bound by his obsession

The morning sun slipped gently through the curtains, landing softly against Kelly Adams’ skin, making her glow beneath the golden light. Her dark hair was scattered across the pillow carelessly, framing her delicate face beautifully despite the sleepless night she had endured. She looked exhausted… yet breathtaking. Slowly, her eyes fluttered open. And immediately, yesterday’s words echoed painfully inside her head. “Kelly Adams… you only have eighteen months to live.” Her chest tightened. The doctor’s voice still sounded so clear, so cold, so final. She had been diagnosed with the same illness that took her mother’s life years ago. Eighteen months. Thinking about it made her stomach twist painfully. Kelly closed her eyes for a moment, forcing herself not to cry again. She had already cried enough last night. She couldn’t afford to break down. Not when her father only had her left. As the only child of Martin Adams, Kelly had always tried her best to stay strong for him. Since her mother’s death, the bond between father and daughter had only grown deeper. She was his entire world. And he was hers. With a tired sigh, Kelly pushed herself out of bed and got ready for work. She worked as an assistant at one of the city’s biggest fashion houses, Mabel’s Fashion, and although the job was stressful, she loved it. Designing clothes had always been her dream. Maybe one day… If life gave her enough time. Pushing away the painful thought, she grabbed her bag and headed downstairs. The delicious smell of breakfast immediately filled her senses. “Good morning, Dad,” Kelly greeted softly as she entered the dining room, forcing a smile onto her face. “Hope you slept well.” Martin Adams looked up from the table and smiled warmly at his daughter. Tall, cheerful, and kind-hearted, Martin had spent years trying to heal after losing his wife. Kelly was the reason he still smiled every day. “My night was fine, angel,” he replied gently. “How was yours?” Angel. That was what he always called her. Kelly’s heart ached hearing it. “It was okay,” she lied. Martin pulled out a chair for her before sitting opposite her at the dining table. The two ate quietly for a while until Martin finally spoke again. “What did the doctor say yesterday?” Kelly’s hands paused instantly around her cup. She knew he had noticed her strange behavior the previous night. She had barely spoken during dinner before disappearing into her room. All night long, Martin had worried about her. Kelly slowly reached across the table and held her father’s hand gently. “Dad…” she whispered softly, forcing confidence into her voice. “Don’t worry about me, okay?” Martin stared at her silently. “I’m going to get through this phase,” she continued with a smile that hid all her fear. “You’ll still watch me get married someday.” Her voice shook slightly. “And you’ll be there when I finally open my own fashion house.” She smiled wider. “You’ll even help me cut the ribbon during the opening ceremony.” Martin smiled emotionally at his daughter, though sadness remained hidden inside his eyes. He knew Kelly was trying to comfort him instead of herself. His brave little girl. Kelly leaned over, kissed his cheek, and stood up quickly before her emotions betrayed her. “I should get going before I’m late.” “Drive safely,” he called after her. If only he knew how much those words would matter. --- Music filled Kelly’s car as she drove through the busy streets, trying to drown out the storm of thoughts in her mind. Eighteen months. Eighteen months. The words wouldn’t stop haunting her. Tears blurred her vision slightly as she gripped the steering wheel tighter. Then suddenly— A loud horn blasted. Kelly looked up sharply. A black vehicle sped recklessly toward her lane. Too fast. Way too fast. Her eyes widened in horror. “Watch out!” CRASH! The impact shook violently through her body as her car was shoved off the road and into a shallow ditch. Pain exploded through her shoulder. For a moment, everything went silent. Her breathing came out shaky as she realized the seatbelt had saved her from hitting her head. “Oh God…” Still trembling, Kelly unfastened her seatbelt and stumbled out of the car. The other vehicle had slammed directly into a large tree nearby. Fear immediately replaced her anger. What if the driver was dead? Kelly rushed toward the damaged car and pulled the door open desperately. Inside sat a man. Unmoving. Blood stained the side of his forehead. “Oh my God…” Her panic rose instantly. There were no cars nearby. No one to help. Kelly acted quickly. With difficulty, she managed to move him carefully into the passenger seat before forcing the damaged car back onto the road. Thankfully, it still worked. As she drove toward the hospital, she quickly called her office, her father, and finally her best friend. “I’m fine,” she assured them shakily. “There was an accident.” “I’m coming to the hospital immediately,” Cecilia said firmly before hanging up. --- Thankfully, the doctors confirmed the man’s injuries weren’t life-threatening, though they insisted he remain under observation for several hours. Kelly finally relaxed slightly. Her office had also given her permission to miss work for the day. A few minutes later, Cecilia rushed into the hospital looking completely panicked. “Kelly!” she exclaimed, hugging her tightly. “Are you okay?” “I’m fine,” Kelly reassured her. “Just shaken.” Cecilia sighed in relief before lowering her voice. “What about the man?” Kelly rolled her eyes immediately. “He was driving like a maniac.” The two girls quietly entered the hospital room together. The man lay peacefully against the white sheets, asleep. And for the first time, Kelly truly saw him properly. Young. Maybe around thirty. Tall even while lying down. Dark hair slightly messy against his forehead. Sharp masculine features. And despite the small injuries on his face… He was unbelievably handsome. Cecilia suddenly froze beside her. Her eyes widened dramatically. “Oh my God.” Kelly frowned. “What?” Cecilia grabbed her arm tightly and dragged her into the corner of the room. “Do you even know who that is?!” Kelly blinked in confusion. “No.” “That’s Alexander Vaughn!” The name rang faintly inside Kelly’s head. Alexander Vaughn… Why did it sound so familiar? She was still trying to remember where she had heard the name before when suddenly— A deep voice interrupted the silence. “So…” Both girls turned sharply. Alexander Vaughn was awake. Sitting upright. His sharp grey eyes locked directly onto them. “What exactly are you two whispering about after nearly killing me?” he asked calmly. Kelly’s jaw dropped instantly. “Excuse me?!” she snapped, marching toward his bed angrily. “You almost killed me!” Instead of looking offended… Alexander Vaughn slowly smirked. And somehow— That single look made Kelly’s heartbeat stumble unexpectedly.