CHAPTER 20—Highly AppreciatedRaffi's Point of ViewI didn't expect my fever to continue that night. I thought I would feel better when I slept but it just got worse. I was even more dizzy that my vision was almost spinning when I tried to get up from lying on top of my bed.I felt someone enter my room but I couldn't see. The lights were off and I couldn't open my eyes. "Who is that?" I asked the newcomer.I stopped suddenly when I smelled something. It was familiar but my mind couldn't believe it. It's impossible for Rock to come to my room at this hour. I took a deep breath then tried to open my eyes then what was there was reflected.It was blurry when I first saw the bulk of Rock's body but it became clear after a while. “R-Rock?” I called with a hoarse voice.“Hmm?” was his only answer. Next I felt his hand caressing my forehead and neck. "Does something hurt you?"I nodded. "My whole body hurts, especially my head and throat.”"The doctor came here earlier to check your body. Y
CHAPTER 21—He's Concerned Raffi's Point of ViewI WOKE up early in the morning and somehow I felt okay. I noticed that Rock was on the sofa and he was sleeping. It was like someone caressed my heart when I saw that he was like a naive child in the world while sleeping soundly.I carefully moved to get up. Rock didn't have a blanket on his body and it seemed like he was struggling to get a seat on the sofa. I felt guilty. I slowly approached him. Now I can stare at Rock's face more. His natural eyelashes are long. The nose is pointed and the lips are normally red and thin.I swallowed when I remembered how Rock kissed me. I was taken back when he opened his eyes and the strength of my heart beat."You're awake." Rock got up and rubbed his eyes. He looked at me then smiled slightly.'Am I blind or did he really smile?' I asked myself."Raffy?" he called me.It was as if I came to my senses and looked at him. "Y-yes.""Are you still awake? Do you want to eat?” Rock looked at the watch h
CHAPTER 22— Gaslighting Raffi's Point of ViewWHEN I woke up the sun was high. I can feel my sweat now and I know, I don't have a fever anymore. When I looked at the sofa, Rock wasn't there. He was not in the room and I was the only one there. I spent a few moments before standing up and going to the closet. I'm sticky and want to take a shower. There is a heater so my body will not be shocked by the cold.From the time I started to the end, Rock still didn't come back to my room. It's not that he needs to come back here, but I just want to thank him because he's kind. He took care of me when my fever was high. It's just a simple thank you, I know he'll appreciate it, but I can think of something nice to do.When I left my room, Matilde was about to climb the stairs. We looked at each other. I don't know if I should pay attention to her or not. The way she looks at me is always so cold. I don't know if it's just me or others too."Are you feeling okay, Raffi?" she asked me.I was a l
CHAPTER 23—VisitorsRaffi's Point of View"YOU don't need to come here, Doctor Lyndon. Naya is enough. You might catch a fever from me." I'm really embarrassed because Naya is here with Doctor Lyndon. What's even more annoying is that Naya didn't say anything and just came here to the mansion. I know that their duty is over and they can go home but why are they still here to stay with me.We are in the living area now. Because it was quite cold I wore a jacket."That's okay, Raffi. Actually, he has been teasing me to join me here for a while now. We're not done with duty yet but I'm already invited." Naya's eyes rolled when she said that.I turned to Lyndon who averted my gaze."We just brought you some fruits to help you recover faster."“Thank you but—”"Leave Lyndon and I alone, okay? Anyway, where is…” Naya's speech slowed down and she also closed her eyes.I glared at her. In fact, Lyndon didn't know about my marriage to Rock. I'm not really ready to tell my friend yet. And now,
CHAPTER 24— OutbreakRock's Point of View“THE disease that started in Groundland is spreading too much. Several children have been affected. Most of them are taken by life. What do you think is the root cause of why this epidemic has become so severe?” I asked my companions. I just received news that another five children have died due to the outbreak of a serious illness. If the adults are able to survive but not the other young."It just started with a fever until there was a complication. We agencies do not stop in knowing where it came from and how to stop that disease," said a director from the department of Health."Also some branches of the government are also helping."I was in a meeting and I was talking to more than ten officers. As I am the standing leader of Highland I am the one who should think about how to fight the disease that is spreading. I'm also uneasy because Raffi was also hit. Fortunately, his body was strong and he was able to fight it."Those in the healing
CHAPTER 25—Weird FeelingsRaffi's Point of ViewI was silent while waiting for Rock to enter the mansion. Earlier I heard his car coming and maybe it's in the garage now. Any time it will enter the big door.I was at the kitchen entrance. I have a glass full of water in my hand. Actually, I'm not thirsty. I only meant to take it so that if Rock ever saw me here, I would have an excuse for him. I'm really disgusted with myself because I behaved like this to him just now.It's like I want to talk to him about what Naya said to me. Nothing. I am just so curious why he and Lucille were together at the hospital? Why are they in the same car together? All I know is that Lucille has her own car. It's impossible not to have it because it's rich.I stopped thinking and focused my attention on the big door when it opened. It was Rock who immediately frowned when he saw me."Raffi, what are you doing here? Are you well?” he asked when he got close to me."Ah, I just got some water because I'm th
