"You Fragile and Broken Being!!"
1029 Words
I wandered the empty halls of Maxwell's mansion, my footsteps echoing off the polished marble floors.
It had been days since Liam's arrest, but my nerves still thrummed like a live wire. I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, of being vulnerable. Maxwell's kindness and generosity had provided a temporary reprieve, but I knew I couldn't stay hidden forever.
As I drifted from room to room, my gaze landed on the laptop Maxwell had given me.
I had just started using it before the last tragedy struck.
Maybe it was the promise of distraction, of escape the loneliness I'll feel.
Maxwell will be going to work anyways, which leaves me at home alone.
oops! with tons of bodyguards that are surrounding the mansion.
I opened it and began to code, losing myself in the familiar rhythms of ones and zeros.
I missed being the smart web developer and programmer.
Aria what have you done to yourself!
The hours passed, and the silence of the mansion was broken only by the clickety-clack of my fingers on the keyboard. I was so absorbed that I didn't hear Maxwell come home, didn't notice him standing in the doorway until he spoke.
"Aria, what are you doing?"
I startled, my heart racing. "Just coding," I replied, trying to sound calm.
Maxwell's eyes narrowed. "You're supposed to be resting, not working, wait what??"
"You code?"
"I couldn't sleep," I said, feeling a twinge of defensiveness.
Maxwell's expression darkened. "You're always pushing yourself, aren't you? Never taking care of yourself."
His words stung, and I felt a lump form in my throat. "I'm just trying to keep my mind off things," I said, trying to explain.
But Maxwell wasn't having it. "Off things?" he repeated, his voice rising. "You mean off your past? Off the fact that you're stuck here with me?"
I shook my head, feeling tears prick at the corners of my eyes. "No, Maxwell, that's not what I meant."
But he wasn't listening. "You're always so... fragile," he spat, his voice dripping with disdain. "So broken. I don't know how much more of this I can take."
The hurt and anger in his voice cut deep, and I felt myself shrinking away. "Maxwell, please—"
But he cut me off, his words slicing through me like a knife. "I'm just tired of being your savior, Aria. Tired of being the one who always has to fix everything."
I felt a sob rise up in my throat as he turned on his heel and slammed the door to his study. The sound echoed through the hallway, leaving me shattered and alone.
I collapsed onto the couch, tears streaming down my face. Why did he have to lash out at me like that? I wasn't his problem, wasn't his responsibility. I was just a damsel in distress, a temporary burden he'd taken on out of kindness.
But as I wept, I realized that maybe Maxwell's words had struck a chord. Maybe I was fragile, maybe I was broken. And maybe, just maybe, I needed to face that before I could truly heal.
As the tears slowly dried on my cheeks, I knew I had a choice to make. I could let Maxwell's words define me, or I could use them as a catalyst for change. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the journey ahead.
I would not be broken forever.
As I sat on the couch, trying to process Maxwell's harsh words, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. His study door remained closed, and I wondered if he was still fuming inside. I didn't know how to react or what to do next.
After what felt like an eternity, I slowly got up and began to pace around the room. My mind was racing with thoughts and emotions, and I needed to clear my head. I walked over to the window and gazed out at the beautifully manicured gardens, trying to find some sense of calm.
As I stood there, I noticed a piece of paper on the coffee table. It was a note from Maxwell, scribbled in haste:
"Aria, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. I'm just... overwhelmed. Please forgive me. -M"
I felt a lump form in my throat as I read the note. Maxwell was sorry? He was overwhelmed? I didn't know what to make of it.
Just then, I heard the study door open, and Maxwell emerged, looking tired and worn out. "Aria, can we talk?" he asked, his voice soft and gentle.
I nodded, and we sat down on the couch together. Maxwell took my hand in his, and i gently lifted my hands off his.
I'm not a tool to be disrespected.
"I'm sorry, Aria," he said, looking into my eyes. "I was wrong to lash out at you. You're not fragile or broken. You're strong and resilient, and I admire that about you."
My face morphed into a frown, counting lost of how many times Liam had done this as well.
" You know I appreciate you for all you have done, but calling me names?
I've been through that s**t, Maxwell and the result is a psychotic man looking every where for me, for a reason only he knows... Is this like a thing for the rich?"
His face turned red, the tension between us was palpable.
" It's fine though, there's nothing I could possibly be angry of, after all I'm squatting here, with you" I gave a small smile, touched his shoulders and walked away.
"Aria ... wait.."
I hurriedly locked the door to my room.
who am I kidding?
The door to the room Maxwell gave TO me!!
Like I don't even have a life of my own, I let two men determine my life for me.
Running from Liam so he won't damage me completely like he did before I could finally escape.
Now it's Maxwell, the one who'd taken it upon himself to risk his life for me , I appreciate that... but he's an asshole!!
I sobbed loudly.
" f**k you guys!!!!!!!" I screamed with my face buried in the pillow.
- Writer
