From that day forward, Dimitri kept his distance. He didn’t visit Crystal’s room, barely looked her way when they passed each other, and never spoke to her unless absolutely necessary. Crystal found herself missing him, even though she’d never admit it out loud.
One morning, she was lost in thought, recalling Dimitri’s coldness. “It’s not like I said anything wrong,” she murmured to herself. Just then, she heard the door unlock, and her heart jumped a little, hoping it was Dimitri. A small smile formed on her lips—until she saw his mother standing there instead.
“Were you expecting someone else?” his mother asked with a knowing smile.
“In his dreams,” Crystal said quickly, though a slight blush betrayed her.
His mother raised an eyebrow, amused. “I didn’t mention anyone’s name.”
Crystal closed her eyes, embarrassed. She couldn’t hide her reaction.
His mother chuckled. “Breakfast is ready. Come on.”
“I’m not hungry,” Crystal mumbled.
“Oh, come on,” his mother insisted, gently pulling her out of bed. “Let’s not start the day with an empty stomach.”
Dimitri stopped bringing food to her room, and she was expected to join at the dining table. But the once comfortable meals turned into silent affairs, thick with tension. Dimitri would barely glance up from his files, engrossed in his work. Crystal found herself sneaking glances at him, but he kept his attention firmly elsewhere. When he finished eating, he would left the table without a word.
she muttered under her breath, “Monster.”
Dimitri paused, and for a moment, she thought he’d heard her. But he simply went back to his file, ignoring her once more.
The silence was finally broken by his mother. “Dimitri, I was thinking of taking Crystal shopping today.”
Crystal looked up, surprised.
His mother continued, “She must be getting bored here all day. Besides, I’m sure there are things she needs.”
Dimitri shrugged. “Do whatever you want.”
Crystal raised her eyebrows, unable to hide her shock. “Are you actually letting me go out?”
He gave her a hard look. “Not for escaping.”
She leaned back in her chair defiantly, a hint of rebellion in her eyes. “And who’s going to stop me?”
Dimitri with serious expression, as if reading her thoughts. “Me. Who else?”
With that, he stood to leave, but just before exiting, he turned back, his voice low and menacing. “Try it, and I won’t go easy on you like I used to. You’ll regret every minute of it.”
“Dimitri!” his mother warned, disapproving.
Crystal swallowed hard, tears prickling her eyes as she tried to hide how much his words stung.
YOU ARE READING
Kidnapped to love
RomanceThe cool night air stung her cheeks as she stumbled through the deserted alley, her heart racing with panic. The echoes of her footsteps bounced off the walls, but no matter how fast she ran, the shadows behind her seemed to close in. "Keep running...
