Silent Heart, Hidden Desires

6

The morning stretches out before me, thick with the weight of unspoken words and the suffocating dread that I'm feeling. The ache in my chest, a dull throb that's been a fixture for days, intensifies with each passing second. It's a pain I can't name, a confusing blend of longing and jealousy that leaves me gasping for breath.

I'm drawn to Alistair, there's no denying it. His sharp features, the way his jaw clenches when he's focused, the glint of steel in his grey eyes - it all pulls at me, a magnetic force I can't resist. But love? No, I wouldn't dare call it that. It feels like a dangerous game, a forbidden fruit I shouldn't touch. Yet, my heart thunders in my chest whenever he's near, especially when I see him with other women. A wave of primal jealousy washes over me, a desperate need to tear the woman away from him, to scratch her face, to make her understand he's mine, even if it's just in my mind.

It's insane. I've only been in this house with him for a day, and already, I'm consumed by these dangerous emotions. They're a wildfire raging inside me, threatening to consume everything in their path. I need to stop this. I need to get away before I lose myself completely, before I become a prisoner of my own desires.

I descend the stairs, my heart pounding in my ears. The sound of my own footsteps echoes in the silence, a stark reminder of my isolation. He's in the dining table, his back to me, his broad shoulders filling the space. He's eating, his face as cold and unreadable as ever. Even in the morning, he's a picture of sharp, tailored perfection - lawyer attire, radiating an air of power and authority. He's a predator, and I'm his prey, trapped in his web of allure and control.

He catches me watching him, and his gaze locks onto mine. It's a laser beam, piercing through my defenses, leaving me exposed and vulnerable. I quickly avert my eyes, unable to bear the intensity of his stare. It's like a physical assault, a violation of my soul.

I'm practically at the door when my phone rings. It's Jeremiah. He's always the first to call, his voice a cheerful counterpoint to the storm brewing inside me.

"Hi beb, good morning! It's too early but aayain sana kitang ihatid sa school, at mag umagahan diyan sa malapit na lugawan. Ano tara?!" he says, his voice booming through the speaker. I can't help but smile. Jeo, with his infectious optimism, is my saving grace. He's the light in my darkness, the reason I can still breathe.

Alistair is close enough to the dining table to hear Jeo's voice. I can practically feel his eyes drilling into my back, a silent accusation, a reminder that he's watching, judging, controlling.

"Ikaw nanaman?! Good morning ko naging bad dahil makikita ko nanaman pangit mong mukha!" I say, trying to inject a little humor into the situation. I know na nakabusangot siya ngayon, but I can't help but to giggle.

"You're so mean! Buti na lang maganda ka." he replies, his voice laced with playful teasing. "Wait for me, I'm on my way."

"Okay, okay. Be careful while driving. Bye!" I end the call, feeling a surge of relief. Jeo, with his goofy charm and unwavering support, is truly a blessing in my life. I need him now more than ever.

I'm about to step out the door when Alistair's voice stops me. It's low, a dangerous rumble that sends chills down my spine. It's a voice that could make the strongest man tremble, a voice that holds the power to break me.

"You're eating here, and then you're going to school. The driver will take you." His words are a command, laced with a subtle threat. His voice is like a whip, each syllable a sharp crack that leaves me wincing.

I take a step toward the door, my anger battling with my fear. I'm a caged bird, desperate to break free from his control. "I'm going to have lugaw with Jeo." I say, my voice barely a whisper.