Memories of Bali

Hana blinked, still groggy from sleep, trying to process what Alexei had just said. The dim light of dawn filtered through the window, casting a pale glow over his face. He looked calm, but the intensity in his eyes betrayed his need for reassurance.

"Leave?" Hana repeated, her voice hesitant. "Why would I leave?"

Alexei's fingers brushed through her hair gently, as if she were a delicate possession he was afraid to lose. "I just want to be sure. You mean everything to me. I can't imagine my life without you."

Something in his tone sent a shiver down her spine. It wasn't just love it was something deeper, more obsessive. She smiled faintly, trying to ease the tension. "I'm here, aren't I? I won't leave."

Alexei's expression softened, but Hana could tell he wasn't fully convinced. He leaned forward, pressing a soft kiss on her forehead. "Good," he whispered. "Because I'd do anything to keep you."

~

As the day began, Alexei insisted they spend time relaxing by the pool. He had already arranged everything breakfast by the water, chilled drinks, and a playlist of soft music in the background. Hana tried to enjoy the moment, but she couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. Every time she moved, Alexei's eyes followed her, not with admiration but with quiet scrutiny.

"Come here," he said, patting the lounge chair beside him.

Hana complied, settling next to him. He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close. "You know," he began, his voice low, "I don't like the way that man at the bar looked at you yesterday."

Hana stiffened slightly. "Who? I didn't notice anyone."

"Exactly. You didn't notice, but I did," Alexei said, his tone sharper now. "I don't want anyone getting the wrong idea. You're mine, Hana."

She forced a smile, hoping to defuse the growing tension. "Alexei, no one's interested in me. You're overthinking it."

Alexei's grip tightened slightly. "Just promise me you'll be careful. I don't want to see you hurt."

There it was again the underlying need for control disguised as concern. Hana nodded, trying to hide her discomfort. "Okay. I promise."

~

As the day went on, Alexei continued to shower Hana with affection, but beneath it, she could feel the possessiveness lurking in every gesture. He wanted her close, always within reach. When she suggested taking a walk alone to clear her mind, he quickly dismissed the idea.

"Why would you want to be alone when I'm here?" he asked, his tone light but his eyes serious. "Let's go together."

Hana relented, realizing that any attempt to create space would only make him more suspicious. They walked along the beach hand in hand, Alexei's grip firm and unyielding. She tried to focus on the beauty around her the golden sand, the gentle waves, the clear blue sky but her mind kept returning to Alexei's growing need for control.

He was gentle, kind, and attentive, but there were cracks in his façade small moments where his true nature peeked through. She saw it in the way he bristled whenever another man so much as glanced her way, in the way he questioned her every move, always under the guise of love and protection.

~

That evening, Alexei suggested they dine at a secluded spot he had set up by the cliffs. Candlelight flickered in the breeze as they ate, and for a moment, it almost felt normal like they were just an ordinary couple enjoying a romantic getaway.

"You know," Alexei said, setting down his glass of wine, "you don't need to work anymore."

Hana frowned slightly. "Alexei, we've talked about this. I like working. It gives me a sense of purpose."

"I can give you a purpose," he said, reaching across the table to take her hand. "I can take care of everything. You don't have to worry about anything."

Hana hesitated. She didn't want to argue, but she also didn't want to lose herself in this relationship. "It's not about money. It's about feeling independent."

Alexei's smile didn't quite reach his eyes. "You don't need independence when you have me. Just think about it, okay?"

"Okay," Hana said softly, not wanting to push him further.

But deep down, she knew this wasn't the life she wanted. She loved Alexei, but his love came with strings strings that were slowly tightening around her, threatening to suffocate her.

~

As they returned to the villa, Alexei pulled her into his arms, his touch gentle yet possessive. "Promise me something else," he whispered against her hair.

"What is it?" Hana asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Promise me you'll never hide anything from me. I need to know I can trust you."

Hana hesitated, her heart pounding in her chest. She didn't know how to respond without feeding into his obsession. "I promise," she said finally, hoping it would be enough to ease his mind.

But as she lay in bed that night, Alexei's arm draped possessively over her waist, she couldn't help but wonder how long she could keep living like this. How long before his love turned into a prison she couldn't escape?

The next morning, as Hana tried to sneak out early for some fresh air, she found Alexei already awake, watching her with an unreadable expression.

"Going somewhere without me?" he asked, his voice calm but his eyes cold.