Chapter 21 Suddenly Being Nice
I can’t remember the last time I cried this much. The last time my heart felt this heavy with shame. Carlos really knows how to make a girl feel small, broken even.
I can still see the way he looked at me, the way he told me to undress. And when I did, the things he said, so cruel, so cold and harsh as if he had been waiting to say that to me.
Now I’m lying in bed, trying to steady my breath, when I hear the door creak open. I quickly wipe my tears, already knowing it’s Carlos. I just hope he’s not here to bother me. I’m not in the mood. Not after everything. I can’t handle more of his torture.
"You didn’t come for dinner," He said . From the sound of his voice, I know he’s standing at the door.
I cleared my throat before replying. "I’m not hungry."
"That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t come to eat."
"Again, I’m not hungry," I replied firmly, still not facing him.
"You have to eat something anyway," He insisted
"I said I’m not hungry!" I snapped, louder than I meant to.
He doesn’t respond right away. After a beat, he said, "Look, I don’t have time for this."
"Neither do I so please leave and stop wasting both of our time," I said sharply
He sighed clearly holding back his anger "You live with me Nala and since you are with me, it’s my job to keep you alive. So go eat dinner."
I sighed, saying nothing. I can’t tell if he’s pretending to be clueless or if he genuinely believes I’ll always do what he says. But he’s wrong, I’m not his slave who will abide by every single thing he says.
When Carlos realized I was not going to answer, his tone sharpened. "Nala, I’m talking to you."
"I said I’m not hungry!" I yelled, finally turning to face him.
"I heard you but you are eating whether you like it or not."
I scoffed "Just because I listened to you earlier today doesn’t mean I will right now. I said I’m not eating and that’s final. So please, leave me alone." I growled, this time even more upset
He paused, staring at me like he was trying to read my face. Then he scoffed.
"Fine. Don’t eat. Starve to death," He growled before storming out, slamming the door behind him.
I rolled my eyes and sank back into bed. I hate him. I can’t stand him anymore. I can’t wait to leave this house for good.
Hours pass. I tossed and turned, unable to sleep. The hunger gnawed at me, but there’s no way I’m stepping out of this room to eat. Not after the scene I just made.
More time passed, and still nothing. I couldn’t sleep. My stomach began to ache and grumble. As much as I tried to ignore it, I really did want food but I can’t have food. I made a point to Carlos and I have to stick with it.
Just as I was caught in that thought, I heard a soft knock at the door.
"Come in," I said.
Sophia walked in holding a tray, followed by two other maids. One carried a robe and the other held a stack of books.
She placed the tray on the table and removed the lid covering the plate. The smell alone made my mouth water. Mashed potatoes, chicken, and vegetables. It looked incredible.
"Who’s the food for?" I asked, eyeing the plate and then looking at her.
"You," She replied with a smile. "Sir Carlos asked me to bring this to you."
"Oh," I said, a little surprised but also relieved. I stepped closer and took a bite of the chicken. Just like it looked, it was delicious.
"He also told us to bring you a robe and some books so you can relax and enjoy your night," She added.
I stared at her, confused. "He said that?"
She nodded. "Yes."
"Okay," I said quietly, watching the other maids place the robe and books on the chair.
"If you need anything, just use the landline and call me. I’ll pick up," Sophia said.
"Alright, thank you." I gave her a small nod, still unsure how to process everything.
It felt strange that Carlos had done this. I thought he hated me. Why would he go out of his way to send food and books to me? Something about this didn’t sit right with me. Carlos isn’t a nice person, at least not to me.
"Sophia," I said, pulling her aside gently. "Do you know where Carlos is?"
"He’s in the guest room," She replied.
"Is he going to sleep there?"
She shrugged. "I’m not sure, but he’s been there for hours. Is something wrong?"
"No, I was just a little curious. By the way, thank you for the food."
"Don’t thank me, thank Sir Carlos. He’s the one who asked me to cook dinner for you and bring it here. And honestly, if you can, try to eat it. He would really like that."
"Why would he care if I eat it?" I asked, honestly confused.
"Because he seemed a little worried. He was surprised you were going to bed without dinner."
"Oh." I thought processing what she just said. He was actually worried? That doesn’t sound like him at all. He’s usually mean to me so why is he suddenly being nice?
"Anyway, if you need anything, I would be happy to assist. Just call me and I’ll be here," She said before leaving the room.
Once the door closed, I didn’t waste a second. I devoured the food. I had been starving and the food tasted amazing. After eating, I took a long shower, changed into something comfortable, and picked up one of the books. I actually enjoyed reading it, but even then, I couldn’t shake off the confusion. I didn’t believe Carlos is being kind for no reason. There has to be something behind it.