Feral Daydreams 🎀

Rediscovering Self-Worth (🌸)

It had been two weeks since Ravi ended things with her ex-boyfriend. Seeking solace, she went to a bar to drink wine, only to find herself seated next to her enemy, Asael. He raised an eyebrow in surprise; it was unusual for Ravi to be out drinking alone.

Ravi's gaze remained locked on her ex, who sat across the room with his new girlfriend. Her chest tightened painfully as she watched them, tears quietly spilling down her cheeks. She still loved him, and the ache was unbearable.

Asael noticed the way her eyes were fixated on her ex, the raw pain etched on her face. His expression darkened. He knew about the breakup and the wounds it left behind. Yet, something stirred within him—a tinge of jealousy he couldn't ignore.

Ravi's ex glanced in her direction, his cold, unsympathetic gaze only twisting the knife deeper. Asael's jaw clenched as he watched the silent exchange. Without hesitation, he reached out, his thumb gently tilting her chin until her tearful eyes met his.

Ravi's breath caught as Asael's strong fingers cupped her chin, forcing her attention away from the painful memory across the room. She felt a shiver run down her spine at the intensity in his ocean-blue eyes, the firmness in his hold. It was a stark contrast to the gentle, caring touch she'd once known from her ex.

"Look at me. Not him," Asael said firmly, his deep voice steady and commanding, a flicker of something unspoken lingering in his gaze.

Asael's presence was overwhelming, yet oddly comforting. Ravi's tears slowed, and she found herself studying his chiseled features, the way his dark hair fell in a swooping style that added to his mysterious allure. His confidence was palpable, a magnetic force that drew her in despite her better judgment.

"What...what do you want?" Ravi managed to stammer, her voice trembling slightly. She wasn't sure if she was asking about his unexpected intervention or something more profound. The air between them crackled with an undercurrent of tension she struggled to comprehend.

Asael's eyes darkened further, his fingers curling subtly around her chin, gently keeping her attention on him. He could see the confusion, the pain in her eyes, and it only fueled the odd possessiveness that was beginning to consume him.

"I want you to keep your eyes on me, not on him," he said, his voice a low rumble, a hint of protectiveness in his tone. He didn't want her thoughts haunted by her ex any longer. She deserved better, deserved to move on.

Ravi felt a flutter in her chest at the possessive note in Asael's voice, the way his grip on her chin remained firm yet gentle. She knew she should pull away, assert some control over the situation, but found herself frozen, drawn into the intensity of his gaze.

Asael's words struck a chord deep within her. He was right; dwelling on her ex wouldn't help her heal or move forward. Ravi took a shaky breath, trying to center herself. She met Asael's eyes, a spark of defiance flickering to life despite the lingering pain.

"I can handle my own thoughts, thanks," she said, her voice stronger now, though still tinged with vulnerability. "I don't need you to protect me from myself." Yet, even as she spoke, Ravi couldn't deny the strange comfort his presence offered, the way his attention made her feel less alone in her sorrow. She searched his face, wondering at the complexity of emotions swirling behind those piercing blue eyes. What drove this enigmatic person to insert himself into her private turmoil?

A flicker of irritation crossed Asael's features, his gaze hardening slightly. Her defiant tone and words irritated him, but not so much because they were aimed at him, but because he could sense the hurt behind them, the pain from heartbreak.

He leaned in closer, his eyes locked on hers, unflinching. "Do you really believe that? That you can handle this all on your own?" he said, his voice low, edged with a sharp bluntness. "Because from where I'm standing, it doesn't seem like it."