Whispers of possession

CHAPTER 01

"Rosette! Stand there!" Lea gasps.

He stood panting in the doorway of the dressing room. Rosette's worried gaze shifted from the vanity mirror to it.

"Why? Is there a problem?" frowned when he asked.

"Y..Your husband! I saw him outside!" It's panicked.

Rosette stood up from her chair and pulled Lea in to close the door.

"Are you sure?"

Lea quickly nodded. "Yes!"

Shit!

Why is he here? Their conversation from the beginning was that no one should know that he is married. What is he up to now?

She was about to take her phone from her bag to check if he texted her about his arrival but suddenly, the door burst open.

They were both startled when the doorknob hit the wall due to the force of its opening.

And as soon as it did. Arlo's piercing gaze landed on her. She can see his jaw clenching so she can't help but soften her knees.

Behind Arlo are his two bodyguards with big bodies and both bald. They stood on both sides of the door.

"Come out, we'll go home." he said in an authoritative tone.

"H..Hon, what the..because-"

"Don't make me repeat myself, baby." His face showed no emotion, but his deep voice showed anger.

Rosette swallowed the lump in her throat. This might be the second time she felt his anger. First time when he disobeyed his order not to drink too much.

There was nothing he could do but walk towards it. Arlo immediately reached out to hold his hand.

"Rosette-" they were stunned at the sudden arrival of Gideon. And then he almost lost his breath because of so much nervousness.

Why does he have to show up now?!

He didn't know what to do now that Arlo and Gideon were facing each other. He noticed Arlo's look here that if he had just died, Gideon would surely be dead now.

Gideon's gaze shifted to Rosette's holding hands but he remained motionless. "You're leaving already?" he asked happily.

"AHEM!" Lea groin. "Gideon! Come on, the director is telling you something." he said and immediately swept the man away.

When the two were far away, Arlo immediately let out a breath, as if he's been holding it in for so long.

"Let's go." he mentioned and took her to the parking lot.

He didn't say a word and just let her carry him until they reached it.

They both hop in the car. During the whole flight it was quiet but still holding his hand. Its attention is also outside.

••

When they arrived at the mansion. They were greeted by their guards and maids but none of them greeted back. Perhaps also in the tension between the two of them.

When they entered inside, Arlo let go of his hand. She watched him walk over to the kitchen and pour himself a glass of whiskey.

Rosette followed him. "Hon.."

Arlo looked at her. His gaze crawled over Rosette's entire body until it stopped at her lips. The same lips she used to kiss another man aside from him.

Just the thought of it makes him sick!

He's not only mad at that b-star but also at himself. Why does he need to feel this way?

He slammed the glass down on the kitchen counter causing Rosette to jump slightly in shock.

"Hon? Are you okay?" Rosette asked. She tried to read through his mind but his emotionless face made it difficult.

Her eyes just rolled in shock when he carried her up the stairs instead of answering her question.

"Arlo! I might fall! What are you doing?!" he whined. But there was no answer.

He brought her to their room. He couldn't speak anymore when he just grabbed her waist at the same time as he planted a violent kiss on her lips.

She couldn't breathe properly. He tried to put his two hands on her chest to push but with his size and height it was unlikely to happen. Arlo just pulled her more against his body.

The more she tried to escape from his arms, the more Arlo's desire grew within him.

He wanted to own her and make her feel what he felt at those times, in a way that would benefit them both.

When he finally let go, they're both panting. He didn't care and aggressively removed his necktie as well as the button of his shirt.

"Hon, what are you doing?" Rosette's voice trembled as she gradually saw Arlo's body.

It's hot. Nervous and afraid of what could happen if Arlo goes ahead with whatever he plans to do. That's what Rosette felt like.

They already talked about this. They don't want to have children yet because they are in the same career.

Before their wedding, they both checked up and there, they discovered how fertile Arlo is. Which means, Rosette has a higher chance of getting pregnant.

This is also the reason why they chose to cancel their honeymoon. Arlo doesn't want to use protection and he doesn't want Rosette to take birth control. They want their first to become memorable once they're ready.

Rosette just gasped when he pulled her closer and kissed her cheek down her neck. A mōan escaped from her lips as she felt Arlo gently biting it.

