shadows of deceit by author berryy

CHAPTER 11

Then,
she screamed.....

As she woke up from the nightmare, she was in a wild state, her body and mind still reeling from the vivid and unsettling images that had plagued her dreams. Her heart was racing, pounding in her chest like a drum, and her breathing was rapid and shallow. She felt a sense of unease and disorientation, as if she was still trapped in the dark and foreboding world of her nightmare.

The sheets were damp with sweat, and her skin felt clammy and cold. Her eyes were wide with fear, and her pupils were dilated, as if trying to process the lingering terror. Her mind was foggy, struggling to distinguish reality from the twisted fantasy of her dreams.

Then she heard her name being called, she looked at Ryker who was now Infront of her, trying to hold her.

As Ryker pulled her into his lap, she felt a wave of safety wash over her. His strong arms enveloped her, holding her close as she began to sob uncontrollably. The dam had burst, and all the fear, anxiety, and emotions she had been trying to keep at bay came flooding out.

Ryker held her tight, whispering soft words of comfort in her ear. "Shh, it's okay, Lila. I've got you. You're safe." He stroked her hair, his touch gentle and soothing.

As she cried, her body shook with convulsive sobs. Ryker held her firm, his lap a safe haven from the storm raging inside her. He didn't try to silence her or tell her to stop crying; he just let her release all the pent-up emotions.

Slowly, her sobs began to subside, replaced by sniffles and gasping breaths. Ryker continued to hold her, his warmth and presence a balm to her frazzled nerves.

As the minutes passed, her eyelids grew heavy, and she felt herself drifting off to sleep. Ryker's arms remained wrapped around her, a steady heartbeat in the darkness.

This time, her sleep was deep and dreamless, her body and mind exhausted from the emotional release. Ryker held her close, watching over her as she slept, his eyes filled with a mix of concern.

The next morning Lila woke up with a headache. Lila's mind raced as she threw off the covers and got out of bed. She stumbled to the bathroom, her head pounding and her body aching. She turned on the faucet and splashed some water on her face, trying to shake off the lingering fogginess.

As she looked in the mirror, she noticed the dark circles under her eyes and the pale complexion. She looked like she had been through a war.

Lila's thoughts drifted back to the previous night, and her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She had broken down in front of Ryker, sobbing like a child. What if she had said something she shouldn't have? What if she had revealed too much?

She tried to push the thoughts away, focusing on the present. She needed to get out of the room, clear her head, it was a damn near call. No one was supposed to know her secret.

Lila made her way downstairs, her legs still feeling shaky. She found Ryker in the kitchen, sipping a cup of coffee. And obviously half naked. Lila frowned and said, "you didn't go to office", her voice a little scratchy.

Ryker looked up at her, locking his eyes with her, "nope", he said. Lila waited for him to explain but he didn't.

Lila made her coffee and sat on the kitchen island. Ryker kept staring at her, but she avoided his eyes, "what happened last night?", Ryker asked.

Lila frowned and asked a question in return, "what happened last night?"

Ryker's expression turned sharp as he said, "you know what I'm talking about"

"No I don't, bec it was just a normal nightmare"

"It wasn't a fucking normal nightmare, Lila. You were triggered"

"No I wasn't"

"Yes you were. You were whispering a name, something like.....Roger?" He said.

Lila paled, and shook her head in denial and said, "no I wasn't, you're making things up"

Ryker laughed, without any hint of humor, as he said, "Am I?"

Lila got up, to walk away but Ryker's words stopped her.

"If I'm lying then why are you walking away?. Stay here and say it while looking in my eyes"

Lil spun around, more furious then ever and spat, "don't fucking test me Ryker. Do you see me asking you about your secrets?"

"What secrets?" He asked with a frown.

Lila smiled sarcastically and said, "that why did you marry me, why am  I supposed to carry your child?"

Ryker's expression turned guarded, "yeah that's what I thought", said Lila as she walked away.

Ryker though was more than curious now, she wouldn't have turned so furious if it wasn't something serious, he thought.

Lila was hiding something from him, then so was he. They both had their own secrets but let's see who gets to reveal them...

Ryker shrugged and walked to his office. Lila, though was still anxious, scared even more. Everyone thought she was brave, but she wasn't. She was tired of everything, tired of keeping secrets in her pocket. Tired of getting used.

Lila took her phone and message Aria to ask her if she would like to go to shopping.
           Heyhey! Let's go to shopping
          and max out Ryker's card💸

                        Ofcc babee! Xoxo:)

Aria replied.

Lila changed and went downstairs to find the driver as she was supposed to pick up Aria from her apartment.

As the driver pulled up to Aria's apartment, she couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. She and Ryker had an intense conversation  and she was still simmering with anger. But now, she had the perfect opportunity to take her mind off things and indulge in some retail therapy - courtesy of Ryker's credit card.

Lila chuckled to herself, feeling a sense of camaraderie with Aria. She was glad to have her as her  friend as she prepared to take on the day - and Ryker's wallet.

As aria got inside the car, they both grinned at each other, feeling a sense of excitement and rebellion. "Let's do it", they said together.

Together, the two friends set off on their shopping spree, ready to take on the day and leave a trail of Ryker's money in their wake.

They went to the mall and did some shopping. Aria made her buy every dress she tried bec according to Aria, and lila quoted, "you're such a goddess, If only my brother wasn't married to you I would let you ruin me"
They both laughed at this.
Lila was having so much fun.

As they were eating their ice creams, a brilliant idea came in Lila's mind. She gasped and said to aria, "hey I'm tired let's go home", aria agreed and they both walked towards the car as driver dropped aria first and then they went back to the castle.

She went to her room, took a shower and wore the light purple lingerié aria brought for her. It was a lacy, short thing, and had a jacket too!

Lila grinned as she walked towards his office.

SOO TO BE CONTINUE.....

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How was it berries?:)
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