*EDITED*
As I began my day, the absence of Aubrey beside me in bed instantly caught my attention. A feeling of discontent washed over me as I remembered I hadn't forgiven him for his actions from the day before. The morning routine commenced as usual; I found myself in the bathroom, toothbrush in hand. Unexpectedly, Aubrey appeared in the reflection, addressing the conspicuous mark on my neck.
"Good morning," he greeted with a smile, his lips tracing the mark as he pulled me into an embrace. My frown deepened, and I disentangled myself from his hold, walking away in silence, making my way downstairs.
"NATALIE!"
My name echoed through the house, causing my heart to race. Panic set in, and I hurried to the kitchen, grabbing the first thing near me. The kitchen door flew open with startling speed, I stood my ground in a state of paralysis, i looked down at my hand and saw a spoon. In truth, I was aware of my overreaction, but against Aubrey only god knows what a spoon can do to protect me.
"Put the spoon down, Natalie," he commanded, his imposing figure looming over my stiff form. Part of me yearned to stand my ground for longer but my pride can only last me for so long.
Suddenly, Aubrey decided to take matters into his own hands, lifting me off the floor, which elicited an involuntary squeal from me.
"Put me down!"
"I thought you needed help, considering you were standing there like an idiot!"
"It's your fault in the first place I was in this position!"
"Oh really?"
"Yes, really!"
Resigned to my fate, I chose to remain motionless, somewhat like any solider from Attack on Titan. I knew that struggling at this point would be futile, so I opted to stay put and enjoy the moment of reprieve. Him carrying me around is even rather entertaining than me walking, saves more energy.
Then, a sudden realization struck me: I had forgotten to ask Aubrey about attending my sister's engagement party. Despite my lack of enthusiasm for the event, the allure of free food and a brief respite from home was undeniable. Yet, i'll be a full to act as if i'm wanted there but is it so bad i want to feel wanted and seen in that forsaken family? I'll answer my own question later.
"Oh yeah, Aubrey, I was wondering if I could go to my sister's and her husband's engagement party?" I ventured tentatively, fully aware that Aubrey's presence might be an issue.
"Is that Damon boy going to be there? Well, I'll let you go, but I have to go with you," Aubrey replied as he made his way upstairs to our bedroom. I cussed under my breath for even thinking that he wouldn't invite himself.
"What? No, I don't thi—"
"No 'buts,' it's final!"
"But—"
"No 'buts,' Natalie."
I sulked against him, my discontent clear, even though I knew that the situation wouldn't be as terrible as I imagined. Aubrey's propensity for asserting his will was a constant source of frustration. Despite our long history, there remained an enigmatic aspect to his personality, something that continued to elude my understanding.
As the day unfolded, I couldn't help but dwell on the enigma that was Aubrey. We had known each other for years, and yet there were moments when I felt like there were layers to him that I hadn't even begun to uncover. His unyielding demeanor was a constant reminder of his complexity.
Despite my reluctance, I found myself preparing for my sister's engagement party. Aubrey's condition for his approval, that he had to accompany me, still irked me. But I couldn't deny that there was a certain comfort in his protectiveness.
Hours passed, and we finally arrived at the elegant venue where the engagement party was being held. The place was adorned with twinkling fairy lights and an exquisite floral arrangement, creating an enchanting atmosphere. As we stepped inside, I noticed my sister and Damon engaged in animated conversation with a group of people.
Aubrey's grip on my arm tightened, a subtle sign of his protective stance. I couldn't help but wonder if he was just being possessive or if there was something more to his overbearing nature.
Nicole spotted us and rushed over, her excitement was clear but i knew her like the back of my hand, she's never happy to see me. "Natalie, you look pleasant..."
I smiled, exchanging pleasantries with her while Aubrey remained stoic, his presence intimidating to some extent. As the night wore on, I noticed Aubrey's occasional glances in the direction of Damon.
"Damon's a nice guy stop looking at him like that," I ventured, trying to ease the tension that seemed to be building within Aubrey.
"He's too friendly," Aubrey muttered, his jaw clenched. "I don't trust people like him."
I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his paranoia, but I knew it was futile to argue.
"You don't trust anyone idiot"
