Chapter 3 On her first day of college

Raisa felt a growing sense of helplessness weighing on her. Every day, her life felt more like a prison, and slowly but surely, she knew that she had to do something to regain control of her life. One morning, while Adrian was at the office, Raisa decided to talk to him about her long-held desire.

When Adrian came home that evening, Raisa had already prepared herself. They sat in the dining room, the atmosphere slightly tense. Adrian could sense that Raisa wanted to talk about something serious, and that made him a little wary.

"Adrian," Raisa said, looking at her husband, "I want to talk to you about something important."

Adrian put down his fork, looking at Raisa with a concerned gaze. "What is it, Raisa? What is it?"

Raisa swallowed, gathering the courage to say what she had been thinking about for a long time. "I want to continue my studies."

Adrian's gaze immediately changed. His eyebrows furrowed, and his lips thinned into a firm line. "Study?" he asked, his voice full of skepticism. "Why do you want to study, Raisa?"

Raisa tried to explain carefully. "I feel... I need something for myself. All this time, my life has revolved around you, around this house. I need space to grow, to do something that makes me feel meaningful."

Adrian paused for a moment, his expression hard to read. "Am I not paying enough attention to you, Raisa? Do you feel less happy here?"

Raisa shook her head. "It's not like that, Adrian. I appreciate everything you do for me, but this isn't about you. This is about me. I want to learn, I want to have other goals besides just being your wife."

Adrian stared at Raisa with a sharp gaze, his eyes radiating with dislike. "Raisa, you don't understand the world out there like I do. It's not as safe as you think. I don't want you to be exposed to things that could endanger you."

Raisa felt frustrated, but she knew she had to stay calm. "I understand your concerns, Adrian, but I also have the right to pursue my dreams and aspirations. I don't want my life to be limited to this house. I want to do something meaningful, something that can make me feel alive."

Adrian took a deep breath, his face still showing displeasure. "I don't like this idea, Raisa. I don't want you hanging out with people who could be a bad influence. You know, a lot of bad things can happen out there, especially if they find out you're my wife."

"I'll be careful," Raisa replied in a low but determined voice. "I won't do anything that could endanger us. I just want the chance to continue my education."

Adrian looked at Raisa deeply, as if trying to gauge how serious his wife was. After a while, he finally spoke, albeit in a cold tone. "If that's what you really want, I'll let you. But on one condition, you have to tell me every detail. Where you study, who your lecturers are, who your friends are, and when you leave and return."

Raisa felt relieved to hear those words, even though she knew that Adrian would continue to watch her every step. However, this was a good start, a small step towards the freedom she longed for.

"Thank you, Adrian. I appreciate that," Raisa said, trying to smile even though her heart was still filled with worry.

Adrian nodded slowly, but his gaze remained firm. "Remember, Raisa, I'm doing this because I love you. Don't ever forget that."

Raisa nodded, realizing that even though she had managed to get Adrian's approval, the road ahead was still long and challenging. But she knew that this was the first step to reclaiming herself, to becoming more than just the wife of a possessive mobster.

***

In the following days, Raisa began to prepare herself to apply for college. She chose a study program that suited her interests, something she had wanted to study for a long time but had never had the chance to. Even though Adrian was watching her every move, Raisa still felt excited. There was a new hope growing in her heart.

After going through a difficult application process-with Adrian always asking for small details-Raisa was finally accepted into one of the top universities in their city. This was a proud moment for Raisa, but she knew that this journey was far from over.

***

On her first day of college, Raisa felt a mixture of nervousness and excitement. Adrian accompanied her to campus, even though Raisa had said that she could go by herself. However, Adrian insisted. For him, Raisa still needed to be protected, even in an academic environment.

"You don't have to wait for me here, Adrian. I can go home by myself later," Raisa said when they arrived in front of the campus building.

Adrian stared at the building with a sharp gaze, as if assessing everyone who passed by. "I'll make sure everything is okay before I leave," he replied, his tone firm.

Raisa took a deep breath, feeling a little suffocated by Adrian's overprotectiveness. However, she knew that this was part of the compromise she had to accept if she wanted to continue her studies. After Adrian was sure that everything was safe, he finally left, albeit with a heavy heart.

Raisa walked into campus with mixed feelings. This was an important first step for her, a new world that she was about to enter, even though she knew that Adrian's shadow would always be behind her. Even so, Raisa felt more alive than ever. Here, in the midst of this academic environment, she felt there was a chance to find herself again, to find something more than just a life confined to a luxurious house with a possessive husband.

Over the following weeks, Raisa began to adjust to her new routine. She found that she really enjoyed studying, interacting with her classmates, and discussing with the lecturers. However, she was always careful not to get too close to anyone, especially men. She knew that Adrian might investigate or find out who she was talking to.

One day, after finishing class, one of her classmates named Andi, a friendly and intelligent man, approached Raisa while she was waiting in front of the campus.

"Hi, Raisa. Are you going home?" Andi asked with a big smile.

Raisa nodded with a thin smile. "Yes, I'm waiting to be picked up."

Andi nodded while looking towards the road. "Oh, then I'll go first. But if there's time, we can study together sometime. I see you're quite serious in class, maybe we can share notes."

Raisa smiled politely, even though she knew that Adrian would not approve of the idea. "Thanks, Andi. Maybe next time."

Andi just nodded before waving and leaving. Not long after Andi left, Adrian arrived in his car. Raisa got into the car, and they drove home in silence. However, Raisa could feel the tension in the car.

"Who was that?" Adrian asked in a cold tone.

"Just a classmate," Raisa answered shortly.

"A classmate?" Adrian repeated in a tone that showed disbelief. "What did he want?"

Raisa tried to stay calm. "He just offered to study together. But I said maybe another time."

Adrian snorted softly, his eyes focused on the road ahead of them. "I don't like you getting too close to other men, Raisa. I told you that."

"I know, Adrian," Raisa answered softly, though deep down, she was tired of having to constantly defend her every interaction with others.

"Make sure you remember that," Adrian continued, his voice firmer. "I don't want any trouble."

Raisa could only nod, feeling that her every move would always be watched. However, even so, she didn't want to give up. This college is the only chance she has to reinvent herself, and she will hold on to it, even if it means dealing with the possessive Adrian.

***

Time passes, and Raisa gets used to her new life. She begins to find a rhythm in her daily life-studying, attending classes, and working on assignments.