Page 32 of Deliria

Has he sent out another search party? Are they already hunting through the grounds, trying to find out if I’m just lost, or worse?

Christ, I’m a selfish, self-centred bitch, aren’t I?

I grit my teeth as I pick up my pace, resolving to do better, to be better. To become as easy as possible to manage. To prove that his love for me is worth it.

I creep past the side of the house, more than aware that if I’m going to be spotted, it’ll be here. There’s a big veranda where the family likes to sit and watch the sunset in the evenings when the weather isn’t bad. I have to tuck in tight against the wall to ensure I’m hidden from view, and it makes me feel more like a thief than I like to admit.

But as I duck down, I hear voices—Alex and Vincent. Their conversation carries to me on the wind. I pause, hidden in the shadows, listening to their words, their laughter while a sense of dread curls in my stomach.

“She bought it,” Alex says, his voice filled with smug satisfaction. “The doctor played his part perfectly. She’s now fully convinced that she’s ill, that she needs our help.”

“Good,” Vincent replies. “That should make her easier to manage from now on. No more episodes, no more attempts to escape.”

My blood runs cold as I process their words. Itisa setup. The doctor, the medication, the careful manipulation of all my fears. It was all a ruse, a calculated move to keep me under control.

The paranoia that I’d been so quick to dismiss comes rushing back, becoming a tide that I can no longer hold at bay.

But why? What possible reason could they have for treating me like this, for lying to me, for stripping away my freedom bit by bit?

My mind reels from the revelation.

I can’t trust them. I can’t trust anyone in this house. They’re all in on it, whatever “it” is.

And worse, I’m completely alone here. Completely isolated, just as they intended.

But knowledge is power. Now I know what they’re up to, perhaps I can manipulate them, out play them, beat them at their own twisted game? Is that even possible? I don’t know the answer to that, but I sure as fuck am going to try.

Alexander

Ipush open the door to Scarlett’s room, half expecting her to have disappeared off somewhere again but to my surprise she’s there, sitting at her vanity. All docile. All obedient.

For a moment, I allow myself to simply watch her. To drink in the sight of my wife, who, despite everything, remains the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.

The soft glow of the setting sun illuminates her delicate profile. Her hair is pulled back into a loose bun, tendrilsescaping to frame her face, and she’s dressed in a simple yet elegant dress that accentuates her figure.

“Scarlett,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

She turns to look at me, her blue eyes wide and questioning. There’s a vulnerability in her gaze that’s unnerving. It’s a reminder of the woman I fell in love with, the woman who is now a mere shadow of her former self.

“Alex,” she replies, her voice trembling slightly. “I, I didn’t hear you come in.”

I step into the room, closing the door behind me. “I didn’t mean to startle you. I just... I wanted to check on you. Make sure you’re okay.”

She offers me a tentative smile, the corners of her mouth quivering as if she’s unsure whether to trust her own emotions. “I’m fine. Just a bit tired, that’s all.”

I cross the room to stand behind her, my hands resting gently on her shoulders. I can feel the tension in her muscles, the subtle way she stiffens at my touch. I guess that’s to be expected.

“You gave us quite a scare earlier,” I say, my thumbs tracing soothing circles on her skin. “Running off like that... it’s not safe, Scarlett. You could have hurt yourself.”

She lowers her gaze, her fingers worrying at the hem of her dress. “I know. I just... I needed some air, some space to clear my head. I didn’t mean to cause any trouble.”

I lean down, pressing a kiss to the top of her head, inhaling the rich scent of her shampoo. Apparently, she’s even washed herself too. Now that is an improvement. “You could never be trouble. You’re my wife, and I love you. I just want to keep you safe.”

Her eyes meet mine in the mirror, a flicker of something unreadable passing over her features. “I love you too, Alex. I just... I feel so lost sometimes, so confused. I hate feeling like this, like I’m a burden to you.”

I straighten, my hands moving to cup her face, forcing her to maintain eye contact with me. “Listen to me, Scarlett. You are not a burden. You are the most important person in my life, and I will do whatever it takes to help you get through this. But you have to trust me. We’re in this together, okay?”

She nods, a single tear escaping to trail down her cheek. I wipe it away with my thumb, a sense of satisfaction washing over me.

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