42. never say never

Standing outside the Moretti family home, I voiced my fears. “I don’t want to stay amidst those cannibals, Marco. I just wonder how much longer we can sustain this lie.” The building was grand, dark, and foreboding. Only a handful of windows emitted a faint glow; the rest were consumed by the dimness of the night. Marco had parked right in front of this eerie mansion and had escorted me to my doorstep.

A gust of wind fluttered, causing the Moretti family flag to wave menacingly, intensifying my anxiety. He held onto my hand, looking deeply into my eyes, creating a tension I hadn’t felt before. Was that regret I saw? After confessing his love, we hadn’t broached the subject again. Internally, I cursed, "Why did I even ask?"

“Just a little longer,” he finally answered flatly. Under the dim light from the Moretti mansion and the rustle of the wind, his eyes seemed more profound. "In time, you'll be free from this fake baby story and from me," he added, releasing my hand and walking towards our house.

I watched his retreating silhouette, each step inducing a pang of dread. "Why did I ask?" I thought. Before vanishing into the darkness, he glanced back one last time.

Our homes were so close that we had walked. The quiet night enveloped the street, punctuated only by the echoing footsteps of Marco. He seemed to be drifting further away, his silhouette disappearing amongst the shadows. Moments later, an inexplicable emptiness consumed me.

I glanced around in panic. Damn street lights, why weren’t they working? The night had wrapped everything in its black veil. Suddenly, a firm hand gripped my arm, making my heart race, barely containing a scream.

“It’s just me,” Marco whispered, his voice deep yet calming, holding my hand firmly.

“I thought you'd left,” I murmured.

“I thought you’d be scared in the dark,” he replied, his tone icy cold. As we began to walk side by side, our steps resonated together.

"I didn't mean what I said earlier," I began hesitantly.

He halted, looking at me. His eyes gleamed in the dim light, a mocking smile on his lips. “I think you meant every word,” he responded, quickening his pace.

“Marco, it’s a lie! Everyone believes I'm pregnant. Even my mother eagerly anticipates her grandchild. You even mentioned the baby's gender earlier. What will happen in a few months when there’s no bump? I'm not pregnant,” I yelled, my voice laced with rebellion.

The world seemed to freeze. With a sudden motion, Marco pulled me close. Colliding with his firm body, I saw the storm in his eyes. With his words filled with anger and passion, he whispered, “Then let’s make it real, troublemaker.”

“What do you mean?” I asked, my voice trembling.

“Let’s have a real baby,” Marco whispered back, a deceptive glint in his eyes. I felt the warmth of his hand on my stomach...

"Allow me to fill you with my seed, Sofia. I dream of each drop fertilizing within you." My skin prickled when his big, strong hands grasped my hips, and I shuddered with pleasure.

"Look," he said with a hint of mockery, "Your body seems made just for me. Your hips fit perfectly in my hands." His eyes, brimming with desire, continued, "See how ready I am for you, my foolish wife."

Hearing this, I glared at him with anger. "I am not foolish, Marco Moretti."

Marco's laughter echoed in the cold night air. "You're a fool once again," he whispered, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Out of all I've said, you only respond to that. You want me, admit it. During the photoshoot, you never took your eyes off me, Sofia. Every time you looked at me, I saw every innocent thought of yours in your eyes, my little fool."

"Call me a fool one more time, and I'll kick you, Marco," I retorted, angrily pulling his hands off me.

When we got home, the echo of our shoes resonated against the walls. In the dimly lit room, he followed me with silent steps to the bedroom. We had been playing a cat-and-mouse game in this room for days, but this time, the energy felt different.

He slowly shrugged off his jacket, which fell softly to the floor. As he undid each button of his shirt, the sound echoed in the room. "Why don't you undress in the bathroom?" I asked, my voice tinged with anger and something else. With every movement, he flaunted his impeccable body. When he was fully undressed, he began to stride towards me on his powerful legs.

"I want that baby," he declared, determination and passion evident in his eyes.

"Marco," I said, a crack evident in my voice.

"I've changed my mind, Sofia Moretti. You will give me that baby! Maybe a boy, but actually, I want a girl." The way he looked deep into my eyes, I felt precisely what he meant.

"What if it's not a girl?" I asked.

He smiled, "Then I'll have to keep trying until you bear a girl."

"That won't happen," I replied, determination in my eyes. "I have no intention of giving birth to either a girl or a boy. You can't force me into this."

His smile slightly froze, then turned mocking. "Who said I would force you?" He then removed his sleek wristwatch, the metal strap making a slight noise. Slowly, he walked around the bed and opened the door to the dressing room. Had he given up?

Odaya döndüğünde elinde bir çift kravat vardı.

"Beni bağlamayı düşünmüyorsun, umarım."

"Aslında, tam olarak yapacağım şey bu," dedi bana doğru yürürken.

"Marco, bunu yapmaya cüret etme. Senden nefret edeceğim, anlıyor musun? Seni asla affetmeyeceğim!" Beni yüzüstü yatağa itti, ellerimi arkamdan birleştirdi. Kulağıma doğru eğildi.

"Ne düşünüyorsun? Sana tecavüz edeceğimi mi? Sana aptal dediğimde üzülüyorsun. Sen gerçekten aptalsın Sofia. Seni asla zorlamazdım ama bu sana biraz işkence etmeyeceğim anlamına gelmez. Sana girmem için yalvaracaksın. İçindeki her şeyi serbest bırakmam için yalvaracaksın."

"Asla."

"Asla asla deme Sofia." Elleri kalçalarımı elbisemin üzerinden okşarken hareket etmeye çalıştım.

"İstersen çığlık atabilirsin. Ama annenin yan odada olduğunu unutma."