Lidiya never thought her life would lead her here-to a marriage with a man she barely knew in the remote village of Roxana. But as a poor farmer's daughter, her fate was never truly hers to choose. She hadn't imagined her wedding night would be one...
Lidiya's chest tightened as she turned to leave the hut, her face hot with shame and confusion. Zidane's rejection weighed on her, cutting deeper than she expected. Maybe he didn't find me worthy... she thought, biting her lip to keep the tears at bay. She had been nothing more than a poor peasant girl, thrust into this life by circumstance. He had only married her for revenge, after all. He never saw her as his wife.
Just as her hand touched the door, Zidane's strong grip encircled her wrist, halting her escape. "In the eyes of the Prakinaras," he said firmly, his voice low, "we are husband and wife. We must spend the nights in the same hut."
The words stung more than she could bear. Husband and wife only by obligation... Her heart felt like it shattered all over again. She was just a duty to him. Not someone he desired, but a consequence of the vendetta they shared.
"I'll sleep on the floor," she whispered, pulling her hand away from him, her voice trembling. She couldn't bear the thought of being near him right now, not when everything felt so raw, so real. He watched her with a mixture of frustration and uncertainty as she lay down on the cold floor. The silence between them stretched thin, a chasm of words left unsaid.
Zidane lay on the bed, but restless. His body twitched with frustration, and he could hear her soft sobs-quiet, almost inaudible, but enough to gnaw at him. Each delicate cry tugged at him more than he wanted to admit. She was so young, barely twenty, and had already suffered more than most. And now, I'm adding to her pain, he cursed himself inwardly.
Suddenly, in a burst of anger, Zidane flung a glass across the room. The loud crash startled Lidiya, and she quickly wiped her tears, sitting up straight in fear. Before she could react, she felt his strong arms circle around her waist, pulling her close to him. He lay beside her on the floor, his breath warm against the back of her neck. Her pulse quickened, the nearness of his body stirring something deep inside her.
"I'm sorry, my Lulu," he whispered, his voice thick with regret. His lips brushed the sensitive skin of her neck, sending a shock of electricity through her entire body. She trembled beneath his touch, feeling overwhelmed by the unexpected intimacy. Her mind screamed in protest, but her body reacted on its own-alive with sensations she didn't fully understand.
He gently stroked her hair, his fingers weaving through her locks in a comforting gesture. "Why are you doing this?" she whispered, turning her head to meet his eyes, her heart pounding. She was scared of the answer.
Zidane's blue eyes softened as he gazed at her. "Because I don't want my wife crying herself to sleep anymore," he said quietly, pressing a soft kiss to her tear-streaked cheek. "You're my baby. My sweet little girl. I don't want to hurt you."
Her breath hitched at his words. His baby? She was filled with hope, daring to believe there was more behind his tenderness. "Does that mean you love me?" she asked, her voice barely audible, desperate for his answer.
But Zidane's expression darkened, and his reply came sharp. "No."
Her heart dropped, but before she could pull away, he added softly, "I care about you. You're young, beautiful... You deserve a better life. But if you stay with me, your life will be miserable."
Lidiya stared at him, their faces inches apart, their breaths mingling. She could see the torment in his eyes, the internal battle he was waging, but her emotions overruled her logic. She couldn't stop herself. Leaning forward, she captured his lips in a desperate kiss, her need for him too overwhelming to control.
Zidane froze beneath her touch, his muscles tense. "Lidiya, don't," he warned, his voice shaky with restraint. But she didn't stop. Her hands gripped his hair, pulling him closer, and her lips pressed against his with more urgency. Her chest, full and heaving, pressed against his, and Zidane groaned, losing control for just a moment.
"Stop," he growled, his breath coming in ragged gasps, "or I won't be able to hold back."
Suddenly, he pinned her down, his hands holding her wrists above her head as he loomed over her. His face was buried in the crook of her neck, his hot breath sending shivers down her spine. She could feel his heart racing against her, his desire barely restrained as he fought to control himself.
For a moment, Lidiya thought he might give in, that he would let himself act on the passion swirling between them. But instead, he lowered his head onto her chest, his arms wrapping around her in a tight embrace.
"Let's just sleep," he muttered against her skin, his voice filled with exhaustion. "I'll explain everything to you tomorrow."
Her mind raced, questions burning in her throat, but she stayed silent. Despite her confusion, she obeyed. She lay still beneath him, feeling his steady breaths against her chest. He held her tightly, protectively, and though she longed for more, she cherished the gentleness he offered in that moment.
As the night wore on, Lidiya drifted into an uneasy sleep. Zidane, however, stayed awake, his eyes tracing the delicate lines of her face, his heart heavy with thoughts he wasn't ready to confront.
What did he feel for her? she wondered, even in her dreams. But for now, all she could do was hold on to the fleeting comfort of his embrace, hoping that maybe, just maybe, there was more to his feelings than he dared to admit.
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