Avoid
Mature Content
Ashley
Since I met Lance, I have found new hope. I didn't tell Ashlyn about him because I didn't want Marco to find out either. He's extremely jealous, and who knows what he might do if he finds out, it could be complicated. It's not that I think he'll confront me or let my twin sister know about us; I just want to keep things peaceful.
I couldn't help but think about my boyfriend, or ex-boyfriend because we're probably over by now, and he doesn't care about me anymore. I wondered what kind of man he really was. Was he the one who took my virginity? I could accept that if it were true because, as Lance said, we truly loved each other at the time.
"A penny for your thoughts, sweetheart?" Marco asked before kissing me on the cheek. I couldn't dodge it in time, so I quickly looked around. It was Sunday, and we were by the poolside. At any moment, someone could see us.
"They're all busy, and Ashlyn is sleeping," he said, making me sigh in relief.
"Don't be reckless, Marco. I don't want any trouble and don't want to hurt my sister. So please, let's not be too obvious," I reminded him. He let out a deep sigh before sitting down on the chair near mine.
"Sweetheart, is something wrong between us?" he asked, worried.
"You know that from the beginning, our situation has been wrong and complicated," I couldn't help but say. I felt bad seeing the pain and sadness in his eyes. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—"
"It's fine. I know that" he interrupted me. "But no matter what, I'll never let you go. Call me selfish for wanting you both, but I can't stand the idea of losing you." His words made me want to cry, but I held back. Like him, I was hurting too.
We both fell silent after that and a few moments later, I stood up and headed back to my room.
As I was about to reach the door, he suddenly stopped me and pulled me toward the garden area. This spot had always been our little hideout for stolen kisses, especially when Ashlyn was home, just like today.
I couldn't stop him when he drew me close and kissed me. Soon, I found myself passionately returning his kiss. Yes, I was weak, but it was because I loved him.
"I miss you so much, sweetheart," he whispered when our lips parted. "I don't know why, but I've felt scared these past two weeks. It's like I feel you will just leave me."
"Marco…"
"Promise me you won't leave me, sweetheart," he said, his voice filled with desperation before kissing me again. I couldn't answer, too caught up in the moment's intensity.
Our desire quickly escalated, and before I knew it, we gave in to our passions right there in the garden. "I want to finish inside you, sweetheart," he murmured in a raspy voice. I was bent over, my hands braced against the low wall that separated the garden from the porch. My skirt, which Marco always loved seeing me in, was hiked up, and my panties were pushed aside.
"Yes, Marco. Do whatever you want," I responded breathlessly, completely lost in the moment. My fear of being caught vanished, replaced by the pleasure of what he was doing to me.
"I love you so much, sweetheart…" he whispered as he released everything inside me. We stayed like that for a while until the intensity between us subsided. We went back inside together, and I headed straight to my room while him, on his study room.
Ashlyn was still asleep in the next room while guilt and conscience began to gnaw at me again. Honestly, I was nervous. It was the first time Marco and I had done that while Ashlyn was in the house. Usually, we avoided doing it if she was around, especially during the day. We typically met late at night in his study room, but now…
I took a deep breath and closed my eyes before praying. I asked God for forgiveness, not just for my sins against my sister but also for the ones I committed against Him. I stayed silent for a while before deciding to make plans for myself, which no longer included Marco. I knew it would be hard because I had gotten used to being with him, but I had to do it. I didn't want to drown any deeper in this sin.
Now, I was sitting in front of my laptop again. My writing was starting to earn me some good money. I could live independently if I had to, but I needed to gather my strength first. At first, I struggled because I couldn't remember much about my life. It was so frustrating not being able to recall anything important. I wanted to move forward, but my mind was blank. I didn't even know anything about my bank account before the accident, so I had to open a new one online for my writing income.
Yeah, I need to focus on my work so that when I leave, I won't be left helpless. Maybe my inability to take care of myself keeps me from leaving Marco. How will I survive without a job? Where will I live? Right, I need to prioritize myself now. At least I'm thankful I met Lance.
That was the last time anything happened between me and Marco. I've been avoiding him more and more. I lock myself in my room or hang out with the house staff when he's around. I don't give him any more chances for us to be alone together.
Maybe he really is selfish, just like he said. He doesn't think about me or my twin's feelings anymore. The truth is, I still long for his hugs and kisses. Deep inside, I know it's not just lust I feel for Marco. I love him, love him so much. But I love Ashlyn, too, and it breaks my heart knowing I'm hurting them both right now.
I had just returned from the kitchen to my room because Marco had already left. I was planning to write again, something to keep me busy. I didn't even know what my job was before the accident. But I guessed it didn't matter since nobody visited me anyway. Ashlyn was different, though. When she took me to the penthouse, even here in the mansion, some of her friends came to check on her. But for me? No one. I must've been a horrible person to deserve this.
I had just closed the door behind me and was heading to my desk when there was a knock. Without thinking, I opened the door, only to be shocked when Marco pushed his way in and shut it behind him.
"I thought you left already," I said, confused.
"Why, sweetheart?" he asked in a soft voice. A chill ran down my spine when I heard the sadness in his tone and saw the way his eyes looked at me, full of sorrow, as if he were on the verge of tears.
"What do you mean?" I played dumb, though I knew he was asking why I avoided him.
"What did I do for you to hide from me?" he asked again. I lowered my head because I couldn't meet his gaze. How could I tell him that I didn't want this either, but I was hurting my twin, and that was tearing me apart? "Answer me, sweetheart," he added.
"I'm not hiding. I'm just not in the mood to talk to anyone," I denied. "Besides, I'm worried someone might notice something between us."
"Don't lie to me," he responded softly. I looked up and met his teary eyes. Gosh, he was so handsome, and I loved him so much. "Is it because of Lance?" he suddenly asked, catching me off guard. My eyes widened in surprise. How did he know about my friend? "Answer me," he demanded angrily as I stood frozen, unable to speak.
I was about to answer when the door swung open, and Ashlyn walked in. "Marco, I thought you left?" she asked, also confused.
"Get out of here!" Marco shouted at her, his eyes still locked on mine. I looked at Ashlyn and saw the shock and pain on her face. What is happening to this man?