Chapter 52: Gentle, innocent woman
"Do you really think showing up at my workplace with that pathetic lunchbox and innocent face is going to make me forgive you?" Roderick spat, his jaw clenched tightly. "I told you, Orabela, I don’t want anything to do with you. We’re done."
Orabela’s fury flared at his words. With a bitter scoff, she ran her fingers through her hair, eyes narrowing. "You think you can just toss me aside like trash, Rick? I’ll drag you to your grave if I have to—along with Layla." Her hands clenched his shirt collar, her voice a low, dangerous growl as she locked eyes with him.
"Why, Rick? Why are you doing this to me? Is it because of her? Because of Layla?" she demanded, her voice wavering slightly as she searched his eyes for the truth.
"No, Orabela! It’s because of your deceit, the way you manipulated me!" Roderick shot back, his voice strained.
"Manipulated you?" Orabela’s laugh was sharp and bitter. "You’re the one who came to me, frustrated that Layla wouldn’t even let you touch her until you were married. You said I was better than her! You wanted this, Rick. Don’t turn around and act like the victim now." Her confusion and anger simmered beneath the surface as she glared at him, demanding an explanation he wasn’t ready to give.
"And what about the lies you told me?" Roderick snapped, his voice rising in frustration. "You claimed yesterday you were pregnant! Who told you to go to Layla and spill everything about us? Did you even think to discuss it with me first? You made me look like the villain in front of everyone!" He shifted the blame onto Orabela, conveniently ignoring the fact that his actions were far worse.
Orabela’s fists clenched, the urge to hit him surging inside her. "So, what was your plan, Rick? To keep me as your mistress, hidden away in the shadows?"
"No, that’s not what I’m saying," Roderick replied, his tone defensive. "You demanded a ring from me while I was drunk. I wasn’t in my right mind that night. And you didn’t even tell me that Layla was betrothed to my uncle before you went and told her everything. At least, you could have let me breakup with her. Now my uncle’s out to destroy me, and if we get together, how am I supposed to protect you from all of this?" His tone softened as he slowly pried her hands from his collar, turning away from her.
It was a weak excuse, the only one he could muster to push Orabela out of his life. Deep down, Roderick regretted ever letting himself be drawn to her, but he refused to acknowledge the real crime—his betrayal.
Orabela furrowed her brows together as she finally felt the turmoil Roderick was undergoing. She hugged him from behind, apologizing to him.
"We can fight with this together, Rick. You see, if you and I get married, my Dad will transfer many things in your name too. I am the heiress of Rosenzweig Family, after all. It will benefit you before the succession as the chairman. Your uncle won’t be able to touch you."