chapter 15

Amaira's eyes widened as she opened the box that had just been delivered to her room. Inside, she found a stunning black evening gown, adorned with intricate lace and sparkling diamonds.A note was attached to the dress: "Be ready at 7."Amaira's heart skipped a beat. She knew who had sent the dress.At 7 sharp, Scar Boss appeared at her door. "Let's go," he said, his eyes scanning her from head to toe.Amaira felt a shiver run down her spine as she nodded and followed him out of the room.The restaurant was posh and elegant, the patrons dressed to impress. Amaira felt out of place, like she didn't belong.Scar Boss guided her through the crowded room, his hand on the small of her back. They sat down at their table, and Scar Boss motioned for her to order.Amaira hesitated, feeling a lump form in her throat. She didn't feel like eating, didn't feel like talking.But Scar Boss's eyes were on her, watching her, waiting for her to comply.As Amaira hesitated, Scar Boss's eyes narrowed. "Order," he repeated, his voice firm but low.Amaira felt a shiver run down her spine as she picked up the menu. She scanned it quickly, trying to make sense of the fancy dishes."I'll have the... uh... grilled chicken," she stammered.Scar Boss raised an eyebrow. "Is that what you really want?" he asked, his tone skeptical.Amaira hesitated, feeling a surge of frustration. Why was he questioning her?But before she could respond, Scar Boss signaled the waiter. "We'll have the filet mignon," he said. "And a bottle of your finest wine."Amaira's eyes widened as the waiter nodded and walked away. "I didn't say I wanted that," she protested.Scar Boss's gaze locked onto hers. "You'll eat what I tell you to eat," he said, his voice cold and detached.Amaira felt a spark of anger ignite within her. Who did he think he was, ordering her around like that?But as she looked into his eyes, she saw something there that made her heart skip a beat. Something that made her wonder if she was in over her head.As the night wore on, Amaira found herself growing more and more uncomfortable. Scar Boss's controlling behavior was suffocating her, and she couldn't help but feel like she was trapped.When the wine arrived, Scar Boss poured her a glass, his eyes gleaming with a knowing glint. "Drink," he commanded.Amaira hesitated, but Scar Boss's gaze was unyielding. She took a sip, feeling the wine burn down her throat.It was an uncomfortable dinner for both of them. Scar Boss wanted to speak while Amaira preferred staying silent. When Scar Boss's phone rang, Amaira took advantage of the distraction to push her chair back and stand up. "I need to use the restroom," she said, her voice trembling.Scar Boss's gaze snapped back to hers, his eyes narrowing. "Finish your food and then leave" he said trying to sound soft but was otherwise is real.Amaira's anger boiled over, and she slammed her fist on the table. "Why do you always have to control everything?" she shouted, her voice echoing through the restaurant. "Can't you just let me breathe for once?"Tears streamed down her face as she glared at Scar Boss. "It's all your fault," she spat. "If you hadn't brought me to that hotel, I wouldn't have seen...I wouldn't have seen them together."Her voice cracked as she remembered the pain of that moment. "You wanted to break me, didn't you?" she accused, her eyes blazing with tears. "Are you satisfied now?"Amaira's body shook with sobs as she collapsed into her chair. Scar Boss's expression remained calm, but his eyes seemed to cloud over, like a storm brewing on the horizon.For a moment, they just sat there, the only sound Amaira's ragged breathing. Then, Scar Boss stood up, his movements economical and precise.Without a word, he walked around the table and held out his hand. Amaira took it out of guilt from the sudden outburst, and now feeling a spark of electricity as their palms touched.Scar Boss led her out of the restaurant, into the cool night air. They walked in silence, the only sound the clicking of Amaira's heels on the pavement.As they walked, the buildings and streets gave way to a winding mountain road. The air grew cooler and thinner, and Amaira could see the stars twinkling above. They walked past the dark trees and sleeping leaves.Finally, they arrived at a cliff overlooking the valley below. The wind whipped through Amaira's hair as she stared out at the breathtaking view.Scar Boss stood beside her, his eyes fixed on the horizon. For a moment, they just stood there, the wind and stars their only companions.Scar Boss was the first one to mave and sit down on the damp grass. Amaira followed him, the dress slightly hindering and restricting her movements. They sat silently staring at the sky, not speaking — instead soaking in the silence as though it was the only blessing one can have which oddly felt good especially in each other's presence.Amaira spoke first, "Where are we?""The one place where my heart is at rest." Scar Boss answered. His voice has a hint of nostalgia and was soft, comforting Amaira somehow.She relaxed herself and looked high up at the sky where innumerable starts twinkled. After a long time of silence she breathed out, "It's beautiful."Scar Boss looked up at the cloudless sky. For a moment he did not say anything. Then as though something clicked, he said "I am just like them." "They burn, Amaira... they shine bright, but only for a moment. Then they're consumed by the darkness, forever lost. Just like me." He wispered.Amaira was stunned. She looked at him and saw something she never thought she would see— sadness.