4

                                    

                                          
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting the Akashi estate in shadows that seemed longer and darker than usual. After the confrontation in the garden, you hadn't spoken to him. He'd disappeared into his study, leaving you to stew in the whirlwind of emotions his words had stirred.
You paced your room, the plush carpet muffling the frantic sound of your steps. Every instinct screamed at you to leave—to run—but the thought of Akashi's reaction made your stomach twist. He wasn't someone you could simply walk away from.
Pulling your phone from your pocket, you hesitated. Simone deserved to know what was happening, but contacting her again felt dangerous. Still, you couldn't face this alone. With shaking hands, you typed out a message.
You: Something's wrong. I can't explain now, but I need help. Don't call—he's watching. He's controlling everything. I don't know how much longer I can keep pretending. I'm scared, Simone.
The moment you sent it, guilt flooded you. Was this betrayal? Or self-preservation? Before you could dwell on it, there was a knock at the door.
"Come in," you called, forcing your voice to stay steady.
The door opened, and Akashi stepped inside, his expression unreadable. He was composed as always, but there was a weight to his presence that made your chest tighten.
"Dinner is ready," he said simply, his tone light but firm, like an unspoken command.
You nodded, following him out of the room. His hand rested on the small of your back as he guided you down the grand staircase, a gesture that might have seemed affectionate to anyone else. To you, it felt like a silent reminder of his control.
—————————————————————————————————
The dining room was as extravagant as always, the long table set with fine china and crystal glasses. The scent of your favorite dish wafted through the air, but your appetite was nonexistent.
Akashi pulled out a chair for you, his movements graceful, rehearsed. "Sit," he said, his voice soft but absolute.
You obeyed, your heart pounding as he took the seat across from you. The silence stretched as the staff served the food, their presence fleeting. Once they were gone, Akashi picked up his utensils, watching you as he began to eat.
"You haven't touched your food," he remarked after a moment, his eyes never leaving yours.
"I'm not very hungry," you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper.
His brow furrowed slightly, and he set his utensils down with deliberate precision. "You need to take care of yourself, darling. Skipping meals isn't an option."
"It's just one meal, Akashi," you said, trying to keep your tone light.
He leaned back in his chair, his gaze sharp. "It's not just one meal. It's a pattern—a sign that something is wrong. If you're unhappy, I need to know."
"I'm fine," you lied again, forcing yourself to meet his gaze.
For a moment, he studied you in silence, the air between you growing heavier with each passing second. Then, without warning, he stood and walked over to you.
Kneeling beside your chair, he reached for your hand, his touch gentle but firm. "Darling," he said, his voice low, almost pleading. "I can't protect you if you won't let me in. Whatever is troubling you, tell me. I'll fix it. I'll do anything for you."
The sincerity in his words made your chest ache. You knew he believed every word he said, but that was what terrified you. His love wasn't soft or simple—it was all-consuming, suffocating.
"Akashi, I need space," you said quietly, your voice trembling. "Just a little time to think. For myself."
His grip on your hand tightened ever so slightly. "Space," he repeated, as though tasting the word. "I see."
He stood, his expression unreadable once again. "If that's what you need," he said, his tone calm but distant. "I'll respect it."
You wanted to believe him, but the way he left the room without another word made your stomach churn.
—————————————————————————————————
That night, you stayed awake, your phone clutched tightly in your hand. Simone hadn't responded to your message, and a gnawing sense of dread settled in your chest.
Finally, at 2 a.m., your phone buzzed. Relief flooded you as you unlocked it to see her reply.
Simone: I got your message. Are you safe? Do you need me to come get you?
You hesitated, your fingers hovering over the screen. Before you could respond, the bedroom door creaked open.
Your heart dropped as Akashi stepped inside, his expression eerily calm.
"Who are you texting?" he asked, his voice dangerously soft.
"No one," you said quickly, locking the phone and tucking it under your pillow.
His eyes narrowed, and in three quick strides, he was standing beside the bed. "Darling, I don't like being lied to," he said, his hand reaching for the pillow.
"Akashi, stop!" you protested, but it was too late. He pulled the phone from beneath the pillow, his jaw tightening as he unlocked it with ease.
You hadn't even realized he knew the passcode.
His eyes scanned the screen, his lips pressing into a thin line as he read Simone's message. When he looked up at you, his gaze was icy.
"So, this is what you meant by 'space,'" he said, his voice low and calm, but the underlying anger was palpable.
"Akashi, I wasn't—"
"Enough," he interrupted, his tone sharp. "You don't need anyone else. You don't trust anyone else. I'm all you need."
"Simone's my friend!" you said, anger flaring despite your fear. "You can't just—"
"I can," he said, his voice dropping dangerously. "And I will. She's a distraction. A risk. And I won't allow anything to come between us.
Tears welled in your eyes as you looked up at him. "This isn't love, Akashi. It's control. You can't do this."
 
His expression softened briefly, a flicker of pain crossing his face. "You don't understand," he said quietly. "Everything I do is for you. For us. One day, you'll see that."
He turned and walked out of the room, taking your phone with him.
As the door clicked shut, you sat frozen, your chest heaving as the reality of your situation sank in. You were trapped, and if you didn't act soon, you might never get out.