"What is going on? Why are you so distracted?" Serena asked, her voice tinged with concern as she watched Owen space out for the third time in just a few minutes. He had asked her to meet today, saying he needed to discuss something important that he’d remembered about her. But instead of the conversation she’d been expecting, Serena found herself waiting in silence, his attention drifting elsewhere instead of answering her.
Finally, Owen looked at her, but instead of the warmth she was used to, there was a flicker of something darker in his gaze. Serena frowned, confused by the sudden shift. "Is that a love bite on your neck?" he asked, his tone laced with an edge she hadn’t heard before.
Serena froze, her heart skipping a beat as she instinctively raised a hand to cover the spot on her neck. Dammit! How could she have been so careless? She hadn’t realized that the scarf she’d used to conceal it had shifted. Heat rushed to her cheeks in a mix of embarrassment and frustration.
Quickly, she adjusted the scarf, pulling it tighter around her neck, and forced a strained smile. "It’s just an allergic reaction, that’s all," she lied, hoping to brush off his question. "So, what did you want to talk to me about?"
But Owen wasn’t listening. His eyes were still locked on the spot she’d tried to cover, his expression hardening by the second. "What’s wrong?" Serena asked again, her unease growing as the silence stretched between them.
Abruptly, Owen’s gaze snapped back to hers, and she blinked in surprise at the intensity in his eyes. "Are you in love with your husband?" he demanded, his voice rough with something she couldn’t quite place but was sure that it was anger.
She frowned, confusion swirling in her mind. Why would he be angry? What business was it of his? "What does that have to do with you?" Serena asked, her tone cautious, wary.
He stood up suddenly, the chair scraping loudly against the floor as he pushed it back with a sharp jerk. "What does it have to do with me? It has everything to do with me!" he hissed, his voice filled with a raw intensity that made Serena flinch. "You want to know about your past? Fine. Come with me."
Before she could protest, Owen grabbed her hand in a firm and unyeilding grip and practically dragged her out of the restaurant. Serena stumbled after him, her heart pounding in her chest as he led her towards his car. Fear began to coil in her stomach as she tried to process what was happening. Owen had always been such a gentleman! What happened so suddenly? "Where are you taking me?", she questioned as she tried to dig in her heels.
"I’m taking you somewhere that’s related to your past." he replied flatly as he opened the car door for her to get inside. Serena looked at him carefully, debating if she should go with him or not.
Once they were in the car, Owen took off, driving fast and recklessly through the busy streets. Serena’s heart pounded as the buildings outside blurred into a dizzying mix of colors. She clutched the edge of her seat, her knuckles white as she tried to stay steady. "Owen, slow down! Please!" She could feel her vision going dark. What was wrong with this man? Had she made a mistake in trusting him?
Even as these thoughts plagued her, Serena could feel her breaths coming in short, panicked gasps, the pressure in her chest growing unbearable.
Desperately, Serena leaned forward, folding her body over and placing her head between her knees. She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to block out the chaotic blur outside the window as well as the ringing sound of alarms and rain, ringing in her ear and focused on taking deep, steady breaths. In and out, she told herself, trying to stay calm.
"Get out," Owen said curtly, his voice devoid of the usual warmth she knew. He didn’t even look at her as he stepped out of the car and walked around to her side, opening the door. It took her a moment to realize the car had come to a stop. Slowly, she raised her head and looked outside, and frowned. They’d stopped in front of a small house.
Serena hesitated, her instincts screaming at her to run as if there was something dangerous on the other side. Carefully, she slid out of the car, but in the next moment felt her feet give beneath her.
Her knees buckled, and she staggered. In the next minute, she was picked up bridal style as Owen murmured," I’ve got you."
"Let me go!" Serena protested, her voice weak and shaky. She tried to push against him, but her strength was sapped, her body still reeling from the wild ride. Panic bubbled up inside her as she struggled, but Owen only held her tighter, his expression hard and determined.
"Stop fighting," he growled. "If you want to know the truth about your past, you’ll stay still and listen."
Serena froze at his words. Owen reached the door and, with one hand, managed to unlock it, pushing it open with his shoulder. Before she could look around, she was placed on a small couch and then Owen walked away. Serena looked around curiously at the house they were inside. Everything was neat and carefully arranged, giving the impression of a home that had been lovingly prepared. Whose house was this? It looked familiar... And what did it have to do with her past?
Before she could ponder further, Owen returned, carrying a glass of water. He handed it to her without a word, then took a seat across from her.
"Do you recognize this place?" Owen finally asked cautiously staring at her face.
Serena took a sip of the water, trying to steady her nerves and shook her head. "No," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Should I?"
"You decorated this house, Serena to be your home."