Chapter 202- Oh, Don’t Stop!
"Why your parents were never there?" he asked her gently, the question that had been bugging him for quite some time, "They knew everything. Yet they favored Valerie."
They were now enjoying some chicken popcorn with the hotel’s special sauce. French fries as a sideline were also served to them.
When he saw her deep in thought, he held her arm, giving it a subtle shake, "It’s ok. You don’t need to answer that if you aren’t comfortable."
The hotel had provided them with some cozy blankets. Rafael found them more intimate instead of using the recliners. One blanket was spread under them, and the other was covering them. They were leaning back against huge roll pillows. The food tray was placed on the blanket.
Before taking a bite himself, he made sure to feed her first with his hands. Otherwise, she was so engrossed in talking that she barely noticed the food.
"I don’t know, Rafael," she raised one shoulder as if her mind wasn’t able to grasp it.
"She had been the golden child of our family. Since childhood, everyone seemed to praise her. No matter how good my grades were, how hardworking I was, my parents never paid the due appreciation," She opened her mouth when he brought a fry near it, "I never liked bitching about her on her back, but I never expected my family to gang up against me."
"I know the feeling," he curved down his lips, "The people who were supposed to protect you, didn’t care about the consequences you might face."
She nodded in agreement, "I know. I was equally surprised. I don’t think I will ever be able to forget that hospital room when I had no one. No witnesses. No proofs. I was scared."
Rafael felt the same guilt in his heart. He was the one who became the monster and let her go.
"Are you ready to tell me what happened, Marissa? Why did you exactly leave?" his questions made her uncomfortable.