Henley knocked as his deep voice came, "Come in."
She opened the door and motioned me to come in. I walked in as Christian was shocked to see me.
"Sir, The meeting is in 10 minutes." She said as she left me alone with him.
I timidly handed him the file, "Here you go." I said feebly.
"Thanks." He smiled.
‘Maybe this is the first time he smiled at me.’
“It’s okay..” I looked away and was about to leave but he said.
"Sophie, can you wait, I'll finish my meeting and then we can go home together. Please." He said desperately.
He knows that I'll refuse. I looked at him for a second and then took a seat.
His smile grew wider as he stood up, "Thanks, I'll be back." He said as he left, leaving me alone here.
I don’t know why I stayed.
I was looking around. The room was quite big, well that was expected. I looked around.
I walked towards the window and looked out of it. Even Amber One wasn't that big. I was looking out and got so lost in thoughts.
‘Why did he become that sweet? Did he regret doing that? No, I agreed for this and that's how our marriage was supposed to be.’ I thought, tilting my head in confusion.
“I allowed him to defile me then why do I feel scared and disgusted by his touch? Why is it unbearable when we both agree it's nothing but lust?” I whispered, speaking my thoughts aloud.
Filled with unwanted thoughts, I saw the sun setting.
“What the hell is wrong with me?” But the crepuscular sight made a smile crept upon my lips.
Remembering how I used to sit under the twilight filled with little but silly dreams.
"It feels good to sit under the twilight filled with little but silly dreams, doesn't it?" I heard Christian's voice.
He spoke those exact words that crossed my mind.
“Huh?” I turned and looked at him. I met his gaze for a second then looked down.
"Let's go." I said faintly.
He nodded as he was about to take some files from his desk but didn't, just took his office bag and opened the door for me.
“Thank you for waiting.” I walked out as he closed the door behind him.
We walked towards the lift. It was already filled with lots of people.
I stood in the corner as far away from him as possible because of the cramped place.
He also stood on the other corner as I hugged my sides and didn't meet his gaze.
I felt a hand on my waist and turned to see a person smirking at me.
I narrowed my eyes as the urge to let out all the hatred building inside me at him. I tried to move away but his hand cascaded down.
“What the-” My perturbed form wanted to get away from this guy.
Before I could do something about the bastard, Christian held his collar first- gaining everyone's attention.
“Christian?” My eyes widened as he growled at him.
"Touch my wife or even try to look at her and consider yourself dead and that goes for all of you!" He threatened not him but everyone else too.
My heart skipped a beat by his possessiveness. My breath caught up in my throat by his demeanor.
"Also, Tell this to every employee. Got it?" He scowled, scaring everyone in the lift.
"Y-Yes S-sir, I-I am s-sorry, Ma'am." The guy said in dread as the door opened and Christian took my hand and dragged me out with him.
“How dare those…” I looked at his back for a second. His touch was protective. For the first time, I felt secure in his presence. As if nothing can harm me.
'Yeah right, nothing but him.' My mind scolded me and the millisecond of insurance faded away..
I bit my lips and looked at him. Even though he was just holding my hand but it was possessive.
“Are you okay?” He asked softly.
We walked out of the lobby as everyone looked at us. I didn't feel ashamed this time when he took me out with my hands in his. I wonder why?
“I hope you are okay.” We walked out as he turned his attention to me. I kept looking at him with an innocent and baffled look.
He looked down and abruptly let go of my hand.
"I am sorry for this and for... holding your hand.." He said the last part to himself but I heard it and kept looking down.
"Take me home..." I whispered in a croaked voice. He gave me a sorrowful look as he opened the door of his BMW for me.
The drive was silent as always. As we were going, he stopped at a garden.
I looked at him bewildered but he got out, so did I, "Why are we here?"
He turned his head to me and smiled, "It's admirable how you survived living in that hell."
"That's what I signed for." I whispered.
"A reprieve from dread isn't bad once in a while." He said with a gentle smile. I looked at him.
‘Why is he being that nice? Was it because of last night, because I didn't let him touch me and he wants to lower my fears just to fulfill his desires?’
I shivered at the thought and looked at him coldly, "I can never relax in your presence, take me home."
"You don't have to acknowledge my presence. Do whatever you want. I'll sit somewhere away from you. Meet me at the entrance at six, then we will leave." He suggested.
Feeling alarmed, I look at the garden. I really want to go.
"Fine.." I said and walked in leaving him behind.
I walked around receiving a heavenly feeling of solace around me.
I closed my eyes as the cold breeze wrapped around me, giving me glee.
I continued to walk around, receiving a great feeling of gratification. I was so lost in that reprieve, I forgot about time.
I was swinging on a swing and smiling widely.
"There you are!" I heard a voice and saw Christian panting.
My smile faded when I looked at him in fright, thinking he might not be angry for making him wait.
I quickly stood and moved back, “Christian. I am sorry. I forgot about time.” I said breathlessly.
His worried eyes blinked and flickered with compassion.
“Sophie… It’s alright.” He tried to assure me.
“Sit…” he motioned me to sit back on the ground.
“Aren’t we going back?” I asked.
"It's alright. Wait here, I'll be back." He said as he left.
I swallowed the lump in my throat and sat down and looked at the ground devoid of any emotions.
After a few moments, he came back. "Here you go." He offered me a chocolate ice-cream. I looked away not wanting to take it.
"I know you love it. Take it." He grinned as I hesitantly took it.
He leaned on the pole as I was sitting on the swing. Why is he being so nice?
"I never told you that I love it." I said and looked at him.
"You know me, don't you? What are you hiding from me?" I asked desperately.
I don't want to stay in the dark. I deserve to know.
He looked at me for a second and came to me. I cringe when he bends in front of me.
"Look Sophie, Yes, I know everything about you ever since your childhood... I couldn't tell you how and why... for now. But, Can you wait?” I flinched to know.
“I promise I'll tell you when the time will come. There is a lot to tell you but I don’t have the strength now but I will, I promise."
He tried to reassure me but I shuddered when he said he knew everything. Swallowing hard, I gave him a tentative nod.
He smiled wide and stood up. "Come, let's go back." he said as we went back home.
He has been so nice for the past few days, if he is trying to compensate for that horrific night, then he's wrong.
I will never forgive him.
My shattered form, filled with dread is beyond any redemption...
My heart is broken like a glass, its shards are pricking my soul, bleeding it to death...