“Where I find peace "

For the very first time in my life, I was happy I was born. Not lying I enjoyed every dime of the time I spent with him on the boat. His sparkling eyes kept twisting my stomach, making my throat rumble, and my skin tighten with craving. Just one touch just that first touch had awakened something in me I didn’t even know was there.

I leaned against the bed, replaying it in my mind, my lips curving without permission. I was lost, completely lost in the echo of his laughter, the heat of his palm brushing mine, the weightless freedom he made me feel.

Until the door creaked open.

My brother stepped in, his shadow cutting through my thoughts. Worry sat heavy on his face, brows drawn, lips pressed tight.

My chest jerked, my heartbeat stumbling like I’d been caught doing something forbidden. I whipped my gaze to him, irritation sparking hot to cover my panic.

“Has anyone told you it is good to knock before entering?” I snapped, my voice sharper than intended. He’d startled me, calling me out of a place I didn’t want to leave.

”Hey, Jade said he had tried your number several times but you ain't picking up,” he muttered sitting at the edge of my bed.

“Something happened to Jade,” he uttered his voice getting serious. “He called and told me he was attacked when he got home by some gangs and he is very sure they must have been the work of your billionaire husband.”

Hearing this, I turned myself around to face him.

“I told him it can't be Andrew, and he should be careful or else he would put himself in big trouble that he won't even imagine,” he paused, swallowing up. “Besides jade was drunk yesterday even though Andrew can be a little impulsive someti-.”

“Was I also drunk?” I exclaimed cutting up before he could finish. “I told you I got attacked by two guys yesterday as I went for the boat after he ruined my birthday and you're here saying little,” I yelled straightening myself getting seated in my bed.

“You have to understand, the man loves so much that he lost control,” he said leaning in.

“Charles, Andrew is a man with a bad impression, arrogant and lacks proper education,” I yelled, my voice getting louder.

“Alright. Just calm down, please,” he muttered pretesting against my lousy voice.

“I’m unable to calm down, I fell inside the sea when these huge mask guys came on me. What if I didn’t get saved by someone better than him,” I sneered. “I think that you don’t notice that they are using father’s situation against us. He acts as if he is a friend of all of-”

“What’s the matter,” mother’s voice loops in opening and closing the door behind her. Her eyes lace with that smiles have seen in ages.

“Is that for me?” I asked noting the flower vase in her hand.

“You have to come down and see for yourself. Come and see what Andrew boys just brought in for your birthday,” she grinned.

“Mum, I told you guys I nearly got kidnapped on the boat. They threatened me with guns, and you guys are not believing me,” I exclaimed. “I tumbled into the sea during the cause of their threats,” I paused to reading her eyes for any sign of expression. “I was saved by a stranger. What if the guy is not there?” I snapped but there no worries in her eyes.

I watched as she placed the flower vases on my desk. “When did you starts this? Lying against someone because you didn’t love him? You’ve-“

“Will you guys believe me for a second? And is that what you would say, mum? That I was lying because I didn’t love him?” I yelled, getting irritated at her calling me a lier. “”Your own daughter is a lier?”

“Look, you better know his value a little for yourself and for your father. Otherwise he will be at you with you in the end and then you will regret it all.”

The finality in her voice cut deeper than anything else. She turned and walked out, shutting the door behind her.

Silence followed.

My hands trembled as I reached for my phone and dialed the number he had given me.He answered almost immediately.

“Hello?”

My voice softened without effort. “Hi… were you busy? Did I disturb you?”

“No,” he said gently. “I was just about heading out with a friend.”

“I just wanted to make sure I saved your number correctly.”

“Irene…” he said, and my name sounded different on his lips warmer. “If you’re free, come meet me.”

I blinked, caught off guard.

“Now?”

“Yes.”

My heart skipped.

“I..I’m free. Where?”

“Come to Shady Beach. I’ll pick you up from there.”

“Okay… I’ll be there within an hour.”

“Good. I’ll be waiting.”

The call ended, and I sprang to my feet, a rush of excitement flooding through me. I moved quickly, pulling dresses from my wardrobe, searching for something that matched the way I felt light, alive, hopeful. Finally, I found one, After dressing, I grabbed my bag and headed out, pausing briefly in front of the mirror to steady myself.

That’s when I heard her voice.

“Irene!”

I turned.My mother stood there and beside her Andrew with Charles just behind him. Andrew’s gaze locked onto mine, sharp and unreadable, a faint, knowing smile playing on his lips.

The air shifted instantly.

And just like that… the freedom I had begun to feel slipped through my fingers.