Rafael remained rooted in his spot, June could feel his gaze on her and when Carson came to help her leave, she shook away his hand. “Do not embarrass yourself, Rafael.” She gritted.
“Do not come into my life and act like you care.” June felt weak but she held her stance. “If you truly care about me, then leave.” Her voice was cold just like her heart. “No one wants you here.”
Rafael felt his heart break at June’s words. His throat constricted as he looked into her eyes and found nothing but hate and rage. Two raw emotions that were directed at him by the woman he loved.
Liam watched the duo with interest, while Carson stood beside June, who refused to be supported. Rafael stepped forward with a sad smile. He stopped a few metres away from June and felt the sharp gazes of Liam and the others on his back.
“Are you okay?” He asked, his eyes conveyed his affection and concern.
June stared at Rafael with hatred in her eyes. Silence ensued as the others watched their interaction. Rafael slowing reached for her face but June held his hand half way.
“You lost the right to ask me that a long time ago.” She said without mincing words, and let go of his hands like she’s been burned. “End this madness and go home!”
Just then, a man rushed into the room with wide eyes. “Sir! The minister of war is here with three battalions. They are requesting for Mr Rafael Ambrose.”
“So troublesome,” Liam walked up to Rafael and stood before him, blocking the view of June. “Are you looking for a fight?” His tone was threatening and angry. He turned to one of his men. “Take him out of here.”
Rafael raised his hand when they tried to touch, which signalled he would walk on his own. He gave one last look at June. Then at Carson, before he moved forward to leave, he spoke to her hearing. “I won’t give up on us. Never again.”
June stared at him, filled with anger, but too weak to expel any more words on him. He wasn’t worth it. “Take care of her.” He said to Carson and left without a second thought.
The men he brought were released to leave and escorted out of the estate by Fernando’s security men. Rafael’s manager felt joy in his heart at the sight of his boss.
“Oh dear!” He rushed towards him and looked him over. “How are you doing? We heard gunshots! I thought you’d been killed.”
“You must have been scared! You look so pale!” The manager ranted while escorting him to the car where the minster waited to receive him.
Unknown to him, Rafael was weak and his eyes felt heavy. His back hurt and he could barely stand straight. He had overworked his body and failed to take his medications in a bid to see June and his spirit was broken by the turn of things.
“I received a call from Mrs Beatrice and- Sir!” The manager yelled when Rafael slumped. He held him up instinctively, and some army men rushed to remedy the situation.
Thankfully, there was an ambulance ready to extradict him and he was taken for emergency medical attention. Mrs Beatrice was seated in her office, anxiously tapping her feet as she awaited news from North City.
Her phone rang and she picked it up immediately. It was Rafael’s assistant. “How is my son? What is going on?”
“The boss is safe. He is currently receiving medical attention and he would be on the plane as soon as he is fit to travel.”
Beatrice felt her heart cut. “What is wrong with my son? Who hurt my son?!”
“The boss slumped from intense stress and fatigue. The best doctors in North City are at his disposal. He will be returning soon.” The assistant explained.
“Keep me updated!” Beatrice ordered and dropped the call.
Just then, she noticed a small space at her office door. Little Luis stood by the doorway with an unreadable expression on his face. She called out to him immediately. “Luis baby, come here.”
Luis walked into the room and stopped midway. “Where is my father?” He asked his grandmother. It was the first time he was speaking to her in weeks.
Beatrice felt her eyes water. “Daddy is fine… I promise he is fine.” She got up from her seat and moved closer to him. “I will make sure he returns to you safely, baby.”
“Is he dead?” Luis asked, blinking fearlessly. “I heard you say he is in North City. He also had a surgery recently. Is he still alive?”
“Don’t say such things!” Beatrice scolded. “My son is fine. Your father is alright. Do not think such thoughts anymore, okay?”
Luis didn’t respond, instead he turned around and left the room. The young boy had lost his joy upon returning to his family house. His father promised to return with his auntie on the day his grandma came to pick him up. He was banking on that promise.
Rafael was taken out of the Fernando estate in an ambulance. North City government flew him out of the place after a few days to ensure his health was in good condition. When Rafael stepped foot in South City, his mother was notified.
She waited for him in his home to see his condition for herself. The gates opened and a car revved inside the compound. Rafael stepped out, and seeing her son looking so gloomy made her heart ache.
“Son!” She rushed towards Rafael and made to hold him but he stepped out of the way. She wasn’t deterred, “How are you doing? You look so frail! You should see the doctor! I will quickly put a call to Carson. He will be in the best position to-”
“Let it be, mother.” He stated with a cold countenance. “I will take care of myself.”
“But-”
“I need to be alone. I will come to see you at the family house soon.” His tone left no room for refusal. Beatrice felt burned by the coldness in her son’s tone.
Was he still angry with her? Had he not punished her enough for the crimes of that barren thing? She swallowed her anger and pain before speaking. “I am your mother. I worry when my son is not in good health. You should too. Luis asked me if you were dying.”
“My grandchild is a shadow of himself. If you hate me, you should at least love yourself. You should be healthy and live a long life!” A rogue tear spilt down her eyes, “I will be at the family house.”
Rafael watched his mother leave with a cold expression. He hated to think his son was not doing well because of his situation. He promised to return his mother to him when she left him.
He couldn’t see his child in his current predicament. After the events at North City, he felt defeated and rejected. He couldn’t forget the look in her eyes when she dismissed him. The pure hate and fury directed at him.
Although he didn’t expect a warm welcome after the past events, he also didn’t prepare himself for the possibility that he might never get her again. For the first time, he was not confident in his ability to restore his home.
The possibility of a life – long or short – without his wife seemed like a life of darkness. When he lost his first wife to the cold arms of death, he had slipped into that darkness, but he was certain if he lost June, no one could save him from the dark abyss that awaited him.
Meanwhile, June was seated in her hospital bed, seeming refreshed and stronger. It’s been one week since she woke up and Carson was unusually silent. June had many questions she planned to get answers to, but first, she needed to speak to Carson.
“Why are you here?” Carson stiffened at June’s words. “How did you know I was at the party that night?”
“I was wondering when you’d ask.” Carson injected something into the ivy drip bag. “I was here on a vacation but somehow got dragged into the drama.” He smiled. “If I had a dollar for how many times I’ve saved your life, I’d be well off.”
June bit her lips, refusing to smile. “Thank you.” She meant it with her heart.
Although she had reservations about his sudden vacation to North City and attending the same party she was at, she couldn’t deny that Carson had saved her life a couple times.
“It was all a coincidence. A happy coincidence.” Carson stated, “I know you are dying to ask about him so I will just tell you. Rafael is in terrible shape, but he’s returned safely to South City.”
June didn’t blink. “And when would you be leaving?”
Carson smiled. “Just about the time you do.”