FORBIDDEN DESIRE

The wind howled and the cold rain fell heavily, casting a shimmering light across the city. A knock echoed through the air, prompting a woman to emerge from her room clad in her nightwear to answer the door. As she opened it, she was greeted by a familiar figure, and with a weary sigh, she rolled her eyes.

"What are you doing here? Didn't I make it clear that you shouldn't come back?" she said, just as thunder rumbled in the distance.

"I’m only here to ask you one question," the familiar voice replied.

"What is it?"

"Look into my eyes and tell me you don't love me," the voice implored, causing her to exhale deeply.

"How many times do I have to say it? I don’t love you!"

"I don’t believe that. Look me deep in the eyes and tell me you don’t have feelings for me."

She sighed and lifted her gaze to meet his. The light sparkled, igniting the depth of their connection. They were drawn to one another, unable to look away, their hearts beating in perfect harmony.

★★ Years earlier...

In a city where love thrived, two souls intertwined, forming a bond akin to sisterhood. Susan and Mirabel grew up side by side in the same neighborhood, their families closely knit and partners in business. Together, they flourished in every aspect of life, living as one big, happy family.

Susan and Mirabel shared everything, including their relationships, and never kept secrets. They graduated at the top of their class during their university days and were poised to take over their fathers' companies. Susan had only one younger brother, Jude, while Mirabel was the cherished only child of her parents. However, tragedy struck when Susan lost both her parents in a car accident, leaving her and Jude devastated. With the support of Mirabel and her family, they began to emerge from their grief. Susan sent Jude to the state to continue his studies, hoping to leave behind the painful memories of their lost parents while she took over the management of her parents' business.

A year later, Mirabel became engaged to her first love, and they began preparations for their wedding. Susan was overwhelmed with joy for her best friend as they planned together, though fortune had not favored Susan in her own romantic endeavors, leaving her disappointed in her relationships. Mirabel was always there to comfort her, reassuring her that a wonderful man would come into her life and love her more than she could ever imagine.

When the wedding day arrived, Susan stood as the chief bridesmaid. It was a day filled with joy, with plenty to eat and drink, as Mirabel beamed with happiness marrying the man of her dreams, Greg. During the bouquet toss, Mirabel threw her flowers high, and Susan quickly caught them, igniting a wave of excitement.

Months later, Mirabel and Greg welcomed their first child, a healthy baby boy. Throughout Mirabel's pregnancy, Susan was a constant source of support. On the day of the baby’s arrival, she was there alongside Greg, encouraging Mirabel to push. When the baby cried out, joy and tears filled the room. Susan held the newborn, tears in her eyes, as he gripped her finger tightly, bringing laughter and warmth to the atmosphere before the nurse took him away for a bath.

Hours later, they returned to a beautifully decorated room adorned with blue and white ribbons and balloons, where countless gifts awaited the new mother. The baby slept peacefully in his cot.

“He’s so handsome, just like his father,” Mirabel’s father remarked, prompting laughter.

“You can say that again, Dad,” Greg replied.

“Shouldn’t we give him a name already?” Susan suggested.

“We’ve already come up with one,” Mirabel announced.

“What’s the name?” Greg’s mother asked eagerly.

“Jimmy,” they both said in unison.

“Wow!” Susan exclaimed, moving to the cot to hold the baby securely in her arms. “What a lovely name you have, little Jimmy.” As smiles spread around the room, Jimmy slowly opened his eyes and smiled back at her. “Wow, I think he likes me already,” Susan said, and laughter echoed throughout the room.

Year's passed, Jimmy grew accustomed to Susan's frequent visits, often shedding tears when it was time for her to leave. Mirabel would attempt to comfort him, but he would continue to cry until Susan had no choice but to scoop him up and play with him until he drifted off to sleep. Each day of her visits, she never failed to bring him his favorite chocolates and toys. Mirabel cherished having a friend like Susan, and their bond deepened with each encounter.

Five years later, a party was held for Jimmy’s birthday, with everyone present, including his school friends who gathered to celebrate. A cake adorned with flickering candles took center stage.

“Come on, Jimmy, it’s time to make a wish,” Greg urged as they stood behind him.

Jimmy closed his eyes for a moment, hands clasped together, then opened them and blew out the candles, prompting a round of applause.

“What did you wish for, sweetie?” Mirabel inquired.

“I wished to grow up quickly and marry Aunt Susan,” Jimmy replied with excitement, eliciting laughter from everyone.

“Very funny, Jimmy… well, hurry up and grow up fast,” Susan teased, and the laughter continued.

“I don’t think that will happen,” a voice interrupted from behind. They turned to see a handsome young man with a well-built physique, holding a bouquet of red roses.

“Kevin!” Susan exclaimed, moving to embrace him. After a moment, they stepped back, smiling at each other. “What a surprise to see you here,” she said.

“I brought this for you,” Kevin said, offering her the roses. She inhaled their fragrance and smiled.

“Thank you,” she replied, their smiles lingering as they momentarily forgot the celebration around them. Mirabel moved closer, clearing her throat playfully.

“Am I missing something?” she asked with a grin, drawing their attention.

“Um, Mirabel, meet Kevin, my boyfriend—the one I told you about,” Susan introduced.

“Wow, Kevin, it’s so nice to meet you,” Mirabel said as they shook hands. Greg soon joined, and introductions were made.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, and I brought a gift for the little birthday boy,” Kevin said, and Mirabel called for Jimmy, who rushed forward. “Hello, birthday boy! Happy birthday,” he said, presenting a beautifully wrapped gift.

“Thank you, Uncle!” Jimmy exclaimed as he accepted the gift and returned to his friends.

“He’s such a cute boy,” Kevin remarked, and they all laughed as the celebration continued, filled with joy and excitement in the air.

After the birthday party had concluded and the last of the guests had departed, Susan and Kevin lingered, bidding their friends goodnight. As they stepped out into the cool evening air, Kevin urged her to come with him, promising a grand surprise awaited her.

Upon their arrival at his home, Kevin gently covered her eyes with his hands, guiding her carefully inside.

“What is this surprise, anyway?” she asked, smiling.

“You’ll find out when the time is right,” he replied. “I’m going to uncover your eyes, but don’t open them until I give you the word.”

“Alright, I promise. Just hurry!” she urged, excitedly.

Taking a deep breath, he removed his hands from her eyes. “You can open them now,” he said, and she did so eagerly.

A gasp escaped her lips as she took in the sight before her: the living room was adorned with vibrant red balloons scattered across the floor, and a banner hung elegantly along the staircase, boldly proclaiming: WILL YOU MARRY ME? Stunned into silence, she quickly turned to find Kevin on one knee, a sparkling diamond ring held out before him, a radiant smile lighting up his face.

“Susan, please grant me the honor of being your husband,” he said, his voice steady yet filled with emotion. Overwhelmed, tears welled in her eyes; she had never anticipated this moment.

It had only been three months since she had met Kevin, yet everything felt so right, and she longed to share her life with him forever.

“Yes, yes! Yes!” she exclaimed, joy spilling from her heart as she rushed into his arms.

“I love you, Susan,” he declared, his words a sweet melody.

As they pulled away from each other, he slipped the ring onto her finger, and without hesitation, their lips met softly, exploring the newfound depths of their connection. Hand in hand, they ascended the stairs to the bedroom, eager to continue their intimate celebration of love.