Chapter 7: I Won't Suffer Alone
1010words
'Gabriel!" I cried, crawling toward the door. My phone started ringing, but it was too far to reach. I clawed at my chest, trying to stay conscious.
A knock echoed from the door. 'Gabriel?" I whispered, breathless, as the door creaked open.
'Ma'am?!" Gabriel exclaimed, rushing to my side. He looked more terrified than I felt. 'Why are you on the floor?" he asked, lifting me gently.
'I can't help it, Gabriel. I need you now," I sobbed, clinging to him.
'Don't worry, you are going to be fine," he reassured me.
'Just do it, Gabriel," I insisted, pulling him closer and kissing him urgently.
'Let me take care of you," he offered, gently pulling away. I nodded, and he scooped me up in his arms, carrying me to the bed.
***
'Good morning, ma'am," Gabriel greeted, standing beside the bed with a tray of food.
I yawned, sniffed, and sat up. 'Good morning, Gabriel. What's all this?" I asked.
'I brought you breakfast in bed," he smiled, setting the tray beside me. 'I know you must be tired and hungry after last night."
'I'm sorry, Gabriel," I apologized. 'I shouldn't keep making you do this every week. It's tearing me apart."
He sat beside me and took my hand. 'You don't have to apologize. It's not your fault. You are going to be okay," he comforted.
'It's not going to be okay, Gabriel. This has been happening for two years, and there's still no solution. I have tried every medical option, but nothing works. I'm losing my mind," I cried.
'Please don't cry, ma'am. I'm always here for you," he consoled, pulling me into his arms. 'Everything will be fine."
'No, I can't suffer alone for what they caused. We are going to work, Gabriel. Get ready," I declared. I wiped my tears and slipped out of bed, wrapping the sheets around me. 'I will be back in a minute," I said, heading to the bathroom.
A few minutes later, I entered Razi's room. She was already up, playing with her toys.
'Good morning, sweetheart," I greeted her with a broad smile.
'Good morning, Miss Scarlett," she responded, but without the warmth of a daughter greeting her mother.
To her, I was just another woman she had to endure. I couldn't even hear my baby call me 'mother" because of them. If they hadn't pushed me to the edge, this wouldn't have happened.
'Did you sleep well?" I asked, sitting beside her on the bed.
'Not in this house, Miss Scarlett. Everyone here drives me crazy. I want to go back to Mexico, back to my friends and those who love me," she grumbled.
'No one loves you more than your mother, Razi. And you're just fine living with me," I said. 'Newsflash, baby girl; you are starting school tomorrow," I announced.
'What?" she exclaimed, jumping off the bed.
'Yes, sweetie. I made sure you will be back in your original class. I told them how intelligent you are. You will make new friends, I'm sure."
'What friends, Miss Scarlett? In this boring country? I can't go to school here. I was fine in boarding school until you forced me to stay with you, but I can't deal with attending school here. I want to go back to Mexico," she whined.
'Quit dreaming, Razi!" I snapped, standing up. 'You will never see Mexico again. The sooner you get used to the Philippines, the better for everyone. You are going to school tomorrow, whether you like it or not," I declared angrily and headed out of the room.
'I hate you, Miss Scarlett," she muttered.
Her words stopped me at the door, piercing my heart. Tears welled up as I looked back at her.
'It's not your fault, Razi," I whispered, and walked out.
'Your breakfast is ready, ma'am," Luningnig announced, curtsying.
'Get lost!" I growled, pushing her aside as I dashed outside. Gabriel followed quickly, opening the car door for me. I got in.
'Did something happen, ma'am?" Gabriel asked a few minutes into driving.
'Just drive!" I snapped.
***
'Where to next?" Gabriel asked later in the day.
'Take me to Mr. Dante's house," I replied.
'If I may ask, why are we going there?" He inquired, glancing at me through the rearview mirror.
'Do I need to explain that, Gabriel? What do you think I have to do at the house of a man who stole my happiness?" I asked.
'I'm sorry," he apologized.
'No need to apologize. I'm just asking; if you were in my shoes, what would you do?" I queried, a slight smile playing on my lips.
'We are not in the same shoes, ma'am," he replied, making me chuckle.
'You are unbelievable, Gabriel. Don't worry, you will soon find out what we do to people like him," I said, leaning back in the seat.
We soon arrived at Mr. Dante's house. He permitted us inside. As we entered, I took a deep breath when I saw Everleigh walking towards us. My stomach churned. Nothing had really changed in nine years. She was still the stunning model I used to know. She walked past us without a second glance.
'You're welcome, Miss Guzman," Mr. Dante greeted warmly, extending his hand.
'Thank you, Mr. Dante," I replied.
'It's a pleasure having you here. Please, have a seat," he offered.
Did I really change? Why is he acting like he doesn't know me?
'Thank you, Mr. Dante. Shall we get down to business?" I asked, setting my handbag beside me on the couch.
'Come on, Miss Guzman. Let's have a drink together. I'm honored to have an influential lady like yourself in my house," he said with a soft smile that seems to portray the goodness of a heart that he never had.
'I don't mix business with pleasure, Mr. Dante; not even with a glass of water," I stated. 'I want to buy your 45 percent shares in Reyes Legacy Jewels," I announced. His jaw dropped, and he stared at me in astonishment.
