Kidnapped to love

chapter 61

The tension in the living room was thick, almost suffocating, as Dimitri’s family admired the purchases from their shopping trip. His mother proudly held up a black shirt, smiling as she presented it to Dimitri.

“Crystal picked this one out for you,” she announced.

Crystal’s brows knitted in confusion. She hadn’t chosen it, and she glanced at his mother questioningly. But a look from her silenced any protest.

Dimitri took the shirt, his eyes narrowing. “As if I’d believe that,” he muttered, though he accepted the box. “It’s nice. Thanks, Mom.”

“I was also looking for one for you,” Crystal spoke up, feeling an odd need to clarify. “I even found one, but…”

Dimitri's gaze hardened as he interrupted her. “And why would you do that?” he asked coldly.

She hesitated, struggling to answer. It was a simple gesture, but now it felt like she had done something wrong. “ It’s not that big of a deal,” she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

“To me, it is,” he snapped. “Do you go picking things out for just anyone?”

“I—”

“Then don’t do it for me.” His voice was sharp, cutting through her words. “Not if it means nothing.”

“Dimitri,” his mother interjected softly, attempting to calm him, but he was beyond listening.

Crystal clenched the fabric of her dress tightly, swallowing back the sting of tears. She couldn’t hold it in anymore. “Why are you treating me like this?” she burst out, her voice shaking. “You’re hurting me—not physically, but mentally”

Dimitri took a step toward her, his expression severe. “Because you don’t get it, Crystal. Every time you show a hint of love or act like you care, it gives me hope—only for you to turn around and say you don’t love me. Do you have any idea what that feels like?”

She felt her heart squeeze in her chest, guilt twisting inside her. “I never meant to hurt you, Dimitri,” she whispered, voice barely audible.

“Then stop acting ” His voice softened for a moment, but his words still stung. “If you don’t love me, then don’t act like you do.”

Crystal looked away, tears welling up. “I… I don’t know what I feel anymore. But this—this constant battle, it’s breaking me.”

He stared at her, his anger mingled with a sadness he tried to hide. “Then stop pretending, Crystal. You either feel something, or you don’t.” And with that, he turned, leaving her to wrestle with the guilt his words had left behind.