Chapter 41

I didn't like this atmosphere, and I felt like I was having a deja vu, experiencing something that seemed to be repeating itself, when it could have been a mirage that kept me trapped in the delusion that I was out of the trap of Zask and Zerg's emotional game.

I looked down at my flat stomach, there was a developing foetus. Instantly my chest tightened and I felt sad and upset. I clenched my fist tightly, wanting to hit that stomach but the two-sided nature of my body made it difficult for me to do so.

I raised my tightly clenched hand, I was about to punch myself in the stomach to express my annoyance at Zask.

"You shouldn't have been in my womb," I said with a trembling voice and lips.

Just as I had raised my hand and was about to punch myself in the stomach, suddenly there was the sound of footsteps echoing down the hallway, coming closer and closer to my room. I looked up and, as expected, Zask appeared in the doorway, carrying a tray of food. His sudden presence made an uncomfortable feeling creep into my chest. Although this had become his routine, there was something different this time. I couldn't ignore the anger and disappointment settling inside me.

My intention was stopped instantly, it could be serious if I hurt the foetus that was so dear to Zask. I stopped my intention and went back to my normal behaviour while pretending to be pensive and bowing my head. I could see that Zask was looking at me now, with a tray in his hand. Yeah, just like always. I'm almost sick of this situation, it's so boring.

Zask looked at me for a moment, as usual, his face betraying a hint of concern. He walked over, placing the tray on my bedside table. "How are you feeling today?" he asked softly, his tone of voice sounding calm, but to me it was just meaningless pleasantries.

I held back, looking at him sharply, unable to hide my displeasure. "I'm fine," I replied in a flat voice. "The foetus is fine too, I guess."

Zask seemed a little surprised by my cold reply, but he tried to ignore it. He sat down beside me, lifted the spoon and offered me food as usual, but I moved away, keeping my distance from him. Every time I moved away, Zask moved closer, until finally I could no longer hide the distance.

"Lana," his voice sounded lower this time, almost like a warning, "what's the matter with you?"

I sighed softly, but didn't answer her. There was no point in talking to him. I knew Zask had complete power here, and no matter how uncomfortable I was, he would still do what he wanted.

I sat transfixed, listening to Zask's words that floated in the air like an intangible threat. Every mouthful he offered made me realise more and more of my bound position, and a sense of disappointment took root in my heart. Why was I so easily caught up in the feeling that he cared about me? Why did I ever think that the kindness and care he showed meant something?

Inside my heart, various feelings were mixed together, forming a whirlpool of emotions that made it increasingly difficult for me to breathe. Back then, every time he approached me, took care of me, or even just spoke in a gentle tone, I felt that there was an enveloping warmth. I felt... as if he truly cared. But, today's reality shows that that kindness could have turned into a grip that I can't let go of. A grip that ensures I stay where he wants me to be, no matter how I feel.

I sighed inwardly, holding back the anger and pain that kept rolling in. In a way, I knew I needed to fight back, needed to fight for myself, but how? In front of me was a figure in complete control, someone who could render me speechless with one look or one pull of the chain. Every time I tried to keep my distance, tried to express my discomfort, he just pulled me back, as if I had no right to feel or think otherwise.

Zask's hand holding the spoon felt so close, too close. But I could only sit still, not wanting to show my feelings of hurt and helplessness. In my heart, I screamed, asking why he had to force me to be by his side in this way. I wanted to be free, I wanted to have choices... but it felt like they were getting further away, more and more unreachable.

As Zask looked at me once more, speaking his words of warning, I could only give a small nod, feigning acceptance, though inside my heart a small flame was beginning to grow, giving me the determination to one day get out of this place. When she left, leaving me alone in the cold and silent room, I felt the tears well up again, realising that freedom was something I didn't have... for now.

As I remained seated at a distance, Zask pulled slowly on the chains that bound my hands, but enough to force me closer. I was stunned, struck by the reality of how easily he controlled me. I could feel the anger and helplessness welling up inside my chest, but I could only surrender.

He brought me closer until we were no longer as far apart as before. I looked at him with hurt feelings, yet I said nothing. Silently, I accepted his mouthfuls of food, even though there was a bitter feeling settling in my heart. Each mouthful felt like a restraint that bound me tighter and tighter.

When he finished feeding me, Zask wore a colder expression, as if weighing something. He looked at me intensely, a gaze that made me feel even more confined within invisible boundaries.

"Lana," he said, his voice sounding calm but laden with a subtle threat, "don't try to rebel or think about getting out of here. If you start thinking too freely, I'll make sure that you won't stand a chance."

I swallowed, feeling trembling inside. His words were like a noose wrapped around me tighter and tighter. I realised that as long as I was here, there was no way out without Zask's permission.

After uttering his warning, Zask got up, looking at me once more before leaving the room. I could only sit there, feeling the emptiness and pain in my heart deepen. I was again convinced that I would not be happy if I obeyed Zask's words, I had to change and be sure to rebel from him.