Chapter 17: Shadows of the Past and Broken Promises

Chapter 17: Shadows of the Past and Broken Promises

The air in Sarai’s house felt heavy, filled with an invisible tension that seemed to cling to every corner. Ever since David had promised to stay by her side, something within her had shifted—but it had also opened a door, letting in echoes of a past she thought she had buried.

That morning, as Sarai prepared coffee in the kitchen, her phone vibrated with an unexpected call. When she saw the name on the screen, a knot formed in her throat.

—Hi, Mom —she answered with a voice that tried to remain steady, though it trembled inside.

On the other end, Lorena, David’s mother, spoke with a cold, calculated tone—a mixture of reproach and authority.

—Sarai —Lorena began—. David told me about your plans, and I must say I’m very disappointed. You can’t possibly think this union will be easy. Our family has a legacy to protect, and you represent an obstacle to that.

Sarai closed her eyes, recalling the warnings she had always heard—the looks of disdain, and the harsh words she had endured.

—Mrs. Lorena —she replied firmly—. I won’t let your prejudices destroy what David and I are building. I didn’t come into this family out of convenience or interest. I came because I believe in him and in what we can become together.

Lorena sighed, as if weighing Sarai’s strength, then continued with a more threatening tone:

—The Donovan family does not commit to someone who doesn’t meet the standard. If you want to move forward, Sarai, you’ll have to withstand many trials. It won’t be easy for you—or for him.

The call ended abruptly, leaving Sarai with a mix of fury and fear. She knew she wasn’t just facing her own ghosts, but an entire family seemingly determined to tear them apart.

That same day, David came to see her. His face showed fatigue, but also unshakable determination.

—What did your mother say? —he asked bluntly, taking her hand.

—What I expected —she replied—. That we’re not welcome, that I’m not good enough for you.

David looked at her with tenderness and restrained anger.

—I won’t let anyone or anything come between us, Sarai. No matter what happens, I’ll fight for you.

They spent hours talking, making plans, imagining a future where they could live without fear or impositions. But the weight of the past didn’t dissipate so easily.

That night, as Sarai tried to sleep, a message popped up on her phone. It was Erick, her brother, with an unexpected proposal.

“Sarai, I know you’re in trouble. I have something that could help us out of this situation. Call me.”

The message left her stunned. Could she really trust him? Or was it just another trap?

Sarai stared at Erick’s message, her heart racing. She knew her brother had never been reliable; his gambling and debts had only brought problems to the family. But now, in the midst of everything going on with David and the pressure from the Donovan family, the idea of accepting help from him seemed both tempting and terrifying.

The night wore on, and Sarai couldn’t sleep. Her mind kept circling Lorena’s threats, David’s strength and support, and the lingering shadow of Erick, with whom she had barely spoken in years. Could he really help her? Or would he only try to exploit her situation?

The next day, she decided to call him, her hands trembling around the phone.

—What do you want, Erick? —her voice was cold, a shield of self-protection.

—Sarai —her brother replied, with a voice far more serious and less carefree than usual—. Listen, I know we haven’t had the best relationship, and I’ve made mistakes, but this time I can help. I’ve got contacts who can provide some stability. But you can’t keep facing David and his family alone.

Sarai felt a flicker of hope mixed with doubt.

—Why now? Why do you want to help me? —she asked, suspicious.

—Because, despite everything, you’re my sister —Erick said, with a sincerity that surprised her—. And because I don’t want them to destroy you, Sarai. I don’t want to lose you too.

Erick’s words echoed in her heart, but she knew that accepting his help could bring unpredictable consequences.

That afternoon, Sarai met with David at a quiet café, far from prying eyes.

—David, my brother offered to help —she confessed honestly—. I don’t know if I can trust him, but I feel like I need support.

David took her hand and looked into her eyes.

—Trust me. Whatever you decide, I’ll be by your side. But let me talk to Erick. I want to know what he really plans.

For the first time, Sarai felt she wasn’t alone in this battle. But the war was just beginning, and the pieces were moving on a board far more dangerous than she imagined.

After that conversation in the café, Sarai couldn’t help but feel a mix of relief and dread. David seemed truly willing to protect her, but Erick’s shadow loomed over them with unexpected weight.

Soon after, David insisted on meeting with Erick. He wanted to understand his true intentions before Sarai got further involved. So they arranged a meeting at a discreet restaurant, a neutral place to avoid either party feeling at a disadvantage.

When Sarai arrived, she found David already seated across from Erick, who wore that arrogant smile that always irritated her—though there was a flicker of nervousness in his eyes. David didn’t waste time.

—Erick, tell me clearly what you’re after with this so-called help —David said firmly, not taking his eyes off him.

Erick let the smile drop for a moment, crossed his arms, and leaned back in his chair.

—What I want is for Sarai to have some backing, a bit of money so she’s not completely at the mercy of the Donovan family —he answered nonchalantly—. I’ve got contacts who can arrange that. Small but safe investments. Nothing illegal, David. Just business.

David frowned but didn’t interrupt.

—And what’s the price? —he asked, already suspecting what Erick wasn’t saying.

Erick shrugged, keeping his composure.

—I just want Sarai to keep me in mind. Not ignore or reject me when I need something. That’s all I’m asking.

David stared at him for a long moment, then nodded slightly.

—If you try to take advantage of her, you’ll have to deal with me—and my entire family. And trust me, that’s not a fight you want.

Erick let out a dry laugh.

—You and your family... always so dramatic.

Sarai, who had remained silent while observing the scene, felt her chest tighten. The years of distance and resentment only heightened the tension, but one thing was clear: her brother was willing to help her, even if it was in the most complicated and dangerous way.

After that meeting, Sarai began to seriously consider which path to take. David was a refuge—but also the center of a larger conflict. Erick could offer support—but at what cost? Meanwhile, her mother’s health was deteriorating, forcing decisions she could no longer postpone.

That night, Sarai stared at the ceiling of her room, wondering if she was truly prepared to face everything that lay ahead. She knew she couldn’t give up—that she had to be strong, for herself and for those who depended on her.

The war was only just beginning.