A Ruin Of Roses (Used to be: My Mysterious Husband)

TWENTY

𝙲𝚘𝚛𝚔, 𝙸𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍, 𝟽:𝟷𝟽 𝙰.𝙼 𝙼𝙰𝚁 𝟹𝟶𝚝𝚑 𝟸𝟶𝟷𝟾
[𝙿.𝙾.𝚅 𝚁𝙾𝚂𝙴]

The warmth that fills my chest as I wake up is indescribable, a feeling of contentment and happiness that has become a part of my daily life ever since Jaxon entered it. I slowly open my eyes, and as I become aware of my surroundings, I notice that I'm bare of clothes. But that's not the only thing missing – Jaxon is not in bed beside me. I let out a small sigh and then spot a note on the bedside table.

"I'm in the kitchen with roses and breakfast," the note reads, signed by Jaxon. A smile tugs at the corners of my lips as I realize he's gone to prepare a morning surprise for me. I grab one of his dress shirts from the closet and slip it on before making my way to the kitchen.

As I step into his view, I catch the moment of surprise in his eyes. They widen, and his mouth slightly falls open. I can't help but feel a little self-conscious. "What?" I ask, my hand instinctively running through my hair and down my body to make sure there's nothing amiss.

"You look so hot," Jaxon finally manages to say, his eyes scanning me appreciatively.

A soft chuckle escapes me as I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. "You scared me for a second," I admit with a playful pout.

Jaxon walks over to me, handing me a bouquet of roses. "These are beautiful," I whisper, bringing them to my nose to take in their sweet scent.

"It's only fair I treat you like a goddess," he says with a warm smile.

"Please don't. I don't want you to pamper me," I reply, my voice filled with genuine concern. I've always been someone who values equality and independence in a relationship.

Jaxon's arms wrap around my waist, pulling me closer. "I know, Rose. I just want to show you how much I care," he says, his lips gently pressing against my head.

I smile, appreciating his understanding and consideration. "Thank you for being so sensitive with me last night," I mumble, feeling a surge of warmth and affection towards him.

"I know what happened to you, and I wasn't going to force you into anything," Jaxon says softly, his embrace offering me a sense of security.

"That means a lot," I reply, looking up at him with gratitude in my eyes.

"I made you bacon and eggs," he announces, his voice light and cheerful.

"Sounds great," I say, and he places a plate of food in front of me. The aroma of the sizzling bacon and perfectly cooked eggs fills the kitchen, making my stomach grumble in anticipation. As I take a bite of the delicious breakfast, I can't help but think how lucky I am to have Jaxon by my side.

𝙲𝚘𝚛𝚔, 𝙸𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍, 𝟷𝟸:𝟺𝟽 𝙿.𝙼 𝙼𝙰𝚁 𝟹𝟶𝚝𝚑 𝟸𝟶𝟷𝟾
[𝙿.𝙾.𝚅 𝚁𝙾𝚂𝙴]

Returning to work after a while felt both strange and comforting. It's part of my commitment to not go on any more walks, especially alone. Instead, I spend my days serving customers, wiping down tables, and taking orders, all while wondering how Jaxon is doing at work. It's incredible how he managed to hide this part of his life from me during the two months we've been together.

As I chat with my co-workers during a break, the topic naturally turns to my recent marriage. Hellen asks, "So how's life as a married woman?"

"Amazing," I reply with a genuine smile. "He's such an angel. I was scared at first, but now I'm really glad I went through with the marriage."

"That's so sweet," Jenny says, her smile infectious and warming the entire group.

Sarah's curiosity gets the best of her, and she asks, "How about Jayden? How does he like him?"

I can't help but beam with pride as I answer, "He's been calling him dad."

"Wow, he must be really sweet," Giselle remarks.

I nod in agreement. "And he seemed pretty pissed when he had to take you home," Hellen chimes in. "Like violently angry."

"I noticed that too," Sarah adds, her eyebrows furrowed in thought.

"He's never been aggressive around me or Jayden," I say calmly, not wanting to unnecessarily worry my friends.

"I think he's just really protective of you," Jenny offers her perspective.

"Yeah, you have yourself a keeper there," Giselle adds, a note of admiration in her voice.

I can't help but smile, recalling the sweet and gentle moments we shared last night. "I already know that," I say, reminiscing about how he held me when I felt uncomfortable, whispered soft words of encouragement, and told me cheesy jokes. "He's so gentle."

The conversation takes an unexpected turn as Sarah exclaims, "They did the nasty!" She rushes forward, eager for details. "I need details, girl, spill," she insists, with Jenny and Giselle leaning in, just as curious.

I hesitate for a moment, trying to find the right words to describe what happened without feeling too uncomfortable. With a mix of laughter and blush, I finally start to share some of the intimate details of the night Jaxon and I spent together, leaving my friends in awe and excitement, each of them eager to share their own stories and experiences.

𝙲𝚘𝚛𝚔, 𝙸𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍, 𝟺:𝟹𝟺 𝙿.𝙼 𝙼𝙰𝚁 𝟹𝟶𝚝𝚑 𝟸𝟶𝟷𝟾
[𝙿.𝙾.𝚅 𝚁𝙾𝚂𝙴]

Panic grips my heart as I find myself in a nightmare I never imagined. The atmosphere in the diner changes in an instant, morphing from the usual lively chatter of a closing shift to a chilling silence. It's not Jaxon who walks through the door but a group of menacing strangers, each carrying an air of danger that makes my blood run cold.

The leader of the group points his gun at me, his eyes cold and unfeeling. "Ok, ladies," he says, his voice menacing. His gun is so close to my face that I can almost feel its cold, metallic presence against my skin. Hellen and Giselle, wide-eyed and trembling, raise their hands in surrender. My mind races, trying to comprehend the gravity of the situation.

In the darkness that descends upon the diner as the storm doors are closed, the fear becomes almost palpable. I instinctively grab Sarah and Giselle's hands, seeking comfort and strength from the familiar touch of my friends. We're shoved towards the farthest booth, our movements restricted as the assailants tie us up one by one. The ropes bite into my skin, a harsh reminder of the danger we're in.

My heart pounds in my chest, but I know I can't afford to succumb to fear. With every ounce of strength and determination, I gently struggle, trying not to draw attention as I discreetly fish my phone out of my pocket. My fingers fumble with the screen, hastily navigating to Jaxon's contact and initiating a speed dial. The phone rings, each tone echoing in the tense silence, and I pray that he answers quickly.

As the call connects, relief floods over me, even in the midst of this dire situation. I hear Jaxon's voice on the other end, his tone soft but filled with concern. With the little time I have, I manage to whisper the words, "We're in trouble. Call the police. Diner... storm doors... help." I provide as much information as I can before the leader notices my actions and yanks the phone away, ending the call abruptly.

My heart sinks, realizing that our lifeline to the outside world has been severed. But I hold onto a glimmer of hope, knowing that Jaxon will act swiftly upon my cryptic message. The seconds drag on like hours, each moment filled with tension and fear, yet I refuse to succumb to despair. Deep down, I believe that help is on its way, and I cling to that belief as our captors continue their menacing presence, unaware of the strength of our determination to survive.