Chapter twenty four
Alora POV
"I can't leave him, Maria. What if he wakes up and finds out I’m not by his side, after the promise I made to him?" I whined, looking at Maria pitifully.
"But my dear Alora, you've been by his side for three days now. If he wakes up, he’ll be glad you cared for him without rest," she said softly, holding my hands gently.
"Just promise me you’ll take good care of him when I leave," I demanded, looking at Maria seriously.
"Yes, I promise," she answered, looking into my eyes. "He'll be fine, trust me. I've seen worse."
That gave me chills, because I couldn't imagine something worse than this happening.
“Worse? The word echoed in my head like a curse. What could be worse than Rafe lying lifeless? I didn’t know then, but I’d soon find out.”
Every part of me screamed to stay, but the cruel reality of my exams forced me to walk away.
Leaving him felt like tearing myself in half.
I kept telling myself it was just an exam, but walking out on him felt like betrayal, like I was choosing a piece of paper over the man who held something in memory that I couldn't point out yet.
I had been hopeful he’d finally wake up and things would go back to normal.
Today we were expecting Bianca to drop by; she had called Maria and informed her she was coming when she heard what had happened.
Santino had been the one to drop by since he was now taking care of things on behalf of Rafaello.
His grandfather had left the country, at least that’s what Santino told me, and I couldn’t be happier. I hated that old man.
The witch Tanya hadn't shown up a single day to check on Rafe. Not that I wanted her to, it was just funny how she wouldn’t even care about the man she once flaunted herself to.
I took one final look at Rafe's still figure before walking to the door. He was stronger than the day he was brought home, and that fragile improvement was enough to keep me hoping.
I walked downstairs, feeling like every step I took was too heavy.
Just then, someone grabbed my hand.
"Well, well… the loyal wife finally steps away from her post," Macko teased.
"I had no choice," I replied, rolling my eyes at him.
"Let me hold you so you don't change your mind and go back."
I sighed deeply and let him drag me out.
"We'll grab you a bite on the way," he informed me as we got into the car and drove off.
I held my chin up. Each minute my mind kept drifting off to Rafe. Until now, Santino hadn't explained anything about what had happened. I had been so curious, but he wouldn't budge. My only hope was to hear it from Rafaello himself.
Macko’s eyes flicked to me through the mirror, and for a second I swore he wanted to say something, but then he clenched his jaw and kept driving. Everyone was hiding something, and it was eating me alive.
Macko made a stop and got me breakfast. Macko had been my best support, always trying to cheer me up.
"What's with the frown, princess?" he asked, looking at me through the rearview mirror.
"Nothing," I sighed.
"Spill it. I know you’re thinking about something," he nudged, raising his brows curiously. He had caught me, so I just chewed my bottom lip, feeling conflicted.
"Fine. Do you think Rafe will be glad I was by his side?" I asked.
This had really been eating me up since the day I agreed to care for him. Would it matter to him? Would it mean anything?
"Of course, hunny. You’re the best wife he could ever ask for, and if he won’t see it, then he better be blind," he answered, his voice dramatic.
That made me giggle as I nodded gently, not wanting to toy more with the subject.
We finally pulled into the school parking lot.
I walked out, taking my backpack and coffee. I gave Macko a slight side hug before walking off.
The stares followed me. Everything had changed, my clothes, my car, my entire life. And for once, I was grateful.
Not having to work nonstop, or be worried about where to sleep, or how to pay my tuition and other expenses, these little things had shifted my world.
I walked into the exam hall feeling drained. My only hope was to finish quickly and get home to rest. The bags beneath my eyes deepened, and my bones ached as if I had worked hard labor for days.
Three exhausting hours later, it was finally over. Relief washed through me as I packed my things.
I made my way to my locker, only to find a strange guy standing there, looking as if he was waiting for someone.
"Hi, can I help you with something?" I asked.
He stared me for a moment, then dragged a hand through his messy curls. Damn he looked cute.
"Hi, I’m Jordan. I wanted to talk to you," he said, licking his pink lips softly.
"I’m Alora. What do you want to talk to me about?" I inquired, raising my brows.
"Nice name for a beautiful girl," he said, smiling softly at me, and that made me blush.
Damn, that was a killer smile.
But behind that smile was something sharp, something unreadable. A part of me wondered if I should be afraid of how easily he disarmed me.
"I wanted to ask for your number, Alora," he added, tilting his brows slightly, like he was studying me keenly.
That had me surprised. A guy like him wouldn’t have looked at me before, let alone stood at my locker asking for my number.
"I’m sorry, I can't do that," I answered firmly.
I couldn't do it, even if I wanted to. The thought of being married, that too, to a mafia boss, made me flip. What if Rafe found out? Why did I care what he would think anyway?
"That's okay, I won't push it. I just really like you. Can I at least get to hang out with you?" he asked.
"I'll think about it," I answered defensively.
"I don't bite," he teased, fixing his posture and brushing his hand against mine slightly.
"It's okay, I have to leave now. It was nice meeting you, Jordan," I acknowledged, ready to walk out.
"Let me walk you out," he offered, and I just nodded.
We walked side by side as we made our way out. When we got to the car, he said, "I guess I'll see you around," and winked before walking away to his car.
For a moment I just stood there, staring, lost at what had just happened.
I’d never had a boyfriend, never been on a date. Sometimes I felt like I’d missed out on the things girls were supposed to enjoy before settling down. But here I was, already married.
Married to a man who hadn’t chosen me, and maybe never would. I wondered which would break me first, the six years I owed him, or the feelings I was already drowning in.”
Would I do these things with Rafe, or would I just have to wait for the six years to end for me to be free to love someone else freely?
"You're drooling," Macko's teasing voice startled me from my thoughts. Feeling embarrassed, I rushed to wipe the corner of my lips.
"Who was that hot guy? I mean, not hot like your husband, but girl, that guy looks yummy," he exclaimed licking his lips slightly.
"No one," I answered getting into the car.
"If you say so. Did you get his number?" he asked, raising his brows at me.
"Nope."
"You’re no fun," he mocked, grinning as he sped us away.