ARIANA
A week has passed since I came back. I was trying to stay away from him. I would stay in my room and even eat there to make sure I stay away from him. The betrayal that I suffered through and how every single fucking dream of mine were crushed because he was top egoistic and proud to admit that he was wrong. I could never forget the day when I found out that I could never conceive because of his stubbornness. And the fact that he believed his ex over me and killed our child.
My hatred for him was still burning in my heart. Then one morning, I stepped out of the bathroom, freshly showered. Since I kept to myself and kept my room locked from the inside, I knew I couldn't expect anyone inside. But I was surprised when I walked out of the shower, completely naked while drying my hair with a small piece of towel.
With a loud gasp, I tried to cover my skin with that small napkin but it was no use. It was too short to cover both of my breasts at once. Covering my privates all at once was impossible.
When he stood up from the couch and walked toward me, I knew I was done for. He had always done whatever he wanted with me. And I was naive to always believe him. The monster within him never stopped whenever I was naked.
Except for this time, I realized that his gaze never dropped from my eyes, not even once. Without looking at me, he pulled his blazer off and placed it on my shoulders, covering my bare skin. “You don't need to hide inside the room. If you feel uncomfortable around me, which is very much understandable, I will start spending my free time at the office. And only come home to sleep.” I gulped hard when I heard it.
“I don't want your sacrifices. I just want to get done with the treatment and get outta here.” I replied, coldly. I didn't look at him. I sat down on the couch, still trying to dry my dripping wet hair. He grabbed my wrist. The touch made my breath hitch in fear. But instead of trying anything I would dread, he grabbed the small towel from my hand and started drying my hair very gently and calmly.
“Rina! I am not doing anyone any favor. For all that I had done to you, how I made you suffer because I was too blinded by everything and everyone around me. I don't deserve a second chance but you don't deserve to be punished or die for the mistakes I had made.” Tears started burning inside my eyes as he started talking.
His voice was heavy with guild and pain but my heart had been heavier for years. The pain and guilt for not saving my child when he couldn't defend himself, from the monstrosity that his father kept around, was eating me from the inside. I couldn't eat, sleep or breathe freely.
“I am only trying to make sure that you walk out of this mansion the way I brought you in. I can't fix all the damages. But I can save your life. And that's what I am trying to do. But if you keep yourself locked up in your room, you'll only get sicker.” I didn't say anything. I just kept listening to his reasons.
“Anyways, today is your first chemotherapy session. I came here to remind you that, and that you don't need to hide away. The monster within me died the day I found out that I killed my own child and your love together because I was too stupid. I am never going to touch you again.” He whispered, as he was done brushing my hair.
Without another word, he placed the brush on the table. “I will be waiting for you in the dining hall. I hope you join me for breakfast. We have an hour before we leave for the hospital.” He said, standing by the door frame. He didn't dare to look at me. Without another word, he was out of my room.