Beyond the Veil of Yonder (Book 1)

1. A Fateful Walk

In the heart of a verdant park, spring was in full bloom. The tree canopy sparkled with droplets after the recent rain, and the air was alive with the melody of birds singing from their hidden nests. A soft breeze played with Elizabeth's light hair, making it sway and gleam in the sunlight.

But Elizabeth seemed detached from the surrounding beauty. Her eyes, once a mirror to her soul brimming with curiosity and joy, were now dimmed, their sparkle eclipsed by profound sadness. She wished she could scream, yet she moved with quiet resignation.

Her boyfriend Dan walked beside her, scanning the scenery with authority. Yet, his hand felt cold in hers, as if a vast, unbridgeable distance lay between them. She tried to slip her hand from his to avoid this chilling indifference, but his grip tightened as if she were his prisoner.

She recalled their first meeting at a mutual friend's party. Instantly captivated, Dan couldn't resist her long, flowing hair, striking blue eyes, and vivacious chatter. And he, with his refined manners and striking good looks, was the embodiment of perfection. His charming smile, waves of chestnut hair, and the sparkle in his brown eyes were enticing.

Their romance began with a passionate kiss. Dan then showered her with praise, grand gestures, and flowers, telling her she was the most beautiful girl he had ever met. In those moments, Elizabeth's eyes shone with happiness.

Dan came from a wealthy family, and many of her friends said how fortunate she was to have such a handsome and affluent boyfriend. Initially, those comments flattered Elizabeth, but now they only irritated her. Whenever they asked about their relationship, she would force a smile and insist everything was perfect. This facade extended even to her parents, who lived in another city while she rented an apartment here to pursue her studies.

She remembered the first time it had happened. She had shared her thoughts on a book she had read and expressed how much she liked it, but Dan only smirked. "Why do you read stuff like this?" Elizabeth's smile disappeared in an instant. Though she said nothing, a sharp ache settled in her heart. She had expected Dan to respect her interests if he truly loved her. But, as time passed, his words became increasingly sharp.

Elizabeth felt diminished around Dan, crushed under the weight of his condescension. At twenty-one, she was only two years younger than him, yet his attitude often made her feel childlike. His eyebrows would rise in judgement, and his chuckles seemed to mock her when she shared her dreams. Whenever she started topics he didn't favour, his attention waned.

His casual touch, guiding her through crowds, and his confident orders at restaurants—gestures that were initially comforting—now suggested control. The more she yearned for her own space, the more formidable the wall between them became. She was an accessory, not a partner.

༺ ✧ ༻

Today, Elizabeth had suggested a break from their typical coffee dates, hoping the park's familiarity might rekindle the spark their relationship lacked. While Dan eventually agreed, the displeasure was evident on his face. Throughout their stroll, he seemed distracted, as if intent on punishing Elizabeth for daring to assert some independence.

Doubts gnawed at her. Had she lost her charm? Was he getting tired of her? She wanted to end things but couldn't muster the courage, wishing Dan would take that step. And while part of her clung to the hope of change, deep down, she recognised their relationship's inevitable end.

Elizabeth had gone to great lengths for this date. The azure dress, perfectly styled hair, and meticulously applied makeup were all attempts to regain his attention. But his response was lukewarm, his attention wandering.

In a bid for change, she pointed towards an overgrown path. "How about we explore this?" she asked, her smile tentative, hoping to rekindle their fading connection.