Chapter 8
1057 Words
A month had passed after all that drama.
It was a Sunday morning when I was having dinner with my dad and Noah, when I noticed him staring at me in some type of way from time to time. The room was silent and it was so unbearable.
Suddenly my dad broke the silence.
“Noah”, My dad called out quietly.
“Yes sir” Noah answered.
“I really want to use this time to appreciate you for standing by my little princess’s side. He continued, You've been a very supportive friend and I'm really proud of you son.” My dad let out a slow breath.
“Son?” Noah asked, smirking
“Ofc my boy, you've always been.” My dad said.
“Really? thanks dad.
When I heard this, I frowned but I didn't make it noticeable.
My dad went ahead to talk about Noah being a loyal, dependable and a great friend and family. Noah proudly accepts the praises, eyes lowered, voice gentle.
I noticed something off in his smile. I watched closely—close enough to notice that something in his smile lasted too long. He didn't look proud, instead, he looked entitled. Something in his eyes screamed possession and deep down, I thought to myself
“Why does his praise feel like a warning instead of comfort.”
“Why does it feel like I was being handed over, not protected?.” I felt so unsure and unsafe.
Later that night, My dad had a gone on a business trip. I was alone in my room where it felt quiet and emotionally raw, when I stumbled upon the beautiful diamond tiara Adrian prepared for me a month back. It brought back past memories. Whenever we were together, he'd always call me his princess who's soon to be his queen someday. I'd giggle whenever he said that. This shattered my heart but nevertheless, I put it on, and stood at the front of the mirror, half dressed as I touched my body slowly, thinking about that breathtaking night I had with Adrian.
I was still daydreaming about that night when I took off my bikini top, my tiara and laid down. Windows were open, curtains shifting and the night air heavy. I felt really safe or so I thought. I could feel someone watching me but didn't get a chance to see who.
Not long after, Noah appears in my bedroom without my consent. He didn't speak immediately. He just stood there—Watching. Like he was calculating me. His gaze didn't look like that of concern. Instead, it was creepy, dark and possessive. The smile on his lips wasn't friendly. It stretched slowly like he was savoring a secret I didn't know I was part of.
I froze. I thought to myself, “Why wasn't he embarrassed?”
“Why wasn't he looking away?.”
Just then, I quickly grabbed a blanket, covered myself and yelled at him to leave. but surprisingly,Noah didn't even budge. He just stood there, like I wasn't talking to him. I thought to myself, “since when did comfort turn into entitlement and how long has he been looking at me like this?”
Suddenly, he spoke up.
“I've always been here for you Nat–Through your bad days, your good days. Noah said softly, like it was something I should be grateful for. He continued, “Watching sure no one got too close when you were hurting”
I took a step back.
“Don't you see it Nat?”, He said with a creepy smirk. He continued, “I know you better than anyone does and that has to mean something”. “It means you were always meant to be mine, my pretty angel”
“Adrian never loved you. I mean, if he did, he wouldn't have left you in such position. You're lonely Nat, and I wanna be here for you. I wanna help you out.”, he said, while getting closer, ignoring my boundaries.
“Why are you doing this?” I asked, my voice trembling with disbelief. I mean, of all people who would do this to me;why you?”
“You still don't get it Natalie…” He said gently. “I told myself I'd stop but once I started watching, I just couldn't. He continued, “No wonder Adrian couldn't resist you.” You have the body of an Angel Nat. You belong to me.”
Fear gripped me, the moment I heard those words. All these years of what I thought was safety were all lies.
“What do you want from me?” I asked, my voice shaking.
“You”, Noah replied calmly.
“What?” I asked, my heart dropping to my stomach.
“I want you Nat”.He continued, I've always loved you but you kept pushing me away and chasing that bastard, Adrian, over me. I know why. It's because he's rich. I waited patiently, Natalie. Now it's time for us to finally be together and you're shunning me again?!”
“You're mine Nat. Mine. If I can't have, then no one will.”
I felt a lump in my throat. I couldn't speak. I just froze…I knew deep down, this wasn't love, it's control and I was scared of what he'd do to me next.
Suddenly, Noah grabbed me.
Hard.
“Let go of me” I screamed desperately trying to break free.
No matter how much I tried fighting back,I just couldn't. He was too strong for me. He tried stripping me off my blanket while pushing to my bed but I wasn't gonna let that happen so I bit him but still, I didn't win. I was already giving up when–
“She said let her go, you son of a bitch.”
The last thing I remember was Adrian's fist catching Noah's jaw and they got into big fight while the servants tried to pull them away from each other. I wanted to separate them. I really did, but I was just so weak to even get up and it got even worse when my asthma attack kicked in.
“Natalie!” Adrian called out. “Are you okay?”
After that, I blacked out.
- Writer
