you’re right. I know she won’t love me back, but it’s not easy to just let her go. It’s like tearing a part of my life away, something I’ve grown attached to despite the complications.”

Mark placed a reassuring hand on Jason’s shoulder. “Sometimes, doing the right thing is the hardest part. But think about it—if you release her from this, you both have the chance to find happiness in a way that’s genuine and true. It’s a tough choice, but it might be the best for everyone involved.”

Jason looked up, his eyes reflecting the weight of his decisions. “I understand what you’re saying. It’s just a matter of figuring out how to navigate this without causing more harm.”

The two men sat in thoughtful silence, the gravity of the situation settling over them. The room was quiet except for the occasional creak of the house and the soft rustle of papers. Jason finally broke the silence, his voice resolute. “Thanks, Mark. I needed to hear that. It’s going to be difficult, but maybe it’s time to face the reality and do what’s right.”

Mark nodded, his expression one of support. “You’re welcome, Jason. Whatever you decide, know that you have my support.

Jason nodded appreciatively. “Thanks for being here. It means a lot.”

The conversation shifted to other topics as the evening wore on, but the weight of their discussion lingered