She should be happy, with a husband like Rafael who worshipped the path she walked on, with everything she needed—clothes, makeup, food, everything—then why did she feel like she had nothing? Why did this feel like she was just trying to…. survive and not live?
CHAPTER 23
The front door creaked open, and Rafael stumbled inside, clearly intoxicated. Abigail, followed closely behind, trying to keep him steady. Amara was sitting on the couch, engrossed in a magazine as she looked up, concern etched on her face as she saw Rafael in such a state. “Rafael, what happened? Are you okay?” She asked worriedly.
Rafael's speech was slurred as he tried to respond.
“I'm fine, baby. Just had a bit too much to drink.” He swayed wobbling on his feet as she quickly got up.
Abigail guided Rafael to the couch and sat him down, his gaze lingering on Amara for a moment longer than necessary. Amara felt a shiver run down her spine, a sense of discomfort settling in her gut.
She avoided his eyes.“Thanks for bringing him home, Abigail. I'll take care of him from here.” Abigail smirked, his eyes still fixed on Amara, but she quickly regained her composure.
He said licking his lips.“No problem. Always happy to help out a friend in need.”
Amara's discomfort intensified, her instincts telling her that something was off about this man. She forced a weak smile and turned her attention to Rafael, who was slumped on the couch.
She said softly.“Let's get you some water and help you lie down.”
Rafael nodded, his gaze unfocused. Amara stood up and walked towards the kitchen, hoping to put some distance between herself and Abigail. Abigail watched her intently, a predatory glint in his eyes.
Amara filled a glass with water, her mind racing with unease. She took a deep breath, trying to shake off the unsettling feeling that Abigail's gaze left behind. As she turned around, she found Abigail leaning against the kitchen counter, his posture suggestive.
Amara flinched.“Did you need something?” She asked avoiding his eyes.
He shook his head, looking her up and down.“Just thought I'd keep you company. After all, you must be alone all day.” He said slowly taking a step in her direction, his predatory gaze scared her. As she took an instinctive step back, he shamelessly walked forward trapping her between his body and the counter.
Amara felt her chest tightening with uneasiness as she looked around. He leaned down.“You’ re still as beautiful as I remember. So pure and innocent.” He suggestively licked his lips looking down at her.
Amara's face flushed with anger and disgust as she tried not to show it on her face.
Her voice quivered with a mix of anger and fear. She mustered all her strength and walked past him to the living room where Rafael drunkenly mumbled to himself.
Abigail followed behind her.“Do you not remember me?”
Amara stilled, the glass of water tightening in her grip as she took a deep breath calming her heart. This man scared her to the core. She carefully chose her words.“You’re Rafael’s friend.”
Abigail's smile faded, replaced by a look of anger and frustration.
He narrowed his eyes, crossing his arms across his chest as he looked down at her.“Trust me, little one, I am more than a friend.”
Amara confused by his words snapped her head at him but he was already walking to the door leaving Amara standing there, shaken but relieved. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, before returning to Rafael's side.
Amara helped Rafael to his room, tucking him into bed with care. As she sat by his side, watching over him, she couldn’t help but feel a lingering sense of unease. Her worry for him mixes with the unsettling encounter with Abigail. She brushed a strand of hair away from Rafael's face, her thoughts consumed by what just happened.
Amara's mind raced, contemplating whether she should tell Rafael about Abigail. She knew that she needed to protect herself but she also feared the consequences of speaking out against Abigail. Would Rafael believe her? They were best friends; would it create a problem?
Amara's heart was heavy with a mix of emotions as she tended to Rafael in his drunken state. Concern for his health mingled with frustration and confusion over the unsettling feeling she felt whenever she thought of Abigail. She felt his perverted gaze, but now she felt bad. Was she reading too much into the things?
Amara stayed with Rafael the whole night. The sound of Rafael stirring in his sleep snapped Amara out of her thoughts. She leaned closer, her voice filled with concern.
She whispered lowly,“Are you okay? Do you need anything?”
Rafael groaned softly, his eyes fluttering open. His gaze met Amara's, and for a moment, his confusion gave way to recognition.
He hoarsely asked in his deep voice.“Amara... What happened?”
She helped him sit, giving him the glass of water.“You came home drunk. Abigail helped bring you back, but he was a bit…strange.” She hesitated fidgeting with her fingers as Rafael drank the water.
