"Do you want it…"
The question kept echoing in my ears, slow and persistent, like a chant that refused to fade.
It repeated itself again and again, sinking deep into my thoughts as I turned to my side and rolled restlessly on the bed.
The sheets were tangled around my legs, warm and uncomfortable. Without even realizing it, I let out a loud fart—something that always happened when I slept too deeply.
One of my daily routines.
My eyes flew open suddenly, my body jerking as if I had fallen from a height. Sweat clung to my skin, dampening my neck and back. My chest rose and fell unevenly as I stared up at the ceiling, trying to catch my breath.
Wait a minute.
Was it a dream?
I blinked a few times, my thoughts slowly arranging themselves. The room was quiet. Too quiet. No heavy breathing beside me. No lingering warmth. Just me. Alone.
So it was a dream…
And we didn't kiss.
"Oh, hell no," I muttered, turning my face into the pillow in frustration. "What a shameless dream."
Yet, even as I complained, my lips betrayed me. They curved into a small smile, soft and unguarded. My heart fluttered in a way I didn't want to admit.
I did wish it was true.
I rolled onto my back and stared blankly ahead, replaying the moment in my mind.
The closeness, the tension and the way it felt so real that it had left my heart racing even after waking up. I pouted slightly, then smiled again, imagining the kiss we had—almost had.
"It was nice though," I whispered to myself, my voice barely audible.
A loud yawn escaped my lips as I stretched my arms above my head. My body finally relaxed as the weight of the past days lifted a little.
Everything was over. Everyone was safe. That alone brought a sense of calm that settled slowly into my chest.
I got out of bed and walked to the bathroom to freshen up. Cold water splashed against my face, waking me fully. After I was done, I stepped out of the room.
And immediately saw Raisem.
I screamed.
"Seriously!" I shouted, holding my chest as my heart nearly jumped out.
He looked at me calmly, unfazed.
"Did you have a nightmare? You kept screaming 'do it.'" He spoke casually, like he wasn't standing there giving me a mini heart attack.
My mind froze. Wait—what?
He heard that?
A sudden wave of embarrassment washed over me. My face felt hot. My heart raced as thoughts rushed through my head.
What else did I mutter in my dream? What if I said more? I felt completely exposed, but judging from his face, he didn't seem to understand what it meant.
"It's none of your business," I snapped quickly, trying to sound firm.
My eyes drifted to him without my permission. He was dressed casually—baggy jeans hanging low on his waist, simple and relaxed. Somehow, it made him look even more attractive.
"Where are you going?" I asked.
"I'm going out to get breakfast," he replied.
Then he looked at me. "You coming?"
"Yes," I answered instantly, a smile spreading across my face.
"Five minutes." his voice firm.
"Fifteen!" I shouted back with a grin as I hurried into my room.
******
We went to a different restaurant this time. It wasn't as big as the other one, but it had a calm and cozy atmosphere.
As soon as we walked in, one of the staff members greeted us politely and led us toward a secluded area.
I wasn't comfortable with that. I wanted to see outside. I wanted light. I wanted space.
"Can we get a spot here beside the window? I love the view," I said.
Raisem nodded in agreement.
"I'll make arrangements," the staff said with a smile.
When we finally settled near the window, I felt my shoulders relax. The view outside was beautiful—cars passing, people walking, life happening. I couldn't stop staring. It felt peaceful.
The staff came to get our order, and I stared at the menu again. Everything still looked ridiculously expensive; my mouth almost tore open in disbelief.
"They are so expensive," I whispered to him, leaning closer so the staff wouldn't hear us.
"Why don't you just buy foodstuffs instead and we can cook something at home?" I added.
Raisem tilted his head slightly, studying my face.
"Can you cook?" he asked.
"Yes, I can. My mum was once a retired chef," I said boldly, straightening my shoulders as if that alone proved my point.
"Hmmm," he hummed, his lips twitching.
"What?" I pouted, narrowing my eyes at him.
"Go ahead and order," Raisem said calmly.
I scanned the menu carefully this time, forcing myself not to look at the prices too much. After a while, I pointed at something simple.
"I'll get this," I said, showing the staff.
"I'll get this," Raisem added, pointing at his choice as well.
The staff nodded politely and walked away.
