Chapter 4 Testing Boundaries

Chapter 4: Testing Boundaries

Emily's POV

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The list felt heavy in my hands, the weight of every word weighing down on me. Each rule was another reminder of what my life had become-a set of restrictions, orders, and threats. I couldn't just accept it, could I?

I breathed in deeply, my eyes roving the room that Michael had declared to be mine. Everything had its place, expensive and tastefully decorated, but it was a cage nonetheless. Outside, the rain had stopped, leaving a silence that weighed heavier than any storm.

But rereading the rules, I could feel my frustration mount. How could he expect me to live like this, without freedom or dignity?

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It wasn't until a few hours later when I heard a knock at the door. My heart leaped to my throat as, without my answering, Michael appeared in the room, quite without waiting for permission. In his hands, he had a tray with a meal-grilled chicken, vegetables, and a glass of water. He set it on the small table by the window, his movements exact and deliberate.

"Eat," he said, his tone straightforward and chilled. He didn't look at me, yet the tension that pulsed through the room was all but suffocating.

I looked down at the tray, but something about his proximity washed any hunger I'd had away. I wanted to fight him now, push against the minuscule controls he placed on me. Then, one of the rules floated through my mind:

"Don't speak unless I ask you to."

I took a deep breath and angled my chin. "I don't want to eat," I said, my voice way stronger than I felt.

Michael's eyes cut to me-a glint of irritation across his face. "I didn't ask if you wanted to. I told you to eat."

"I'm not hungry," I said, crossing my arms, fighting to keep my tone even.

He took a step closer, his gaze hardening. "Emily, I'm not in the mood for defiance. You'll eat now, or I'll make sure you regret it."

"Why does it matter?" I said, exasperation finally winning out. "You can't control every little thing I do. I'm not some kind of robot that just does what you say.

Michael's face remained immobile, but the silence was alive with warning. "You're testing me, Emily. And I don't appreciate it."

"Well, maybe I don't appreciate being treated like a prisoner," I shot back before I could catch the words and swallow them.

He stared at me for one long, tense moment, his eyes glacial and calculating. Then wordlessly, he reached into his jacket pocket and drew out a small, black device-a remote with a single button on it.

"What's that?" I asked, voice dropping as the first tendrils of dread curled in my stomach.

"It's a reminder," he said smoothly. "I told you that disobedience has consequences. I'm giving you one last chance. Eat, or you'll find out what happens when you break my rules."

I was staring at the device, my pulse racing. "You're... you're serious."

"Very," he said, his voice low and firm. "You're in my world now, Emily. And in my world, you follow my rules. This is your last warning."

The silence stretched between us, and I felt trapped. I glanced at the tray, my stomach twisting. I didn't want to give in, didn't want to let him control me so easily. But the way he held that remote, the coldness in his eyes-I could tell he wasn't bluffing.

I forced myself to pick up the fork and took a small, little bite in his direction because I never once broke eye contact. Satisfied, Michael nodded, a faint smile playing at the corner of his mouth.

"Good, see how easy that was?" he said in a soft tone but full of condescension. "Things go much smoother when you cooperate."

I chewed and swallowed when the bite went down hard. I felt humiliation corner me, but with a second bite, I tried to remember this wasn't over. Somehow, I would find my way out.

"Now," he went on, crossing arms. "Do you understand the rules, or do I need to remind you again?"

"I understand," I replied, my voice low, the words bitter inside my mouth.

He stepped back, a satisfied smile on his face. "Excellent," he said. "Then we won't have any more issues, will we?"

I said nothing. I couldn't even look at him. I wanted to scream and throw the tray across the room; do anything that would rid me of this feeling of helplessness weighing me down. I knew it didn't matter. Here, he was in control, and any act of defiance would only make things worse.

Michael watched me a moment longer, then turned to leave. Just before he reached the door, he paused, looking back over his shoulder. "Remember, Emily-there's a reason for each rule. Break them, and you'll regret it."

The door closed behind him and I was left alone again, his words weighing heavily on me.