THE BALDWIN'S POSSESION

FEAR ...

I could hear his dark laugh behind me, but I didn't care right now. Azar wasn't as dangerous as Ray, who was mysterious and unpredictable. Every step I took away from Ray felt heavier, like I was walking into something far worse.

As we walked down the hall, I saw Mr. and Mrs. Win sitting on the sofa. They were talking about something, but the moment they noticed us, their eyes fixed on us with a cold, observing gaze. I lowered my head quickly, gripping Azar's hand tightly for some sense of safety.

"Eve, baby, why are you standing there? Come here," Mrs. Win called.

Her voice was soft but commanding. I glanced at Azar, then at our joined hands, silently begging him to let go. He didn't move. His grip remained firm as if he were making a statement. Slowly, I slipped my hand free, though he didn't try to stop me. His silence made me nervous.

I took slow steps toward them, keeping my posture straight. When I reached them, I bowed slightly, greeting them with respect.

"Mom, Dad," I said softly, barely audible.

Dad gave me a faint smile and gestured for me to sit. I did so carefully, lowering myself onto the sofa and placing my hands neatly on my lap. My heart was racing, but I tried not to show it. Their expressions were unreadable, and it made me uneasy.

"I wanted to give you this," Mom said, handing me a small box.

I took it with trembling hands and opened it. Inside, a pair of white diamond earrings sparkled against the dark blue velvet. They were beautiful but intimidating at the same time. I looked at Mom for some kind of explanation, but her smile only told me to accept them without question.

I nodded slightly and was about to close the box when Dad's voice cut through the silence.

"Ray, put the earrings on her. I want to see how my daughter-in-law looks."

The words hit me like a shockwave. I lowered my head immediately, my hands trembling as I gripped the box tighter. I could feel the tension in the air shift. My mind screamed for Azar to intervene, but I couldn't bring myself to look at him.

The sound of Ray's footsteps echoed as he approached. Each step sent a wave of panic through me. My breathing quickened, and I squirmed slightly, unable to sit still. I wanted to run, but where could I go?

Azar had punished me countless times—slaps, locking me in the dark bathroom—but even so, I felt safer with him. At least with him, no one else dared to hurt me.

"Eve," Ray's voice broke through my thoughts. It was calm but carried a weight that made my stomach twist.

Before he could reach me, the sharp sound of running footsteps filled the hall.

"RAY!" Azar's voice boomed, and I looked up immediately.

Mr. and Mrs. Win turned to him as he stormed toward us, his dark eyes locked on Ray. Azar's presence was overwhelming, and I could feel the tension between them rising like a storm.

"Azar," I whispered, my voice small and shaky.

Azar didn't acknowledge me. He shoved Ray aside and stood in front of me, his hand gripping mine tightly. His hold was firm, almost painful. I tried to pull away, but his grip only tightened.

"Azar, let Eve go," Dad said, his voice stern and cold.

I looked up at Azar, silently pleading with him to release me. My eyes begged for mercy, but his expression remained unreadable, cold, and dark.

"She's mine," Azar said, his tone steady and possessive.

Ray smirked at his declaration, mocking him with a slight shake of his head.

"Azar, please," I whispered again, softer this time.

Azar didn't respond. His grip on my hand only grew tighter. I tried again to free myself, but it was no use. My hand was beginning to ache, and the fear in my chest grew stronger.

"Let Eve choose," Ray said, his voice filled with smug confidence.

The room fell silent. My heart sank. Ray's smirk widened, and Azar's eyes bore into mine, demanding the answer he wanted. My body froze in fear.

I glanced at Mom and Dad, hoping for some kind of support, but their cold stares offered no comfort. My palms were sweaty, and I could feel the weight of their expectations crushing me. I knew what name they wanted to hear, but saying it felt like a betrayal.

I tried once more to slip my hand from Azar's grasp, but his hold was unrelenting. A small sob escaped me, followed by tears spilling down my cheeks.

Azar's grip tightened further, making my hand throb with pain. I bit my lip hard, trying to suppress my cries, but I couldn't stop the tears.

"ANSWER, EVE! WE DON'T HAVE ALL DAY!" Dad's voice rang out, loud and angry.

Azar's cold tone followed. "Say it, Eve."

Ray stood still, smirking, while Mrs. Win's icy gaze remained fixed on me. My chest felt tight, and my fear overwhelmed me, spilling out in loud sobs.

"R-RAY," I finally cried out, my voice breaking.

Azar's grip loosened instantly. My hand was free, but my body trembled as I clutched my dress tightly. Tears poured down as my cries filled the room.

Ray chuckled, and Mr. and Mrs. Win stood, walking toward me.

"Ray, leave her," Mrs. Win said firmly, turning her attention to Azar.

Ray released me and stepped back, his smug expression still intact. Azar stood still, his face unreadable, as if he was frozen in place.

"Azar," I whispered, barely audible.

He glanced at me briefly, but before he could say anything, Mr. Win's voice interrupted.

"Azar, we need to talk," he said.

Azar nodded silently and followed them without looking back.

"Eve, go to your room," Ray ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I wiped my tears and stood up slowly, walking toward the stairs without glancing back. I could feel their eyes on me, their gazes heavy and cold. Each step up the stairs felt like a struggle, but I kept going.

When I reached my room, I walked to the bed and sat down. My hands trembled as I gripped the edge of my dress tightly. My tears had stopped, but the fear hadn't gone away.

I stared at the floor, my mind racing with thoughts of what had just happened. My heart ached, and my chest felt heavy. I whispered his name softly, barely audible.

"Azar..."

But no one answered.

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