A Tale Of Hidden Scars ✔️

7~The truth

Ashta settled into her windowsill, a wicked smile spreading.Moonlight danced across her face, casting eerie shadows.Her fingers began to scratch, nails digging into her skin.A self-destructive habit, born from turmoil.For allowing Rhea to steal Ayan's attention.

Ashta's mind seethed, resentment festering.

Why did Rhea have to appear?

Why did Ayan have to care for her?

Scratch.Pain.Release.

Ashta's thoughts spiraled, dark and toxic.

Rhea thinks she's won but Ashta would show her no one can take Ayan away from me.

The scratching intensified, blood welling up.Ashta's smile grew, a cold, calculated curve.

I'll make him mine.No matter the cost.

The night air whispered secrets, fueling Ashta's obsession.Rhea thought she had Ayan's heart but Ashta knew the truth.

Ayan was hers.

And she'd stop at nothing.

"Ayan, I can't shake off the feeling that Ashta's behavior is beyond friendship. The way she looks at you, it's...intense. Possessive, even. I've seen the way she smiles when you're near, the way her eyes light up. It's not just affection; it's adoration." Rhea's voice trembled slightly.

"I feel like I'm competing with her for your attention. Every time we're together, she finds ways to insert herself. A casual touch, a whispered secret...it's like she's trying to reclaim you."Rhea's eyes searched Ayan's face.

"I know you think of her as a friend, but trust me, Ayan, this is different. Ashta's invested in you emotionally, deeply. And it's suffocating me." Rhea's words spilled out in a rush.

"I've tried to brush it off as jealousy, but the more I see the interactions, the more I realize it's genuine concern. Ashta's obsession is palpable, and it's frightening me." Rhea's hands clenched.

"I feel like I'm losing you to her, bit by bit. Your attention, your care...it's all being pulled toward Ashta. And I'm left wondering if you truly see me, or if I'm just a placeholder." Rhea's voice cracked.

"Ayan, I want to believe our arrangement is solid, but Ashta's presence threatens to upend everything. I need you to see this, to understand the danger lurking beneath her smiles and laughter." Rhea's eyes pleaded."Please, Ayan, don't ignore this. For our sake, for our future...recognize Ashta's true intentions."

"Rhea, you're overreacting. Ashta's just being dramatic, that's all. We've been friends for months; she's always been emotional."Ayan's tone conveyed reassurance.

"There's nothing between us, Rhea. I promise. Ashta knows I'm committed to you."Rhea's concerns seemed unfounded to Ayan.

"I understand why you might feel insecure, but trust me, there's nothing to worry about. Ashta's just a friend."

Ayan's mind whispered otherwise but is it true? Does Ashta's adoration not affect me?

Memories of Ashta's laughter, her smile, lingered.Ayan pushed them aside, focusing on Rhea.

"We agreed to this engagement mutually, Rhea. I care for you deeply, and I'm committed to making this work."

Ayan's words rang true, yet his mind betrayed him but do I truly feel for Rhea, or is it just obligation?

Their arranged meeting had sparked a connection.Rhea's kindness, intelligence, and beauty had drawn him in still, Ayan couldn't shake off Ashta's presence.