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| 54 | Tender Wounds: Part 2
publish date:
2026-06-15 02:05:57
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I Am Mustafin | 55 | Walls of Marble
My hands shake slightly as I apply the last touches of makeup, carefully concealing the shadows under my eyes. I look polished, put-together—exactly what a Ringleader’s wife should be. But all I can think about is how empty the bed was when I woke this morning.Efrem had come back late last night, but he rose before dawn, got ready, and left.Still better than the way we live back home… At least he slept beside me.I stare at the pill in my palm, remembering Amara’s instructions—one every six hours, it will get me through my time here, it’s safe for the baby. My fingers curl around it protectively before I place it on my tongue, washing it down with water that tastes stale.Just get through today.But even as I think it, anxiety claws at my throat. Because today isn’t just another day of Efrem’s silence or hiding my growing secret. Today is the meeting—the one Kane’s been waiting for.A knock at the door makes me jump, scattering my thoughts. I’m not sure who I’m expecting, but I’m su
I Am Mustafin | 54 | Tender Wounds: Part 2
Content Advisory: This chapter contains depictions of possessive behavior, emotional manipulation, and moments of physical aggression that may be triggering to some readers. Reader discretion is strongly advised.I cross my arms around my naked breasts, hugging myself as though it’ll protect me from my fear. I’m still facing the wall, away from him, and I don’t know what I’m terrified of more: anger, disappointment, or the cold indifference I know I deserve.On shaky legs, I turn around, forcing myself to meet Efrrem’s gaze. When our eyes meet, my heart stutters—because the anger has faded, replaced by something that looks too much like the love I thought I’d lost. And the weight of these past few weeks crashes over me—every lonely night, every moment I’ve ached for just this.My eyebrows furrow traitorously, my lip twitching. “I miss you so much…” my voice quavers, tears falling from my eyes uncontrollably with regret I can’t hide.He studies me for a long, heavy moment. I see the wa
I Am Mustafin | 53 | Penance in His Hands: Part 1
Content Advisory: This chapter contains depictions of emotional manipulation, intense possessive behavior, and sexual intimacy involving elements of power dynamics and blurred boundaries that may be triggering to some. Reader discretion is strongly advised.The walk back to our suite feels endless. My heartbeat hasn’t slowed since dinner, since I sat beside Efrem and played the perfect, obedient wife while carrying a secret that could destroy everything.It’s over. Now, there’s just… tomorrow.The door closes behind us with a soft click that seems to echo in my bones, each sound that follows—the soft whisper of fabric, the familiar cadence of his breathing—feeling both achingly familiar and unbearably foreign.Efrem’s presence behind me makes the room feel smaller, more intimate than it did this morning. It’s like gravity has shifted everything toward him. Even me, even now, after five weeks of distance, my body responds to his proximity like a compass finding north.I move to the van
I Am Mustafin | 52 | Shadows at the Table
The navy silk of my dress catches light as I smooth it over my stomach, the subtle curve beneath feeling more visible than it truly is. In the mirror’s reflection, I see Efrem standing behind me, his suit a perfect match to my gown.Even our clothes mark us as a matching set, as always. The perfect owner with his perfect pet.While he focuses on his tie, my fingers linger on Amara’s pill, hidden in the pocket sewn into the dress’s seam. I contemplate taking the chance and slipping it into my mouth now, but the risk of Efrem seeing me makes my stomach churn more than the hormones.My fingers tremble slightly as I draw my empty hand out, and I have to take a steadying breath. The nausea has been worse today, each wave stronger than the last.“Remember,” Efrem’s voice carries that careful neutrality that’s become painfully familiar, “you’re to remain silent unless directly addressed.” His eyes meet mine in the mirror as he finishes adjusting his tie. “I don’t want any mistakes tonight, A
I Am Mustafin | 51 | Empty Glass
Steam curls around me as I step out of the shower, gently patting my body dry with a white towel. My hand swipes across the fogged glass, creating a window to a truth I’ve been too blind to see.When did I get so thin?The question echoes in my mind as I study my reflection. My collarbones cast shadows I don’t remember being there before, my ribs visible beneath skin that seems stretched too tight. I’ve been so consumed by the growing space between Efrem and me, so haunted by Tavin’s ghost, that I missed the obvious signs my body’s been trying to show me.One month. I missed my cycle one month ago and didn’t even notice.How could I not notice?My fingers trail down my torso, stopping at my lower belly. The curve is subtle—barely there at all—but now that I’m looking for it, I can see it. A gentle swell that wouldn’t be noticeable to anyone else, but to me…Our baby.The thought makes my hands tremble. I turn sideways, studying my profile in the mirror. The swell is more noticeable fr
I Am Mustafin | 50 | Tomorrow's Ghosts
I follow closely behind as Ivan guides me through the corridors of the Diallo mansion. Each step feels heavy, my body moving on autopilot while my mind races with possibilities of what tomorrow might bring.The parlor door stands open when we arrive, warm light spilling through the entryway. Amara sits perched on one of the elegant sofas, her face softening with something like sympathy when she sees me. She rises gracefully, one hand resting briefly on her growing belly.“Alaki, I’m so glad you could join me,” she greets warmly, gesturing for me to join her. “Please, sit.”As if on cue, a maid appears with a silver tea service, setting it down on the coffee table. Steam rises from the spout in delicate curls, carrying the scent of chamomile and honey.“Nana sends her regrets,” Amara says as I sink into the empty space beside her. “She’s turned in for the evening.”I nearly laugh at the obvious lie, knowing full well that Kane’s wife would rather sleep on broken glass than share tea wi
I Am Mustafin | 20 | Game of Secrets
I perch on the window seat of our assigned bedroom, eyes fixed on the door as I wait for Efrem's return. He left me here with Alek standing guard outside, his usual command to stayputstill ringing in my ears. This time though, I have no intention of testing the waters. I will
Last Updated : 2026-03-23I Am Mustafin | 19 | Of His
Nausea churns in my stomach as we pull into the driveway of the Diallo Ringleader's home. My eyes flick to Alek's hands as he turns the steering wheel of the SUV. A large gate looms before us, guarded by a man with his arms crossed behind his back, legs spread at shoulder width. His dark brown ey
Last Updated : 2026-03-22I Am Mustafin | 18 | Power Play
It's been a couple of days since Ciana tried to freeze me alive, and it seems that's the only thing I can think about damn near every minute of every day.Will she try again? If she does, will she succeed?A part of me can't help but wonder if Efrem is going to do anything
Last Updated : 2026-03-21I Am Mustafin | 17 | Fragile Truce
I breathe in deeply, the corners of my lips curling into a small smile as I relish in the delicious scent of the mahogany coconut cologne.Where am I?My eyes flutter open and almost instantly, it dawns on me: I'm still in Efrem’s arms. My heart skips a beat, my breath catc
Last Updated : 2026-03-20
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