Memories of Bali

The morning light seeped into the room, illuminating Hana's delicate features as she stirred awake. Alexei was already awake, sitting by the window with a cigarette in his hand. He rarely smoked, but when he did, it was always during moments when something weighed on his mind.

"Good morning," Hana greeted softly, sitting up and wrapping herself in the blanket.

Alexei turned to her, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Morning, my queen. Did you sleep well?"

She nodded, though the slight tension in her muscles betrayed her answer. "You didn't sleep much, did you?"

Alexei shrugged, putting out the cigarette. "I've been thinking. You don't need to work, Hana. I can take care of everything for you. Stay here, with me."

Hana's heart skipped a beat. This wasn't the first time Alexei had brought it up. His insistence on her staying home made her uncomfortable. "I appreciate what you're offering, Alexei, but working makes me feel independent. I can't give that up."

A flicker of something dark crossed Alexei's eyes before he masked it with another charming smile. "You don't need to prove anything to me. I just want you to be safe and happy."

Safe. Happy. The words felt loaded, almost like they carried a hidden meaning only Alexei understood.

***

Later that day, Hana prepared to leave for work. She had tried to reason with Alexei about giving her space, but his possessiveness only grew. As she stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her blouse, Alexei walked in and wrapped his arms around her waist.

"You look stunning," he whispered, his lips brushing her ear.

Hana smiled nervously. "Thanks. I should get going."

Alexei held her a moment longer before releasing her. "I'll pick you up after work."

"That's not necessary"

"I insist," he cut her off, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Hana sighed inwardly but nodded. "Okay."

***

At work, Hana tried to shake off the feeling of being watched. Her colleagues noticed her distraction, and one of them, a cheerful woman named Rani, approached her.

"Everything okay, Hana? You seem a little off today."

Hana forced a smile. "Yeah, just tired."

Rani gave her a knowing look. "Boyfriend troubles?"

"You could say that," Hana muttered, not wanting to delve into the complexities of her relationship with Alexei.

As the day ended, Hana walked out of the office, relieved to be done with work. But her relief was short-lived when she saw Alexei waiting by his car. His eyes locked onto her, and she noticed how they darkened when he saw her saying goodbye to a male colleague.

"Who was that?" Alexei asked as soon as she got in the car.

"Just a colleague," Hana answered calmly, though she could sense the tension radiating from him.

Alexei didn't say anything, but his grip on the steering wheel tightened. The drive back to the villa was silent, and Hana could feel the weight of his mood pressing down on her.

***

That night, Alexei's possessiveness reached a new level. He barely let Hana out of his sight, and when she tried to bring up her need for independence, he dismissed her concerns.

"You don't understand, Hana. I love you. I can't bear the thought of losing you," he said, his voice filled with emotion.

Hana stared at him, torn between love and fear. She wanted to believe in the sweet words he said, but the dark undertone in his actions made her question everything.

"Alexei... I love you too, but this this isn't normal. I need space."

"Space?" Alexei echoed, his eyes narrowing. "Why would you need space from someone who loves you? I'm only trying to protect you."

"Protect me from what?" Hana asked, frustration bubbling to the surface.

"From the world. From people who don't have your best interests at heart."

Hana didn't know how to respond. Was he being overprotective because he genuinely cared, or was this something more sinister?

***

As the days went by, Alexei's possessiveness intensified. He began controlling every aspect of Hana's life, from who she talked to, where she went, and even what she wore. At first, Hana tried to brush it off as him being overly caring, but soon, it became suffocating.

One evening, as they sat on the terrace overlooking the ocean, Alexei pulled her close.

"Promise me something," he said, his voice low and serious.

"What is it?" Hana asked cautiously.

"Promise me you won't ever leave me."

Hana hesitated, her heart pounding. She knew something was wrong, but she couldn't bring herself to say no. "I promise."

Alexei smiled, but there was something possessive in his eyes that made Hana shiver.

What would happen when Hana realized she was slowly losing herself in Alexei's world? Would she have the strength to break free, or was it already too late?