Episode 5 Tangle under light
1098 Words
I was devastated. Words failed me. I didn’t know what to say, how to react, or even how to sit in that moment. I just sat there—completely still.
“Please eat your food,” his voice came again, softer now.
I glanced at him, trying to understand. He was so different—so unreadable.
Then he said it.
“You can use me however you want, but it comes with a price.”
His gaze locked onto mine. His eyes burned with something I couldn’t name. Pain? Desire? A hidden storm?
I didn’t know what he meant. I didn’t even know if I wanted to understand.
“Don’t think too much. Just eat your food, Lara.”
I was caught off guard. The atmosphere was heavy with things unspoken. I didn’t know where we stood anymore.
But I picked up my fork.
And I ate.
I can’t dispute the fact that I eat like a snail—it took me forever to finish my food. Honestly, I couldn’t bring myself to eat fast. When I finally finished, Liam offered to drop me home. I politely refused. He didn’t look upset; instead, he just sat there, watching me.
As I reached for the door, hand already on the knob, his voice came calmly, “Do you still love him?”
I froze.
I couldn’t give a direct answer. I wished I had something better to say, something clear and convincing.
“Are you afraid he’ll find out you slept over at my place?” he added, this time with a trace of sarcasm in his voice.
Still, I didn’t respond.
His questions were piercing—were they true? Was I afraid? Of him finding out? Or of losing him entirely? The truth was, I didn’t know how to escape this fear, the pain, the agony that haunted me each passing day.
“Or are you afraid he might leave you?”
His voice snapped me back to reality.
Was I really afraid of losing Tomson? A four-year relationship is no joke. Rufus left me. Williams did too. And now Tomson… How do you want me to quit again? How do you want me to just walk away?
Even though it hurts, I’ve always endured. I’m not being pushed by my family; I’m just tired. Tired of admitting that I can let go again. I don’t want to be a pushover. Yes, I love Tomson with everything in me, and I’m willing to endure… even if it slowly sucks the life out of me.
I turned to Liam with tears streaming down my face. “You don’t know anything!” I yelled. “You don’t know me at all! Please, don’t meddle in my business ever again.”
I could see it in his eyes—those words hurt. But he didn’t move.
That was how I rushed out of his house in tears.
Just as I was approaching home, Tomson called. He wanted me to come meet his family. I rushed home in frustration, got dressed, and drove to his place.
His mother welcomed me with a warm smile. “Oh Lara, you’ve grown so big,” she said joyfully.
But deep down, I felt empty.
Then Tomson walked in, hand in hand with Olivia.
I didn’t react. I was too tired.
His mother turned to me with a smile. “Olivia is an orphan, and Tomson has always been by her side. It’s hard to separate them.”
I nodded, even though I didn’t need the explanation.
Tomson was watching me, expecting some emotional reaction. But not today. I wasn’t in the mood. I excused myself to use the bathroom.
As I washed my hands and dried them, Tomson’s voice came from behind me. “You heard what my mom said?”
I nodded again. Still not in the mood.
He suddenly hugged me from behind. “Please bear with me, Lara.”
I nodded once more. No more words. No more tantrums. I’m done fighting battles that can't be won.
I pulled away and smiled faintly. “I heard you, Tomson. I understand.”
He stared at me, probably expecting me to get angry, to lash out. But I didn’t.
Then Olivia’s voice called him away.
He left me standing there.
I turned to the mirror, and tears flowed freely.
“It’s okay, Lara. Get a grip,” I whispered to myself.
Back in the dining room, everyone was gathered, eating.
I was about to sit beside Tomson when Olivia gently pushed me.
“Sorry, sis. I’m not well enough to pick food for myself. Tomson always does it for me,” she said with a pity face.
It was all a scheme, and we both knew it.
“It’s okay, Olivia. Lara will understand,” Tomson said with a weak smile.
I said nothing. I just found another seat.
Tomson’s mother wasn’t pleased. “Olivia, today is about Lara. That seat belongs to her. You’re always with Tomson. Just today, let them have some space.”
“I’m sorry, Lara,” Olivia said.
“It’s fine, ma. She can sit there. I’ve got no problem,” I replied with a smile.
But deep down, I was hollow.
“You’re such a good child. Report to me anytime Tomson misbehaves. I’ll have his head cut off,” she said cheerfully.
He’s been misbehaving for a long time now.
He once told me—in front of his friends and Olivia—that I was just a plaything.
I sat silently, eating, not contributing to their joy. I’ve seen this before. It’s not new. Just a reoccurrence I can’t seem to escape.
Then she asked, “Lara, I heard this jerk postponed your wedding?”
“Yes, Mother. He’s got a lot on his plate. I’m sure it’s for the best,” I smiled, hiding the truth.
“That’s why I like you. You understand everything and navigate so gracefully. I’m happy to have you as my daughter-in-law.”
Olivia smirked.
My hand slipped, and wine spilled on my dress.
I excused myself to the bathroom.
She followed me like a stray dog.
“Hey you! Where do you think you’re going?” she asked arrogantly.
“Olivia, I’m sure you’re not blind. Wine spilled on my dress, and I’m clearly heading to the bathroom. Even if you were blind, get some glasses—your case seems to get worse each passing day.”
“You dare talk to me like that?” she barked, raising her hand to slap me.
I caught her hand mid-air.
- Writer