"H..Hon please.. stop this.." she begged.

If it hadn't been stopped, he might have given in too.

He felt Arlo move slightly away from his neck. "Why would I? You're married to me, which makes you my wife." he whispered that sent shivers to her system.

"We talked about it, didn't we?"

"But you made me jealous, baby." Each letter it releases has an emphasis. "How dare you let another man kiss your lips?"

That question made Rosette shut her mouth. How did he know? Can he go home without a word? Is that why he just stared at Gideon earlier?

He swallowed. "It was just for work-"

Her words were cut off when Arlo laid her down on the bed and pinned her underneath him. His eyes fixed on her shocked and spotless face.

He leaned closer. "Yes but it irritates me and you know that, baby." he whispered. "I feel so fckng angry, I want to rip that b-stard's neck off. But I don't want to put you in a tight spot."

He's right though. He could k-ll Gideon right there but he didn't and it was because of her.

He felt his hot breath on his neck that made his hair stand on end. Arlo started planting kisses on her neck again, aggressive and full of violence.

He stopped for a moment to look at her.

"You're shaking, baby"

"Because you're scaring me.."

Tears started welling up in her eyes and that's when Arlo stopped. His gaze softened as he loosened his grip on her hand.

His eyes were closed but that didn't stop his tears from flowing. She was scared. She feels that she is with someone else now and not her husband.

Arlo immediately left on top of her as she started sobbing. He gently sat her down and wiped the tears from her cheeks.

"I'm sorry, baby." he whispered, regret in his voice. "I'm so fucking stupid. I did not mean."

"I h..hate you." she sobbed.

"I know, baby, I know." he gently pulled her closer to hug her. "I'm sorry."

••

CHAPTER TWO

ROSETTE

"Good morning, Sarah." I greeted one of our maids as I went down the stairs.

I looked around the dining area but Arlo wasn't there. I woke up early but he was not by my side.

"Sarah, have you seen your sir?" I will ask.

It immediately nodded. "Yes, he left early while talking to someone on the cellphone. I guess it's important because I'm in a hurry."

"Ahh." my only answer.

"But ma'am, he told us to cook your favorites." It made me smile.

Even though he is busy, he will never forget to make it up to me even in a small way. Maybe because of what happened last night. It was hard for both of us. He must've felt guilty for not being able to control his emotions.

There are times when that happens, but he's a good man. I will not marry him otherwise.

My thoughts were interrupted when the doorbell rang. I was about to go to see who it was but Sarah pretended that it was her. That's why I just sat down at the dining table to eat breakfast.

I was starting to spoon food when Sarah came back. I heard the snickering so I looked at it.

She's carrying a bouquet of red roses and Louis Vuitton shopping bags.

"Oh? Where did that come from?" I will ask.

"Who else, Sir Arlo? They said it was sent here."

"Huh?" I asked again with a smile and took it.

I looked at the red roses and smelled them. I couldn't stop smiling because of that man's actions.

While smelling it, my eyes caught the card in the middle so I immediately took it to read.

Hi baby,

About last night. I really regret it. I hate myself for making you cry and I'm sorry. Please accept these apology gifts from me. I took an inspiration from your closet before buying those so I hope you'd like them.

P.S. Even if I give you my card. I know you wouldn't buy anything for yourself. So I did it. I love you, sweetheart.

Your Husband.

"Aww! Sir is so sweet!" I turned to Sarah who had been reading behind me.

I just laughed and closed the card again. I took the shopping bags and opened them one by one. There are shoes, bags and clothes.

Is this really how the rich give a peace offering? Luxury brands?

I just laughed in my mind.

But kidding aside. Even when we were in the dating stage, he always bought me things like this. So sometimes he was mistaken for my sugar daddy.

"Ma'am, your food is getting cold." Sarah said.

I just laughed. "Hey, it's really you. Go ahead and put it in our room. Please be careful. Please put the card in my drawer too, thank you!" I ordered here.

He immediately took them and immediately went up the stairs. He was still pretending to fall so I almost managed to stand up and catch him, hey!

Sometimes he is really extra.

After I had breakfast, I took a shower and got dressed. Just as I left the house, Lea's car was already there in front.

"Good morning!" I greet you enthusiastically.