A few minutes later, the food arrived. The aroma hit me instantly — rich, warm, and inviting. It smelled so good I almost cried.
I didn't waste time. I dug into the meal softly, savoring every bite. The meat was tender and soaked up the soup perfectly. I almost forgot where I was.
Then I remembered he was a vegetarian.
"This meal is the best," I said deliberately, glancing at him with a teasing smile.
"You have soup on your lips," he said quietly.
I froze. "What?" I muttered, wiping my mouth clumsily, trying to locate it.
Before I could figure it out, I saw him stretch his hand forward. Slowly, gently, he wiped my lips with a tissue.
I was surprised.
"Thanks," I said softly, my cheeks flushing as I looked away.
He looked different today — softer, lighter, not as dark as he usually was.
Suddenly, some women walked in, talking loudly. They moved toward our direction but turned left instead.
Raisem saw them and his expression changed immediately, his jaw tightening.
"Let's go," he said abruptly.
I frowned. "What?" I asked, confused.
Before I could process it, he pulled me up from my seat. I struggled slightly, trying to grab my bag.
"Wait...." I protested.
He pulled me harshly and dragged me toward the door, his grip tight around my wrist.
Chairs shifted, footsteps echoed, and I felt eyes on us as we walked past the tables.
As we moved past them, one of the girls looked at us. I recognized her immediately.
She was the one at the airport, the one who had called Raisem a murderer.
"Raisem!" she called out.
He didn't answer. He dragged me straight out of the place, not even slowing down.
The girl ran after us, screaming his name.
Then he stopped suddenly.
"Go to the car," he said, pointing the car keys toward me.
The girl caught up with us, tears streaming down her face.
"Raisem, how could you do this?" she said, her voice shaking.
I had heard enough. I knew exactly what she was trying to do. I couldn't believe Raisem could be this gentle.
"No," I replied firmly, standing in front of him and blocking Joja from getting close.
"Excuse me, woman," I said, folding my arms. "I don't know who you are and you don't know who I am, but aren't you ashamed of yourself? Calling someone and running after them in public. Don't you have shame?"
"Who the hell are you?" she snapped at me. "Just because he's with you, you think you've got it all."
"Yes, I've got it all. Are you happy?" I said angrily.
I hated what she was doing. The other time, she accused him of being a murderer. Now she was causing trouble again in a public space. Girl, go get a life.
Raisem stood behind me, watching silently.
"I have no business with a bitch like you. All I care about is Raisem," Joja said.
"Unfortunately, he does not give two fucks about you," I said coldly. "Baby girl, so back off and stop being pathetic."
She scoffed loudly.
"You really think he loves you?" she said mockingly. "Raisem, why don't you tell her everything? All those years we spent together."
Raisem opened his mouth to speak, but I lifted my hand slightly, stopping him. To my shock, he listened.
"I don't care about his past," I said firmly.
"He is just going to use you and dump you like he always does. Did you know he killed someone?" Joja said.
I didn't even realize when my hand moved towards her cheeks. I slapped her hard across the face.
The sound echoed, even Raisem was shocked.
Joja held her face, staring at me in disbelief.
"I won't tolerate you lying and framing someone for something they did not do," I said, my voice shaking with anger.
"How dare you?" she hissed, raising her hand to slap me.
Raisem was faster. He caught her wrist before it reached my face and threw her hand away.
"If you don't stop right now, I promise you, you'll rot in jail," Raisem said, his voice low and dangerous. "The only reason I'm tolerating this attitude of yours is because it's related to my father. Stop pushing your luck. I could ruin you in a second."
His eyes looked deadly.
He grabbed my hand and walked away.
"You son of a gun!" she screamed loudly and threw her heels at him.
The heel hit his back. He didn't react.
He didn't stop walking.
******
We finally got to the car, and the moment we stopped, I yanked my hand out of his grip forcefully. My chest was rising fast, anger still burning inside me.
"Seriously, how can you tolerate so much disrespect from her?" I screamed at him, my voice sharp and trembling. "She's disrespecting you!"
"I know," he said calmly, turning to face me.
"And you just kept watching her like that?" I continued, pacing slightly. "You've got to be kidding me." I sounded like an angry mother scolding a stubborn child.
