Memories of Bali

The days rolled by, and Hana found herself increasingly entangled in Alexei's world. His affection was overwhelming flowers waiting by her bedside each morning, surprise candlelit dinners, and endless compliments whispered in her ear. But behind every romantic gesture, there was a shadow of control.

One afternoon, as Hana prepared to meet Dewi for coffee, Alexei approached her from behind and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Where are you going?" he asked in a voice that sounded casual, but Hana knew better.

"I'm meeting Dewi for coffee," she said, keeping her tone light.

Alexei's brow furrowed slightly. "Do you have to? You've been so busy with work. Wouldn't it be nicer to spend time here, just us?"

Hana hesitated. She could see the disappointment in his eyes, but she couldn't keep isolating herself from her friends. "It's just an hour or two. I'll be back soon."

Alexei's grip tightened for a brief moment before he released her. "Fine," he said, forcing a smile. "But call me when you get there."

Hana nodded, hiding the unease creeping into her chest. She grabbed her bag and left, feeling a strange mixture of guilt and relief.

At the café, Dewi immediately noticed the change in Hana. "You look... tired. Is everything okay?"

Hana forced a smile. "I'm fine. Just a bit overwhelmed with everything."

Dewi leaned forward, concern etched on her face. "Is it Alexei? You know you can tell me anything."

Hana hesitated. She wanted to open up, to tell Dewi about the way Alexei's love felt like a cage, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. Instead, she shook her head. "It's nothing. Really."

Dewi didn't look convinced, but she didn't push further. "Just remember, I'm always here for you."

"Thanks, Dewi," Hana said softly, grateful for her friend's support.

When Hana returned to the villa, she found Alexei waiting for her in the living room. His expression was unreadable, but there was tension in his posture.

"How was your coffee?" he asked, his voice calm but distant.

"It was nice," Hana replied, trying to sound cheerful. "Dewi says hi."

Alexei didn't respond immediately. Instead, he walked over to her, his gaze intense. "I missed you," he said, cupping her face in his hands.

Hana smiled, though unease prickled at the back of her mind. "I was only gone for a couple of hours."

"Even a minute without you feels too long," Alexei whispered, his voice both tender and possessive.

Later that night, Alexei's dark side began to show once more. As they lay in bed, he turned to her, his eyes serious. "You don't need to see Dewi so often. I can be everything you need."

Hana tensed, sensing the underlying demand in his words. "Alexei, I love spending time with you, but I also need my friends. They're important to me."

Alexei's jaw tightened, but he didn't argue further. Instead, he pulled her closer, as if holding her tighter could keep her from slipping away. "Just remember, Hana. No one will ever love you like I do."

Hana didn't reply. Her mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions love, fear, doubt. She knew Alexei cared for her deeply, but his love was beginning to feel like a noose tightening around her neck.

The next day, Alexei insisted on dropping Hana off at work. As they pulled up outside her office, he leaned over and kissed her passionately. "Remember, you're mine," he whispered against her lips.

Hana smiled weakly and stepped out of the car, feeling the weight of his words linger. As she walked into the building, she couldn't help but glance back, finding Alexei still watching her from the car. A chill ran down her spine.

During her lunch break, she received a message from Alexei:

How's your day going, my love? Don't forget, I'll pick you up later.

Hana sighed, knowing there was no point in arguing. She replied with a simple, Okay, see you later.

As the day ended, she walked out with a few colleagues, laughing at a joke one of them made. But her smile vanished when she saw Alexei waiting, his expression darkening as he watched her interact with her male colleague.

"Get in," he said curtly as soon as she reached the car.

Hana obeyed, sensing the storm brewing inside him. The drive back was silent, tension thick in the air.

Once they arrived at the villa, Alexei turned to her, his eyes cold. "I don't like seeing you with other men."

"They're just colleagues, Alexei. You have nothing to worry about," Hana said, trying to keep her voice calm.

"I don't care. I don't want you around them," he snapped, his possessiveness flaring.

Hana felt a surge of frustration. "You can't control who I talk to. I'm not doing anything wrong."

Alexei's expression softened slightly, but the intensity in his eyes remained. "I just don't want to lose you. You mean everything to me."

Hana sighed, torn between love and the growing fear in her heart. She didn't know how much longer she could endure this suffocating love.

As the shadows of doubt grew darker, Hana wondered if she had made a mistake by letting herself fall so deeply into Alexei's world. Would she ever be able to break free from the chains of his love? Or was it already too late to save herself?