Chapter 12 ۵ Hate

YARA'S POV

The morning was a bitter reminder of my new reality. I stumbled out of bed, getting only an hour of sleep. It was 6am, the mansion felt more like a prison with each passing hour, and the cold, unwelcoming walls seemed to close in on me with every step I took. It was cold and quiet.

In the kitchen, I busied myself preparing breakfast for Elena, trying to focus on the one reason I had agreed to stay here, her well-being. As I set the table for Elena, Mr Moreno appeared, his imposing figure filling the doorway. His eyes swept over me with that unnervingly cold, calculating gaze, a constant reminder of his dominance.

He didn't even acknowledge me.

"Did you want something to eat Mr Moreno?"

He didn't respond, his gaze lingering on me with an almost predatory intensity. He walked over to the table, his every movement exuding control and disdain "Sit" he commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I took a seat near him, feeling the weight of his scrutiny. Elena joined us soon after, her face lighting up when she saw me. "morning, Yara! I can't believe you're here!" she chirped, her enthusiasm a stark contrast to the cold atmosphere.

"Good morning, Elena" I said warmly as she hugged me. Then unexpectedly she placed a kiss on my cheek making me go stiff.  She was the most precious girl ever.

As we ate, Mr Moreno's silence was a constant, uncomfortable presence. He drank his black coffee, his eyes never leaving me. After breakfast, he cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention.

"Yara" he began, his voice cold and commanding, "your main responsibility is to care for Elena. That means helping her with lessons she doesn't understand, teaching her to do things, and providing the maternal presence she's lacking. I expect you to fulfill this role perfectly" his instructions were clear.

I nodded, trying to ignore the bitterness in his tone "and playing with me of course" Elena added making me giggle "that does sound more interesting" i smiled but the smile quickly faded when I caught Moreno's eyes narrowing, he leaned forward, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper "I have set some other rules for you, you'll be informed about them later today" he spoke sending shivers down my spine.

His words were a chilling reminder of the power he held over me. I swallowed hard, fighting to keep my composure. This was practically like a prison, he had set rules and regulations for me and if I didn't abide to them I'm guessing he'd punish me. "Mhm" I replied plainly.

"Good" he said, his voice softening but not with warmth "You can leave. Ensure you do your job properly" he spoke.

Elena got up to leave and before following her I spoke with Professor Moreno "Mr Moreno, you didn't clarify whether or not I'll be able to attend university still" I spoke quietly not wanting to anger him.

"You want to study that badly, hm?" In all fairness I didn't want to study at all but I had already gotten this far I couldn't just throw it away.

"Please let me go, I can't let my parents down like that" I murmured.

"Fine, you can attend my lectures in the daytime whilst Elena is getting homeschooled but you should be back here by four pm. I'll ensure my driver picks you up everyday at half past 3" I nodded, forcing a smile on my face. I was grateful he'd allowed for me to go to university. I quickly left the room feeling at least a little sense of joy.

I got dressed for university, made my way to the front entrance only to see Mr Moreno's driver nowhere. How was I meant to get to university now?

"What are you staring at?" Mr Moreno interjected my confused thoughts.

"H-how am I meant to get to university?"

"You can walk Yara" he spoke, mocking me again.

I was in shock.....

Right so I had to walk to university. I honestly didn't know why I agreed to this whole thing.

"But it'll take me forever and I'll be late to your lecture"

"Sounds like your problem Malik" a wave of heat passed over my body. This was beyond irritating. I knew he was doing all of this to annoy the living shit out of me and it was working.

"Can't you get your driver to drop me off" he stared at me for a few seconds. Not a single expression lingering on his stoic face.

Fine I'll use the magical word "please Mr Moreno" he laughed at me but as always him laughing was never a good sign.

"My driver works for me, not you Malik" my fists rounded up as he grabbed his car keys and was about to leave the house. But it was probably best not to argue so I shut my mouth. Once he had left I grabbed my phone, put on google maps and attempted to trek my way to university. It had been an hour and I was nearly there......nearly.....

