Tia
I woke up slowly, my eyes trying to adjust against the soft morning light pouring through tall windows. For a moment, I didn't move.
My eyes finally opened and the ceiling above me was high and painted white, with a chandelier hanging in the center. The sheets beneath me were smooth, the kind that felt expensive. The room smelled sweet and floral.
"Where the heck am I?" I asked myself in alarm as
panic hit me all at once.
I looked around, trying to remember how I got here. Did someone take me? Was I kidnapped?
Quickly I stood up and walked over to the door, but before I opened it, I saw my bag sitting neatly near the wall. My shoes were placed beside it. Nothing looked messy. And that's when it hit me…I had fallen asleep in Axel's car.
I remembered sitting in his car, leaning my head against the window with tiredness, I must've fallen asleep. And now… I was here.
He must have brought me to his house.
I opened the door slowly and stepped into the hallway. It was just as fancy as the room, everywhere was shiny and luxurious, including the paintings on the walls.
As I got down, I could hear faint sounds coming from somewhere nearby, maybe the kitchen.
I walked carefully, not sure if I should be walking around, because I didn't want to seem rude, but I also didn't know what else to do.
Soon, I heard footsteps and Axel appeared at the end of the hallway, holding a mug of coffee. He was dressed casually, in a black t-shirt and jeans. He looked calm, like he had been up for a while.
"You're awake," he said quietly.
I nodded, still unsure. "Yeah… I didn't mean to fall asleep."
He gave a small shrug. "You were tired. It's okay."
I looked around again, still feeling a little out of place. "This is your house?"
"Yes," he said. "I didn't want to leave you out there. You fell asleep right before we got to the hotel, so I brought you here."
"Thank you," I said quietly, looking at Axel. "But I think I should go now. I'll just go back to the room and get my bag."
He leaned against the counter, sipping his coffee. "Go where?" he asked curiously.
"I don't know yet," I admitted. "Maybe a hotel. I just… I don't want to bother you."
"You're not bothering me," he said. "At least eat something before you leave."
I shook my head. "I'm not hungry."
He sighed without saying a word, and I turned slightly, ready to walk away, but then my stomach made a loud growling noise, and echoed around the kitchen.
I froze, wondering why my stomach choose this moment to disgrace me.
He raised an eyebrow, trying not to smile. "Are you sure you're not hungry?"
I sighed, feeling embarrassed. "Okay… maybe I am. I haven't eaten since yesterday."
He nodded like he already knew. "Then sit down. Don't refuse me."
I hesitated for a moment, but then I gave in. I didn't really have the strength to argue, and the smell of food was starting to get to me.
I followed him to the dining table. It was already set, plates, cups, and different varieties of food.
There was toast, scrambled eggs, sliced fruit, and a pot of tea. Everything was arranged neatly, like they were made for me.
He pulled out a chair for me. I sat down slowly, still unsure if I should be there.
Axel sat across from me, quiet, letting me settle in. He poured me a cup of tea and pushed the plate of eggs toward me.
"Eat," he said simply.
I picked up a fork and took a small bite. The food was good, better than I expected. I hadn't realized how hungry I was until I started eating. Bite after bite, I felt my body relaxing.
Axel didn't say anything, he was just sipping his coffee, as he watched me eat, which was a bit uncomfortable, but I tried not to think about it
But after a few minutes, I looked up at him. "Why are you being so nice to me?"
He shrugged. "You looked like you needed someone."
I sighed and I had another bite of toast, trying to focus on the food, but I couldn't help but ask.
I looked up and said. "Do you think I need someone just because I'm divorced?"
He placed his mug down gently and leaned forward a little.
"I think you should think about my offer," he said. "If you became my wife, it would benefit you. You'd have everything you need. It's a win-win situation for both of us." He explained and I scoffed.
His words hit me hard, and my appetite vanished instantly. I stared at my plate, then slowly dropped my fork.
"Here we go again. Someone caring for me because they wanted something in return," I mentally thought to myself.
I stared at him, anger flashing in my face. "Read my lips," I said slowly. "I need to heal from my divorce. I'm not ready for anything. And I'd really appreciate it if you never spoke about this again."
"Why? I'm trying to help you," He said.
"Help me?" I scoffed dryly.
"I will never accept being your toy," I continued, my voice firm. "Even if it's disguised as your wife." I spat.
Axel stayed quiet for a moment after my outburst. Then, in a calm voice, he said, "Alright. I won't bring it up again. I'll wait… until you're ready to accept me on your own."
I looked at him sharply. "Dream on," I said, my voice cold. "That's never going to happen."
His didn't try to convince me. He just nodded slowly, like he'd already expected my answer.
I pushed my chair back and stood up. My heart was pounding with anger. I was tired, lost, and needed a moment to breathe. But now it felt like even kindness came with conditions.
"I'm going home," I said, not waiting for a response.
I walked out of the dining room, heading straight for the guest room. I grabbed my bag, checked to make sure I had everything, and zipped it up. I didn't want to stay another minute.
As I walked back toward the front door, Axel was standing in the hallway.
"I'd drive you." He said and I shook my head.
"I'll call a cab," I declined, not looking at him.
"I'll have my driver take you," he replied.
I paused, then nodded. I didn't want to argue anymore, I just wanted to leave.
He stepped aside and made a quick call. A few minutes later, a black car pulled up outside. I walked out without saying another word, while Axel followed me to the door.
As I got into the car, I glanced back at him one last time, but his expression was unreadable, just like always.
The door closed, and the car pulled away, and I sighed in relief, glad I was done with him.