Forbidden Desires

EPISODE 1

Not every story has a happy ending, but I will make sure mine does. After all, if life has denied me moments of joy, the least I deserve is a happy ending, right?

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**Zayana’s POV:**

*Introduction:*

My name is Zayana Bay Mersellus, and this is my final year of school. I’ve always dreamed of becoming a doctor. But lately, it feels like fate has something else in store for me.

*Zayana stands in front of the mirror, brushing her hair, when suddenly the skies darken, and rain begins to pour heavily against the windows.*

Her mother, Romona Bay, rushes into the room and says, “Zayana, you can’t go to school in this weather. It’s pouring buckets out there. You’ll stay home today.”

Zayana lets out a soft sigh, her reflection staring back at her. “Another day wasted,” she mutters under her breath, disappointed.

At first glance, Zayana is the image of poise and grace. She stands at 5'6", her long, dark brown hair cascading like a waterfall down her back. Her hazel eyes, wide and doe-like, are framed by soft lashes, giving her an air of innocence. Her fair skin contrasts with her heart-shaped lips, which are tinted a natural rosy hue, while her slightly chubby cheeks add a touch of softness to her features. With her gentle tone of voice, it seems she could calm any storm with a whisper. As the youngest in her family, she’s well-loved but also heavily protected by her two elder brothers, whose overbearing concern often feels like a cage.

Bored and restless, Zayana picks up her phone to text her best friend, Stacy, when an incoming call interrupts her thoughts. It is Stacy, and from the moment Zayana answers, she can hear her sobbing uncontrollably.

Zayana: Stacy? What’s going on? Why are you crying?

Stacy: *through sobs* “It’s over… everything’s over.”

Zayana: “Come over. We’ll talk it out here.” (Zayana comes from a conservative and strict family, and her freedom is limited. Inviting Stacy over is the only option.)

Stacy: I’ll be there as soon as the rain stops.

While waiting for Stacy to arrive, Zayana feels a sudden rough grip on her arm. She spins around, startled, and meets her father’s furious gaze.

Marco: I’ve been calling your name for ages! Didn’t you hear me?

Zayana: No, Dad. I was standing right here by the door. I didn’t hear anything.

Marco: Useless child. Get out of my sight! Don’t let me see your face again, you worthless girl!

Tears instantly well up in Zayana’s eyes as she flees to the safety of her room. Her heart pounds, and then the pain begins—a sharp, relentless throb deep in her head. Desperate for relief, she searches through the medicine cabinet but finds that most of the painkillers have expired. With little regard for the labels, she swallows a few anyway, hoping they will work. When they don’t, she takes more. Finally, the pain begins to dull, and she drifts off to sleep.

When she awakens, Stacy is already there.

Stacy: You’re lying here napping while my entire world is crumbling!

Zayana: *groggily* “What happened? I’m sorry, I had a splitting headache, so I took some medicine and dozed off.”

Stacy: I found a dating app on Harry’s phone. He’s been talking to other girls.

(Harry is Stacy’s boyfriend and also her cousin. They’ve been secretly dating for two years, hiding it from their family.)

Zayana: Are you sure? Do you really think he’d do that to you?

Stacy: I saw it with my own eyes. But I couldn’t confront him. I only know his password because I snooped. I didn’t want him to know I was going through his phone. So, I just saw the notifications and put the phone back.

Zayana: You’ve got to be kidding. You should’ve confronted him right then and there!

Stacy: I know… I messed up.

Zayana: Call him now. End it.

Stacy: He’ll deny it. He’ll twist it around, say it’s not what it looks like. And I don’t have solid proof. He’ll make it seem like I’m the one overreacting.

Zayana: You don’t need proof! Just break free from this toxic relationship! How long will you let the same guy who’s been controlling your life is out there enjoying himself!

Stacy: It’s not that easy. If I confront him without proof, i know he’ll come up with a hundred excuses and it’ll turn on me—like I’m the one ending things for no reason. he’ll make me the bad guy. I don’t wanna be the bad guy here. I want to catch him red-handed, so he can’t talk his way out of it. I want to slap him with the truth and walk away, head held high.

Zayana: *pauses, processing* “So, what’s your plan?”

Stacy: I need to make a fake account on the dating app. See if he bites.

Zayana: Are you out of your mind?

Stacy: *suddenly gasps* Zayana, your nose! It’s bleeding!

Zayana: *dazed* What? What are you talking about?

Stacy: Zayana! Snap out of it! Your nose is bleeding!

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