Chapter 4

"Yes, mom, I'm fine," I said, my eyes scanning the open website on my laptop.

"And Ace?" she asked.

"He's good, too." I closed the website and opened a new one. "You know, we went out for dinner two nights ago. I baked a cake for him. I had sent you the picture, right?"

"Yes, I saw. I believe he gave you a gift too," she said.

"Oh yes. He gave me three handmade diaries and a few customized pens." I smiled to myself, recalling the night when I had opened his gift after we had cut the cake. "Roses as well."

"Very thoughtful of him, isn't it?" Mom sounded surprised.

"Yeah. He knows I love writing so he thought out his gift well." I closed the laptop in frustration. "I've been searching for good universities around here and I'm going mad. This is such a confusing task."

"You're searching for a university already? Don't you want to go on your honeymoon before starting classes?" asked Mom.

I rolled my eyes even though she could not see me. "It's too early for a honeymoon. Besides, Ace is really busy."

"You're sure?"

"Yes, mom," I said and sighed. "I'm getting bored staying at home all day. The sooner I get my master’s degree, the sooner I can start working."

"As you wish, Dalia." She paused. "Take care, okay? I miss you."

"Miss you too, Mom. Love you. Bye," I said.

"Bye." She hung up the call.

Since the search for a good university was going nowhere, I decided to take a walk outside. I had been completely sedentary for the past three or four days and it made me feel rusty.

I took my phone and earphones, put on a pair of socks and sport shoes, and headed downstairs.

"Irene, I'm going out for a walk, okay? I'll be back soon," I called out and stepped outside.

The evening sun was dull but warm. A soft breeze blew past me, making thousands of leaves rustle on the trees.

The fresh air was welcoming and relaxing. I started walking, my pace picking up speed with each passing minutes. Exhilaration ran through my blood, and I broke into a small jog.

The endless stretch of trees and the empty road was a beautiful sight. The sun's rays penetrated through the crown of leaves, falling in bits and pieces over the ground and reflecting off of tiny stones that occasionally came up on the path.

I had asked Ace why he had chosen a house in such a secluded location. He had told me that he liked nature and wanted a break from the busy main city life. He wanted to experience fresh air and peace every time he came home from the pollution laden air and patience testing traffic.

I could not argue with that logic, though I hated the fact that I could not go out anywhere and explore the city. I was planning on buying a car immediately after I enrolled in a university and Ace had agreed with my plan.

I did not realize how far I had come. The trees still stretched on, and the road was still empty. But a few meters ahead stood a beautiful big, white house. It was as lonely as our house, surrounded by the same environment.

I glanced at my wristwatch. I had been out for about fifteen minutes. So, this house was not far from ours.

We have neighbors. Wow.

Amused by the fact, I turned around and started jogging back home. If I was a little bolder and more confident, then maybe I would have introduced myself and said hello. But I was not.

***

"Did you know that we have neighbors?" I asked, looking up from reading my book.

Ace kept his phone down. "You mean that white house?"

I nodded. "I went out for a walk today and saw it."

"Walk? Dalia, it's not safe." He sat up straight.

I laughed. "It was still bright outside when I went. There is no one in this place. Don't worry, it's very safe."

"Most definitely not," he said. His eyes were clouded with an emotion that I could not comprehend. "What if something happens to you?"

"Nothing will happen to me, Ace. I'm not a kid," I said, placing my hand on his. "Don't underestimate me."

"I'm not underestimating you. But for a fact, I know that you are scared of wild animals. Don't start crying if you ever see a snake on one of your walks." An amused grin spread across his face as my own expression morphed into a horrified one.

"S-Snakes?" I said, my hands growing cold. "There are wild animals in this place?"

He shook his head, chuckling at his own joke. "Obviously not."

I threw the pillow that I had on my lap at him. "Idiot."

He could not stop laughing and soon I had joined him.

"You're very innocent," he said, caressing my cheek.

My cheeks grew warm, and I looked away.

"Dalia," he said softly, and before I realized he had pinned me down on the bed. His face was inches away from mine.

My heart almost stopped beating at the contact of our bodies. My heart dropped and my stomach clenched. This was not the usual jitters that I got around him. Those were happy butterflies making me feel warm. This was not the same feeling. All of a sudden, the warmth in my heart was replaced with a chill running through my body. My cheeks grew pale and pure terror reflected in my eyes.

His hand rested on my waist, but I caught hold of it before it moved any further.

"Not today. P-Please," I said.

He stopped and his eyes met mine.

Tears blurred my vision. "I'm not ready. Not so-so soon."

He nodded and got off me.

"I'm so sorry," he said. "Forgive me."

I could not see his expression, and I could not move from my spot. A ruthless hold held me in my place, helpless and confused.

I heard him leave the room and tears trickled down my cheeks.

What had just happened?