"What? Are you smiling now? What exactly? Has what needs to be watered been watered?"

"Don't be a dirty person with a dirty mouth."

"I'm just asking you!"

I slammed the door as I got in. "I don't know about you! Drive before I replace you!"

This is how to greet the morning. There was shouting.

"Lea, can you do me a favor?" I ask here.

"Oh? Do I have a choice?"

"I'm serious because!"

"Fine, what is it?"

"Just make sure Gideon can't get close to me."

From the rearview mirror, I saw his frown.

"Huh? why?"

I just held my breath. "I just don't want trouble. Arlo found out about the intimate scene yesterday so he went home. I still don't know how but we had an argument when we got home."

"I mean yeah sure but it's inevitable that Gideon will come to you. You're leading him right?"

"I know, what I mean is when we're not in front of the camera."

"Fine!"

"Thank you, Leah."

It didn't bother me until we got to the set. The whole team is there and the other cast is also complete to shoot their scene today.

"Good morning!" I opened to her.

"Good morning, Rosette!" Director greeted. "Wait, what just happened? You suddenly disappeared yesterday and someone told me that your husband picked you up? You have a husband?"

I bit my lower lip a little. Shit! What will I say?

Not that I deny Arlo as my husband. I just want to protect our relationship from people who would want to break us up as a couple for our love team with Gideon.

"Come on, why don't you tell them?" A low voice made us all turn.

It was Celine. She was supposed to be Gideon's leading lady for this project but it didn't go through because I was chosen.

"Celine..."

"What Rosette? Don't you want to admit to them that you are married to a billionaire?" he smiled as if to tease. "That he's the reason why your career as an actress was successful?"

My eyebrows met when I looked at it. What is he saying? That Arlo paid everyone for me to be here?

I mean, he's a billionaire yes and he could pay everyone to give me this role but he didn't. I got it because they think I deserve it.

I want to be the bigger person. I don't want to hit him but he's really hitting me.

"What is your problem?" my manner obviously surprised him. I don't pay attention to all the other things he does to me, but his disclosure about my marriage? She crossed the line.

He came closer to me and stuck his index finger on my chest. "You.." he pointed at me because I backed away. "You are my problem! Can't you see? You took everything that was supposed to be mine."

I couldn't hold back anymore and slapped his hand away from me.

"Which one? Which one are you referring to? If you're talking about being Gideon's leading lady because you like him." I came to him. "Then you're one of those people who can't separate their craziness from reality."

She scoffed. "What did you say?"

"For this to be over, fine! Here!" I raised my hand with Arlo and I's wedding ring and engagement ring on. "I'm happily married. I have no intention of taking Gideon away from you, so is it okay? Will you stop me?"

Surprise appeared on his face but as usual he didn't want to show it.

I was just surprised when I felt his palm hit my cheek. I felt numb for a few seconds. I also heard the breathing of people around.

"No matter what you say, you're still a snake. You wouldn't be where you are now if you hadn't-" I didn't let him finish when I immediately returned his slap to me.

Be silent for a few seconds. He looked at me in surprise while holding his cheek so I raised an eyebrow at him.

I saw his lips move and was about to speak but Direk immediately intervened at the same time as Gideon arrived.

"What are you two doing? Celine! Didn't we already tell you about this?" Direk growled at him.

I feel Lea holding me to take me away from there and take me to the tent that serves as my dressing room.

"What happened?" Gideon asked and was about to approach him but Lea immediately blocked him.

I can't stand it anymore. I know Gideon likes me and he never fails to let me know that in his own way. His small efforts when we were together on the set.

"It's fine, we can talk." I said. Lea looked at me in surprise so I nodded at her.

"Is there a problem?"

I nodded. "You weren't here but I just announced my marriage. I don't want to let others know that in this way but Celine made me do it." I breathed deeply. "You should stop, Gideon."

"S..Stop what?"

"Even if you don't tell me. I feel that every time we have an interaction. The way you talk to me and the way you treat me on set. You should stop. Sorry but I'm just protecting my marriage. My peace of mind was affected because Don and Celine think I'm trying to take you away from her."

No matter how bad I felt. This has to be done.

I saw how he forced a smile.

