Becoming his world
Marcus shift after Rosalyn said yes
Slowly it started with small things. Texts every morning. Calls before bed, he wanted to know how she slept, if she ate , whether work was exhausting, his concerns were gentle, almost careful and Rosalyn answered in soft sentences that gave him the sense of belonging
"you make my days better " he told her once over the phone. " even when we don't talk much "
She smiled softly " I'm glad " she said
Marcus became an often visitor at the cafe, sometimes he ordered coffee or sometimes he watched her while she is working. When their eyes met , he smiled like a man who believed he belonged there.
"You don't have to wait " Rosalyn told him one afternoon
"I want to " he replied " seeing you heals me
She didn't argue further
He started bringing her gifts. Nothing fancy yet —flowers, a scarf , a book he said reminded him of her. Each time he waited for her response watching closely
" you didn't have to " she said fingers brushing the wrapping.
" I wanted to " he answered " let me "
That word again. Let me
Rosalyn learned how much it meant to him
When they were out together, Marcus chose quiet places. He didn't like crowds. He liked sitting close, his hand resting on her knee or around her waist as if reminding himself she was real
" l've never felt like this before " he confessed one night " I don't want to lose you "
Rosalyn lowered her eyes " I've been left before " she said softly.
His grip tightened. " I won't do that to you " his gaze was gentle like he saw something fragile .
She believed he believed it.
Slowly, Marcus started cancelling plans that didn't include her . He stopped answering calls when they were together. When she didn't respond to his messages right w, his tone changed.
" are you okay ?"
" did I do something wrong?"
" just worry "
Rosalyn learned when to reassure him and when to stay silent. Silence makes him anxious. Anxiety made him honest.
At his house, she noticed things she hadn't before—documents on his desk, open emails, names he spoke with irritation. She listed without asking. Men always talked more when they felt safe.
At night, Marcus slept peacefully besides her. Rosalyn did not. She stared at the ceiling, counting the slow rise and fall of his chu. Trust made people careless, Careless people left doors open.
Marcus thought love was growing between them
Rosalyn knew better.
Love was not what bound him to her. Need was .
And need was much easier to shape.