Been sitting on this one for quite a while now and since I'm in quarantine I decided to finish it up.

Credits to Atticus. You were my inspiration.

Happy reading :)

I let you come my way

I let it all untether

Meet me in hiding places

We lay our bodies down

-Mallorca by Ry X

In that certain part of my life I felt like I was sleeping. Everyday was the same, smiling and chatting at parties. I had to be the perfect wife for my husband, yet I felt like I was dying. I felt hollow and empty. Lonely. That was how it had been for quite a few years of my life. I'm 25 now. Stephen and I have been married since I was 18 and it was good. We were good. But now life just eats away at me. I was so depressed. Of course I couldn't show it. We lived in a fishbowl, Stephen and I. My world was so full of anxiety and pretense. That was, just until you came along Fitzgerald Grant, my bodyguard. I remember the exact moment I turned and saw you. We shook hands in greeting and the feeling that passed through me, it was nothing I'd ever known before. Your eyes, oh damn those eyes. You saw every part of me, parts that I've kept hidden from the world. You saw me at that very moment and you knew me. I felt inexplicable comfort and warmth around you. At that moment I knew my life would change forever. There was colour in my world again. I could see blues and reds and purples and pinks and oranges. All the parties and meetings seemed not so depressing after all. It was you, Fitz. You brought colour to my skies, life into my bones again. We would spend hours talking, trying to get to know each other better. Our walks through the garden were my favourite time with you. You pulled me close one night when I was cold and I couldn't help myself. I leaned in and kissed you fully on the lips. Our first kiss that night, in the garden, you holding me so tenderly, so lovingly. We both knew there was no turning back from there. Your arms were so warm and inviting. You stroked my back softly and I lost myself in your closeness.

Stephen was away on business and I went back to my house, the one I lived in before my whole life turned upside down. I longed for simpler days. Days where I could be myself completely, not having to hide or tame parts of who I am. I was myself back then, not throwing a cautious glance behind my shoulder every minute. I could come and go as I please, without giving an account to anyone. The simple days are gone but yet I had them with you. Pieces of it. And no matter how small I was grateful. Grateful that I could finally breathe. Our first night together happened at that house. You loved me so tenderly and I came apart in your arms.

We almost got caught one night and I found that life is so strange. The very thing you wish to avoid is the thing that confronts you in the end. We got through it, we were more careful after that. You said we would live freely, together, one day. You made so many promises. We would fall into bed and make love so passionately. You would whisper in my ear sweet nothings. Stephen was rarely around much and so we had all the time in the world.

"I love you Livvie," you whispered one night.

"I love you too Fitz," I whispered back and snuggled in closer to you.

You said it would be difficult getting away and starting over.

I told you it wouldn't be.

"Where's your dream place to live?" You asked one afternoon on our stroll through the garden.

"Paris. I went there once when I was a child. I fell in love with it instantly. I'd love to go back one day and build a home full of love and laughter." You took my hand and squeezed it tight.

"I hope to build that home with you Livvie, one fine day."

Stephen confronted me days later, curious as to why I've been staying at my old house on the weekends. It wasn't a big deal but he made it one.

"What's going on Olivia?"

"Nothing at all. I needed to get away from this stifling place so I went home to relax and be by myself. Is there a problem?"

He caressed his beard slowly. "No. No problem," he studied me momentarily before asking, "Are you happy here, Liv? I've noticed you seem not yourself."

I snorted, rolling my eyes. Dumb question.

"You've just now noticed? I don't want to talk about this Stephen," I turned my back to him.

He grabbed my arm and spun me around, still keeping his grip on me.

"Ow! Stephen let go of me!"

"You don't turn your back on me when I'm speaking to you!" He yelled.

I saw you come from behind the corner Fitz. Always so close but always out of sight. Until now of course.

"Is everything okay ma'am?"

"Everything is fine! You can go." Stephen said dismissively. You hesitated, just a fraction but I saw it and Stephen did too. I hoped he would chalk it up to nothing. You left then, throwing a worried glance my way. You knew better than to stay and I should have known better than to look your way.

Hope you enjoyed it. Thanks for reading,

Naz.