Chapter39

Senator Brabra and his family had a lot of influence in her family and this was something she hated. "What about Rodrigo? He's still allowed to do his duties?", she croaked. She was on the verge of tears as she desperately fought to keep the tears at bay. She didn't know how her life spiraled for the worse in such a few hours. Rita stared at him, willing him to say anything. She wanted him to speak up, fight for himself and the love they shared. Rodrigo remained quiet, his eyes on the ground as he waited for them to decide his fate. "Oh, he's been suspended for a while pending the time your parents allow you to get back home", Edmundo smiled sadistically. Rita looked towards her parents, willing them to counter Edmundo's words but they remained quiet, staring into space. "I will take my leave now. Thank you for the opportunity, I shall await your call", Rodrigo said. He moved towards her, touching her ever so slightly unknown to the the others. Rita stared into his eyes, willing him to speak up, fight. "I'll always find you sugar girl", he whispered before taking his leave. Rita watched him leave and she had a feeling that he was gone for good. As she thought about it, she knew why he didn't even try to fight. He was tired, tired of the way she acted stupid at times. She couldn't blame him though, any man would feel that way. She sobbed silently, thinking about all the moments they've spent together. She was glad that she had already included his mother in the health care system at least, she'll have the best care there is. "You'll be going to Edmundo's house tomorrow", Lawrence said. Soon, he left with his wife. She was left alone with Edmundo who chuckled lightly. "I told you sweet, you'll be back to me and now, it's happening", he smiled. "Get out", she ordered. "I will but only because you'll be with me tomorrow", he said. "I hate you", Rita said. She mustered all the hate she could into those words. She took satisfaction in seeing the slight change in his eyes over those words. "I love you too. Bye darling", he laughed as he made his way out of the room. Rita burst into tears as soon as he left. All the pent-up emotions and sadness she felt ever since the whole incident occurred rose to the surface. She cried her eyes out at the love she lost, at the friendship she had built with Theresa over the years. She was downcast, her mind not feeling any other thing apart from the pain that seemed to choke and wrap itself at her very existence. Rita desperately wished she could abscond somewhere, away from everything that was happening around her but she knew that was impossible as her father and Edmundo would find her. She looked around her room, staring at nothing. The memories of the previous night filled her mind and by now, she could tell that she wasn't it. If she was, she'd be at the hospital and not in her room. Rita got up gingerly, stretching her legs to get some feelings into them. Above everything, she was grateful that she wasn't shot. She couldn't believe what her life would be like confined to a wheelchair together with what was going on around her. "I'll get through this somehow, I won't let them win", she muttered. Rita got up fully, making her way towards her window. She stared outside, looking at the birds as they went about their activities. For a moment, she wished she could be free just like them without any fear in her. They had successfully made her stay with someone she hated but she won't let them kill the love she had for Rodrigo. That would be the last thing she'll allow them to do. It was her against them and she'll make sure she emerges the victor. The following day, Rita moved into Edmundo's house. Her parents promised her that it was for the time being but she knew that they just said this to soften the hurt she felt within her. Rita made her way outside where Edmundo's car was parked, already waiting for her. She climbed in, schooling her face. She knew her mother was trying to get her attention but she refused to give her audience. "Smile Rita, you're not going to the prison yard", Edmundo chuckled. Between the prison and Edmundo's house, she preferred the prison. At least there, she would be somewhat free from him but in his house, not so much. "I can't help but compare the prison to your house. I can't believe you really convinced my parents to do this. This is the height of it Edmundo and i won't forget this. Sooner or later, you'll pay for how you treat me", Rita said. She fought to keep her tears in. She didn't want to give him the satisfaction of seeing her cry. No doubt, he'll gloat at the way she appeared weak and defenseless to stop him. "Rita, you fail to understand that I won't regret anything. I'm your fiance and I have every right to take you to my home", he said. "By going this way? Tell me Edmundo, is this the right way to go about this?", Rita said. For the first time since knowing him, he actually looked guilty about what he did but it was gone before she could think about it. "You tell me Rita. If I had asked you to stay with me voluntarily, would you have agreed? In the world we live today sweetheart, we play games to get what we want", he chuckled. "Your game is stupid and senseless Edmundo. Your game doesn't care if other people's feelings are hurt along the line. Sometimes, I wonder if you have an atom of human decency in you. You behave the way you like without caring if those around you will be affected or not", Rita said.