"What do you suggest?" Rafael muttered, his voice low and raspy. His hair falling on his forehead were longer than their usual length that highlighted his sharp cheekbones and dark black eyes. His eyes fixated upon the dark-haired man.
"Time..." the elector fixed his glasses and gave Rafael a light smile. "Time is a great medicine. Give her time and see what happens. I looked into her reports and I am afraid that her life before this was any good. Maybe, this is a good sign."
Any good?Rafael clenched his jaw. Only if he was careful with her.
"When can I take her home?" Rafael asked, his blood boiling with unknown emotions. Never had he witnessed such cruelty on an innocent soul like hers.
"Whenever you want. There is a care center in your home as well." The doctor shrugged, noticing how Rafael nodded and fished out his phone.
Home. It was the last place he wanted to take her. He had some other plans.
****
"Does it hurt?"
“It's...bearable."
"You can tell me if you feel uncomfortable anywhere." Rafael softly muttered.
She could not recognize him at all. He wasn't a bit familiar, though he was always there since she woke up, yet she couldn't bring herself to remember him. If he was her husband, she should’ve had some glimpses of him.
His looks were a breath of fresh air, a blend of both attractiveness and roughness. The depth of his dark eyes held a fiery flame that warmed her every time they locked onto hers, igniting a quiet flame within her. With every glance, he eluded an aura of charisma.
"How long are we married for?" Amara asked as he helped her in the car. The doctor had suggested keeping her in the hospital for a few more days but Rafael was hasty. He did not want her to stay in that hospital any longer. "I mean, you said you are my husband." Rafael froze at the familiar ache before clearing his throat.
"One year."
"Oh … thenouranniversarymustbearoundthecorner."Rafaelstiffenedatherchuckle,the smile on his face faltering as a dark look flashed through his eyes before he curled his lips again.Anniversary.
Bringinghermemoriesbackmeantbringingallthepainhemadehersufferbackintoherlife again and Rafael felt protectiveness wrapping around him at the thought of hurting her again. "Yes, it is. It’s due in seventeen days."
This time Rafael promised himself to be better for her.
"Oh … "Amarafidgetedwithherhandsslowlylookingupathim.“ Itfeelsso strange,you know.”
The choking regret returned before closing the door from her side. Circling the car, he opened the door to the other side and climbed in. She watched him curiously, noticing how gracefully he moved, his features otherworldly giving him surreal looks.
Rafael noticed her gaze on him and turned to her only to frown. Her seat belt was not buckled.
"Come here," he said and her eyes widened. Before she could process, he was leaning down to her side pulling the seat belt and securing it around her slender waist. He was so close and shecould smell the sweet smell of tangerines coming off him mixed with a fruity aroma that calmed her senses. His fingers brushed on her sides unknowingly and her breath hitched.
Rafael pulled away. This was the first time he was this close to her. And it did something to him. Gulping hard, she looked towards the window and muttered shyly.
"...Thank you..." she said witha crimson tint covering her cheeks. Rafael noticed and chuckledlightly.
The overall ride was relaxing and filled with silence. Amara restrained herself from asking any more questions. Though everything was bizarre, she felt habitable inRafael’spresence. He was a nice man as far as she had seen. The way he made sure she was comfortable in any situation. Though he had not given her any hint if he was lying or not, she could see genuineness in hiseyes.
Rafael fished out hisphone and started typingand she decided to look outside. The hospital was in the city and her curious eyes landed on buildings outside. She had never seen such beauty and magnificence till now. The city view hypnotized her towards it, it seemed somewhat familiar and refreshing to look at.
She frowned.
Something familiar struck her mind and she pressurized it, thinking deeply. Several flashes of images ran in front of her closed eyes like a reel playing, but the only evident things she could make out were blue sky, rocks, and trees, then a sharp pain reverberated through her head and the images converted into face, blurred face. She could not recognize it. Just lips moving, she could not hear but then like a siren calling a sailor to the shore, a very unfamiliar voice rang in her head.
"Amara!"
She gasped as her eyes shot open. Hands shaking her shoulders as she looked around with fearful eyes.
"Amara, look at me." Warm hands pulled her to an equally warm body, arms wrapping around her, hands rubbing down her back soothingly and yet she couldn't breathe. "Shh...calm down. Everything's alright. Come here."
