Chapter 002
1227 Words
Chapter 002
Alessandra's POV
As soon as we enter the estate, the air feels heavier, as if I've entered an unearthly realm. I hardly have time to comprehend the size of the place, everything is too flawless and shiny, before I sense him by my side. Dominic's shadow hangs over everything, and his gaze never leaves me. He's watching; I know that. He never stops observing.
His voice is low and piercing, like a dagger poised to sever, as he advises, "Don't touch anything."
I swallow, attempting to suppress the panic that is tearing at my chest. I nod, not believing what I'm saying. Why engage in an argument? I'm in too deep already.
Every chamber is colder than the last as he guides me through the long corridors. The walls are adorned with grand portraits, but the one at the end of the hallway brings a shiver down my spine. The woman in the artwork is so stunning that it seems unreal. Her dark hair falls down her back, and her calm demeanour suggests that she is aware of something that the rest of the world is unaware of. My breath catches in my throat,, and I pause for a moment.
Dominic observes. He reaches out and firmly grips my arm. "Avoid staring at her."
I wince, but I don't back down. I'm too afraid to.
He whispers, "That's Noelle," in a very detached manner, as if he's telling me something significant, but he's not actually there. " This place is here because of her. She is the driving force behind my personality.
I can't think of anything to say. What he wants me to say is unclear to me. Instead, my thoughts are racing as I look over the photo. She is simply too gorgeous. It's almost unbelievable. Her eyes are haunting and eerily familiar. But it's the stench, not the artwork, that makes my stomach turn.
Even if it's subtle, I can smell her aroma as soon as we enter the next room. The scent is crisp, almost metallic, and sweet, reminiscent of roses. It seems to never leave the atmosphere.
As we proceed down the hall, Dominic breaks the silence by remarking, "You're quiet." "What are you thinking about?"
I offer a firm handshake.shake. "Nothin'."
It's not nothing, though. Every detail is significant. Every room in this house evokes a sense of Noelle's timeless presence. I feel as though I am intruding into her life and taking her position. And whenever Dominic stares at me, I can feel his gaze pressing down on me as if he's evaluating and assessing me.
As soon as we enter a spacious living room, I'm overwhelmed by the sight of more pictures—more of her. "Noelle," she said. You can't avoid it. Her face is a blur.
I can't help but feel uncomfortable, even though I try not to show it. Her memories overwhelm me. I can't see the photos because Dominic moves in front of me.
His tone is colder than before as he replies, "You'll get used to it." "This is my life. My universe. Now, you are part of it.
I want to refuse and tell him I don't want to be involved, but I can't. The words clog my throat. I have no place here. I didn't request this.
He moves closer until his body is so close to mine that I can feel his heat. I try not to breathe too loudly, but my heart is pounding. I would rather not show him how much he influences me since that would make him happy.
His dark and icy gaze piercess me. With a silky smoothness and a deeper undertone, he adds, "You'll be mine, just like she was." "I'll see to that."
I go cold. I'm not sure if it's dread or something else that makes my stomach turn, but his words stab me like a dagger.
"No," I mumble, my voice trembling. "I'm not her. I am unable to complete the task—
"Shh," he breaks off, reaching out to lightly brush my cheek in a way that is almost kind. But I'm aware that it's a lie. His gaze on me is not gentle in the slightest. He repeats, "You will be," but this time I know he's not asking. He's telling me.
Despite my attempts to move away, his hand remains on my face, his fingers piercing my flesh. I practically beg, "I would rather not be here." My voice breaks. "I would rather not be involved in this."
"You have no other option." He takes a step back while keeping his eyes on me. "I have you now. There is no escaping that.
I want to scream and go from this area as quickly as possible. However, I recognise that I'm unable to escape. I'm with him. He has always done so.
I search for something to control, but my heart races. Nothing is present. It's a prison house. The warden is Dominic.
"How—how did you accomplish this?" I struggle to articulate the words.
He doesn't respond right away. He smiles instead, but it's not a genuine smile. It's calculating andand cold, as if he's already won.
He ultimately admits, "I didn't do anything." "You've been mine forever. Always.
His comments hit me hard. I'm having trouble breathing. I am unable to think.
I mutter, more to myself than to him, "I would rather not be a part of this madness."
He continues, his voice becoming more menacing by the moment, "You don't get a say." "I'm not requesting it. I'm telling you.
Though I can't show it, I can feel the fear and rage swelling inside of me. I'll lose if I let him see how scared I am.
"I'm not her," I repeat, raising my voice. I'm not going to be your Noelle. You cannot transform me into her.
Dominic's grin broadens, but it's twisted and unkind. "What you become is not up to you. Yes, I do.
My thoughts are racing, and I briefly question whether I can get away. But I'm aware that escaping is futile. He has too much power. He is overly controlling.
His voice is dark and decisive as he continues, "Alessandra, you'll never be able to escape me."
He seizes my wrist once more and tightens his hold until I can feel the pressure in my bones as I attempt to break free.
He whispers, "You're mine," as though it were a vow or a danger.
I'm not sure which one frightens me more.
"How are you going to treat me?" I ask, hardly raising my voice above a whisper.
He takes a while to respond. Instead, he gazes at me for an extended period, as if he is assessing how far he can push me before I reach my breaking point.
The warmth of his breath then sends a chill down my spine as he moves in close and presses his lips on my ear.
"Anything I desire," he whispers.
I feel my heart sink to my stomach in an instant.
I'm not at liberty. No more.
I'm confined.
His grip tightens again, immobilising me. His presence suffocates me and prevents me from breathing, like a weight on my chest.
Now what? Can I ever get away? Or is Dominic now in charge of my life?
- Writer
