Kaelith stood there, a mix of emotions swirling within him for several moments before he fished out his phone and dialed Lorcan’s number.“Find out where Rafael is taking Amara.”
“What?! Rafael took Amara?!” Lorcan’s loud voice echoed in his ears as he pulled the phone away with a scrunch of his nose. His eyes stared at the front as he mumbled.
“Do what I said, Ambrose.” “Alright, captain,” Lorcan grumbled.
Kaelith hung up and looked up at the sky, the sun hiding behind the grey clouds. Just a few more days, and he’d have his Angel in his arms. The Angel he desired selflessly and he’d walk he’ll for. The only one he would get on his knees for and the only one he’d bring the world on the knees. In past, Amara might be the woman who’ d die for Rafael. But now, Kaelith just wanted her to live, for him.
******
Amara stared out of the car window, her gaze lost in the passing cityscape. The hum of the engine and the rhythmic beat of raindrops on the roof created a somber atmosphere to the storm brewing within her. Rafael gripped the steering wheel, casting glances at her, sensing the heaviness in the air.
Finally, breaking the silence, Rafael asked softly, "You seem distant, Amara. Is everything alright?" His eyes filled with concern and Amara felt bad for making him worry.
Her voice trembled as she responded, "It is…everything is alright." She looked out the window. She thought Kaelith would try to stop her. But…what was she even expecting?
Rafael's expression tightened as he let out a sigh.“I am your husband, Amara, you can tell me everything. We vowed to be each other’s shield and blade, to be with each other till death do us part. If you keep hiding things from me, how’s I know what you feel."
Amara licked her lips. That was the problem. Rafael was her husband. And she should tell me what was botheringher, but withKaelith, he would’ve knowneverythingwithout hertelling him. And thinking about him pained her more.
Amara sighed, her fingers tracing patterns on the window. "I just wish … I know how life was before this."
Rafael's eyes moved to her as he tried to read her. "You wouldn’t want to know … ” he mumbled so softly even Amara didn’t hear him.
Rafael stole glances at her. His heart throbbed and his breaths became deeper, and he forgot how to breathe. Every memory of the past haunted him as he looked at her. The girl in front of him was no more the one he was falling for, but she was someone more enchanting and bewitching. Despite regretting everything, he still wished she'd forgiven them after knowing everything he made her go through.
Look what he wanted, what he got.
The soft glow of the city lights and the horns pulled his attention. Rafael's eyes were fixed on the road before him, but his thoughts wandered to Amara, who sat just a few inches away. The repeated feelings of desire, quest, restlessness, and eager waiting mirrored the unspoken turmoil in his heart.
His fingers absentmindedly traced the edges of the steering wheel as he looked at her once again. His desire took over the dozen times but with a search for forgiveness, embodied in the stolen glances. Each gaze was a silent plea, his heart heavy with emotions he struggled to express.
He swallowed as his eyes traced down her body. She seemed to gain weight. She looked curvier and more delicate than earlier. Rafael's eyes lingered on her arms and his heart squeezed as he eyed the several faint scars and a large unmissable scar on her forehead from the accident.
As he lingered his gaze over the faint scars on Amara's skin, a kaleidoscope of emotions flickered in his eyes. A ravenous mixture of furiousness and concern swept across his face, the lines of his expression hardening with a deep frown.
He hated himself. And nothing bothered him any more than knowing he ruined her. He took his eyes off her and focused on the road at front. With jaw clenched tight and fists tightened, he pondered if he deserved her? Or Kaelith was right?
They drove for another hour before he pulled out in front of an apartment complex, he brought an apartment in for her.
The modern design is illuminated by soft evening light. Amara couldn't help but be captivated by the beauty of the building. Despite a lingering sadness, the allure of the surroundings left her momentarily entranced.
CHAPTER 22
A few days passed, and Amara started indulging herself in household work. Waking up before Rafael and making breakfast for him. It all came naturally to her—preparing his morning coffee, ironing his clothes, arranging his lunch, preparing dinner, waiting for him in the living room of their giant apartment, and then sleeping—on different beds of course.
She was glad Rafael agreed to let her have a room to herself.
She barely got time to paint, and she was glad because every time she grabbed the brush, her hands would shake and she wouldn’t know what she’d draw. All the while, pale blue eyes haunt her now and then.
Amara moved between the kitchen counters, the clinking of utensils and the sizzling sounds from the stove pulling her out of her thoughts. The enticing aroma of pasta began to envelop the living room,buthermindwaselsewhere— lostintheabyssofmemoriesthatseemedtointertwine with the scents reminding her of the time she lived with Kaelith. It had only been a week, and she missed him already.
As she sliced through vegetables, she pondered what he must be doing now. The pot simmered on the stove, the sauce boiling with warmth, yet Amara's heart felt a subtle chill.
She found herself whisked away with Kaelith’s thoughts—his eyes, the shared glances, the warmth of his presence.It was a bittersweet reverie that wrapped around her like a delicate mist, both comforting and haunting.
As the scent intensified, so did the echoes of memories. Amara's hands moved mechanically, guided by muscle memory, while her mind danced between past and present. The clatter of pots and pans became a dull symphony.
After an hour, she was done with pasta and just needed to assemble them on the dining table. Wiping her hands with the cloth, she grabbed the water bottle and sipped on the water while moving around to put the dishes in the dishwasher.
