L'AMOUR DE MA VIE

Ep 21: Dad

Winter's P.O.V

"Dad?" Karina's voice trembled, barely a whisper. She stood frozen, her body tense with a mixture of surprise and nervousness. Her eyes widened, reflecting the shock she felt upon seeing the man before her. Instinctively, her head lowered, her posture shrinking as if trying to make herself smaller. She reached back with one hand, gripping my arm tightly and pulling me behind her, shielding me from view. Her protective stance was fierce, her fingers trembling slightly against my skin. The room felt colder, the air heavy with the weight of unspoken words and unresolved emotions. The man's presence loomed large, his eyes locked onto Karina, a complex mix of recognition and uncertainty flickering in his gaze.

"Karina, what is the meaning of this!?" His voice was sharp, cutting through the tense silence. He stood tall, dressed in an expensive and impeccably tailored suit that spoke of wealth and power. His scowl deepened, eyes narrowing as he took in the scene before him. Despite his handsome features, his face was cold, a stark contrast to Karina's. She shared his sharp cheekbones and striking eyes, but where his gaze was icy and unyielding, hers held a warmth and vulnerability that made her seem almost out of place in his presence. He was the very embodiment of opulence and authority, a man used to having his way and not accustomed to surprises, especially not ones like this.

"She... is my neighbor and friend," Karina stammered, her voice wavering as she spoke. The words cut through me like a knife, causing a sharp pang of pain in my heart. She was so much more than that to me, and hearing her diminish our bond felt like a betrayal. I stared at her back, hoping she would turn around and see the hurt in my eyes.

Sensing my gaze, she shifted slightly, glancing back at me for a fleeting moment before turning her attention forward again. Her expression was unreadable, a mix of determination and fear. She seemed to ignore the confusion and pain in my eyes, choosing instead to face her father with a steely resolve. The tension in the room thickened, and I felt a growing sense of unease. Why was Karina hiding it, and why was she so afraid to acknowledge the truth?

"Friend... huh? Did you really need to hug like that if you were just friends?" the man said, his scowl deepening. Karina immediately let go of me, her hands moving in frantic gestures as she tried to explain. Before she could get a word out, he raised a hand, silencing her.

"Quiet!" he commanded, his voice cold and authoritative. "Looks like I'll need to talk to her. So, neighbor, why don't you go back to your room while I take my daughter for a talk?" Without waiting for a response, he walked past us, his presence commanding the space.

Karina glanced at me, her eyes filled with an apology she couldn't voice. She chased after him, her movements hurried and desperate, leaving me standing alone in the hallway. The door to her apartment closed behind them with a decisive thud, sealing her away from me. I stared at the door, my heart heavy and my mind swirling with confusion and sadness. The bond we shared felt fragile now, stretched thin by the weight of unspoken words and hidden truths.

"Bye," I whispered, my voice barely audible even to myself. The word hung in the air, a fragile farewell that seemed to echo in the emptiness of the hallway. With a heavy heart, I turned and walked back to my apartment, the sound of my footsteps the only noise breaking the silence. I closed the door behind me and leaned against it, feeling the weight of the evening pressing down on my shoulders. The warmth and familiarity of my apartment did little to comfort me. My mind was still reeling from the encounter, and the image of Karina's conflicted expression was etched into my memory. I sank onto the couch, staring blankly ahead, my thoughts a tangled mess of confusion and longing.