Petal's POV The air in my room was heavy, not just with the scent of ink and paper, but with tension, confusion, and a strange sort of heat I couldn’t define. The fluorescent study lamp on my desk buzzed faintly in the silence. My books were spread everywhere—on the table, across the bed, some even stacked on the floor. Notes, highlighters, flashcards, a half-drunk glass of water, and a squished pillow added to the quiet chaos. This room was my safe space, my sanctuary where I studied, cried, and dreamed—but now, it didn’t feel like mine anymore. Sebastian had pulled me into this space like a storm barging through a door left ajar. He laid me on the sofa and hovered above me, his body tense, his eyes unreadable. I squirmed beneath him, trying to free myself, my palms pressed hard against his chest in resistance. “Let me go,” I said, my voice trembling more from emotion than fear. But he didn’t budge. Instead, he grabbed bot
Petal's pov The room felt colder after Sebastian flung my phone onto the bed, his voice reverberating against the ornate wallpaper and echoing in my thoughts. “No, don’t you dare delete my contact. If you dare, then get ready for punishment,” he’d roared, and my heart had thudded so loudly I was sure he could hear it. The red velvet sofa, the flickering candles, the heavy, ancient paintings lining the walls—everything seemed to lean in to witness the scene unfolding. But nothing was more intense than the man himself: Sebastian, oozing control, oozing danger, his presence overwhelming. He turned toward me with a smirk, and dread settled in my stomach. I knew that smirk. That smirk meant mischief. Worse, it meant he was already two steps ahead, his mind weaving a web I always found myself tangled in. God, save me, I pleaded silently, fingers twitching at my side. “Now, what do we have here? Let’s talk,” he said, closing the distance. His tone was low, a challenge wrapped in velvet.
Petal's pov “Where’s your phone?” Sebastian’s voice was deceptively calm, but I could feel the storm brewing behind it. ‘What?’ I asked myself internally, confused by the sudden question. Before I could fully process it, his voice rose sharply, loud enough to make my heart skip a beat. “I said, where’s your phone, Petal?” “My phone?” I blinked, unsure why he suddenly cared about it. “Yes, your phone. Where is it?” he repeated, still angry but slightly quieter, his tone laced with menace. I scrambled, checking under my pillow, beside my books, even under the blanket. Nothing. My pulse was racing. I turned toward the door to explain I couldn’t find it—only to freeze. He wasn’t standing near the door anymore. Sebastian was now right beside my bed, towering over me, his presence magnetic and terrifying all at once. His sharp cologne mixed with the tension in the air made it hard to breathe. “Where’s your phone, Petal?” he asked again, his deep voice vibrating with restrained anger.
Petal’s POV I woke up in the evening, my eyes fluttering open to the dim orange hue spilling in from the curtains. I turned my head, blinking slowly at the glowing numbers on the wall clock. 7:00 PM. My stomach churned. I had only planned to nap for a few minutes — just to rest my eyes — but clearly, I’d slipped into a much deeper sleep. I sighed heavily. Nice job, Petal. Now you’ll be wide awake all night. Brilliant. Groaning, I slowly got off the bed, my limbs feeling stiff from lying in an awkward position. I dragged myself to the washroom and splashed cold water on my face, trying to shake off the sleep that still clung to me. As I looked into the mirror, I scolded myself aloud, “You stupid Petal, now stay up all night like a ghost.” My voice was hoarse, laced with irritation. Once I’d freshened up and changed into more comfortable clothes, I made my way downstairs. The comforting aroma of food drifted toward me, a mix of spices and vegetables sizzling in the pan. I headed int
Sebastian’s POV The moment I stepped into my office, the quiet hum of productivity welcomed me. The smell of fresh coffee lingered in the air, mingling with the soft whir of the air conditioner. My assistant followed me in, balancing a thick stack of files in her arms. She placed them on my desk without a word, gave a polite nod, and walked out to resume her tasks. I could sense the urgency in the paperwork, but my mind... it wasn’t there. It was elsewhere. I sank into the leather chair, loosened the first button of my shirt, and flipped open the first file. As my pen scribbled my signature on the documents, my phone buzzed against the polished surface of the desk. A notification. I didn’t need to check to know who it was from. Tom. As expected, it was a picture of her—my flower. His updates were regular, just as I had asked. My eyes softened the moment I saw her image on my screen. There she was—sitting in her college classroom, taking notes like the diligent little student she w
Petal's POV – A Cage of Love and Lies“If I get to know that you shared this with your friend, I’ll make her vanish from college. She won’t even graduate. Do you want that, my flower?”His words were ice, cutting into the fragile parts of me that still hoped he might one day be gentle. He called me "my flower" with the same mouth that delivered threats. His voice was calm — disturbingly calm — and laced with a possessive edge that sent chills down my spine. I could barely breathe, every syllable tightening a noose around my throat.“And I know,” he continued, leaning closer, his breath grazing the shell of my ear, “your little mind is probably thinking of escape. You're trying to figure out how to run. But know this — you can’t escape me. Not easily. I won’t let you go.”I wanted to scream, to push him away, but I had learned by now — resistance only made things worse. Tears welled up in my eyes, but I stayed silent. I refused to give him the satisfaction of breaking me aloud. I turne