The monsters lecture had already started. I could already imagine the humiliation I'd feel by walking in late.

I finally arrived. My hair was messy and I was panting like crazy as if I had just ran a marathon. I quickly ran to the toilet and fixed myself up before entering the lecture hall.

As expected, everyone's glaring eyes were set on me. Judgment peeking through their orbs. I looked around for an empty seat. Lucky me! I found a seat right at the front of the class. I put my head down as I walked to my seat. The sound of my footsteps and bag rustling were the only things to be heard. It was safe to say this was the worst pain I had ever felt.

After I was settled in I looked up at the lecture board. All I could see were Mr Moreno's amused eyes. I could tell he was surprised that I made it here.

"Nice of you to join us Miss Malik. I suggest you stop sleeping in late, might help you be more presentable" I could hear the muffled laughs from students. It was great to know they were finding this whole thing entertaining. I, on the other hand was as usual was annoyed. He knew the reason for why I was late but still took it as an opportunity to embarrass me.

He was truly a selfish bastard. I agreed to looking after Elena, giving away a lot of what I had and he does this. I decided to ignore him. I couldn't let him see he was getting to me.

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The rest of the day was spent with Elena, attempting to provide the care and attention she needed. We worked through lessons and activities designed to simulate a normal childhood experience. Elena was bright and eager to learn, and I did my best to foster that enthusiasm despite the looming threat of Mr. Moreno's expectations.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the mansion, I found myself in the garden with Elena. The serene environment was a stark contrast to the tension that hung over us. Elena looked up at me, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Yara," she said softly, "do you wike it here?"

"Of course I like it Elena. Spending time with you is everything I've ever wanted" It was true.

Her eyes softened, and she gave me a small  smile.

Her words were a small comfort, a reminder of why I was enduring this nightmare. I wanted to be there for her, to give her the stability and care she needed, no matter how difficult it was for me.

As evening fell, Mr. Moreno summoned me to his office again. I approached the door with a sense of dread, knowing that his expectations were always high and his patience was nonexistent. It was safe to say that wherever he was he'd always have an office nearby.

He was seated behind his massive desk, his expression as cold and impassive as ever. "Yara" he said, his voice clipped, "I trust you've been fulfilling your duties adequately"

"Yes, Mr Moreno" I replied, my voice steady despite the knot of anxiety in my stomach.

"Good" The icy edge in his voice sent a shiver down my spine.

"Mr Moreno?" I spoke timidly.

He raised a brow at me.

"N-never mind" his dark gaze completely threw me off.

He got up off his chair and walked closer to me.

"You've been doing your job" he stated "But I wonder if you truly understand the gravity of the situation you're in" His voice was dangerously low, his hand reaching out, grazing my arm lightly, the touch sending an unexpected shiver down my spine.

"I do understand" I managed, trying to keep my voice steady. But there was a tightness in my throat, a pressure I couldn't escape. His eyes darkened, his hand lingering just a moment too long, his fingers brushing against the fabric of my sleeve, as if testing my reaction.

"Do you?" he whispered, taking another step closer, closing the space between us. His voice was taunting, daring me to push back, though I knew any resistance would only fuel his need to assert control.

I stepped back instinctively, but the back of my legs met the edge of the desk. There was nowhere to go. My heart raced in my chest, and I could feel the heat of his body far too close to mine. He reached out, his fingers tilting my chin upwards, forcing me to meet his gaze. The intensity in his eyes was unnerving, dark, predatory, and full of something far more dangerous than mere malice.

"You think you have a choice in all this?" His voice was a low growl now, his face inches from mine. "You're here because I allow it. Every step you take, every breath you draw, you do because I let you."

I tried to look away, but his grip on my chin tightened, enough to hurt, enough to make his dominance clear. My pulse pounded in my ears, and I swallowed hard, trying to steady myself.

"I'm not your toy" I said, my voice barely more than a whisper.

