Obsession

Crownis's POV

Alice stood up to her father—for me. And honestly, that’s for the best. The man never seemed like someone worthy of respect. There’s no need to be polite to someone like him.

Not wanting to put her in a difficult spot any longer, I quickly took her away from that so-called home.

No one there truly cared about her. Staying would only bring her more pain.

From now on, I will be her family.

Alice and I walked into our bedroom for the first time as a man and wife. Everything still felt like a dream; Just a few days ago, we were strangers, and now she's all mine.

"Welcome to your new home," I said, watching her as she observed the room quietly, her face a mixture of amusement and displeasure.

"Is everything to your liking?" I asked, concern etched on my face.

"Can I speak freely?" she asked, her tone pleading.

"Yes, sure, you can be free with me," I replied, giving her the go-ahead.

She took a deep breath, calming herself before speaking. "It's not that I dislike your room, just that it's a bit dark and depressing. No offense."

"None taken," I explained calmly. "You could change it however you choose."

"Really?" she asked, her smile accentuating her dimples.

"Of course, it's your room too," I said with a smile. "Just tell me what you want changed, and consider it done."

"Yes!" she squealed like an excited baby. "Okay, I want the curtains changed, and the walls could be a little brighter..." She began speaking before my cell phone interrupted us.

"Excuse me, I'll answer this," I said, glancing at the caller ID, which read Nick, my best bud.

I moved to the side before answering the call. "Hi, man, what's up?"

"Dude, we're at your favorite club. Come join us for some drinks," Nick invited. Normally, I would turn down the invitation to spend more time with my new wife, but I had some flaunting to do.

"I'll be there in a bit," I said, hanging up the call.

I turned back to Alice, who was engrossed in dismantling something. "I have to go, muse. Something came up."

"Sure, but don't be out late, okay? And don't overwork yourself; you still need to heal," she said, her voice filled with concern. I loved how she cared immensely for me.

"Absolutely," I agreed, pulling out my credit card and handing it over to her. "Buy whatever you need for the room makeover. The PIN is 1706."

"Thank you," she said, her voice filled with gratitude.

I exited the room, feeling a sense of excitement. I rode down to the club, where Nick and Henry were waiting, and exploded the news of my marriage in their faces.

"You're looking at the latest married man in town," I bragged, tossing my marriage certificate on the table.

"Congrats, man! We thought you were going to be single for life. Who knew you'd be the first one among us to get married, and at rocket speed too?" Nick said, amusement dancing in his eyes.

I sat back in my seat, smiling like the luckiest man in the world.

"Exactly! And to think you married your nephew's fiancée. Man, that's wild. you really took the crown for the boldest move."

I chuckled, feeling a sense of fulfillment wash over me. "Well, it wasn't my fault Justin never cherished her."

I’d liked Alice for a long time—even when she was engaged to my nephew. I tried to stay away, but her scent, her smile, the way she looked at me when she brought flowers after my injury—I. I never forgot it.

She appeared when I was drowning in despair and gave me a reason to live. I wanted to tell her how I felt, but I couldn’t. She loved someone else.

Then everything spiraled. My sister-in-law didn’t want Alice marrying her son. Without my knowledge, she drugged Alice and sent her to my room. I didn’t know until it was too late. And when I did... I didn’t stop it.

I was weak. I told myself I loved her—that I could give her happiness. But the way it happened, it wasn’t right. She didn’t choose it. I crossed a line I can’t undo.

Even now, I don’t know if she’ll forgive me. I’m not sure I deserve it.

But what I do know is that my feelings for her are real. I want to protect her, give her peace. And if I have to carry this guilt forever to make that happen, I will.

Because loving her is the only truth I’ve ever known—

and the one sin I’ll never stop paying for.

"Oh, wifey just posted a new photo," Henry teased, stealing a glance at my phone on the table.

"Dude, stop that. You're too old," I said with a smile. The reminder that Alice was now my wife created a warm feeling in my chest.

I picked up my phone, opened the Facebook app, and the two of them intruded, as though the post was for them. I didn't bother to push them away, since I was more intrigued by the post, but as soon as I saw it, my mouth fell open.

It was a photo of my bedroom, except it was different now. It wasn't the black-themed room I used to love; it was now a Barbie playhouse, with a complete pink theme. Never before had I admired pink so much; it was like the most beautiful thing besides Alice that I had seen. Why? Because my muse designed it herself.

"Dude, your house has been destroyed," Nick said, and they both burst into laughter. I, on the other hand, didn't think it was hideous, so I just smiled and commented on the post.

"I love it, muse. Really brightens up the place, thank you."

Henry and Nick's expressions quickly switched from joyous to shocked.

"Did you just comment on a Facebook post?" Nick asked, doubt etched on his face.

"Yes, is there a problem?" I asked casually, glancing through the other comments, hoping that no man dared to admire anything but the room.

"Crownis, is this really you? You've changed. You never comment on posts, talk less of leaving a positive comment, plus you hate pink," Henry said, his brows curved with anger.

"Who said I didn't like pink?" I questioned, putting my phone aside, my voice calm and subtle. The shocked look on their faces tripled instantly.

"I love pink, and starting today, it's my favorite color."