Bound By Obsession

Chapter1

I sat beside my mother’s bed in the psychiatric hospital, holding her hand, trying to ground myself. I hated the way she looked. Sometimes it scared me. Sometimes I asked myself if she was getting any better.

“Where is he, Angela?” She asked in a shaky tone. “I need to see your father. I know he’ll come today. He promised.”

Every time she said it, it was like something inside me splintered. I took a deep breath, forcing myself to answer gently, knowing she’d soon forget my response. “Mom… Dad isn’t coming. You’re divorced. It’s been five years. He... he has another family now.”

She was confused. I was hurt and saw disbelief in her eyes. It was as if I had just told her the worst thing she had ever heard for the very first time. She couldn’t understand, and I hated having to remind her. But I knew I had to. I owed her the truth, even if her mind refused to hold onto it.

“No,” she murmured. “That’s a lie, Angela! You’re lying to me!” Her hands came up, swatting at my arm. Her lips were weak but persistent. “Where is he? Why won’t he come?”

I swallowed hard, fighting back the sting of tears. I told myself to stay strong. She was my mother, and she needed me to be the rock she couldn’t be for herself. I let her lash out, let her slap and yell, until eventually, her energy waned and she slumped back onto the bed, muttering under her breath.

Once she had fallen back asleep, I quietly stepped out of the room and leaned against the wall in the hallway, closing my eyes for a moment to steady myself. I felt exhausted, worn down in a way that sleep couldn’t fix. I took a deep breath and composed myself before heading to the nurse’s station.

The nurse on duty looked at me with a sympathetic expression. She hesitated before speaking, and I braced myself for whatever news she had. “Ms. Mendes, I need to talk to you about your mother’s bills. They’re getting... well, they’re accumulating faster than anticipated. Are you sure you’ll be able to handle them on your own?”

I straightened my shoulders, not liking the implication. “Yes, I can handle it,” I replied firmly. “I just got promoted at work, so I’ll have a bit more financial flexibility.”

The nurse nodded but continued to look at me with that same doubtful expression. I held her gaze, making my voice even firmer. “Please never assume I can’t take care of my mother,” I said angrily, and with that I walked away. Once outside, I hailed a cab and directed it to my office. The ride was quiet, and I took the time to collect myself. This promotion mattered—not just for me, but for my mother and my sister. I couldn’t afford to mess it up.

I went straight to my boss, Mr. Davis’s office. He had called me in earlier to discuss the promotion, and now was the time to formalise it. I took a deep breath before stepping inside. He looked up from his desk and smiled. His gaze lingered on me for an odd amount of time.

“Angela,” he said in a light tone, “do you know why you were chosen for this promotion?”

I blinked, caught off guard. “I assumed it was because I’m good at my job, sir,” I replied, feeling slightly defensive but managing to keep my tone respectful.

He chuckled softly, leaning back in his chair. “That’s certainly part of it. But... hmmm, it’s also because I find you interesting. I’d like us to spend more time together, you know... maybe get to know each other better.” He paused, taking notice of my reaction. “I’m not trying to force anything, but I’d like you to feel comfortable enough with me, outside of work.”

I felt uncomfortable, and I couldn’t hide it. “If that’s why you’re offering me this promotion, Mr. Davis, then I don’t want it.”

He raised his hands, as if to reassure me. “Angela, you misunderstand. I’m saying you earned this. I wouldn’t offer it if I didn’t believe in your abilities. I’m just letting you know that I have feelings, but I respect your boundaries. I’d still like you to accept the position.”

I hesitated, my thoughts instantly turned to my mother and her medical bills. I couldn’t afford to turn this down over something that might not even go further than a few awkward comments. “Alright,” I replied. “I accept.”

Mr. Davis’s face lit up with a pleased smile. “Excellent. We’ll start right away. And by the way, I still expect the report I asked for on my desk by tomorrow.”

I nodded, already planning how I’d manage my workload. I couldn’t afford to slip up. This promotion means everything to me right now.

Later that evening, my friends Evie and Salma insisted on taking me out to celebrate, and despite my fatigue, I agreed. I hadn’t been out with them in ages, and they were quick to remind me of that. I arrived at the club a little later than they did and spotted them immediately as they waved me over.

“Why did you guys drag me out here?” I asked, laughing as I settled into the booth with them.

Evie smirked, glancing at Salma. “We’re here to celebrate your promotion and also to help our dear Salma party away her heartbreak,” she said, nudging Salma.

I turned to Salma. “I’m sorry, Salma. He didn’t deserve you,” I said, rolling my eyes. “Good riddance to him, honestly.”

Salma shrugged, trying to look indifferent. “I’ll be fine. Just don’t worry about me tonight. We’re celebrating you, remember?”

To lighten the mood, she quickly suggested a game of truth or dare. Evie’s eyes lit up, practically beaming with excitement. “I’ll start with Angela!” she announced, grinning at me.

I groaned, shaking my head. “We’re not in college anymore, Evie.”

“Oh, come on!” she teased. “Where’s the fun Angela we used to know?” With her persistence, I finally relented.

“Fine. Dare,” I said, rolling my eyes.

Evie’s grin widened mischievously. “I dare you to make out with that guy over there before the night’s over,” she said, pointing toward a man leaning against the bar with his full concentration on his phone.

I raised an eyebrow. “Are you serious?”

“Yes! Don’t be a joy killer, Angela. You need to have some fun!” she insisted, and Salma chimed in, urging me on until I finally agreed just to get them off my back. Taking a deep breath, I adjusted my dress, hoping I didn’t look as ridiculous as I felt.

As I walked toward the bar, I kept my eyes on the ground, mentally preparing myself. But when I looked up, I gasped. The man Evie had pointed out, the one I was supposed to kiss... it was him.