He chuckled darkly, his hand sliding from my chin down to my neck, resting there, the pressure firm. "You think you can resist me?" he asked, his voice filled with dark amusement. "You're already playing my game, Yara" my breath hitched as his thumb brushed against my throat, the subtle movement enough to send another wave of fear and something else through me. I hated the way he looked at me, the way he stood so close, the way his touch lingered, but I was trapped in this moment, unable to pull away.

"I won't be manipulated by you" I forced out, though the quiver in my voice betrayed the fear I was trying to hide.

His smile widened, but there was nothing kind in it. It was cold, twisted, and full of dangerous intent "We'll see" he murmured. Then, in a swift movement, he stepped back, releasing me from the tension that had held me captive. I took a deep breath, realizing I had been holding it the entire time.

Mr. Moreno turned his back to me, returning to his chair as if nothing had happened "You can leave now" he said, his tone dismissive. But I knew better, he was testing me, pushing boundaries, seeing how far I would let him go. And as I quickly left his office, my heart still racing,

The feeling of his touch on my body still lingering all over my skin. I wanted it to go away but all I could think of was his touch. What was wrong with me? This man's enjoyment comes from destroying my life and here I am amusing myself over the thought of his fingers on my skin.

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As I sat at the dinner table, the sound of silverware clinking against porcelain filled the silence. Elena had already excused herself to bed, leaving me alone with Mr. Moreno. The tension between us was palpable, lingering in the air like the aftermath of a storm. I hadn't planned to bring it up, but the memory of my first day at his house, the closeness, the heat, the way we had almost........was gnawing at me. It was time to clear the air.

I took a deep breath, pushing my plate away slightly "About that day at dinner" I began, trying to sound casual, though I could feel my pulse quicken "I........uh, nearly kissed you that day, and I just wanted to make sure there's no misunderstanding" I finally got the words out.

His fork paused mid air, but he didn't look at me immediately. Instead, he placed it down deliberately, the metal making a soft clink against the plate, and then finally, his cold eyes met mine. A flicker of something unreadable crossed his face, but his expression remained detached, as if he found my words unworthy of his time.

I tried to keep going, my voice steadier this time "I was tired, that's all. I wasn't thinking straight. Whatever that was, it meant nothing" His lips curled into a smirk. He leaned back in his chair, studying me with the same cold intensity he always had, but there was something darker behind his eyes this time.

"Nothing?" he repeated slowly, his voice dripping with amusement. "Is that what you tell yourself, Yara? That it was nothing?"

I clenched my jaw, feeling a rush of heat rise to my cheeks. "Yes" I said, more forcefully now. "I was exhausted, and I wasn't thinking clearly. It was a mistake"

He tilted his head slightly, his eyes narrowing as if he found the whole situation amusing "A mistake?" he echoed, the amusement in his voice growing "Of course. You were just.....tired" His tone was laced with mockery, like he was playing with me, savoring every moment.

I shifted in my seat, suddenly feeling exposed under his gaze. I should have known he wouldn't let it go that easily. "Look" I snapped, trying to regain some control of the conversation "It was a lapse in judgment, that's all"

His smile widened, cruel and predatory now. He leaned forward, elbows resting on the table as he fixed his gaze on me. "You're a terrible liar, Yara" he said softly, his voice laced with condescension "Let me guess, you've been thinking about it, haven't you? Wondering what would've happened if I hadn't backed away?"

My heart raced, but I fought to keep my expression neutral. "No" I said firmly, though the lie felt weak even to my own ears. "I haven't" He chuckled darkly, clearly enjoying how uncomfortable I was. "Desperate, are we?" he asked, his voice taking on a taunting edge "Trying to convince yourself it didn't mean anything? That you weren't begging for it?" His words made me grimace.

I shot him a sharp look, trying to hide the rising embarrassment "I'm not desperate" I hissed. "You're delusional if you think I wanted anything from you, Professor"

His eyes glinted with a dark satisfaction, as if he had already won the game he was playing "Oh, Yara" he purred, his voice low and mocking "you're just lying to yourself now. You've been craving attention since you walked into my lecture hall"

I stiffened, his words were like a punch to the face "I'm here for Elena" I snapped. "That's all."

