All Chapters of My Forbidden Fruit : Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

The movie was still playing, flickering shadows across the walls. I couldn’t even remember what it was about—some comedy with bright colors and hollow dialogue. I wasn’t laughing. I was curled on the couch with Aaron, my head resting on his shoulder, both legs draped lazily over his lap. He rubbed slow, absentminded circles on my shoulder like he always did when I was tense.But then… I felt it.The stillness.That uncanny, impossible stillness that swept in and stole the warmth from the room. The air shifted, thickened. It was like gravity changed its mind, like the walls inhaled and forgot how to breathe again.He was here.I didn’t need to turn around to know it or to hear a door creak or the sound of his shoes on the floor. I could feel him—his presence bleeding into every crack of the house like heat and danger. A phantom that haunted my spine.Enzo.Maybe he’d gone straight to his room. Maybe he hadn’t seen us.But that wasn’t possible.He always saw. Even when he pretended

1 YEAR 6 MONTHS AGO The dining room was warm and golden, lit by the soft chandelier hanging above the dining table, casting a glow over polished plates and wine glasses. I sat between Lily and Lucas, quiet, pushing my food around like it offended me. Across the table, Enzo sat beside her—Carol. She laughed too loud, leaned too close, touched him too much for my liking. But he also didn’t pull away from her touch. I chewed slowly, trying not to look at them. Trying not to feel. He was supposed to come alone tonight. At least, that’s what I had hoped. He didn't mention anything about bringing someone, let alone introducing her as his girlfriend. That word echoed in my mind like a slap I didn’t see coming. When he said the word GIRLFRIEND my mind went blank. “I’m so sorry I was late,” Carol had said earlier, with a fake laugh and perfume strong enough to strangle anyone. “Enzo insisted on picking me up himself. He’s such a gentleman.” My eyes instantly went towards

The city lights painted fleeting shadows across the car’s interior, my dress catching glints of gold as we drove under each streetlight.It was quiet. Not awkward—just full.Aaron glanced at me. “Hey.”“Hmm?”“You okay?” he asked, softer now. “Like, really okay?”I looked out the window for a second, pretending I wasn’t forming words that would hurt to say.“I don’t know,” I admitted. “Some days I think I’m over him. Others, it’s like he’s still… everywhere.”Aaron nodded, eyes still on the road. “Yeah. That’s how love works. It doesn’t let you unsubscribe that easy.”I smiled, bitter and fond. “You sound like an old man who’s had his heart broken ten times.”“Please. My heart is in mint condition,” he declared. “Except that one time in seventh grade when Amelia threw my valentine card in the trash. Still not over it.”I giggled. “You’re ridiculous.”“I’m hilarious. And I’m also the only one brave enough to drive you to a party where your almost-soulmate is probably pacing around like

No phone.No soul in sight.No shop. No light. No fucking hope.Black dots danced in my vision like they were mocking me—taunting me for ever thinking I was anything but breakable.I didn't know how long I walked. My feet were torn, flesh raw and slick with blood. My ankle screamed with every step.But then—A flicker.A fragile flicker of yellow light through the trees.My heart seized. Was it real?I staggered toward it, broken body dragging forward, praying it wasn't a hallucination.I limped faster.Come on… just a little more.“Fuck—!” I gasped as a shard jabbed straight into the arch of my foot. I wasn’t on any road. It was wilderness now. Stone. Glass. Twisted metal and discarded syringes.My vision blurred, pain pulsing like thunder.But I saw it.A bar.Rosie & James Bar—the letters barely lit, flickering like a dying breath.I shoved the door open. The musty scent of cigarettes and whiskey swallowed me whole.Few people inside. Fewer sober.I went straight to the counter, sw

After dinner, he brought me to the hospital. Bandage on my both feet. My hands remained bluish purple. But the spot on my neck was a bit lighter. I related everything that happened to Enzo. He swore continuously but didn't say anything more. I was frightened and didn't want to return home. Antonio was not typically at home and Lily always had to go with him. Lucas was occupied with business travels. Enzo also did not want me to go, so I remained. I recovered my phone. Then I realized Sara tricked me, my phone was with her the entire time. I have been here for a week now but Carol did not come. I overheard him speaking to her on the phone. She wanted to come but he did not allow her. It was best. I do not wish to lose my peace. Ethan and his brother were both in prison. In certain cases of drugs. I knew it was Enzo's work. I heard Ethan was beaten up so severely in prison that he had 5 fractures and was now in hospital. I sat in the living room drinking hot chocolate