𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐞 |Taelisa|✓

08|Darkness|

LISA POV

I woke up as sunlight flooded my luxurious room, a facade concealing the harsh reality of my existence. It was a fake sanctuary, devoid of genuine support from my stepmother, who turned a blind eye to my stepbrother's actions. The memories of last night haunted me, and in an attempt to cleanse myself, I endured a cold shower, hoping to wash away the remnants of his intrusion. My body shivered with cold, and rising from the bed, I felt the weight of both physical and emotional temperature with great difficulty.

Despite the heaviness in my body and soul, I mustered the strength to get fresh. I stepped into the lavish bathroom, the cold tiles sending a shiver through me. The water, once again, ran cold, but this time, it felt like a cleansing ritual, washing away the residue of the night.

After the refreshing shower, I dried off and chose a set of new clothes for the day. The wardrobe held an array of designer outfits, a stark contrast to the turmoil within me. As I adorned myself with a mask of luxury, I couldn't shake off the feeling that no amount of luxury could mask the scars hidden beneath the surface.

As I reached for the doorknob, my eyes widened in disbelief to find my father standing there. The pain in my body and heart intensified, but overwhelming emotions surged within me. Unable to contain the torrent of feelings, I rushed into his embrace, hugging him tightly, and let the tears flow freely. The reunion with my father became a sanctuary amid my turbulent reality.

My body burned with fever. Breaking the hug, I looked at him, my tears refusing to cease. The reunion with my father brought a mix of relief and an overwhelming surge of emotions. I asked him, "When did you come, Dad? Please come inside."

I held my father's hand and led him to the room. After he entered, I closed the door and helped him settle down on the bed. He looked at me, holding my hand, and said, "Lisa, you are burning with fever, dear. What happened?" I lied painfully, the memory of my stepbrother's threats echoing in my mind.

I forced a weak smile, masking the pain beneath. "It's just the flu, Dad. Nothing serious." His concern deepened, but I continued the charade, "I've been taking medicine. I'll be fine." He studied my face, a father's intuition sensing something amiss. "Are you sure you're okay, Lisa? You seem upset." I hesitated, the weight of secrets heavy on my shoulders, but I couldn't bring myself to burden him with the truth. "I'm just tired, Dad. It's been a rough night."

He sighed, still holding my hand. "You know you can talk to me, right? Whatever it is, we'll face it together." I nodded, offering a promising smile. "I know, Dad. Thanks for being here." Deep down, I yearned to confide in him, but the fear of the consequences held my words captive.

As he spoke, looking at me sadly, "My dear Lisa, I just came for Jennie's marriage, but I always wanted you to get married. That's fine if you want to study; I'll respect that. But you can continue your studies after marriage. My daughter, I always want to see you happy and healthy. That's what I've always wanted."

An escape plan built up in my mind, and I said, "Dad, I am sorry for denying your words, but now I understand. I'll agree to get married, but now I want Jennie unnie to get married."

My father caressed my head and said, "You make me proud, Lisa. I'll surely find a suitable groom for you." The weight of my decision hung in the air, a bittersweet blend of sacrifice and the desire to protect those I cared about.

As my father's words lingered in the room, a mix of emotions played on his face—pride, concern, and a father's unconditional love. He continued to caress my head, his touch a source of comfort amid my inner turmoil.