He leaned back again, a smug smile playing on his lips. "Tell me Yara, what did it take for you to become such a slut"

I bit the inside of my cheek, refusing to let him see how much he was getting to me "Y-You're disgusting" I spat, pushing my chair back and standing abruptly

I stood there for a moment, my hands clenched into fists at my sides, wanting to scream at him, wanting to say something that would wipe that smug look off his face. But I knew better. I knew he thrived on this, on breaking people down, on getting under their skin. And I wasn't going to give him that satisfaction.

I was about to leave when his voice called out to me "Miss Malik" my eyes shut, my mind was telling me to leave, telling me to not give in but my body was doing the complete opposite. I turned to him "come here" he commanded, still rooted to his seat. I made my way over to him when he suddenly shot out of his seat, instantly towering over me making me crumble into fear. I gulped back the lump in my throat.

"W-what do you want Mr More-" before I could even finish my sentence his head dipped down to my face and his lips pressed onto mines. My eyes widened, my heart was pounding in my chest. My breath caught, a rush of heat flooding my body. There was nothing gentle about it, his hands gripped me hips like I might slip away, forcefully pulling me closer until there was no space left between us. The kiss was hungry, urgent, and raw. I couldn't help but feel disgusted, I didn't want this. I didn't want his rough and loathing touch on me. He didn't even give me a moment to breathe all I could do was attempt to struggle by pushing on his chest and trying to pull away.

Finally he backed away "what is wrong with you, get off of me" I said pushing back the tears. This was all too much for me.

"You want this"

"You don't know what I want. Let go of me Mr Moreno......p-please" I spoke my voice slowly fading. His eyes turned dark and a sinister and unsettling atmosphere filled the room. I snatched my body away from him but before I could make my escape he grabbed me, pushing me back until my spine slammed into the wall causing me to wince. His hands grazed my hips leaving bruises. The intensity in his eyes burned through me. The kiss wasn't soft or slow, it was all teeth and raw heat. He pinned my wrists above my head with one hand, making my flesh painfully dig into the wall. His other hand on my waist. He bit my lip making me hiss I could tell my lip was bleeding but he didn't care, he just carried on devouring every inch of my forcefully. It was as is he wouldn't stop until I finally reciprocated the kiss.

I was helpless my muffled cries fell against his lips. All I could do now was kick him, that too failed when he pushed my legs apart, sliding his knee in between stopping me from kicking.

My head was pounding and my lips were swollen "please let g-go of me" I whimpered.

It seemed my pleading only angered him more because the next second he pressed my wrists even harder against the wall, his kiss was rougher than ever. His finger lifted up my black maxi skirt exposing my legs. I tried to kick but none of my tactics were working.

Once my maxi skirt was lifted all the way up to my thighs. His knee then got under my skirt and made contact with my heat. My breathing got heavy and my hot tears were falling down my face as I struggled against him. He finally came to his senses when his dark blue eyes made contact with my watery brown eyes. It was as if something shifted in him and his whole demeanour became softer. I was a sobbing mess, his hands let go of my wrist making them fall to my sides, my skirt rolled back down when he moved his knee away. It was like he was stuck in some trance, a trance where the only emotion he felt was pure lust and anger. He stood there looking at me with no clear expression on his face.

My whole body was heated and warm, I felt disgusting.

"Yara" he spoke normally as if nothing had happened. As if he didn't just forcefully touch me.

"Why do you hate me so much?" I hiccuped out. He just looked at me with no hint of remorse.

I quickly left the room without a second thought. I ran up the stairs and locked myself in my room, sobbing into my pillow.

I hated him, I hated him for humiliating me every chance he got, I hated him for loathing me, I hated him for making me feel stupid and worthless.

I hate him.

A/N

Hope you guys enjoyed <3