Possessive InLove

Chapter 13: Love in Shadow

Chapter 13: Love in Shadow

Rena's POV

The soft glow of candlelight bathed the room in warmth as I sat at the elegantly set table. The smell of rich, savory dishes filled the air, reminding me of simpler times when a dinner like this would've made my heart soar. But now, everything felt tainted. Filip had arranged this beautiful, intimate dinner, a surprise meant to show his love. But all I could feel was the weight of his control.

I glanced at him across the table. He looked handsome, the suit fitting him perfectly, his eyes softer than they had been in days. I wanted to fall into that warmth, to remember the love I once felt without the fear and doubt clouding my heart. But it was hard to ignore the reality of how I ended up here-taken, held against my will.

"Do you like it?" he asked, his voice gentle, as if nothing had changed between us. He reached across the table, his fingers brushing mine, sending a familiar spark through me.

I swallowed hard, my emotions a tangled mess. I still loved him. Despite everything, that love hadn't completely disappeared. It lingered beneath the surface, hidden behind my anger and fear. But how could I give in to it now, when he had crossed so many lines?

"It's beautiful, Filip," I whispered, my voice betraying the conflict inside me. "But... this isn't how it's supposed to be."

His grip on my hand tightened slightly, his eyes searching mine. "I did this for us, Rena. I know it wasn't the way you wanted, but I couldn't lose you. I love you too much to let you walk away."

Tears stung my eyes. I knew he believed that, and a part of me wanted to believe it too. But the way he had forced me into this-kidnapping me, arranging a marriage-it wasn't the kind of love I could accept.

"I know you love me," I said softly, my heart aching. "But this... this isn't right, Filip. You can't keep me like this."

His eyes darkened for a moment, then softened again as he leaned closer. "I can't let you go, Rena. You're the only thing that matters to me. I'll make this work. I promise."

As much as I longed to believe him, to let my love for him rise above the fear, I couldn't. Not yet. Not like this.

"I need time," I whispered, pulling my hand away gently.

Filip watched me, his expression a mix of love and frustration. And though my heart still beat for him, the walls between us remained, built by the choices he'd made.