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“You sure you’re good?” His brows are furrowed, seeming worried about me.
“Yeah, I’m good. You just spooked me a little.” I am spooked, but it’s not because of him. It’s because my ex decided to fuck with my head again, just like he used to. He tried calling me earlier, but I ignored it and he didn’t leave a message. I figured it was just an accident, or my phone was glitching, or maybe I was just trying to pretend he was still out of my life for good.
He could be here right now and I have a feeling I wouldn’t know until it was too late. Zayan has a knack for getting what he wants. He’s the type to take and never ask for permission; he’s definitely never apologetic about it.
“Alright, call if you need anything.”
“I will.”
Rian nods at my response before leaving. I quickly unlock my door, picking up the vase as I go, and slam it shut, locking it behind me. Leaning back against the wooden door, I take a moment to calm my breathing and relax my shoulders.
My eyes fall to the dark petals. They’re absolutely stunning. Anyone else would see this as a sweet gesture, a symbol of his love. But it’s not. It’s a warning. A sign that no matter how hard I try, I’ll never escape him. He’ll always be watching, waiting for his time to pounce.
I haven’t heard from him in years. A sick part of me hoped he was dead or that something bad had happened to him. I wouldn’t wish that upon anyone but him. He deserves every bad thing that could possibly happen to him.
Once I gain my composure, I throw the flowers, vase and all, right into the trash can. There’s no way I’ll fucking display those things like he’d expect me to. More like demand me to.
“Dahlias are meant to symbolize the eternal bond and commitment between two people. Just like you and I. Soon enough, we’ll be bound together for eternity.”
Zayan’s words hammer in my head. He told me that the first time he got me dahlias. Being the naive girl I was, the thoughtful gesture easily charmed me. He was only a couple of years older than me, but he seemed wise beyond his years. But I quickly came to resent the flowers and everything they stood for. They weren’t meant to be a special gift from him, but rather a reminder that I was under his control. That he was the demon my soul had been sold to.
The abuse I suffered at his hands has my skin crawling just thinking about it. There are periods of our relationship I can’t remember, things he did to me that I don’t remember. Some of it’s from me blocking out the pain, but most of the blank spots in my memory are because of him. Because when you’re drugged, you’re a lot easier to control. A lot easier to manipulate.
My phone rings, saving me from my spiraling thoughts. Pulling my cell from my leggings pocket, I see my dad’s face displayed across the screen. I’m tempted to ignore it, but I know he’ll just keep calling if I do.
“Hello, Papa.”
“Hello, my sweet girl. How are you doing?” The charm and grace of my father’s voice fills me with relief. We’ve always been close. He’s been my best friend since I was stumbling around in pull-ups. Hearing him always reminds me of home and how far my family has come.
“I’m good, just got home.” Also just got done having a heart attack, but I leave that little bit out.
“From where?”
“Just Lya’s house. We were working out.”
“You must bring her by sometime soon. We haven’t seen her in ages.” My parents have always loved Lya like she’s their own. She never really had much of a family, at least not until she had me and the guys. For nine years, she was separated from her twin until finally, after relentless searching, she was reunited with Lainey. Before that, she had my parents to lean on and call her own, since her mom was always high and never cared.
“I will. Is there something you called about?” Not that I don’t want to talk to my dad, but whenever he and my mom call now, they seem to only want to talk about one thing. The one thing I dread.
“Yes, your mom and I wanted to talk to you about Zayan again. I know we just spoke about this, but we’ve given you time, just like you asked for. You need to get serious about your future and the future of this family.”
His words irritate me more than anything. If they only knew that Zayan was the devil in disguise; they wouldn’t be pushing this issue.
The sad thing is, I’m afraid of what he’ll do to my family if I tell them. His family holds a lot of power, and I wouldn’t stand a chance in this kind of ‘he said, she said’ situation. My family has nothing—we can barely keep our business afloat, so he’d crush us easily.
“Papa, I am serious about the future of this family. I’m trying my best to save Star of India for all of us. I’m just doing it my way.” All I ever think about is how we can get through this without losing everything we love.
“Well, now it’s time you start thinking about more than just the restaurant. You need to settle down. Start a family. You’re not getting any younger, and neither are your mother and I.”
I’m all for women having babies and families of their own, but I won’t have that expectation pushed on me just because I have ovaries. Not everyone wants to have kids. The idea of being an aunt to Lya’s little ones is more appealing to me—I can get them sugar high and then send them back to their parents. It’s a win-win. They love me and think I’m the best, while their parents deal with the tantrums and sleepless nights.
“Just give me a little longer. I promise, Papa, I’ll settle down.” Just not the way you expect of me.
“Your mother expects you to be married within the next year.”
Well, it looks like I’m probably going to make my mom’s dreams come true.
“If you give me a little more time, I promise I’ll be married within the year, just like Mama wishes.” If I take Marnix up on his offer, I’ll be married a lot sooner than a year from now.
“I’ll see what I can do, but whatever she wants will happen. Just remember that. You and Zayan were good together. I’m sure he’ll be willing to work out whatever happened between you two.” I can hear his displeasure at me begging for more time, even though he’s got a soft spot for me. My parents expected me to be married off by now, but to their disappointment, I’ve been avoiding that like the plague. The tone of my father’s voice is a clear indication of how frustrated he is with me.
And of course Zayan would be willing to work it out—he was the entire problem.
“I know, I know. Where do you think I got my stubbornness from? It surely wasn’t from a softie like you.” My dad has a hard time saying no to me, especially since I’m an only child. They’ve got a lot riding on me, and some days that feels like it’s a lot of pressure to live up to. But one thing they know is, if they push me too hard, I’ll do the exact opposite of what they want.
“Don’t hold off too long, Tara. She’s been waiting for this and she’s getting impatient.” He sighs, knowing I’m still going to drag my feet as long as possible.
“I won’t. I’ve got to go. Bye, Papa. See you soon.” This situation is messy, but one thing I’m sure of. Being married to Marnix Taylor can’t be any worse than being married to Zayan Pravesh.
At least that’s what I keep telling myself.
