The house smelled of lavender and freshly baked bread as I stepped inside. A soft, soothing melody played from the living room, and the dim lighting made everything feel... warm. Comforting. Almost too perfect.
I hesitated for a moment, taking it all in. Was this Ashantii trying to make amends? Or another tactic to keep me tethered?
âWelcome home, love,â she said, appearing from the kitchen with a soft smile. Her eyes glimmered, and her tone was disarmingly warm. She walked over and pressed a kiss to my temple, lingering just enough to make my heart flutter and my stomach twist at the same time.
âYou didnât have to do all this,â I murmured, setting my bag down.
Her hands brushed my arms. âOf course I did. Youâve been working so hard, and you deserve to be cared for. You deserve to feel loved.â
She guided me to the dining table, which was beautifully set with candles and my favorite dishes: grilled salmon with lemon butter, roasted vegetables, and a vibrant fruit salad.
âSit,â she said, pulling out a chair for me.
I hesitated but obeyed. She placed a glass of sparkling water in front of me, knowing I couldnât have anything else.
âDinner first, then I have something else planned to help you relax,â she said, her tone sweet but with that familiar edge of control beneath it.
I picked at the salmon, chewing slowly. The food was delicious, as always, but my appetite wasnât cooperating. She asked me about work, her questions light and casual, and I gave her short, careful answers. I wasnât sure how to navigate this version of her.
After dinner, she took my hand and led me upstairs. The bathroom was transformed into a haven: a steaming bubble bath, scented candles, and soft towels folded neatly on the counter.
âYour bath is ready,â she said softly, her hand resting on my lower back.
I glanced at her, trying to read her. She was a master at masking her true intentions, and tonight was no different.
âThank you,â I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
She stayed as I slipped into the tub, her presence a constant reminder of how intertwined we were. The warm water eased my aching muscles, and for a brief moment, I allowed myself to relax.
Her fingers brushed through my curls, her touch gentle. âYouâre glowing,â she murmured, her voice reverent.
I didnât respond. Her affection was disarming, but it also reminded me of how I got hereâof the choices she made without me.
After the bath, she wrapped me in a soft robe and led me to the bedroom. The bed was neatly made, the pillows fluffed, and more candles flickered on the nightstands. She gestured for me to lie down, and I complied, too drained to argue.
âI thought a massage might help,â she said, her hands already kneading the tension in my shoulders.
I couldnât help the small sigh that escaped my lips as her fingers worked their magic. Her touch was skilled, almost too perfect, and for a moment, I let myself sink into the comfort she offered.
âYou do so much, Tiana,â she murmured, her voice low and soothing. âI just want to make sure youâre taken care of.â
I didnât respond, unsure of what to say. Her words felt like a trap, a way to remind me of how much sheâd done for meâhow much she expected in return.
She pressed a kiss to the back of my neck, her breath warm against my skin. âI love you, Tiana. More than anything. More than life itself.â
My throat tightened, emotions swirling inside me. Was this her way of making up for everything? Or was it just another layer of control disguised as care?
âI love you too,â I whispered, though the words felt hollow.
Her arms wrapped around me, pulling me close. Her warmth was overwhelming, suffocating, and yet a part of me craved it. I hated that part of myself.
âYouâre my everything,â she whispered, her tone possessive and soft all at once.
And as I lay there in her embrace, I couldnât stop the tears from running. Usually many women would blame the hormones but right now...right now it was a combination.She held me throughout the night until I fell asleep.
Maybe she's right.Maybe I need to chill.