CHAPTER 26— Redwood's HorsesRaffi's Point of viewI COULDN'T help but smile when I woke up the next day. Because it entered my mind how and how many times Rock claimed me. Rock and I did it differently. Very passionate and gentle. He is not wild. I enjoyed it and I can say that the feeling is unique.Rock is not by my side. Maybe it's in his room. He is in the office so I understand why he left me in my room. A part of my heart was sad but I didn't make a big deal about it. That is okay with me. The important thing is that we had fun last night.Since I had no cover, I wrapped the blanket around my body. I smiled because the clothes I took off last night were on the floor. I just shook my head while picking them up one by one. My heart is very happy. Every time Rock claimed me, I felt complete. That there is nothing missing in my personality because Rock fills it up.I really have no regrets. I give myself to him wholeheartedly. There is nothing wrong because he is my husband.I'm no
CHAPTER 27— Trapped Raffi’s Point of ViewLORA'S tour of me did not end at the horse stables. Her father, Lando, told his daughter to accompany me to another part of the vast land of the Redwoods. Even though Lora is stubborn, she is obedient. That's how strong my heart was beating when we got to the Labyrinth garden. I stopped walking so Lora also stopped who was a little ahead of me."Why did you stop?""We're not going to enter that place, are we?" I asked pointing to the entrance of the Labyrinth."What if we go in?" Lora asked me back with a crooked smile on her lips. She faced me and crossed her arms across her chest. "Don't tell me you're afraid to come in here, Miss Raffi?"From the tone of her speech, she certainly had no idea what happened to me on the day of my wedding with Rock. I smiled at her. It was late afternoon so I spoke. "What if next time we just go in there? It's late afternoon and we might get dark inside.""Don't worry because once you memorize the way out her
CHAPTER 44—Action Louder Than WordsRaffi’s Point of ViewRock had a TIGHT grip on my palm as we both sat in the mini living room. In front of us were Naya, Lucille, Anne and Lyndon. We are now on our way home to the Highlands and are just waiting for our flight. I don't know why Louise is also with us. Rock said nothing. My friends don't know either and just feel it.Rock just told me that Louise also lives in Highland. It has a business proposal and Rock can't deal with it. He said that his flight back to the Highlands was actually booked and even joined us. Every time I meet Louise's gaze, it doesn't even waver and looks like she's challenging me to a fight.I won't blame it because I know what my place is in Rock's life. It's funny that he knows I'm Rock's wife, but if he showed up and could talk earlier, I was just like an employee. It was only then that I encountered such a person.I felt Rock squeeze my hand so my attention went to him. I looked at him. "Why?""Are you alright
CHAPTER 43—Talk About ItRaffi’s Point of ViewRock did not speak IMMEDIATELY and just stared at me. The whole area was quiet and only the two of us could hear our breathing. We look directly at each other and feel each other.Rock looked away first. "Why are you even interested in knowing who he is?" He took a deep breath and sat up. He crossed his arms across his chest then looked at me again."I'm really interested in her, Rock." I took a deep breath to somehow calm down. "Just answer my questions." I couldn't help but be accompanied by irritation in my voice.Rock shook his head. "Don't ask. He was my classmate in college. That's it!""Again?""I don't want to talk about him. He's not important.""Unimportant?""No, Raffi." He looked straight into my eyes. He stood up and grabbed my hand to pull me but I was stubborn. "Raffy?"I didn't act. I slowly looked at my husband. "My question is easy. Who is Louise? What is the real relationship between the two of you?""Are we going to fi
CHAPTER 42—Who is She?Raffi’s Point of ViewAfter we ate, we went to the restaurant next to where we had dinner. Our drinking was okay but I never expected to lose sight of Rock. He was by my side just now. There were a lot of people here at the bar and since it was quite dark, I was having a hard time seeing the place."Naya, did you see where Rock went?" I asked my friend.Naya shook her head. “No. Maybe it's just there. Just drink it. He will also come back here. Just relax."I tried to relax but I was really annoyed. He's not here yet and he hasn't been at our table for a few minutes. I'm nervous but I don't know if my feelings are right.When I saw Lucille, I hugged her. "Did you see Rock?" I will ask. Because the sounds were quite loud, he didn't hear me that's why I repeated. "Did you see Rock?""Rock? Earlier I saw him go to the smoking area. Maybe it's still there."I frowned. "Thank you." I walked towards the smoking area. Rock didn't say goodbye to me and as far as I know,
