Love That Binds

That morning, the warm sunlight streamed through the large windows of Alexei's villa. Hana slowly opened her eyes, still feeling the warmth of Alexei's body beside her. Last night had been difficult not just because of the discomfort of sharing a bed with someone she had just gotten to know more intimately, but also because of a strange feeling growing inside her chest.

"Good morning, beautiful," Alexei's voice sounded soft, but there was a possessive tone behind it.

Hana gave a faint smile, trying to push aside the doubts lingering in her mind. "Morning..." she replied briefly.

Alexei got up, pulling her body close and kissing her forehead. "I've ordered breakfast. You don't need to come down if you're still tired." His tone was sweet, but somehow there was something oppressive in the attention he gave.

After breakfast, Hana intended to return to her old apartment to get some personal belongings. However, when she mentioned her intention to Alexei, he reacted in a way that was difficult to understand.

"Why go back there? Don't you have everything you need here? I can buy you anything you need," Alexei said, staring at her sharply as if ensuring that his decision would not be challenged.

Hana paused for a moment, trying to find the right words to avoid escalating the situation. "I just need a few personal items, Alexei. I won't be long."

Alexei approached her, holding her hand gently but with a firm grip. "You don't need to go anywhere, darling. You're safe here with me."

***

As the afternoon approached, Hana grew increasingly restless. Something had changed within her since moving in with Alexei. She started feeling isolated, as if her world was now limited to the grand villa.

"Alexei, I need to go out for some fresh air," Hana said carefully.

Alexei turned from his phone, giving her a steady gaze. "Why go out? There's a big garden here; you can enjoy the fresh air without going far."

His tone sounded sweet, but there was a tension that was hard to ignore. Hana felt like a bird slowly being caged in a golden prison.

"I just want a little walk outside. I won't be long, I promise," Hana said with a forced smile.

After a few moments of silence, Alexei finally nodded, though reluctantly. "Alright, but I'll come with you. I don't like you being alone out there."

***

They walked along the beach near the villa. Hana tried to enjoy the moment, but Alexei's mood made everything feel tense. During their walk, they ran into a few people who seemed to know Alexei.

"Alexei, long time no see," greeted a sharp-faced man with a thick Russian accent.

Alexei merely gave a brief nod. "I've been busy."

The man glanced at Hana briefly before turning back to Alexei. "Who's she?"

Hana felt Alexei's hand grip her fingers more tightly. "None of your business."

There was something unusual in that brief conversation. Hana could sense the tension rising suddenly. After the man left, Alexei immediately pulled her closer.

"We're going home," he said firmly, leaving no room for argument.

"Why the rush?" Hana asked, trying to keep her voice calm despite her racing heart.

"I don't like being watched for too long by people like him," Alexei answered shortly, but the way he gripped Hana's hand grew stronger, as if afraid of losing her.

***

When they arrived back at the villa, the atmosphere between them felt even more tense. Alexei appeared restless, pacing back and forth in the living room while occasionally glancing at his phone.

Hana tried to lighten the mood by joking. "You look like someone who just lost something important."

Alexei stopped, giving her a look that was hard to interpret. "You are important to me, Hana. I won't let anyone take you away from me."

Hana gave a small laugh, though deep inside her heart, fear began to grow. What did Alexei mean? Why did he sound so possessive?

***

That night, as they prepared for bed, Hana once again felt awkward. Alexei, with all his sweetness, made her feel both comfortable and afraid at the same time.

"Sleep, I'm here," Alexei whispered softly, pulling Hana into his embrace.

Hana closed her eyes, but her mind was filled with unanswered questions. What was she really facing here? Was her feeling for Alexei strong enough to ignore all the strange signs that started to appear?

And that night, under the Bali sky filled with stars, Hana felt that this was just the beginning of something much darker and more complicated.

What was Alexei truly hiding? And how would Hana deal with a love that started to feel like a chain?