Blooming Hearts

Chapter 6

It's been months since our friendship

began, and with each passing day, Adele

and I have grown closer.

I've met Angelo and Adele's mom, and

sometimes I even pick Angelo up from

school.

We've become good friends, and the

bond we share feels genuine and warm.

Adele and Angelo come to my place

sometimes, but I visit them more often.

At first, I was so shy, feeling like an

outsider, but after all the love I've

received from both of them, I've become

more comfortable.

It's almost as if I've rediscovered the

happy, active girl I used to be.

After work, I take Angelo to the park or

explore new places with him.

He's become my new friend, and I've

grown to really love him.

And then there's Adele-my everything.

I appreciate her for everything she's

done for me, and I owe her my life.

But recently, I've noticed that she's been

struggling with something.

She hasn't told me what it is, and I

haven't pushed her to share.

I'm waiting for her to feel comfortable

enough to open up.

Today, we're meeting at a café.

Adele said she wanted to talk.

I arrived early and took a seat, my heart

a mixture of anticipation and concern.

When she walked in, wearing a white

suit that made her look both beautiful

and elegant, I couldn't help but notice

the worry etched in her expression.

Her eyes, usually so full of life, were

clouded with sadness.

"Adele," I greeted her as she approached.

"Hey, how are you, Eli?" she asked,

calling me by the nickname she had

given me.

She was the only one who called me that.

"I'm fine. How are you?" I replied, trying

to read the emotions behind her smile.

"Fine, I guess," she answered, but her

voice didn't convince me.

I gave her a look that said *don't fool

me,* and she sighed, her shoulders

sagging slightly.

"Okay, don't look at me like that," she

said, her tone softening. "It's about Rich.

He's changed since our engagement, Eli.

He's not the same person anymore, and

it's scaring me."

I leaned in, concerned. "Can you tell me

what he's doing that makes you uneasy?"

She took a deep breath before

responding, "He doesn't want me to wear

short or tight clothes. He doesn't want

me to talk to any other men, and

recently, he found out that I'm bisexual.

Now he's overly sensitive about my

female friends, too. He's becoming

controlling, and he even dares to shout

at me. He's acting like I'm an object, like I

have to do whatever he tells me. But I'm

the boss, Elina-I can't be obedient like

that."

My heart ached for her. "I hate it," I said,

my voice laced with anger. "They think

they own a woman. You should talk to

him, Adele-make him realize you won't

tolerate this. Scare him if you have to."

"I did," she admitted, "but he just doesn't

pay attention. I'm sure he has anger

issues. Ever since our announcement,

he's become a bit famous, and it's gone to

his head. He's so full of himself now."

I frowned, trying to find the right words.

"You've been living with him for a month

-this isn't normal. Did you try leaving

for a while?"

"Yes," she replied, nodding. "I came to

your house for three days, remember?"

I remembered those days vividly.

She had seemed more relaxed, but I

hadn't realized it was because she was

escaping from Paul.

"Look," I said carefully, "I can't tell you

what to do, but I've seen what happens

when a strong woman marries a

controlling man. My mother was an

alpha woman, just like you. She married

my father, who was just like Rich-

controlling, possessive. He broke her,

Adele. He took her job, her

independence, and eventually, her

confidence. I don't want that to happen

to you, so please, decide carefully."

Adele's eyes met mine, filled with a mix

of gratitude and fear.

"I know, Eli," she whispered. "That's what

scares me the most. I don't want to lose

myself."

I reached across the table and took her

hand, squeezing it gently.

"You won't," I promised her, "not if you

remember who you are and what you

deserve. You're stronger than this, Adele.

Don't let him take that from you."

She nodded, but I could see the doubt

lingering in her eyes.

For now, all I could do was be there for

her, offering the support and love she

needed to face whatever decision lay

ahead.