"I'm reporting this to the cops immediately," I said, already turning to walk away, my temper getting the better of me.
Before I could take another step, he reached out and held my hand, stopping me.
"I'll handle it myself," Raisem said firmly.
I turned back to him. "Are you promising me you will?" I asked, staring straight into his eyes. "I know I'm not allowed to interfere, but if she keeps doing this to you, I'll have to step in. And one way or the other, someone will end up behind bars."
I got into the car without waiting for his response, slamming the door shut.
Raisem stood there for a few seconds, then finally walked around and got into the driver's seat.
He drove quietly.
After a while, he parked at another parking lot.
"What are we doing at the mart?" I asked, looking around in confusion.
"You said you're a good cook," he replied calmly. "It won't be so bad to get some foodstuffs so you can cook."
My anger faded a little.
Awwnn… so he was considerate.
"Really?" I asked, my tone softening. "So I can get the foodstuffs myself?"
He nodded.
"Yes!" I screamed excitedly and jumped slightly on my seat. I was suddenly so happy.
"Don't worry, I'm a five-star Michelin," I said proudly, lifting my chin.
"It's a three-star, dummy," he said, poking my forehead lightly.
I froze for a second. Really? It wasn't five-star?
I felt embarrassed, but then shrugged it off. Even if it wasn't five-star, none of that mattered. I still got to cook.
We both entered the mart, and the shopping began.
Raisem was the one pushing the cart while I walked ahead, picking items carefully, like the princess I believed I was.
Every now and then, I'd stop to examine something properly before tossing it into the cart.
We didn't realize when we drifted into the personal care section.
"Let's go there. I want to get something," Raisem said as he pushed the cart forward.
I followed closely behind him until we suddenly reached that section — the adult section. The one filled with all kinds of crazy stuff.
Then I saw it.
He reached for the condom section.
I froze.
My body went stiff, my eyes widening in shock as I stared at him like I had just seen a ghost.
My expression clearly screamed what the hell is going on?
He stood there calmly, checking them out like it was nothing, and then picked up close to five packs and dropped them into the cart.
What the hell was I seeing?
My heart sank. I stared at him, my thoughts running wild. He once said he wanted kids. So why was he buying those? Or… did he sleep around?
The thought made my stomach twist.
What a disgusting man—if he actually did that.
I felt scared and confused, but I said nothing.
"Why are you surprised?" he asked softly, finally noticing my expression. "It's not mine. It's for Austin."
It's for Austin. Thank God. My shoulders relaxed instantly.
"These are large sizes," he added shamelessly. "I use extra,extra large. XXL." He paused, then smirked. "You felt it the other time, so you can tell."
"What?!" I hit his chest hard and walked away from the section, completely flustered.
As I walked ahead, I realized he followed quietly behind me. That realization made my lips curve into a small smile.
We were finally done shopping. The staff helped us load all the foodstuffs into his car. We bought a lot, everything we needed. I stood there for a moment, smiling, feeling satisfied.
Then suddenly..
"I forgot to get something," I said abruptly.
"What's that?" he asked.
"It's ladies' stuff," I replied, looking embarrassed.
I meant sanitary pads, but I was too shy to say it out loud.
"You can wait. I'll go get it," I added quickly.
He reached into his wallet and brought out a black card. My jaw almost dropped.
It was sleek, heavy, glossy black, the kind of card only powerful people carried. No bank name in front, no flashy design. Just quiet authority. The type that didn't ask for permission. Unlimited. Untouchable.
I took it from him quickly and rushed back into the mart.
Inside the ladies' section, I stared at the shelves. There were so many sanitary pads, different brands, different sizes. I frowned slightly.
I preferred the ones for heavy flow. I scanned the shelves carefully, reading labels, trying to choose one that would hold well. Then I saw it, exactly what I needed, sitting on the top shelf.
I stretched my hand to reach it. Nothing.
I stood on my toes and tried again. Still nothing.
I groaned quietly in frustration and tried one last time, straining my arm. It still wasn't working.
I was about to give up when, A long, sexy, veiny hand stretched out right in front of me and effortlessly picked the sanitary pad from the top shelf.
I froze.
Then I heard his voice, low and close to my ear.
"Shortie."