June and Rafael spent their days together.
It was like an unofficial vacation and honeymoon. Rafael made good progress on his health with June around to love and supervise him. Everything felt surreal for the love birds who had been apart for so long.
One day, the doctor came in with good news, stating that Rafael was ready to leave the hospital, and scheduling him on weekly appointments to monitor his progress.
June could barely hide her happy tears. It felt like everything was falling right into place. Although Rafael’s legs were not strong, they were on the right path and she believed that in due time, he would learn to use his legs again.
“I want to be discharged today,” Rafael told the doctor, interlacing his fingers with June who sat by his bed smiling happily. “I can’t spend a day more in this hospital.”
June laughed at the desperation in Rafael’s voice. It’s been a few rough weeks since she moved into the hospital with Rafael constantly trying to make love to her.
They had yet to consummate their reunion for the sole reason of her being too concerned about his well-being. She couldn’t risk anything going wrong and promised to make the wait worthwhile when the doctors finally gave him the clear.
A promise she believed sped up the healing process and one she planned on keeping. Rafael turned to her with a sly grin as soon as the doctors left.
“You heard the doctor. I finally scaled through.” He sat up and raised her hands to his lips, placing a gentle kiss. “I hope you are prepared because I will not hold back.”
The atmosphere was riddled with tension and June swallowed in anticipation. She felt a bit worried as she hadn’t been with anyone for a long time, but managed it gracefully.
“Do not be so forward.” She placed a finger on his lips. “Let’s get you out of the hospital first.” She got on her feet, “Our little Luis will be so happy to have you home,” She said dreamily.
“And you?” Rafael asked and she rolled her eyes.
“The happiest woman alive.” She said, placing a small kiss on his lips.
June made to keep it brief but Rafael held her in, deepening the kiss. It was all he had these days. He couldn’t wait to finally break the cycle. To finally have her whole. It’s been way too long.
The duo were broken up by the sound of June’s phone ringing. They came apart and Rafael sulked while she went to pick up her phone. “It’s Lucy.” She said with a smile and headed out of the room.
“What is it?” June asked as soon as the line connected.
“I’m sorry. I know you are busy but this is sort of important.” Lucy rambled. “I just got a call from South City Correctional Centre. Sharon will be released today.”
June felt disoriented for a minute, “What?”
“I was shocked too. The officer called the lawyer saying we need to sign some papers.”
“W-When?” June stuttered, breathing heavily.
“In the next two hours.” Lucy said, “I understand if you can’t come, I can go with-”
“I’ll be there,” June said, making up her mind.
“Alright then, I’ll meet you then.” June disconnected the call and took in a deep breath as she made her way back to the room.
“What’s wrong?” Rafael asked as soon as he saw the look on her face.
June sighed and made her way to his side. “I have to go.” She said, explaining the situation.
“Would you be back in time for my discharge?” Rafael asked with a cute smile playing on his lips. “I’d hate to leave here with Carson.”
“Ouch.” A voice said from the door, they turned and Carson was by the door, holding up a mock hurt expression. “And here I was, taking everything off my schedule to celebrate your discharge.”
Rafael turned to June. “Will you?”
“No promises.” She replied, placing a kiss on his lips.
June broke away from Rafael and turned to Carson. “Keep me updated.”
With that, she made her way out of the hospital, leaving Carson with Rafael who sat on his bed with a sulk. “Here you go,” Carson threw over a phone to Rafael.
“I thought I would have to get myself a new one,” Rafael said as he turned on his phone.
“Congratulations on your discharge. Keep that up and you will be walking in no time.” Carson said, genuinely happy for his friend.
Rafael turned from his bed, placing his feet gently on the floor. “Who said I couldn’t walk?”
Carson’s eyes widened as he watched Rafael carefully get up from the hospital bed and make small steps towards him before returning to his seat.
“H-How?”
“Let’s just say I am ecstatic to be out of this hospital, it’s my surprise to June so don’t mention it to her.,” Rafael responded. “Did you get what I asked about?”
Carson smiled and pulled out a ring box. “You do realise she is still your wife, right? It’s not like you truly divorced her.”
“Do you realise that your opinions are unsolicited?” Rafael retorted and opened the ring box. It was a diamond ring – one he had made during his Chemotherapy.
Carson raised his hands in mock surrender. “The penthouse has been prepared. You will be ready to go as soon as the documents are ready.” He tsked, “You are going to need a makeover because no one in their right mind will say yes to a man looking like that.” He teased, getting a laugh out of Rafael.
“Thank you.” He said, and Carson knew his friend meant it.
A nod. “I’ll see you later. My number is stored on the phone, just in case you need me. Try not to get lost in work. Ambrose Corporation is well and good without you.”
Rafael knew that his family business had suffered major losses since his mother was put away and his accident. However, it wasn’t easy to sink a corporation such as theirs.
While preparing to be discharged, he planned to return to work as soon as possible. Meanwhile, June wore a blue dress and black shades as she waited in the car parked by the Correctional Centre.
Lucy and the lawyer were inside the facility, signing off Sharon’s discharge papers. The gates creaked open and Lucy walked out with the lawyer and Sharon trailing behind.
June didn’t know how to feel about Sharon but one thing was certain, she hoped to reconcile with her and move past things. Lucy opened the car door, ushering Sharon inside.
Sharon rolled her eyes once she saw June seated in the car. “Is this an ambush?” She asked no one in particular, refusing to enter the car.
June pulled down her glasses, putting on a strained smile. “Congratulations on your release.”
“I heard you pulled the strings.” Sharon bit back. “Is this the part where you tell me you own me and I owe my freedom to you?”
“Sharon…”
“Thank you for taking me out of prison, Miss Rivera.” Sharon said, “Is there something you have to say to me or can I go now?”
“You have nowhere to go.” Lucy gritted, “The least you can do is shut your mouth for one second and-”
June raised her hand, stopping Lucy from speaking further.
“I’d like to have lunch with you,” June said with a solemn expression. “Could you please spare me some time?”
Sharon remained in her position. One could see the turmoil in her eyes as she contemplated entering the car. After what felt like an hour, she entered the car and they all zoomed off.
“You don’t need to feel grateful to me,” June said during lunch. “I promised your late sister a solution and failed. I hope we can move past these events one day.”
“Where is she?” Sharon asked. “I’ve asked around and words say that her body was taken. Where did you keep her?” The pain in her voice was palpable.
“Her body is in a morgue.” Lucy said, “I can take you to her if you want.”
“I understand you might want to see her and pay your respects,” June explained. “We are preparing to lay her to rest in a few weeks. I hope you can cooperate with us.”
Sharon said nothing to that, instead, she focused on her plate, scarfing down food with an irritated expression. June continued nonetheless.
“A place has been prepared to smoothen your return to society.”
“I don’t need anything from you.” She gritted, spilling over food.
June smiled, “It belonged to your sister. Sheila Marlows. You are merely inheriting her properties. The account, house and car have been placed under your name.”
“If you need anything. Do not hesitate to call or drop by.” June said, placing a card on her table. “You will always be family.”