Faith's POV
As I walked back to Azil's room , I caught a whiff of cigarette smoke on my clothes from passing by the maids smoking area.
My mind wandered back to Felix's warning, his voice low and serious, a tone that didn't quite match the mischievous glint in his eye.
"Don't trust anyone," he'd said, his words dripping with an air of mystery.
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the sincerity in his voice.
Who was this guy, really? And why did I find myself wanting to listen to him?
I tucked the mysterious orange paper into my pocket, my curiosity piqued.
As I turned, Khana's peculiar stare caught my attention. I flashed her a warm smile, and she returned it with a hesitant greeting, her brow slick with sweat. "Hey," I said, my voice measured, and nodded as I walked past her.
"Ma'am," she called out, her hand grasping for mine. I halted, my eyes locking onto hers.
"Need help?" I asked, and she nodded vigorously. I trailed behind her as she led me to a quiet corner, her eyes darting nervously around us.
"Are you okay?" she whispered, her voice trembling. I nodded, perplexed by her concern. What was behind this sudden inquiry? Before I could press her for answers, she released my hand and scurried off, leaving me bewildered.
Weird, Khana. Just plain weird. I'm starting to think the girl's got some serious demons.
Time to bust out the holy water and rosaries around here.
Something's definitely off.
As I walked back to the room, I collided with someone. "Sorry," I muttered, looking up to find Ashley's warm smile.
"It's okay, girl," Ashley said, her eyes
sparkling. "We've been waiting for you. And sorry if we made you feel left out earlier. Come on, let's go."
She wrapped her hand around mine, leading me to my room. I felt a genuine smile spread across my face, a sensation I hadn't experienced in a long time.
As we settled in, the conversation flowed effortlessly. Azil's caring nature shone through, and Ashley's attempts to hide her emotions only made her seem more endearing.
I couldn't help but think of Sindy, wondering what had gone wrong between us.
Ashley's voice cut through my thoughts. "Hey, what's wrong?" she asked, noticing my distant expression.
I brushed it off. "Nothing." Azil and Ashley exchanged a knowing glance.
We were all wearing matching pajamas, a coincidence that felt almost deliberate.
It dawned on me that someone had actually thought of me, and the realization stirred up a mix of emotions.
I didn't want to get too comfortable, fearing I'd end up getting hurt again.
Just then, Azil whacked me with a pillow. "Stop overthinking, girl! Just live in the moment. You won't be young forever."
I chuckled, and we shared a group hug. The warmth and laughter made it hard to hold back tears, but I tried.
In that moment, surrounded by these caring, quirky girls, I felt a sense of belonging I hadn't experienced in a long time.
The laughter we shared was infectious, and for a fleeting moment, I felt a sense of home — a feeling I'd never truly experienced.
Perhaps it was the longing for a place that never was, or maybe I'd been clinging to something that no longer existed.
A smile crept onto my face, but a nagging voice whispered ,Would this newfound connection eventually hurt me?
I hoped this time would be different, that I wouldn't be left with anxiety and heartache. Maybe, just maybe, I could learn to smile again.
Ashley's voice cut through my thoughts. "Hey, why are you crying?" she asked, her brow furrowed with concern.
Azil's gaze locked onto mine, and I realized I was crying. I laughed, feeling a little embarrassed.
"It's just...I feel like I belong, for the first time," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Even though I know I don't." The last part slipped out, almost involuntarily.
Azil and Ashley exchanged a knowing glance, and then they burst out laughing.
"Come on, don't be a baby," Azil teased.
"You're married to my brother, and my friend," Ashley added, rolling her eyes.
"So, you're like a sister to us. Don't ever think you don't belong."
I actually felt like a baby, vulnerable and unsure, but something about Azil and Ashley's kindness put me at ease.
Maybe, just maybe, I didn't have to overthink everything. Maybe I could just live in the moment.
I stood up, took a deep breath, and headed to the bathroom.
When I came out, I was met with a surprising sight, Azil and Ashley huddled together, their eyes fixed on the orange note.
Their faces were etched with shock, and I couldn't help but wonder what had left them so stunned. What was written on that piece of paper?
My mind wandered back to the moment I found it outside Felix's office.
The mention of my name had piqued my curiosity, and now I was itching to know the truth. Azil and Ashley seemed frozen in place, their eyes darting between each other and the note.
The air was thick with tension, and I felt a shiver of unease. What secrets was that note holding?
I sat beside Azil and Ashley, scanning the orange note.
The words jumped off the page, but one phrase made my heart stumble.
"Dear Wifey aka Faith, the man stealer."
I felt a wave of confusion, followed by a dash of dark humor.
Azil and Ashley stared at me, their faces a mix of shock and curiosity.
I let out a dry laugh. "Well, I guess it's official. I'm a man stealer. Who knew?"
Azil and Ashley burst out laughing, the tension momentarily broken.
Felix strode in, his expression icy cold. His eyes locked onto mine, and he raised an eyebrow.
"What's this?" he asked, his voice low and even. He snatched the note from my hand, his fingers brushing against mine.
I felt a spark of irritation at his touch, but I bit it back. Felix's smirk grew wider as he read the note.
"And what do you have to say for yourself, wife?" he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
I shrugged, meeting his gaze. "I guess I'm just irresistible." Azil and Ashley snickered, but Felix's expression remained unyielding.
The air was thick with tension, and I wondered what Felix would do next.
Would he yell, or would he pull one of his signature cold moves? I held my breath, waiting for his response.