Gazel

At the back of the house, a small shed housed neatly stacked dry wood. A simple swing swayed gently from a sturdy tree, while a small pond rippled as ducks splashed about. Towering over nearly half the backyard stood a massive weeping willow, its cascading branches forming a curtain of green that concealed a hidden bench beneath its shade. 

Jordan sat there, waiting, his posture relaxed as he let the cool breeze brush against his face. His eyes remained closed, savoring the quiet moment. The wind played with his hair, tousling the dark strands lightly. Time stretched, unhurried, the serenity of the afternoon wrapping around him like a comforting embrace. 

Then, from behind him, a soft rustling broke the stillness. 

His lips curled into a knowing smile. Without turning, he spoke. 

"

"You're finally here. I thought I'd have to wait one more lifetime for you." 

Silvia smiled as she walked closer, a tray delicately balanced in her hands. She placed it gently on the table, her long hair cascading over her shoulder, a few stray petals from dried flowers clinging to her cheek. 

"Sorry for the tardiness," she said softly. 

"Sorry?" Jordan's voice dipped into a teasing lilt as he reached for her hand, his fingers sliding between hers with practiced ease. "Do you think that will be enough of an apology?" 

Silvia gasped as he slowly lifted her hand, bringing it closer to his lips. 

"Try the soup I prepared," she stammered, blushing furiously as the warmth of his touch sent tiny shivers up her spine. "I'm sure you'll forgive me." 

Jordan didn't look away, his gaze darkening with something unreadable. "I think today, I'm hungry for something else." 

He rose to his feet, his body pressing ever so slightly against hers, his grip firm yet gentle as he guided her palm to his chest—right over his steadily beating heart. The air between them grew charged, thick with anticipation. 

Silvia's breath hitched as he leaned in, his nose grazing hers in the softest of touches. Her wide eyes darted over his chiseled features, her lips parting slightly as her heart pounded against her ribs. 

"W-What are you talking about?" she whispered, gulping nervously. 

Jordan smirked. "You tell me." 

Her eyelashes fluttered like the delicate wings of a butterfly, her lips trembling as his scent enveloped her, intoxicating and warm.

"What should I tell you?" Silvia's mind spun in confusion, her thoughts clouded as the sound of bells seemed to ring in her ears.

Jordan lifted his other hand, gently brushing the flour from her cheek before guiding her face up with a finger. His touch was tender, his gaze intent as he made sure she was looking directly at him. "You know what I'm talking about, Silvia. I yearn for you. Day and night. I'm tired of the distance between us."

He leaned in closer, his breath mingling with hers. His eyes flickered to her lips—soft, peachy, and so inviting—that he couldn't help but draw nearer. Silvia, her pulse racing, hesitated before lifting her lips slightly, pressing a gentle, fleeting kiss to his. She quickly pulled away, her cheeks flushed. "Is this okay?" she whispered shyly.

Jordan's chest rose and fell with a deep breath, and his grip around her tightened. "Silvia, I can't wait anymore. I want you… I want to have you all to myself, now. Please, I'm burning for you." His words were soft but heavy with yearning.

Silvia's face drained of color as a cold wave of anxiety hit her. "But—I can't... before marriage. I've already told you," she stammered, her voice weakening as her eyes trembled under his intense gaze.

Jordan's voice grew more intense, yet soft, his fingers brushing against her back. "What's the difference? Before or after? You're mine, Silvia. You know that. I will marry you, and you will be mine, either way. I just want to make you feel good."

His words were filled with longing, his gaze so convincing that Silvia couldn't tear her eyes from his. His hands traveled gently down her back, making her pulse quicken.

"I don't know," she said, trying to pull away, but her body felt like it was rooted to the spot.

Jordan's expression shifted to something darker, his hurt becoming palpable. "So you don't trust me," he said, his tone shattering as he loosened his grip on her wrist. "You think I'm that kind of man?" He sounded disgusted with himself, and it made Silvia's heart ache.

"No! No, Jordan, it's not that," she said quickly, shaking her head. "I just thought we could wait until marriage, that's all. I'm asking for that."

He let out a heavy sigh, frustration clouding his eyes, but there was something softer beneath the anger. "No, Silvia. This is not what you mean. I understand now," he said, his voice quieting.

Jordan lowered his head, pulling away from her. Silvia felt the ache in her chest as she watched him retreat, the space between them growing too large to bridge.

"Jordan!" she called out, but her legs wouldn't move, and the words felt hollow as they left her lips.

He didn't turn around, walking away with heavy steps. Silvia clutched her wrist to her chest, the tears threatening to spill.

"Please," she whispered, her voice breaking, the weight of the moment crashing down around her.

Silvia covered her face, desperate to cry, but she couldn't—not here. Swallowing the lump in her throat, she turned on her heel and hurried back inside, her steps unsteady.

Her room was at the farthest end of the corridor, a secluded space where no one would hear her breaking apart. She rushed inside, slamming the door shut behind her before collapsing onto the bed. The weight of everything crashed over her, and she buried her face into the pillow, her sobs muffled against the fabric.

Tears spilled freely now, her body trembling as she clutched the sheets. The ache in her chest felt unbearable, as if something vital had been ripped away. She had wanted to hold onto him, to reach out—but she hadn't.

And now, he was gone.

..............

From the window of her room, Ghazal watched the scene unfold, her hand curling against the curtain with barely contained disgust. Her chest rose and fell with the intensity of her emotions, as if she couldn't bear to watch any longer. Her eyes narrowed, simmering with hatred at the sight of their closeness. Not just now, she had seen them many times before. Just a while ago, after retreating from her mother's lap as her father arrived, Gazel hurried back toward the house. But as she did, her gaze froze on a particular pair standing in the distance—a little too close.

Her eyes locked onto them, unwavering. She watched as the two exchanged quiet words, Silvia blushing while Jordan smiled at her with eyes that shimmered with warmth.

Gazel's fingers curled into tight fists, her nails digging into her palms. She swallowed hard, the sharp press of her teeth against each other betraying the tension boiling beneath her composed exterior.

Furious, Gazel stormed inside and slammed the door of her room shut. 

"I hate her!" she hissed under her breath. Gulping in the bitter bile forming int he back of her throat.