Broken Boundaries

Chapter 9: Emotional Connection

Celeste

The door swings open, flooding the dark storeroom with light. A tall figure stands in the doorway, and I gasp for breath as he rushes toward me. “Celeste,” Mr. Dominic calls my name, lifting my head gently to help me sit up.

“Please, don’t tell my uncle,” I manage to whisper, my voice trembling as I clutch my aching knee. “Don’t let anyone see me like this.” The thought of the humiliation makes my cheeks burn, and I just hope he understands. Without hesitation, he pulls me to my feet, wrapping my arm around his broad shoulder. His warmth seeps through his shirt, and I cling to him as he lifts me effortlessly, as if I weigh nothing at all.

“It’s alright, just hold on to me,” he says softly, and we step out of the storeroom.

The cool air hits me, drying the sweat on my face. It feels like a small relief, though my breaths are shallow and fast. As we pass through the courtyard, I feel the weight of countless eyes on us, hear the whispers, the muffled laughs. But for once, I don’t care.

I close my eyes, the pain dragging me into a strange haze, almost like I’m drifting away. Everything goes fuzzy until I wake up with a violent cough. I blink, and Mr. Dominic’s worried face comes into focus.

“Just stay down,” he tells me, his voice calm and steady. “You need to rest.”

I haven’t seen anyone look at me like that in a long time.

Concerned.

Genuine.

His fingers run through his tousled black hair, and I catch myself staring at him. His gaze meets mine, and I quickly look away, my heart stumbling over itself. “How… how did I get here?” I mutter.

“I brought you,” he replies, reaching out to adjust my hair. His hand brushes against my curls—soft, almost like he’s afraid to touch me. “You’re cute, Celeste,” he says, his voice dropping slightly, “but it’s not cute holding back your pain. Who did this to you?”

I turn my head, swallowing back the tightness in my throat. But before I can answer, my uncle, Mr. Kunle, bursts into the room. “What happened?” His eyes dart from me to Mr. Dominic, then back.

“I—I fell,” I stammer out.

“Fell?” he repeats, frowning. “Where exactly?”

Mr. Dominic jumps in, explaining how he found me, but I can see the suspicion in Uncle’s eyes as he looks at him. It’s almost like he doesn’t believe a word of it. I know this will only make him angrier.

As he walks away, my uncle leans closer, his voice low and unsteady. “Tell me he didn’t touch you.” His words are like a slap, and I glance down as tears prick at my eyes. I try to hold it together, but the pain rushes back, stronger than before. I can feel Uncle’s anger boiling just below the surface.

“This isn’t the first time something like this has happened,” he mutters, turning on his heel like he’s ready to storm out.

Without thinking, I reach out and grab his wrist. “Please, don’t go.” My voice comes out shakier than I intend, but I manage to keep my face straight. “I’m fine now, I promise.” I try to stand, but my legs wobble beneath me, and I nearly fall again. Uncle Kunle catches me, steadying me just in time.

He shoots Mr. Dominic a final glare before hurrying out of the clinic. I can hear him muttering something about Hayvin, the principal’s daughter. I don’t know what’s about to happen, but with Mrs. Dolton always taking her daughter’s side, I’m certain Uncle won’t get far. And Mr. Dominic left without saying goodbye.

It isn’t long before a taxi arrives to take me home. Once inside, I peel off my uniform and let the cold shower numb the throbbing in my knee. I limp around my room like some awkward lizard, hoping the movement will somehow speed up the healing. But my thoughts keep drifting back to Mr. Dominic—how he carried me, how he looked at me with such intensity.

For a moment, being in his arms felt like paradise. But then it all vanished, like waking up from a dream I never wanted to end.

Wasn't it supposed to be nightmare?

Why can’t I get him out of my head? I open my wardrobe and pull out my black jacket, bringing it close to my face. The scent of his cologne clings to the fabric—fresh like evening dew, with a hint of roses and ocean lilies. It smells like sunset. Before I realize it, I’m gripping the jacket too tightly, as if it could somehow bring me back to that moment.

Saturday morning arrives, and Kyomi shows up at my door. Her orange crop top and blue jeans hug her figure perfectly, and her orange-blonde hair is slicked back into a neat bun. “Blake’s birthday is next week,” she announces, her bright eyes gleaming. “Come shopping with me?” She bats her lashes, like I could ever say no.

The boutique is crowded, buzzing with activity. I trail behind Kyomi, listening as she talks non-stop about what Blake might like. She picks up a jacket, then glances back at me. “Hey, what do you think? Blake’s size?”

I shrug, more interested in the rows of leather gloves and ties than Blake’s wardrobe. Kyomi’s expression suddenly darkens. “I know Hayvin and her friends did that to you,” she says, her voice dropping low. “I swear, if she comes near you again, I’ll—”

“Don’t,” I cut her off quickly. “It’s not worth it. My uncle almost got fired for punishing her last term.” I can’t let Kyomi make this worse. “Let’s just avoid them,” I add, though I’m not even convincing myself.

She rolls her eyes dramatically, as if to say, Yeah, right.

Kyomi continues browsing, pausing to check the price tags. “How much are you planning to spend?” I ask.

She grins. “Let’s just say… all my savings.” I stare at her, completely taken aback.

“Why would you do that?”

“Giving someone you love a gift shows appreciation and strengthens your bond,” she explains with a dreamy smile. “A thoughtful gift can deepen your emotional connection, you know?”

“Emotional connection...” The phrase lingers in my mind, echoing back to Mr. Dominic and the way he looked at me. I glance at the men’s section—a row of silk ties catches my eye. Should I… get him something? It’s ridiculous, right?

My fingers brush over a simple black tie. Before I can second-guess myself, I grab it and head for the cashier. But as I hand over the money, my heart thuds against my ribcage, a nervous knot forming in my stomach.

What if giving him this is a mistake?