The sun had barely risen, casting a soft golden glow over the quiet house. The air was still, the only sound coming from the distant clatter of dishes in the kitchen.

Deman stood in front of Petal’s room, his fingers resting lightly on the doorknob. But before entering, he turned his head slightly, checking one last time—Maya was still in the kitchen.

A slow smirk curved on his lips.

Perfect.

He turned back to the door and pushed it open quietly, the hinges barely making a sound.

Inside, the room was dim, the curtains drawn just enough for a sliver of morning light to slip through.

And there she was.

Sleeping peacefully on her side, her body curled slightly, lost in a world of dreams.

Her soft hands rested beside her face, delicate fingers slightly curled. Loose strands of her dark hair cascaded over her features as if they were kissing her skin. Her lips—soft, slightly parted—moved with the slow rhythm of her breathing. Her long lashes rested like silk against her flushed cheeks, and her chest rose and fell gently beneath the thin fabric of her nightwear.

She looked breathtaking.

Deman stepped closer, his movements slow, calculated.

He lowered himself onto the bed beside her, his smirk deepening as he took in the sight before him.

For a while, he simply admired her in silence, his eyes tracing every detail of her sleeping form.

Until his thoughts started speaking to her.

I can see why Chase tried to take you in the past. You’re too tempting to resist.

His gaze darkened, amusement flickering in his expression.

But instead of being shocked that he tried to do it… I’m shocked that he stopped himself.

His fingers twitched, itching to touch her.

You two lived together for more than two years… was that really the only time he lost control? It can’t be possible. Should I check for myself?

His eyes gleamed with something unspoken as he tilted his head, watching her.

Whether you’re pure or not…he smirked

it won’t matter in the end.

Slowly, he reached out, his fingers brushing the strands of hair away from her face. The moment his skin made contact with hers, she flinched—just slightly—but didn’t wake up.

His smirk widened.

So soft.

He exhaled, his breath fanning over her skin as he leaned in closer.

Before meeting you, I was furious—furious that my own brother is fight me over a girl. But then I saw you… he chuckled under his breath,

and I understood it in a single glance. You’re worth every fight.

His fingers lingered against her cheek, his touch light but possessive.

I used to think Chase was a fool for ruining himself just to keep you… but now, I get it. Even I am willing to do anything for you.

He let his hand trail down her arm, barely touching, his eyes drinking in every delicate reaction.

I wish I could take you right now, he whispered in his mind, watching the way her body remained unaware of the predator beside her.

His fingers ghosted over her skin, inching lower—

Then he stopped.

No.

I will wait.

But his smirk never faded.

But make no mistake, Petal… I will take you. Either with your approval… or by force. But you will be mine.

His fingertips traced lightly along the side of her head, memorizing her softness.

"How beautiful you are," he murmured.

The moment his words left his mouth , Petal flinched again.

This time, her eyes fluttered open.

The instant she saw him leaning over her, her body froze.

She shoved him away and scrambled off the bed, panic surging through her.

Her chest rose and fell quickly, her breath shallow. She looked at him, her wide eyes filled with confusion, fear, and disbelief.

"What are you doing?!" she demanded, her voice shaky.

Deman met her gaze, his expression calm, composed. "I wasn’t doing anything," he said smoothly.

Her hands clenched into fists. "what are you doing in my room?"

He smiled lazily, as if her reaction amused him. "Your mom asked me to wake you up."

She frowned, suspicion clouding her face.

"Come downstairs. Breakfast is ready. And…" he paused, his smirk deepening, "your mom has something to say to you."

With that, he turned and walked out, leaving her standing there, still shaken.

---

Outside Her Room

Deman leaned against the wall just outside her door, running a hand through his hair. He exhaled, a small chuckle escaping his lips.

Gosh, that was close.

He glanced toward the slightly open door, watching her from the gap.

A slow, dark smile spread across his face.

As much as I hate seeing you scared… I love that look on you too.

His fingers tapped against the doorframe.

"But I won’t make you afraid, Petal."