"That's fine. I understand, I'm sorry for causing you trouble. I'll try my best to be more professional."

"Thank you, Gideon."

I didn't want our conversation to go any longer so I entered my tent and sat down. I took a deep breath and blew it out.

"Isn't that too harsh? I feel sorry for Giddy." said Lea.

"You feel more sorry for him when it's Arlo he's facing. I'm just saving his life. Do you know how much Arlo wants to k-ll him when he found out about the intimate scene between the two of us?" I felt in my senses.

He just sighed while his face was frowning.

After I was settled, I went out so we could start. We are also close to the end of the movie so we have to work hard to satisfy the audience.

"STAND BY!!" Direk shouted, that's why we all got ready to screen for the upcoming scene.

Hours have passed. Gideon kept his promise, he became more distant this time. Most of the time he doesn't approach me casually unless we both rehearse.

It was already evening and the sun had set when we finished. When I opened my phone, all I saw were Arlo's text messages. He's updating me.

I texted him back. I can't not reply to him and he might worry about me and scold me.

"Rosette, let's go. It's Direk's birthday so let's drink today!" Lea happily announced as she walked beside him.

"It's really just wine, right?" I was teasing so he hit me on the back. I just winced in pain. Sometimes it's really hard to bond with the net.

"OH COME ON GIRLS! EVERYONE! ACT BEFORE I CHANGE MY MIND AND YOU PAY MY BILLS!" Direk shouted with laughter.

The others quickly got into their own cars to follow Direk.

I don't know but when I got into our van, I suddenly felt strange. It felt like someone's watching me.

Just as Gideon's manager was getting into the car, he opened the door of the van next to us to park.

And that's when I saw Gideon looking at me, he immediately looked away but I couldn't be wrong.

He was watching me from inside his van.

••

"CHEERS!!" they shouted animatedly and raised their glasses filled with wine at the same time.

It's only been a minute so there are no hits yet. Rosette always just sat on one side to watch them. He wants to text or call Arlo to let him know that he will be home late.

But when you look at it. Direk just confiscated their phones so they could focus on the celebration.

He is strict on set, he is still strict until his birthday is celebrated.

"It's a shot! You're really KJ, aren't you?" Lea commented on this and also poured a glass of beer on him.

"By the way, I didn't get to say goodbye to Arlo. I'm sick of it when I come home smelling like alcohol." he whispered and also tried to move the glass away from him but Lea stopped him.

"He will understand that. Just tell him that we celebrated Direk's birthday!"

"I don't-" he couldn't continue his refusal when Direk's gaze fell on him.

Because of his shyness and maybe he thought he was really KJ, he punched him faster than Flash and tried to smile at the old man.

"Rosette, why don't you tell us about your husband? How did you meet?" Direk asked suddenly as he directed him to sit down.

For a moment, he looked at Gideon who was also looking at him because they were just facing each other. But he immediately avoided it.

She felt so awkward.

"Pass Director. I guess it's awkward to talk about my marriage at what should be your birthday celebration." he answered.

"Here I am!" he rolled his eyes jokingly. "What are you, Rosette? It's fine! I just want to know, so go ahead." he said while looking at the rest of their companions. "Don't you guys agree?" it even encourages others.

"Give it up, maybe that's his birthday wish for you. If you're really a favorite, they're interested in knowing your life." said Margo, one of the cast and their co-workers.

The others laughed and agreed at the same time, so he couldn't help but smile.

Even Lea was trying to show a smile. She can sense how uncomfortable Rosette is.

"Well..uh.." she paused. "Our parents introduced us to each other."

He doesn't want to give full details to her since it contains some sensitive parts. It's also not like typical love stories.

There are so many highs and lows. There were times that it was hard for both of them.

When they were introduced to each other, Arlo was way too different. He was cold and nonchalant, only speaks when it's about business.

Their parents are friends. So as often as they have gatherings, Rosette and Arlo meet as often.

Rosette is the first woman who captured Arlo's heart. As cliché as it might sound. She's the first woman he's willing to step out of his comfort zone for.

Their first month of dating wasn't easy. Since Arlo was raised in a wealthy but cold and neglectful family. His parents prioritized their business over him. They rarely showed him affection or spent quality time with him. Leaving Arlo feeling unloved and abandoned.

