The Parasite [Yandere x Reader]

Chapter 42 - (The Mask)

The following morning, I woke with a plan. My mind had been spinning for hours through the night, twisting and turning in the dark as I thought of every possible escape. But I knew—after watching Damian's breakdown yesterday—that I had to be smart. I had to play along if I wanted any chance of surviving.

So, I put on the mask.

When Damian came in to check on me, his face lighting up with that unsettling smile of his, I forced a smile back. It felt strange, foreign, but I needed him to believe me.

"Good morning," I said, my voice softer than it had been in days.

His eyes widened slightly, as if surprised that I was speaking to him. 

"Good morning," he replied, his voice tentative, almost cautious. "How are you feeling today?"

"I think... I'm feeling better," I lied, keeping my tone light, as if yesterday's chaos had been erased from my mind. "I just needed some time to think, you know? To clear my head."

Damian's face softened, and I could see the relief in his eyes. He sat down on the edge of the bed, studying me carefully, as if trying to decide whether he could trust my sudden shift in behavior.

"I'm glad to hear that," he said finally. "I knew you just needed time."

I forced another smile. "Yeah... and maybe a change of scenery."

Damian's eyes brightened at that. "What do you mean?"

I shrugged, as casually as I could. 

"I just think it might be nice to do something different. Something relaxing. Like... what do you rich people usually do to unwind?" I tried to keep my tone light, almost playful, hoping he would take the bait.

Damian laughed, and for a moment, it was like I had said the magic words. 

"Well, there's plenty we can do, depending on what you're up for. How about we spend the day together? I'll show you how we live the good life."

I nodded, feigning enthusiasm. "That sounds great."

And so, the day began.

We started in the garden. Damian had an estate that stretched far beyond what I had initially realized, and the backyard felt more like a park. There were fountains, a perfectly manicured hedge maze, and an outdoor dining area under a canopy of trees. It was all breathtaking, but none of it felt real to me.

Damian walked beside me, his hand gently on the small of my back as he pointed out the various plants and sculptures. He talked about his wealth like it was an extension of himself, as though everything around us was proof of his superiority.

"Do you like it?" he asked, gesturing to a massive marble fountain in the middle of the garden. Water flowed down in elegant streams, shimmering in the morning light.

"It's beautiful," I said, my voice soft. It wasn't a lie—the place was beautiful. But I couldn't stop thinking about the dark truth that lingered beneath all the surface-level beauty. This was still a prison, no matter how luxurious it appeared.

After the garden, Damian led me to the stables, where sleek black horses waited in their stalls. I hadn't ridden a horse since I was a child, but I nodded along, pretending like the idea didn't terrify me.

"Let's go for a ride," Damian suggested, his eyes gleaming with excitement. He handed me a riding helmet as he saddled up two of the horses.

I climbed onto the horse, my muscles tense as we trotted down a narrow trail that weaved through the property. The wind brushed against my face, and for a brief moment, I felt a flicker of freedom. But the feeling didn't last long. Damian rode beside me, always close, his eyes never leaving me for long.

"So, what do you think?" he asked after a while, glancing over at me with a smile. "This isn't so bad, is it?"

I looked ahead, forcing myself to relax in the saddle. "It's... nice," I said, keeping my voice steady. "I could get used to this."

He grinned, clearly pleased with my answer. 

"See? I told you, you'd love this life. You just need to let go of everything else. The past is behind us now."

I nodded, trying to keep the conversation going in a direction that would keep him calm. 

"Maybe you're right. Maybe I've just been holding on to things that don't matter anymore."

"Exactly," Damian said, his voice growing more confident. "You and I—we have everything we need right here. No one else matters."

By midday, we returned to the house, where Damian suggested we go for a swim in the infinity pool. The pool overlooked the expansive lawn, and I could see for miles, the horizon blending into the sky in the distance. It was breathtaking, like something out of a magazine.

I changed into the swimsuit he had provided, feeling awkward and exposed as I stepped out onto the pool deck. Damian was already in the water, beckoning me to join him.

I slipped into the pool, the water cool against my skin. For a moment, I closed my eyes, letting myself float, trying to clear my mind.

This is all an act,

I have to keep this up.

Damian swam closer, his hand brushing against mine. "This feels good, doesn't it?"

I nodded, forcing a smile.

"It does."

He floated beside me for a while, his gaze fixed on the sky.

"I knew you'd come around," he said softly. "I knew you'd see that this life—our life—is perfect. You and me, together."

I didn't respond, letting the silence stretch between us. I needed him to believe that I was content, that I was starting to accept this twisted reality. But deep down, I knew I couldn't live like this forever.

I need to find a way out.

As Damian swam away, I glanced toward the house. Somewhere in there, hidden behind the locked doors and perfect walls, was my salvation. I just had to find it before his patience ran out.

For now, I would play the part. I would smile, laugh, and pretend that this life was enough. Because one day—soon—I would be free.