Chances

Five - Safe haven

Author's note:

The following chapter may not be of the liking of all readers. Mention of abuse and little space ahead. If you don't feel comfortable reading about this, you can simply skip to the next chapter.

**Little space is a term used in the age regression community to describe a state of mind where someone regresses to a childlike state. This can be a coping mechanism for stress. People who experience little space may engage in childlike behaviors, such as using stuffed animals, coloring, or talking in a high-pitched voice. It's important to note that little space is not a mental illness. It's a coping mechanism that can be helpful for some people. However, it's important to be aware of the potential risks of age regression, such as the risk of being taken advantage of by others.

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"Need a little space, Need a little time.
From the long tiring day, And from all the social crimes"

-s_n_writes_08

We have been married for almost a month. Living here in this mansion feels like heaven in comparison to the hell I used to live in. My adoptive parents arranged our marriage for business purposes, essentially as repayment for the years I've lived with them.

They are greedy for money, as they say they've finally found a better use for me other than being their punching bag.

Because of their abuse I developed "Little space syndrome" as a coping mechanism. I just slip in and forget most of their abuse when I slip out.

They married me to Ethan Bateman. The most dangerous mafia the country has ever known. They say that he is the most ruthless person on earth and death is the only penalty for any mistake.

Up until now, there haven't been many interactions between us. I haven't told him about my condition and I intend to keep it that way. I don't want to trigger him or make him angry. I don't know what he might do then.

We sleep in separate rooms and we only see each other during breakfast and sometimes dinner. Otherwise, he is either in the office or in his home study.

It's almost been three hours since Ethan went into his study to work. He didn't even come out for dinner. It must be something very important he is working on right now. I go to the kitchen and prepare him some coffee. Maybe it will help him during the night.

I knocked twice on the study door. "Come in" Ethan replied.

I went in and saw him typing on his laptop. Placing the coffee on his desk, I noticed a pen on the floor. I bent down to pick it up. However, when I stood up again, I accidentally knocked the coffee cup over onto his laptop. Panic surged through me. Oh my god, I ruined his work. He's going to kill me now.

I hurriedly apologized. "What have you done?" He seethed in anger while glaring at me. "I-I am sorry. I didn't mean to." I stammered.

"Do you know how important this is?"

He shouted at me for the first time. I felt myself slipping a little. Please hold on, Ella. Don't slip now. I fisted my hands in an attempt to control myself.

He raised his hand in the air. "N-No. pwease don't hurt Ella. Ella is bad. She won't do it again. Ella is sorry," I pleaded, tears welled up in my eyes.

He looked at me in confusion. He wasn't going to hurt me. Instead, he was going to run his hand in his hair.

"Dadda, pwease forgive Ella." I said with tears brimming my doe eyes. Ethan's eyes widened at what I said.