The Perfect Obsession [Preview Chapters]

Chapter 13.

TRIGGER WARNING ⚠️

Ariella

In most relationships, men are often known as the providers, the protectors, but I think my mother and her mother can agree that we too offer these commodities. As women, we provide the support and unconditional nurturing for those we love, we protect them from sadness, loneliness, and even our very own flaws. Why? Out of fear ― fear of being called crazy, negative, or God forbid we "go against our divine feminine energy" and appear...well, human. To be a human is not to be a perfect human, that is understood. But to be a woman is to be what everyone else expects you to be and that's just perfect. It's kind of funny, in a tragic way. Yet the nervousness and shame that enveloped me so greatly that my lips trembled and eyes watered permitted me from laughing. "Daniel and I started dating when I was sixteen." I was scared, terrified. "I had been so naive and blinded by love..."

I was Dante's expected light bringer, the one he should always find with the biggest smile and open arms, the one who seeks first to understand then to be understood. How could I look at him now and tell him I had been disgraced, damaged, and treated as though I were nothing? What shall I be to him then? My gentle image would be tarnished. And to think the man I love in my heart of hearts may look at me with disgust and impurity ― A small cry escaped my parted lips while my thoughts raced with the worse of his responses to words I hadn't even uttered yet. My name from Dante's lips followed as he lunged forward and onto his knees, reaching for my wrist. When my eyes found where his soft caress lied, I noticed I had been scratching the skin red.

"Hey, hey, hey," he soothed, placing a quick kiss on the suddenly present burn before he melted my hand along his cheek. "What is it? What did he do to you, Angel?" Angel, I internally scoffed at the name. He stared into my eyes and through the blur I was surprised to see that he was afraid, too. His position, his fear, and his beg for answers; they looked so familiar. The roles had reversed and I couldn't say I liked it. "I can't do this to you, Dante," I shook my head. His high value of me would be ruined by this burden. Two kids together and I wait to show my true colors now? "I can't do this to us."

"Do what to us?" As though he knew what I was thinking, he continued, grasping my chin, "Nothing you can say will ever change how I see you, Ariella." When all he got in reply was my silent tears and wishful stare, he spoke again. "It is clear you know not what I mean when I say I love you and I know that's partly my fault, but know that I mean it when I say there is nothing that will change the love I have for you." I tried to pull away from him, I had talked myself into a corner and was desperate for an escape. Time to think about how our lives would change from this, that's what I needed as thoughts of Daniel suddenly paraded the idea of being seen as nothing by a man I love once again. But Dante wouldn't have that.

I tried to differentiate the two, but when Dante attempted what was meant to be an easing touch along my thigh, calling my name, I flinched away instinctively and frightening recognition flashed across his eyes as though he had seen me react that way before. I pleaded for mercy from my past and he rose to his normally intimidating height in shock before quickly covering me with his warmth, placing a knee beside me as he made a plea of his own. Demanding I look at him, he began to recite names to me. "Leila, Maddie, Donatello, Ambrogio, Alicea," Mom. He was using a grounding technique he had learned from a therapist when he himself was having a panic attack. Naming all the people that had loved me into being. With every laugh, every cry, and every kiss.

The flashes of past slowly seized as well as the beating of my fragile heart. My crying continued but lower, softer. I was relieved to again be able to see Dante for the man he truly was. Loving, attentive...and angry. At first, I couldn't place the anger beyond his watery eyes, but after a moment of silence, his glare spoke to me and my world stilled. He knew.

Waiting for him to back away, to run a hand through his soft hair and say, "I should have stayed away," or "I've got enough problems as it is...", I was surprised when instead he placed an arm beneath my legs and the other behind my back until I was cradling against his chest, inhaling his cologne. As he walked us over to his bed, I dug my head into the smell and continued to cry.

Although I didn't have to say the words, I prayed that one day I'd be able to, but for now, I was crying to the heavens with gratitude.

-
Dante

My Ariella had been raped.

And God knows what else. The sound of her cries along my chest only fueled my hatred for the man I once thought I was worse than. After behaving so coldly towards her, to think she had seen worse days, hurt more than my recovering heart could bare. Despite her broken appearance, I knew she was stronger than me. To carry such a burden for so long all alone all while having to support mine, it must have been hell. In a battle with my demons, she had stood tall in the end and refused to give up on me.

Therefore, the answer to my moral dilemma was obvious. I had to make hers disappear.

-
Daniel

Predictable. Easy. Compliant. Who knew Fortune 500 companies and women had so much in common. Certainly not I. I suppose there's a lot more I have to learn about such companies if I'm going to be the new Chief Executive Officer, but one day at a time.

Ha, imagine that. Daniel Ainsley, CEO. It's got a ring to it. Walking Leisurely to the large door that I assumed lead to Acosta's - my office, the corners of my lips pulled back with a natural Cheshire grin. I entered and took my rightful place in the chair behind my desk. If only the folks could see me now. Disappointment, my ass. I adjusted to roll closer when a photo caught my eye, stalling my movement. Ariella and...him. She constantly did things to make me jealous but to go this far. This facade of a life was nothing more than a lie and she knows it. She never smiled that way nor had she wanted children before. "It's a lie," I growled, slamming the frame down on its face until glass shattered across the desk. Stupid Acosta is blind to her trickery but I'll make him see even if I have to take everything from him in order to. Closing my eyes, I calmed myself, promising not to rush what should be savored. Remind yourself of the plan, Danny. "I'm sorry, Mr. Ainsley, you're not allowed in here," a woman opened the door. I held my tongue, a gentle smile hiding my distance. Standing, I slid the chair in a re-buttoned my crisp suit.

First his sanity, then his company, and finally, my wife and that includes every part of her.

****

"You've done me wrong, I tried to be kind. Baby, cause' you told me you were mine all mine. But you walked out and left me behind. So they'll be no — no second time..."

The name of the game is short and sweet.
This is it of my preview chapters. Thank you for coming on this journey with me. And I hope to see you again soon.
Much love, A ❤️