CHAPTER 41—Quality Time With HimRaffi’s Point of ViewA while ago I noticed that Rock was quiet while we were on the trip. We are now going back to the hotel. We also ate earlier with our friends and I noticed that he is now quiet and will only speak when asked.But this very thing that will tell the story did not happen and he just remained silent.Rock just looks straight out the window of our rented car that will take us to the hotel. Just serious and no emotion on the face. I suddenly wondered if he had a problem earlier that's why I was worried about it.Since he was right next to me, I softly called his name. “Rock?”"Why?" he asked then smiled sparingly at me."Are you okay? I noticed a while ago that you seem to be quiet."He nodded. "Of course. I'm just tired from the places we went but I'm fine.""Are you sure? We can talk if you want." My voice was soft when I said that.Rock smiled lightly then nodded as if to tell me not to worry. "I'm really fine. Don't worry because I
CHAPTER 40—GiftsRaffi’s Point of View"LOOK, is it okay?" Naya asked me while we were shopping for clothes. She is holding a blue dress with a floral design. I looked to see if it would suit my friend.While we were walking, a vendor told us that there was going to be a party and that it was open to all guests on this island. Anne and I asked what could be worn and we were told the Hawaiian dress code."That style is okay but your color, do you like blue?" I will ask."I was wondering if it was blue or red. Don't I look sexy and seductive when I wear this?" It took a dress that was the same style but only the color was different. "Do you think?"I shook my head and laughed a little. "It's up to you. You should be comfortable."He returned the dresses to the clothes rack and then faced me. "You, what do you want from those here? It's that simple."I shook my head then looked around my eyes. "Not yet. I'm fine with the t-shirt I bought.""What did you say, Raffi? You should buy a dress
CHAPTER 39—SouvenirsRaffi’s Point of ViewI woke up at seven in the morning the next day. Maybe because of being so sleepy and tired from traveling, my body was really tired so I slept very well overnight. I don't even remember getting up at the crack of dawn to go to the bathroom because my help really did go straight.I got up and quickly drank water because my throat was dry. After that I went to the bathroom. After a few moments I also came out and passed out on the edge of the bed. I checked my cellphone to see if I had received an important text while I was sleeping.I think my friends are still asleep because no one has texted them yet. I put my phone back on the nightstand and lay back on the bed. My soft bed felt very comfortable. It's no different from my bed in Rock's mansion.I spent a few more minutes before I went back inside the bathroom and got dressed because I felt like I needed to exercise. I know I ate a lot last night so I need to burn fat. Fortunately, I had exe
CHAPTER 38—Star GazingRaffi’s Point of ViewI just saw myself entering a restobar located on the roof topwith a classy and elegant look. I didn't have any trouble communicating with the staff there because I know how to speak English. There is talk that we will meet here at La Primera RestoBar located on the rooftop of the hotel. We used to be together but Rock took me here. But I remembered that I left my phone in my room so I took it first. When I found a seat I simply looked at the other customers eating. I simply looked for Rock.If you ask me, it's okay that Lucille is with us. He is kind and fun to be with, so I was worried earlier when Naya mentioned that he was afraid of spiders, so he didn't join us for dinner downstairs.I didn't have a hard time finding Rock because he was on the right side, but he was on the other side. He was wearing a black jacket. I was about to approach him but I noticed that he was with a woman. I frowned but I just stayed in my seat.I don't know t
CHAPTER 37—Knowing HerNaya’s Point of ViewI was just QUIET as I woke up to Lucille who was now sitting on the edge of the bed. Her hand is bandaged and she is stunned. Maybe she was so shocked and scared earlier that's why she's like that now. I cleared my throat then sat next to her."How are you feeling?" I asked.She just looked at me and shook her head slightly. I took a deep breath because it looked like he wasn't okay but I really asked. Both of us focused our attention on the staff who was removing the bruises on the floor."Ma'am, it's okay. I'm going out."I nodded. "Okay. Thank you so much." I stood up and reached for something. The staff didn't want to accept the tip I was giving but I really forced them to accept it. "Take it now.""Thank you very much for this, Ma'am," said the female staff who I think is in her forties. It came out of our room later.I went to the door to double check if it was locked. After making sure it was locked, I turned to face Lucille who was n
CHAPTER 36—LucilleNaya's Point of ViewBecause of the suddenness of being out of town, only a few were involved. Only Raffi and her husband Rock, Me, Anne, Lyndon and Lucille. I just met Lucille and I can say that she is beautiful and kind. I expected that Lucille would have the attitude that we would hate, but I was wrong. It is kind and fun to be with.When we got to an island where we were going to stay for a few days, we were alone in the room. Rock and Raffi were supposed to stay in the same room but since we were with Lucille and Lyndon who both didn't know about the real relationship between the two, we preferred to go solo."Why? Is there a problem?" I asked Lucille when I saw her carrying her things outside the door of my room. "What are you doing there?""There's a spider in my room. I'm afraid of spiders," he said. That's why Lucille was so scared and shaking when I saw her.“Really? Do you want to come into my room first? Maybe you'll sing while we're there." I opened the