Forbidden Desires

EPISODE 11

*Zayana’s POV*

The entire day alone at home, I couldn’t shake the sense of a void within me—one that clings, no matter how crowded the world around me is. This feeling isn’t just about my surroundings; it’s something buried deep inside. Sometimes, people become so desperate to escape their own solitude that they start searching for it in others, hoping to find a sense of connection through shared silence.

Yet, desperation can sometimes bring out the worst in us, making us selfish and turning kindness into need.

But I’m not one of those people. I don’t need others to fill this silence; instead, I gather it, like I’m collecting everyone’s little shadows and packing them away. Maybe that’s why I can laugh in the middle of it all.

Just as I was lost in thought, Atticus’s message lit up my screen. “Up for a call, princess?”

My heart skipped a beat. I decided to finish my work and plug my phone in so we could talk uninterrupted. So i texted him, "Give me a bit, I’ll call."

Funny how just one text from Atticus filled me with a spark, like his words carried their own kind of energy. It almost felt like life itself was humming with a new color.

I finished my chores quickly, unplugged my phone, and decided to tease him a little. I texted, "Atticus, I might not be able to call. My phone’s about to die."
His instant reply came with a sad emoji, which made me burst out laughing.
I couldn’t resist and dialed him immediately...

“Hello, love,” he greeted me, his voice warm with playful affection.

Oh, God, his voice… I thought. Even if the deepest ocean could be measured, it would feel shallow compared to the depth in his tone. And in that depth, I was already sinking.

“Hi, Atticus,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.

Atticus: What were you up to?

Zayana: Just wrapped up some things, and now I’m talking to you.

Atticus: Can I tell you something?

Zayana: Sure?

Atticus: Your voice… it’s so sweet. I wonder what you look like in real life.

Zayana: Oh, in real life? I’m basically a clown.

We both laughed, and then he said, “Well, if you’re such a sweet clown, I’d like to keep you as a showpiece at my home.”

Oh, so he’s flirting now? I thought, grinning to myself.

Atticus: What’s wrong, Zayana? You went quiet. Are you blushing?

Zayana: No, no… I was just thinking…

Atticus: About?

Zayana: Why use a fake name but real pictures on the dating app?

Atticus: The name’s fake because names are meant to be worn out, and I’m not looking to be infamous. The face is real… for catching fishes, of course.

Zayana: Oh, so you’re calling me a fish now?

Atticus: Haha, no! Unless… maybe a puffer fish?

We laughed, and then a comfortable silence settled.

Breaking the quiet, he asked, “Zayana, why do I feel so connected to you? I feel like I’ve lost so much in life… and you somehow make me feel like I could have it all back.”

I listened, his words touching something deep within me.

Then he asked, “Zayana… Can we meet?”

I sighed. “Atticus, that’s unlikely… My family would never allow it.”

Atticus: So we’re never meeting, then?

Zayana: We’ll see what fate has in store… but likely not.

Silence fell again, heavier this time, before he spoke up to lighten the mood, “Alright, if we can’t meet, can I at least see your picture? Let me at least have the comfort of seeing you.”

Zayana: Atticus, I’m really not that attractive.

Atticus: Just show me. Let me decide.

When I finally sent him my picture, he paused in silence, stunned.

Atticus: Is this… really you?

Zayana: Yes, it’s me.

Atticus: Whoever told you you weren’t beautiful must have been blind. You’re even lovelier than the girl in the fake profile.

Zayana: Okay, stop now.

Atticus: I mean it, Zayana…

Zayana: Alright, that’s enough… We’ve been talking for nearly three hours. I need to go have dinner.

Atticus: Will you come back?

Zayana: Let’s talk tomorrow?

Atticus: Okay, love.

We said our goodbyes, and he hung up.

What’s happening to me? That usual heaviness within me… it vanished completely. Oh god, his voice… It melts me like a popsicle on a hot summer day. He’s just… everything.

Snap out of it, Zayana. Don’t get lost in him.

I shook my head, brushing off the thought, and headed off to dinner.

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Umm!!! Bonus chapter for you guys
Enjoy
Toodles❤️