"How was your vacation? It must have been great to spend time alone."
My tongue twisted as I turned to look at Darius. And there I forced a fake smile, just like Darius did to me.
"It was fun."
The friendly look on Darius' face changed to surprise at my bloodshot eyes.
"What happened to you on the road, dear?" Darius came closer. "You were crying. I'll make those who made you sad regret it."
It was you.
My legs were too weak to move back as Darius approached and then embraced me with a warmth that felt fake. I felt like pushing Darius away, but in reality I could only stay still.
And the trembling of my body attracted the attention of Darius who immediately released the hug. His eyes looked at me intently, giving me a worried look. "So what's wrong?"
A spontaneous answer flashed through my brain. "I was mugged."
His jaw turned hard as if he was really angry. "Damn it. I shouldn't have let you go home alone! I'll find the culprit who made my precious wife sad!"
I forced a smile. "I'm fine."
Darius hugged me again tightly, as if I was still the old Audrey—the blind, weak, and dependent Audrey.
"I saw your missed call earlier," he muttered regretfully. "I'm sorry for falling asleep, I was too tired after a day of surgery at the hospital."
Surgery at the hospital?
My lips quivered in mockery. I even knew very well what he had been doing all day. Not holding a scalpel, but touching Evelyn.
Darius sighed and pulled my hand gently, kissing it like he was the most loving man in the world. "Let's go to bed, dear. You must need some rest because you're exhausted."
I wanted to refuse, wanted to shut myself away and spew out all the hatred I felt, but I couldn't show anything but silence and obedience. I was too shocked and Darius was horrible to me.
***
The next morning, I gasped as my body was lifted off the bed by Darius. He carried me gently, leading me to the car.
"Where are we going?" my voice was hoarse, still trapped in the residual trauma of last night.
He just smiled, starting the engine. "I've prepared a special breakfast for you in a beautiful place."
My heart was beating wildly. "But I haven't even showered yet."
Darius gave me a quick glance with a big smile behind the wheel. "You're always beautiful, baby."
Disgust immediately attacks my throat.
The nature-themed restaurant we'd come to looked serene, with perfectly set tables. But I couldn't feel anything but restlessness.
Darius pulled out my chair gently, sitting across from me with a sharp look. I tried to grip the spoon, but my hands were shaking.
"Are you sick?" Darius asked, his voice full of concern. "Your face is so pale."
I gasped. "I'm... just tired after yesterday's trip."
"You should rest well," he said lightly, then took a sip of coffee. "Because tomorrow is your scheduled surgery."
Surgery. Again.
My chest heaved. Despite knowing, I was still shocked and fear crept into my mind.
"I don't want another surgery, Darius," my voice trembled, almost drowned out by the sound of the rain that began to fall lightly outside.
He put down his fork slowly. His eyes darkened, his expression still soft, but there was something that made my hair stand on end.
"Honey, don't I always know what's best for you?" His lips curved in a faint smile. "You want to be more beautiful, don't you?"
If I had heard this in the past, I might have been touched. But right now, I want to scream. I want my face back. I want my life back.
"We'll talk about that another time, now let's enjoy breakfast."
Darius told me to eat, but he was busy playing with his cell phone for a few minutes. My mind was full. The matter of the surgery that would eventually happen, made me uneasy.
"Darius, I really don't want surgery," I said hesitantly and quietly.
Darius was about to say something, but his cell phone rang. I caught a glimpse of a flash of expression on his face—a twinkle that was too quickly hidden. But I saw it.
The voice on the other end spoke briefly, and his face changed.
"Honey, I have to go to the hospital. I have an emergency patient."
I didn't believe him. It was a lie. I saw for myself how he smiled for a moment before turning anxious.
Darius stood up in a hurry, kissing my forehead before I could protest. "You can take your own taxi home, okay?"
Then he was gone.
I sat there in silence, looked up at the darkening sky. It was starting to rain harder.
I had to get home before the storm came.
As I walked out of the restaurant, the raindrops brushed my face. The streets were deserted. There were no taxis passing by. I knew it would happen during the rainy season.
I decided to run through the rain. Every step felt heavy.
Then a taxi pulled up near me.
I stiffened, my steps delayed.
Too fast. Too coincidental.
The driver's window lowered slowly, revealing a man dressed all in black with a grinning smile.
"Hop in, pretty lady."
I stepped back, my heart racing. "No, thank you."
The man tilted his head. "What do you mean no?" his voice turned cold. "Do I look like I'm giving you a choice?"
Fear swallowed me whole.
Before I could escape, his hands had already grabbed my arms, pulling me roughly into the car. I screamed, trying to struggle, but his grip was too strong.
In a panic, I slammed into his knee with all my might.
He growled, releasing me for a moment. That was enough.
I pushed open the door and ran into the pouring rain, my breathing ragged. I heard footsteps behind me. He was chasing me.
