Once, my paranoid love

“I know that bastard doubts something!” Frustration boiled within me, a searing rage demanding action. I swiftly pulled out my phone and dialed Nikita’s number.

As she answered the call, I wasted no time.

“Nikita.” The urgency in my voice conveyed the gravity of the situation.

**

{Derek’s mansion}

“Derek, what are you saying?” I asked.

His sudden actions, removing his shirt and closing the distance between us, left me bewildered.

“Now explain to me why this is so abrupt,” he said, his fingertips gently grazing my lips. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver down my spine. I struggled to find words, my mind a tumultuous storm of confusion.

“What?” I managed to stammer out, my eyes searching his for some hint of understanding.

He raised, his eyes never leaving mine, and repeated the question with a measured intensity, “Do you have any idea it’s just two months?”Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

Derek’s voice held a weight, a gravity that hinted at the depths of his unspoken turmoil.

“It’s also my responsibility as your wife to look after your things,” I mumbled.

“What thing?” Derek asked, a soft smile playing on his lips, an enigmatic spark in his eyes. My mind raced, struggling to grasp the meaning behind his cryptic words.

“I mean,” I began, biting my lip and shifting my gaze.

“Do you think I stayed out at night with other girls sometimes?” Derek’s question hung in the air, a revelation wrapped in uncertainty. I widened my eyes in disbelief, a firm nod my only response.

“How could you think I’d stay with other girls when I have a lovely wife in my home?”

I attempted to give him a friendly smile, a feeble attempt to ease the tension that lingered in the air like a storm waiting to break. The room seemed to hold its breath as Derek continued, his words carrying a weight of unspoken emotions.

“However, after our baby is born,” Derek added, his tone shifting to a more tender note, “I want you like this.” A blush crept onto my cheeks as I absorbed his words. His gaze, filled with a mix of longing and anticipation, made my heart flutter.

I lowered my gaze, overcome with a sudden shyness, as I heard him.

As I gradually regained my senses, my eyes traced the contours of his muscles and chest, the vulnerability of the moment hanging in the air. I hesitated, feeling a surge of self-consciousness, and attempted to discreetly adjust my clothing.

He suddenly touched my hand, his warmth grounding me. Startled, I looked up to meet his eyes, finding a reassuring sincerity in his gaze.

“This is how I like to see you,” Derek whispered, his words carrying a tenderness that melted away my insecurities.

I took a deep breath, allowing his words to sink in, and rested my head on his chest. The rhythmic beat of his heart provided a comforting backdrop to the vulnerability of the moment. Closing my eyes, I summoned the courage to voice the thoughts that had lingered in the shadows.

“I know you might be thinking I still have Paul in my mind. But I just want to start everything,” I confessed, the words escaping with a weight that had lingered for too long. Admitting my internal struggles was a challenge, and I felt a mixture of relief and vulnerability.

“Elena, I can’t change your past, and it’s just now you are mine. But I don’t want to hear about him as well,” Derek’s tone was stern. It seemed I was going to be dominated under his gaze. I nodded my head lightly. Derek put his head on my chest, and I touched his hair slowly.

Derek’s POV.

Elena’s delicate fingers traced soothing patterns through my hair as I lay against her, the rhythmic motion creating a momentary sanctuary of peace. The gentle caress was a balm to the storm of thoughts swirling within me. I wished I could freeze time, preserving this tranquil interlude from the relentless march of reality.

Closing my eyes, I allowed the warmth of the moment to wash over me. However, a disquieting thought crept into my consciousness the necklace. The silver chain, delicate and laden with memories, hung around Elena’s neck. It wasn’t just a piece of jewelry; it was a connection to a shared history, a symbol of our journey together.

As I pressed my lips against hers, an unexpected image invaded my thoughts. It was as if someone, an unseen observer, had intruded upon our intimate moment. A chill ran down my spine, disrupting the serenity I had sought in the embrace of Elena’s affection.

“Elena,” I murmured, breaking the tender silence.

“Hmm,” she responded, her fingers still entwined in my hair.

“What happened to that jewelry box? Could you kindly show me this?” I asked, the weight of my unease seeping into the words.

She shifted slightly, her expression curious. “I have that. Why, Derek? Is there a problem?”

Elena’s POV.

Derek’s persistent curiosity about the chain.

“Show me that box,” he murmured quickly, his voice muffled by the softness of the moment. His inquiries were like distant echoes, reaching me through the haze of emotions that often clouded our interactions.

I opened the drawer as he requested, retrieving the small jewelry box that housed the precious necklace. Derek’s intensity was palpable as he took the box from my hands, his fingers moving with a practiced efficiency. It puzzled me – this relentless need to inspect the necklace, to scrutinize its every detail.

“Derek,” I said, my tone laced with a gentle inquiry. He looked up, meeting my gaze with a kind smile as he placed the box on the table beside us. The necklace, once safely nestled within its confines, now lay exposed under the soft glow of the bedside lamp.

“Sorry, I was only curious as to which store your father ordered it from,” Derek explained, his words carrying a hint of vulnerability. The mystery behind his fascination with the necklace lingered, but I chose not to press further.

Before I could delve into the complexities of his curiosity, Derek abruptly yanked me into the bed, the warmth of his touch anchoring me to the present. “Now it’s time to sleep. You’ve been working really hard today,” he insisted, a note of concern in his voice.

“It’s not much, but I enjoyed it,” I responded, a smile playing on my lips.

Derek’s eyes softened as he spoke, “I like it too, Elena.”

“Close your eyes now; it’s too late for you,” Derek whispered, his hand moving softly through my hair. I closed my eyes, resting my head on his chest, allowing the steady beat of his heart to guide me into the realm of dreams.

**

“Paul,” she said, her fingertips tracing patterns on my chest. The gentle touch echoed with a familiarity that stirred conflicting emotions within me. My eyes remained closed, a futile attempt to shut out the unfolding scene.

Elena, how could you do that?

“Paul,” Nikita said again, her voice a soft melody. My eyes blinked open, the room revealing a tableau of emotions that lingered between us.

“So you really want to talk to my dad about us,” Nikita remarked with a playful smile.

“Yes, I will,” I responded.

“I can’t believe that,” she said, her words resonating with the uncertainty that colored the air.

“What is the reason for this? I know you like me, and you know I like you as well,” I asked, seeking clarity amidst the swirling complexities.

“But I can’t believe you’re thinking about our marriage,” Nikita said, her eyes reflecting a mix of surprise and delight. I nodded, a kind grin tugging at the corners of my lips as I reached out to stroke her hair.

“Umm. I’d want to ask you a question, Paul,” she said, her voice carrying a note of earnestness.

“Yes,” I replied, my attention momentarily diverted as I checked my phone, the device buzzing with the silent demands of the outside world.

“Please don’t lie to me this time, honey. You already know how much I love you,” she added, a plea woven into her words.

I faked a smile, my heart heavy with the knowledge of the truth I held. “Why do I lie to you? In fact, I’ve heard that your father will be throwing a party shortly. I intend to propose to you at that moment,” I confessed, my words carrying a mixture of determination and vulnerability.

“Are you serious, Paul?” Nikita’s eyes twinkled with excitement, a spark of anticipation lighting up her features.

“Yes, honey,” I affirmed, the weight of commitment settling on my shoulders. I gave her a warm smile and drew her close to my chest, the embrace a silent reassurance of the decisions that had crystallized within me.

As I took a deep breath, exhaling slowly, a silent confession played in my mind. Elena, I’m missing you. I’m sorry you didn’t give me a choice. I’ve made up my mind.