Chapter 18- She Apologized
"Marissa Aaron. Age twenty-two," The detective informed in a clipped tone like a robot, "Runs her catering business. Tried to get into a business school but failed the entrance exam. Has three kids. Two daughters and one son.
Alexander, Ariel, and Abigail. Had to face some complications during the birth of her babies due to which her youngest one has a weak heart. The doctors had advised her to have open heart surgery, but their medical team would decide when to do it as the baby’s body was already too weak."
When the robotic man paused momentarily, Rafael took a long breath that he didn’t know he was holding back in his chest.
This was not even a fraction of what Marissa could have gone through in his absence. Only if... only if he had trusted her and didn’t let her go.
"Rafael," Joseph placed his hand on his friend’s shoulder and gestured for the other man to halt it for a moment.
He went quickly to fetch him some water.
"Rafael, my friend. Everything will be alright," Rafael didn’t want to express his rage in front of the third person, but he was angry at himself.
"What have I done, Joseph? And why would my mom do that to me?" Rafael muttered under his breath. Joseph turned to look at the man who was looking at the carpeted floor with his hands on his belly in respect.
The poor man might want to give privacy to his client but didn’t have an option except to act as dumb and deaf.
"You can leave now, mister. Tomorrow you can collect the check, the amount that was promised to you, for your hard work will be paid." The man kept his gaze low and turned on his heels to leave the room.
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