As a result of that emotional neglect. Arlo developed a fear of being abandoned and a desperate need for validation and control.

He learned to equate love with possessiveness, believing that by exerting control over someone, he could ensure that they would never leave him.

Despite his emotional outbursts. He never laid a finger on his wife. He never laid a hand on her.

She loves him and she also knows how much he loves her. And marrying him was the best decision she has ever made.

"Hey, Rosette!" he was brought back to the vision of Lea tapping the table in front of him. "You must be thinking so deeply, you're still smiling. Look at your cheeks, they're red." this is it.

"She must be thinking about her husband, ashoo! That's just the beginning, that's what it's like when you're still in the honeymoon phase." Margo interjected again, making the others laugh.

He immediately put his palm on her hot cheek and just laughed at her. Even though they were married, she couldn't deny that Arlo still had a different effect on her.

Just like a high school crush.

"Let's just drink! Our attention should be on Direk, not on me!" he diverted the conversation.

"Ash! You're just thrilled!" they laughed again.

Rosette's attention was grabbed when Lea secretly nudged her and kissed Gideon.

"Look, he looks like he's serious about life." it whispered.

Rosette looked at this for a moment and Lea was right. He was serious and quiet in his seat while looking at his glass with only wine.

Rosette didn't look at it for a few seconds and immediately avoided it.

"Let him. Just drink there." he whispered back to Lea.

"And you, Gideon." silence enveloped their table and each of them looked in Gideon's direction.

"Hmm?" He seemed surprised when he said it.

"When will you have a girlfriend?"

Gideon smiled a bit. "I'm not planning yet to have a girlfriend. Maybe when I'm out of the showbiz industry."

"Maybe you're waiting for someone?" it's Margo.

Gideon's earlier smile gradually disappeared and his face became serious again. He heard the question but he purposely did not answer and just drank the wine in his glass.

Almost all of them looked at Margo when it was obvious.

"Hey! You've been here for a while! Just drink there. Make noise." Lea commented here and also filled the glass with wine. "Walk all over."

Rosette felt bad again. He felt guilty. She knows that it is not her responsibility that she feels this way, but seeing him not being his usual self, it makes her somehow sad.

"Don't mind her." he couldn't stand it anymore and he talked to him. He poured wine into her empty glass causing her to stare at him.

"I'm fine, don't worry." he smiled again.

Rosette just nodded and smiled back. There's nothing wrong with him still talking to her from time to time. She just rejected his feelings for her but not him as a person.

He just turned his attention back to his companions and continued drinking. Even if he has one after the other, he is still in control.

"Oh!" Director's sudden voice caught everyone's attention. He was looking at his bag where he put the confiscated cellphones.

Rosette also looked there.

"I think your husband is calling, Rosette." he said and handed him the cell phone.

He looked at her teasingly as if he was thrilled. He just laughed a little and reached for it.

"Excuse me." he said goodbye before getting up from his seat and going out to answer Arlo's call.

When he came out, the dark street opened before him. There aren't many cars passing by, maybe it's getting late at night.

He went to the side of the restobar. At the opening of a small alley just next to it. It's not that dark because of the street light standing right at its entrance.

She was about to answer the call but her heart almost jumped out of her chest when someone grabbed her from behind.

He presented her violently and to her surprise. It was Gideon.

His chest beat faster when he looked into her glaring eyes.

It's full of pain and hatred.

"G..Gideon.." She stuttered in fear.

His grip around her wrist tightened as he glanced at the phone call.

"A..What does this mean? Let me go!" he struggled but instead of letting go he only tightened his grip.

Rosette's lips parted when she felt her wrist being pinched.

"Why?" he finally uttered. "Why did you let me fall for you deeper before telling me that someone else already owned your heart?!" his voice cracked.

Rosette looked into his eyes. He felt the hurt in every letter he uttered.

He didn't mean it. She was too focused on her job but she did everything to keep his heart away from her. She only talked to him if needed.

But was it... really her fault?

He bit his lower lip because of the mixture of pain and holding back tears he was feeling.

He couldn't speak anymore when he forced himself to try to kiss her lips. Fortunately, he immediately avoided it.

"STOP! LET ME GO!"