His voice in his mind softened—mocking, almost sweet.

Just accept me, and I’ll give you a love Chase never could.

He smirked, stepping away from the door, his mind already set on what would come next.

......

Petal stopped midway through her meal, her fork frozen in the air.

"Mom, you’re telling me this now?" she said in disbelief, her brows knitting together.

Maya sighed, guilt evident in her expression. "I’m sorry, Petal. It wasn’t planned—I just found out myself."

Petal set her fork down, frustration bubbling inside her. "Then leave me with Dad before you go. I should have gone  last day itself"

Maya hesitated. "Petal, he still has to go out for work. How will you manage alone? You can stay with Chase—I’ll also try to come back as soon as possible."

Petal shook her head, her voice firm. "Then take me with you."

Maya frowned. "Petal, what would you even do there? It’s a business trip."

Before Petal could argue further, another voice cut in.

"She’s right, Petal," Deman said smoothly, leaning back in his chair.

His gaze lingered on her as he spoke again. "Let her leave. It’s important for the business."

Petal’s jaw clenched as she looked at him. There was something in the way he spoke—too calm, too certain.

Maya exhaled. "I’ll be leaving in an hour."

Petal just stared at her, unease creeping up her spine.

......

Maya was going away for a whole week.

Deman’s gaze flickered toward Petal, his expression unreadable. But in his mind, his thoughts ran wild.

I planned this, Petal. This entire week is for us. A chance to make my way into your heart , to  win you over.

His fingers tapped against the table, his eyes never leaving her.

Just the thought of being alone with you excites me too much.

........

Maya stood from the table, brushing her hands against her dress. "I’m going now. You guys eat. I still have a few things left to pack," she said before walking away.

Petal remained seated, silent, her appetite long gone. She absently pushed her food around with her fork, lost in her thoughts.

Across the table, he watched her.

"Petal," he called.

She didn’t react.

"Petal," he called again, his tone a little firmer this time.

Still, no response.

A flicker of amusement danced in his eyes as he leaned forward. This time, he reached out and placed his hand over hers. "Petal," he murmured.

The reaction was immediate.

She snatched her hand away as if his touch burned her. "Don’t touch me," she snapped, her voice laced with annoyance.

She pushed back her chair and stood up, turning away from him.

"You still don’t believe I’m Chase?" he asked, stepping into her path.

Petal halted, her fists tightening.

"Why?" he pressed, his eyes narrowing.

She exhaled sharply, refusing to meet his gaze. But before she could step around him, he moved, blocking her way again.

"Why won’t you believe I’m Chase?" he asked, his voice lower this time, laced with something darker. There was an edge to it, a frustration barely held back, as if he was on the verge of losing control.

Petal finally met his gaze.

"Because he never stared at me the way you do."

The words hung between them, thick with meaning.

His expression didn’t change, but something shifted in his eyes—a flicker of something unreadable.

She didn’t wait for a response. Without another word, she turned and walked away, leaving him standing there, watching her disappear down the hall.

......

The dim light barely reached the corners of the room, casting shadows over her bruised face. Dried blood clung to her lips, a cruel contrast against her pale skin. Her breath was uneven, each inhale laced with pain.

Chase knelt in front of her, his fingers steady but tense as he dabbed antiseptic onto the gash above her brow. She winced at the sting, her hands gripping the sheets beneath her.

"I’ll save you," he murmured, his voice rough with guilt. "I won’t let this happen again."

A bitter, broken laugh escaped her lips. "Then let me go."

His movements froze. Slowly, his dark eyes met hers, unreadable but unyielding. "I won’t let you go."

Her throat tightened, frustration building behind her exhaustion. "You know why this happened to me?" she whispered, voice hoarse. "Because they wanted revenge on you."

Chase’s jaw clenched. He knew. He had known all along.

"Today, it was them," she continued, her voice gaining strength. "Tomorrow, it will be someone else. As long as I’m with you, I’ll never be safe."

He exhaled sharply. "I’ll protect you."

