Feelings

Chapter 3

A familiar voice shouted, "watch out".

I blinked, taking in the worried face of the driver ." Alex" an old friend friend from high school, a shaky laugh escaped my lips I've been so close becoming a good ornament.

"Alex, you scared me half to death" I exclaimed, relief washing over me.

I'm so relief you're okay Lia , that scared the living day out of me.

It's been ages Lia , you look good . How has life been treating you ?

Well it's good to see you , I'm working at the hospital now , it's been keeping me busy.

That's amazing, I'm impressed. His eyes glistening up with genuine interest. I'm freelancing as a photographer, small gigs here and there.

That's Amazing , it actually suite you.

Alex smiled back want a ride home?," I can drop you off."

I thought for a second, Then nodded , That will be great.

The drive was fun and exciting, old memories came flooding back, the fun we had back then and how all went well.We chatted easily as we drove past the streets

Here, I said Alex turned pulling his car over.

Thanks for the ride alex, I smiled warmly coming out of his car.

"No problem, Alex replied" hey, let's catch-up so other time. Want to grab a coffee?

I agreed and we exchange numbers.

As he drove past, I waved a Goodbye to Alex. I felt a little happier than I had all day , I felt grateful for the unexpected surprise.

As I walked into the house, the moment I opened the front door , the wave of warmeth hit me .My bag slipped from my shoulder to rest against my hips as I pause at the threshold.

There he was Rubben, my stepbrother, my forbidden obsession and he wasn't alone.

Mara his girlfriend was wrapped around him, laughing at something he said.Their Bodies Close, too close that it made my stomach twist in ways I couldn't control.

He kissed her.

I froze, unable to tear my eyes away. The casual intimacy, the way his hands rested lightly on her waist, the way her fingers brushed his chest… it was all too much. My chest ached with longing and frustration.

I shouldn’t feel like this. He’s hers. Not mine. But why does it hurt so much? Why does my heart pound like he's betraying me?

I forced myself to step inside making a noise with my shoe That announced my presence they didn't notice me at first, caught in their own bubble of laughter and closeness.

" Rubben", I said softly, my voice Breaking slightly.

He looked up, and for a split second his eyes soften towards me.

" Hey, Lia". He said , he called casually as if nothing had happened.

I felt heat rise to my face a mixture of embarrassments and something darker. Something that made my chest ache. " Hi", I said forcing my tune neutral.

Mara's eyes flickered towards me with growing skepticism.

" well look who is here ",Mara said , "her voice sweet but edged with sharpness ".

" Lia" you're just in time to join us ".

I swallowed keeping my composure,,I.... Uhh... Just got home from the hospital.

Rubben stepped slightly aside, giving me room, but there was a tension in the air I couldn’t ignore. He glanced at me briefly, a hint of apology in his expression or was it amusement? I couldn’t tell.

I didn’t know if I could handle this. Seeing him like this so effortlessly close to someone else made me ache inside. My lips pressed into a thin line as I tried to maintain some semblance of control.

Why does this hurt so much? I thought, my fists clenching at my sides. Why does it feel like he’s mine even when he isn’t?

Mara leaned closer to him again, brushing her hair from her shoulder. “Did you have a long day?” she asked sweetly.

“Yes,” he replied, still holding her hand. Then his gaze flicked toward me, just for a second. “Long day,” he added, directing the words at me, though they weren’t meant for me.

I turned my attention to the floor, pretending to sort through my bag. My heart raced, and I could feel the sting of jealousy like fire crawling through my veins.

I hate this. I hate seeing them together. I hate pretending I’m fine. I hate that my body reacts to him no matter how much I tell myself to stop.

Rubben finally noticed my discomfort and took a cautious step toward me. “Lia… are you okay?”

I lifted my head, forcing a small, controlled smile. “I’m fine,” I lied, my voice sharper than intended.

He studied me for a moment, his sharp eyes noticing my tension. “You look… off today. Did something happen at the hospital?”

I shook my head quickly, avoiding his gaze. “Nothing. Just… tired.”

Nora noticed the way I was avoiding him. “I’ll leave you two to catch up,” she said sweetly, sliding past me and retreating to the kitchen.

The second she was gone, the air between Rubben and me shifted. He stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. I could feel the heat from his body, the faint scent of his cologne filling my senses.

“Lia,” he said softly, his voice a low rumble that made my heart stutter. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

God, he always knows, I thought bitterly. Even when I hide it, he can see through me.

“I’m… fine,” I whispered again, though this time my voice wavered, betraying me.

He reached out instinctively, brushing a strand of hair from my face. The contact sent a jolt through me. My mind screamed for me to pull back, to maintain boundaries. But a small, dangerous part of me the part that wanted him, needed him trembled at the touch.

“I… I should… unpack,” I stammered, stepping back.

He nodded slowly, not taking his eyes off me. “Of course,” he said, though there was an unspoken weight in the words.

I walked toward my room, heart pounding, mind spinning. Behind me, I could feel him watching, his presence lingering, suffocating and intoxicating all at once.

Oh God! Save me from this man.

.....

"That night ," I decided to Jog it all out, clear my head from this lustful desire.that won't let me be

The moment I entered the house I could hear my mom sobbing.

She was seated at the dinning, her eyes all swollen .

" Lia" My mom called, her voice shaky; my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice .

" Your father, has been taken by the Renegade tonight.".........