The soup is hot Cecilia.
Darie immediately took the cold water on the table to calm her heated tongue.
Well you need something hot. The weather is cold. I told you to take a hot bath but you wouldn't listen this is your punishment. Cecilia cautioned. Her eyes piercing through Darie.
But I wasn't …
Do you expect me to tell your mom you caught a cold on my watch?
Cecilia cut her words. Not wanting to listen.
Darie you really are something…
Cecilia paused on her words realizing her behavior had changed since she woke up from sleep.
Darie. Cecilia muttered her name as she sat beside the bipolar woman.
Upon hearing her name Darie focused on her friend. Relaxing ber back on the couch.
Are you really okay? You don't need to pretend in hiding your feelings.
In truth Cecilia was perplexed. In just few days her friend acted like she wasn't a victim of rape!
She persuaded her to take it to the police but the fear of humiliation and embarrassing her family rendered her helpless. Cecilia personally tried to get the man. But with the little information she had which was his name, gotten from Darie couldn't be of much help. Like they say 'the rich had influence'
However Darie herself had already come to terms with her faith. She couldn't fight an already lost battle.
She was just a lady from a family that fell from high heights. There was no connection or strings to pull that would bring that man Mr Bruks to lime light.
She couldn't risk anything for now. But she would make sure that once she stood on her feet.
That man, Mr Bruks would pay!
The determination in her eyes was unwavering.
Cecilia noticed this and called out to her.
Cecilia what's done is done. I can't cry over spilled milk. I won't allow what has happened to weigh me down.
Right now I need to focus on myself and my family.
I need a job. One that would take me far from here.
And yes I'll have to go back home today. Mom and sis really miss me these past few days you've covered for me. Now I look better, it wouldn't raise any suspicion.
Darielle took in a deep breath. Her heart was already made up. There was no turning back now. Cecilia please promise me you won't disclose what happened to me to any one. Darielle's eyes filled with plea. It was difficult for her to move past this. She couldn't think she would. But as they say when you go through pain it changes and strengthens you.
What happened? Cecilia feigned ignorance. Like nothing ever happened
Upon hearing this. Relief washed over her, followed by a smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "Thank you"
Why thank me. Eat up your food will get cold. Cecilia urged.
Darielle dug into her food. Not having appetite this past few days, she had to admitt her hunger got the better of her.
"More" she said in between spoons. Signaling for Cecilia to fill her plate. The latter understood and poured more food into her plate.
Feeling reluctant for a while she decided to ask.
Darie, what about Alex?
On hearing her words, Darielle's expression changed in an instant. At that moment all her appetite vanished.
She took a glass of water, before turning to face Cecilia.
I want nothing to do with him.
As expected Darielle would act this way. Cecilia thought.
Why? You've been ignoring his calls.
I understand you and this is not the right time for this. But you can't just ghost him, besides you two aren't dating yet. You can still give him a try.
Really? A try. If I told him I was raped. Do you think he would see me in the same light?
Obviously a man from his class love pure women from prestigious families. No matter what, his family won't settle for a raped lady with no background!
Darielle was furious. What infuriated her more was her life being a stark contrast to Alex's expectations. Before she was confident knowing her pride and dignity was intact but now. Nothing to show for.
As she spoke tears began to well up in her eyes. Gushing down her cheeks.
Seeing this Cecilia embraced her.
I'm sorry. She never meant to make her cry.
It's better off this way.
As Darielle sobbed. Her thoughts drifted to when she and Alex went to eat out.
At first she was stiff due to his entanglement with Sheila. She didn't want trouble. Alex being smart called Sheila. And made her admit nothing was going on between them.
Hey Shelia. People think we are a couple are we cause I need to clear things up.
Alex didn't bit around the bush. He was direct .
"....." No response on the other end.
"Are you there?" Alex waiting for her response needed an instant reply.
"Alex we aren't together who would think such a thing. We are just friends besides we've talked about this. We don't have feelings for each other." Sheila said her voice somewhat shaking.
Hearing this relief washed all over Darielle
Thanks for clearing the air.
The call hang up .
They talked for a while. There were really getting close. And Sheila really made it more possible. He would hold her hand as he walked her through the large restaurant towards it's balcony where the view was breathtaking. They talked occasionally. she stole a glance a few times but managed to keep her emotions in check. She felt a warm arm around her , she instinctively looked up at Alex. She was one to act rigid and tight but here she was . Giving in! She hugged him, her face resting on his shoulders with her head tilted up. Causing her lips to land on his chin, unintentionally.
Feeling the urge to… he bent his head, bringing his face close to hers. As he was about to kiss her….
Thud! Thud!
The sound jolted Darielle back to reality.
Someone's at the door I'll get it. Cecilia said as she let go of Darie.
Darielle instinctively wiped her tears.
Cecilia opened the door. Seeing the unfamiliar face she asked,
Umm. You are??
I'm Diego Lawson. I believe your harbouring a lady named Darielle Highmore. My boss would like to see her. Diego said calmly.
Darielle Highmore? Cecilia feigned ignorance. Well I believe you have the wrong address. She said. From his looks she could tell he was working for a rich dude.
Then it struck her!
Alex! Could he be looking for her?
As Cecilia closed the door, the door swung open again. The force startling Cecilia.
Are you crazy? I said wrong address!
Upon raising her head. The man that appeared before her was totally different from the one she had talked to few seconds ago.
He emitted a deadly aura. His black coat draped all over him protecting him from the freezing air. His face was devoid of emotion, but there was a dark aura radiating from him that sent chills down her spine!His eyes cold. Leaving no room for warmth.
Feeling this she stepped back.
"Bring her to me." His voice was stern.
Bring who to you? Are you out of your mind? You barge into my house and make orders. Expecting me to follow. Cecilia though taking aback by his cold presence couldn't show it.
Miss we are aware you know this lady. Diego brought out a picture of Darielle and showed it to Cecilia.
Get out! She shouted. She couldn't admit it.
She was thankful Darielle was no longer in the parlour. She must have gotten the heads up and rushed into the room.
Bring her out or I'll be forced to go in. Alex's patience was already wearing thin.
He knew she was here. Seeing her through the mirror already convinced him.
There was no way he would leave without getting Darielle.
I'll .. I'll call the police. Cecilia threatened. Though her voice cracked she kept her stance. Breaking into someone's house was an offense. He wouldn't get away with it. But judging from his appearance she doubted.
On hearing her words a smirk played on his lips. Seeing her expression, Alex could tell that she already knew her threats were empty.
As he made a move to by pass her she blocked his way her hands unintentionally touching him.
Alex halted his face filled with disgust. He couldn't stand being touched by anyone. He had this thing called OCD. No one dared touch him without his permission as long as he was conscious.
At that moment he signaled for Diego to do the needful.
Miss you leave me with no choice. Diego held her in place. Alex walked briskly into the room.
Hey! Don't you dare go into my room!
Stop, I said stop!! Cecilia struggled but to no avail.
Touching the door knob he hesitated for a moment before opening it. Alex entered the room.