The morning sun filtered through the tall windows of Jason's house, casting long shadows across the polished floors. Loraine wandered through the hallways, wrapped in a silk robe, enjoying the quiet after a breakfast where Jason had been unusually silent, reading the morning papers with his usual calm composure.
It had been several days since their wedding, and though every gesture from him was thoughtful, every word was warm, Loraine began to notice a peculiar absence. Jason had been kind, attentive, even doting, yet he had not touched her in the way she had imagined newlyweds might. The thought gnawed at her quietly, a seed of worry planted deep in her heart.
The Locked Room
Curiosity drew her further into the house, wandering into corridors she had not yet explored. Her eyes landed on a tall, oak door at the far end of a hallway. Unlike the other doors, it was locked and seemed to hum with quiet secrecy.
Loraine approached, her fingers brushing against the cold wood. She tried the handle—it did not budge. She heard footsteps behind her before she could even react.
"Stop," Jason said calmly, his deep voice startling her. He stood close, arms crossed, looking down at her with his usual composed expression.
"Jason… what is in here?" Loraine asked, her curiosity stronger than fear.
He shrugged, one corner of his mouth lifting in a faint, almost teasing smile. "Just some old things with dust. I'll call the maids to clean them up later. Nothing you need to worry about."
Loraine frowned. "But… why locked? Why can't I see?"
He leaned closer, his voice soft and unyielding. "Some things are better left untouched. Trust me, Loraine. Nothing will harm you."
Her curiosity burned hotter, but his calm authority was difficult to resist. She pressed her lips together and let the moment pass, though the question lingered in her mind.
Quiet Doubts
Days went by, and Loraine found herself increasingly preoccupied with thoughts of Jason. She loved him deeply, completely, yet she couldn't shake the quiet anxiety growing in her chest.
Why hadn't he touched her?
Was she… not attractive to him?
Had she done something wrong?
The questions weighed on her like a stone, impossible to ignore. She tried to push them aside, but they grew louder with every passing day, gnawing at her peace of mind.
Attempting to Escape
One afternoon, driven by frustration and confusion, Loraine decided to leave the house for the market, seeking space, clarity, and perhaps some attention to remind herself she existed outside of his world. She stepped toward the gates, hope lifting her spirits briefly—only to be stopped by the guards.
"You are not allowed to leave, Madam," one said firmly, his stance unyielding. "Sir has ordered that no one let you pass."
Loraine's chest tightened, tears threatening to spill. "Why? I just… I want to go to the market!" she cried.
The guards remained unmoved, and Loraine turned, heart heavy, walking back inside, tears streaming down her cheeks. She felt trapped, confused, and desperately alone despite being married to the man she loved.
The Confrontation
Jason returned home not long after. Loraine ran to him, tears pouring freely.
"Jason! Why did the guards stop me? Why… why won't you let me go?!" she demanded, voice trembling.
He looked at her quietly, saying nothing, his silence heavy and infuriating.
"Why… why haven't you… touched me?" she continued, frustration and sadness mixing in her voice. "Why do you act like… like I'm just here, not… not yours?"
Jason remained calm, his gaze steady, almost unreadable. He did not answer, did not console her. The lack of response made her chest ache. She sank to the floor, tears running freely, unable to understand the paradox of the man she loved so completely—so attentive in every way—yet utterly distant in the one thing her heart longed for.
Loraine felt a storm of emotions—love, fear, longing, frustration—all colliding within her. She wanted to run, to demand explanations, to rebel against the invisible walls surrounding her life. And yet… the pull of his presence, his quiet authority, his calm, unwavering gaze, kept her rooted in place.
Lingering Questions
Even as she sat there, crying softly, heart pounding, Loraine couldn't silence the questions forming in her mind, insistent and burning:
Why does he treat me like a queen, yet leave me wanting more?
What is he hiding behind that calm, charming facade?
Why does he command my life so completely, and yet… leave me longing for intimacy?
Can I ever truly understand the man I have given my heart to completely?
And… will my love be enough to bridge the distance he maintains, or am I losing myself in this world that is so entirely his?
As she leaned against the cool marble floor, exhausted and overwhelmed, Loraine knew one thing: her life with Jason was no longer simple. And somewhere deep in her heart, a quiet, anxious question lingered—one she dared not speak aloud:
Was she truly ready for all that loving him would demand?