a flicker of recall

I groaned, shielding my eyes from the sunlight that pierced my brain like a dagger. A dull ache throbbed in my head, making me wince. I tentatively reached back to massage the tender spot, my fingers probing for the source of the pain.

As I struggled to sit up, my mind foggy and disoriented, I took stock of my surroundings. The beeping of a machine beside me pierced the air, making me turn to investigate. My gaze fell upon a sleek, silver device monitoring my vital signs.

My hand instinctively went to my head, and my fingers brushed against a bandage wrapped tightly around my hair. Memories came flooding back - the scratches on the door, the feeling of unease, and then...nothing.

Before I could piece together the events of the previous night, Andrew walked in. "A...Andrew," I said weakly, my voice barely above a whisper.

Andrew's expression was etched with concern as he rushed to my side. "Hey, take it easy," he said, gently grasping my shoulder. "You're awake."

I swallowed hard, trying to clear the fog from my mind. "How did I get here?" I asked, my voice shaking.

Andrew hesitated before responding, "Well, you fainted and hit your head on the floor."

I furrowed my brows, memories resurfacing. "What? No... I heard scratches on my door..." I began, but my words were cut off.

"Can you check on her quickly?" Ryder's deep voice interrupted, his piercing gaze fixed on me.

Andrew nodded and began to examine me, his touch gentle but efficient. I watched him, my mind racing with questions. What happened last night ?

Here's a revised version:

After Andrew left, Ryder's gaze locked onto mine, his eyes burning with intensity. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice low and husky.

I furrowed my brows, confusion etched on my face. "What...yeah, I'm fine," I replied, my voice laced with uncertainty.

Ryder nodded, his expression unreadable. But I couldn't shake off the feeling that he was hiding something.

"Who was that at the door?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.

Ryder's gaze faltered for a moment before he responded, "My real fiancée."

My eyes widened in shock. "What do you mean your real fiancée?" I demanded, my voice rising.

Ryder's expression turned cold, his eyes glinting with a warning. "All you need to know is that I didn't want to marry her. She came for the person I wanted to marry, and that's all you need to know."

I felt a surge of anger at his evasive response. "What do you mean that's all I need to know? I could have died, and you're being so casual about it. You said you wouldn't allow the person who belongs to you to die."

Ryder's smirk sent shivers down my spine. "I'm glad you realize who you belong to," he said, his voice dripping with possessiveness.

I felt a flutter in my chest, a mix of fear and excitement.

"Listen, I'm not playing your twisted games, Ryder," I spat, my voice firm.

Ryder's eyes flashed with anger, his gaze turning glacial. "Childish?" he repeated, his tone dripping with menace. "You think you're in a position to lecture me, Ashley? I could have left you to die."

I stood my ground, despite the fear creeping up my spine. "Why didn't you, then? If I had died, I would have been free from your clutches."

Ryder's eyes turned arctic, his face twisted in a snarl. He strode towards me, his movements fluid and predatory. He grasped my chin, his fingers digging into my skin like vice grips.

"You're mine, Ashley," he hissed, his breath hot against my face. "Even if you died, I'd bring you back to life, just to torment you for trying to escape. You'll never be free from me."

I recoiled, horror coursing through my veins. With a surge of adrenaline, I pushed him away, my palms flat against his chest.

"Don't ever touch me again," I spat, my voice trembling with rage and fear.

Ryder's eyes flashed with fury, but he didn't move. He just stood there, his chest heaving, his gaze burning with an unholy intensity.

Ryder's eyes blazed with fury, his face twisted in a menacing scowl. "The papers will be ready soon," he growled, his voice low and deadly. "And I expect you to sign them. You know what will happen if you don't."

I met his glare with a defiant one of my own. "I agreed to the arrangement, and I'll keep my word," I spat, my voice dripping with disdain. "I don't need you to lecture me on what I should and shouldn't do. I'm not a child, Ryder."

Ryder's gaze lingered on mine for a moment, his eyes flashing with anger. Then, without a word, he turned and strode out of the room, leaving me feeling both relieved and intimidated. The door slammed shut behind him, making me jump.

As the door closed behind Ryder, I let out a shaky breath and began to gather my belongings. Andrew had discharged me from the hospital, and I was eager to leave the confines of the ward behind.

I quickly dressed, smoothing out my rumpled clothes as I gazed out the window. My mom was sitting in the waiting area, her eyes closed as she slept. I watched her, a pang of guilt and worry hitting me. I didn't want her to see me like this - shaken and vulnerable.

I stood there for a moment, frozen in indecision. How was I going to face her? What was I going to tell her about what happened?

The questions swirled in my mind as I stood there, my eyes fixed on my mom's peaceful form. Little did I know, the real challenge was only just beginning.

I turned to leave, but Ryder stepped into my path, his imposing frame blocking my way. His black suit jacket accentuated his chiseled physique, and for a moment, I found myself ogling him. But I quickly snapped out of it, remembering the animosity between us.

"Where are you going?" Ryder asked, his voice low and menacing.

I rolled my eyes. "Where else? Work."

Ryder's grip on my wrist was sudden and electrifying. A jolt of electricity pulsed through my veins as he pulled me closer. "What work?" he demanded, his eyes narrowing.

I glared at him, trying to wriggle free. "The restaurant, okay? I'm already late."

Ryder's expression turned glacial. "My fiancée won't work as a waitress."

I laughed, a harsh sound. "Oh, really? Well, I hate to break it to you, but she is a waitress. Now, let go of my freaking hand!"

I yanked my hand free, but Ryder's eyes flashed with anger. "You're pushing your luck, Ashley," he growled, his voice dripping with warning.

And with that, he stepped closer, his face inches from mine. "You're going to regret defying me," he whispered, his breath hot against my skin.

I swallowed hard, my heart racing. What had I just gotten myself into?