Her eyes burned, her body trembling from the weight of it all. "You’ll try. But you’ll never be able to save me, Chase." She swallowed hard. "There will always be someone out there, waiting to hurt me just to get to you. And one day…" She hesitated, pain flickering across her face. "One day, you won’t be fast enough. One day you won't be there to save me "

A dark silence settled between them.

...

Chase stood , his body tense with the weight of those words he recalled of petal.

You were right, Petal.

His mind replayed her voice, the haunting truth of what she had said echoing in his thoughts.

You again became the target to take revenge on me. His fingers clenched into fists, his jaw tightening with the realization that she had been right all along.

My own brother... planning to harm you just to take revenge on me.

The bitterness in his chest spread, threatening to suffocate him.

.......

Maya adjusted her coat as she stood by the door, ready to leave. She turned to Petal, pulling her into a warm hug.

"Okay, darling, I’m going now," she said gently.

Petal sighed, her arms tightening slightly around her mother.

Maya cupped her face. "Don’t be sad, Petal. I’ll be back soon. I’ll call you every day, okay? You’ll barely notice I’m gone."

Petal forced a small nod. "Okay."

Maya smiled. "Good. I’m leaving now."

Deman stepped forward. "I’ll drop you at the airport," he offered smoothly.

But in his mind, his thoughts whispered a different intent.

"And make sure you’re really gone."

Maya nodded. "Sure, that would be great."

She was about to step out when she suddenly stopped.

"Oh! I forgot the files," she said, turning back. "I left them in Chase’s almirah."

She took a step forward, about to retrieve them herself, when her phone rang.

She glanced at the caller ID and sighed. "I need to take this. Petal, can you bring the files from Chase’s almirah?"

Petal nodded. "Yeah, I’ll get them."

Maya smiled. "Go quickly, please."

Petal was about to leave when another voice interrupted.

"I’ll bring them," Chase said, standing up.

Petal shook her head. "It’s okay, I’ll get them," she replied, her tone dismissive as she turned to leave.

Deman watched her go.

...

Petal was gathering the files when her fingers accidentally pressed against a button inside the almirah.

A soft click echoed in the silence.

She hesitated, reaching out as if to push the panel further open, but—

She frowned, watching as the back panel of the almirah shifted slightly, revealing a narrow gap—a hidden space shrouded in darkness.

"Petal, come quickly!" Maya’s voice called from downstairs, snapping her out.

Petal blinked, tearing her gaze away from the mysterious opening. "Coming, Mom!" she called back.

She took one last glance at the dark space behind the almirah, an unsettling feeling curling in her stomach.

Then, shaking off the unease, she grabbed the files and left the room, unaware of what secrets lay hidden in the shadows behind her.

.......

After Maya and Chase had left, Petal locked the door behind them. The house felt eerily silent, the emptiness pressing in around her.

But curiosity gnawed at her, refusing to let her sit still.

She turned on her heels and made her way toward Chase’s room.

As she stood in front of the almirah, she hesitated for a second before slowly pulling it open.

The hidden space was still there.

She took a step closer, her fingers trailing over the edge of the panel. Something about it didn’t seem right.

Frowning, she gripped the edge and gave it a firm pull.

A soft click echoed in the silence.

Her eyes widened as the entire back panel of the almirah swung open, revealing not just a hidden compartment but a full passageway leading into darkness.

Realization hit her.

The almirah itself wasn’t entirely real. The drawers, the hangers, everything inside was simply attached to a hidden door designed to look like an ordinary wardrobe. The wooden covering wrapped around it, disguising its true purpose so no one would suspect what lay behind it.

A chill ran down her spine.

Her fingers curled against the doorframe as she stared into the dark space beyond.

Her brows furrowed as an unsettling familiarity crept over her. "Why does this look so familiar?" she whispered to hersel"

To be continued...

Author  Note:

Sorry! I meant to post this yesterday, but I wasn’t sure about the scenes. Even now, I’m still not  sure 😅

I just hope this wasn’t boring! Let me know what you think—I’d love to hear your thoughts! 💭