shadow of love

chapter 12(⁠◠⁠‿⁠◕⁠)

Sorry it's a short chapter—hope you enjoy it!
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Flashback

The scent of fried batter and spicy chutneys wafted through the air, making the crowded street pulse with life. Neon signs buzzed overhead, casting shifting glows on the damp pavement. Noeul tugged Boss’s hand with excitement, weaving through the bustling street food crowd.

"Come on, Boss! You promised you'd try this," Noeul said, eyes gleaming.

Boss looked around with thinly veiled disapproval, adjusting his pristine black shirt. "It smells... intense. Are you sure this is safe?"

"Safe? It’s the best kind of danger," Noeul laughed, grabbing a sizzling vada pav from a stall. He held it out. "Here, bite."

Boss eyed the food like it might attack him. Then, with a sigh of surrender, he took a small bite. His eyes widened slightly. "That’s... actually good. Spicy. But good."

"See? I told you," Noeul beamed, shoving the rest of it into Boss’s hand. "This is better than all those fancy rooftop dinners."

They sampled pani puri, sweet jalebi, grilled corn dripping with lemon and masala. Boss tried not to grimace when oil dripped on his sleeve, but Noeul just laughed and wiped it with a tissue.

By 11 o’clock, the streets began to thin out. Noeul stretched, smiling. "Okay, time to go home. I’ll see you tomorrow?"

Boss caught his wrist gently. "Not yet. I have something for you. Come with me."

---

Boss’s house was dimly lit, but as soon as Noeul stepped inside, his breath caught. The hallway was lined with rose petals. Candles flickered on each side. And the living room — oh, the living room — was adorned with white and gold balloons, a soft satin sheet draped over the couch, flower petals in a heart shape on the floor.

Noeul blinked, speechless. "Boss... what is this?"

Boss looked at him, cheeks flushed but voice calm. "It’s our tenth date. I wanted it to be special. I’ve been thinking... maybe you’re my mate now. If you want."

Noeul stared at him, then burst out laughing, stepping forward to touch Boss's cheek. "You look like you're about to faint."

"I’m serious," Boss mumbled.

Noeul cupped his face and kissed his nose. "I’m ready. But... be gentle. It’s my first time this year."

Boss swallowed. "I will. I promise."

---
Present

Noeul lay curled on the massive bed, muscles aching, eyes swollen from crying. The memories of that night — warm, emotional, beautiful — clashed violently with the cruel days that followed. The laughter was gone. Now there was only pain.

He thought of his sister. Her smile. Her voice. Her scream.

His throat closed, and sobs tore from his chest.

The door creaked open. A maid stepped inside, eyes downcast. "Sir, Master requests you come down for breakfast."

Noeul didn’t move.

She left a tray of food on the table and exited silently.

Noeul dragged himself out of bed after a while. He ignored the food and walked stiffly to the bathroom. He sank into the hot tub, steam enveloping him, briefly soothing his soreness.

But nothing could touch the hollow in his chest.

He finally got dressed in a loose white shirt and soft pants. Walking down the stairs, he saw Boss at the dining table, casually sipping coffee.

Noeul’s rage ignited. Without warning, he grabbed the untouched plate on the table and flung it. It shattered against the wall behind Boss.

Boss stood slowly. "What the hell do you think you're doing, you little bitch?"

"Why didn't you just kill me?" Noeul screamed, voice breaking. "You ruined everything! You took my sister! You—"

"You killed my brother," Boss snarled. "Don’t play the victim. You’ll pay for your sins."

"You think you're God?! You think you can punish me and break me like I’m some doll?!"

Boss slapped him. Hard. Noeul stumbled back, clutching his cheek.

"You’re a toy," Boss hissed. "Mine. I’ll play with you until I get bored. And then? I’ll break you. Slowly."

Noeul’s chest heaved. He was trembling.

Boss turned to leave. "Clean the kitchen. Make lunch. You know what I like. If it’s wrong, you'll pay for it tonight."

Before Noeul could reply, the front door burst open.

A woman in high heels and designer sunglasses flounced in. "Baby! I heard you got married!"

Noeul stared at her.

His world tilted again.

In his head, a single thought repeated: God, help me survive this monster.

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Hey everyone! Sorry for the late update — I had exams recently.

Thank you so much for your patience! I really hope you're enjoying the story so far. Your support means everything to me, especially since this is my very first book.

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