Chapter 6: It's all a lie

I woke up to see Raymond's eyes on me. It wasn't the usual cold one.

He sat close to me on the bed.

I felt a tingling sensation when he held my hands.

"Hey, you're finally awake," he said, breathing out. His voice was low. "How are you feeling?"

I remained mute.

Raymond has been showing me a different side of himself lately; perhaps it's the one my father told me about, that he liked.

Tears rolled from my eyes. His jaw tensed. Did I say something wrong? I shook my head, still sniffling. "No, it's just my dad."

Raymond's expression softened, and he pulled me into a hug. "Let it all out," he whispered.

The pain was overwhelming, and I couldn't hold back my tears. They poured onto Raymond's shirt, but he didn't seem to mind. We were like that for a few minutes, the only sound being my muffled sobs.

After I'd composed myself, Raymond released me from his hug.

"I'll get you something to eat," he said, his voice gentle. I nodded, still feeling a bit dazed. "Thanks." He returned with a tray of food and a glass of fruit juice and drugs. I ate in silence and confusion.

Why was Raymond being so kind to me? He watched me as I ate, and I found it strange. I wished I knew what was running through his mind. I look so pathetic right now.

"Aren't you going to work today?" I asked. He looked up at me, surprised by my question. "I can't leave you in this state."

“Hmmm”. I muttered

I took the drugs afterward and Raymond left with the tray. I knew he pitied me because he had been in my shoes, but It was suspicious.

It seemed the drugs had a drowsy effect. I soon slept off again.

I woke up later that day. I had to stretch my legs, so I took a walk outside. As I walked down the poolside, I found myself feeling more and more overwhelmed.

The grief was suffocating me.

I saw Raymond coming out of the pool, shirtless; he was damn hot. I shook my head, trying not to think too far. I turned my back to leave, and he called my name. I looked back.

He was drying his short silk brown hair. What is this man trying to do?

"Your aunt called me earlier," he said. My eyes widened.

I was attentive now, curious.

"Why did she call you?" I asked.

"You didn't pick up your calls, so she was worried. You should call her."

"Shit," I cursed. I ran upstairs to get my phone.

I didn't realize my phone was on silent mode. Twenty missed calls!

I quickly dialed her number. And she picked up at once.

"Hi, Aunt. I'm sorry I got you worried. I was really scared of Arielle."

I even had to call Raymond. He told me you were asleep and you fainted earlier. But he assured me that you were fine.

Are you okay now? Should I come over?"

Her voice was filled with concern. I slapped my head.

Why would Raymond tell her that?

"I'm fine now, Aunt.

You don't need to worry about me. How's Crystal?" I tried to deviate. "She keeps asking for you." "Oh, my baby. I'll come and visit after Dad's funeral."

"Okay, dear. Please take care of your health.

I'm meeting some people later to finalize the preparations."

"Thank you so much, Aunt. I really don't know how I would have done this without you. We've got each other," She replied. I sighed as the line went flat.

I browsed through my phone and saw a lot of condolence messages. Words fly too fast. I went back to the living room to watch a movie. Raymond soon came in. He was properly dry now and wearing a shirt and sat close to me.

He didn't say much, but his presence was comforting.

Raymond soon spoke up. "I'll drive you to the funeral tomorrow."

I looked up at him, surprised by his offer. "You don't have to do that." He shook his head. "I want to do it, and I know your dad too." I nodded, unsure of what else to say.

………………………………

The next day, Raymond drove me to the funeral. The ride was silent. I stared out the window, my mind racing with thoughts of my father.

Immediately we arrived at the cemetery, fresh tears spilled out of my eyes. I couldn't believe I was here again,

First for my mom and now for my dad. I felt Raymond's gaze on me. I looked up at him, and he handed me his handkerchief. I cleaned my eyes, cleared my throat so my voice wouldn't be husky.

I opened the car door and headed out

Raymond followed suit. Some people I recognized were already present.

I was surprised to see Ivana and Mr. Tristian. The priest started the funeral, and soon my dad was laid to rest.

My aunt and I hugged each other and cried on each other's shoulders. We were comforted, but it didn't do much. Mr. Tristian and Ivana approached me and consoled me. Raymond was at a corner, his gaze never leaving me.

As we walked away from the grave,

Our family lawyer came to my side and said that he needed to discuss some private matters with me.

"Can we go somewhere private?" he asked. I told my aunt the situation, and we left the cemetery to a small café nearby.

As we sat down at a secluded table, the lawyer began to speak. "I know this isn't the right place to discuss this, but I'm traveling out of the country soon, and I need to ensure that you're aware of your father's wishes." I nodded, my heart still heavy with grief. "Please, go on."

The lawyer handed me an envelope containing the will.

"Everything has been left to you, as you're the only child.

However, there's a letter that your father wanted you to read." My brows furrowed. I took the envelope, my fingers trembling slightly. "Thank you," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

"I'll get going now, Miss Arielle," he said as he stood up. "Do take care."

I was curious to read the letter so I opened it. I soon heard voices raised from the other side of the café. I recognized Raymond's voice. I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but his voice was kind of loud.

"Dad, why are you doing this?" he asked. "Haven't I tried? I love someone else, but I obeyed your wish and married her. I obeyed you when you told me to look after her and be close to her. I'm pretending to care about her because she lost her dad. And now you want me to take a break from work to be by her side.

What's your deal, Dad? What are you gaining from this? Just tell me!" he shouted.

My jaw dropped as I listened. "Don't yell at me," Mr. Tristian retorted.

"Disobey me, and bear the consequences." I didn't hear them afterwards

I was a fool to believe he genuinely cared about me. Not like I was expecting him to care, but part of me wished it wasn't a lie.

I went back to the cemetery; everyone had left. I met my aunt and Raymond talking.

I saw the lawyer leave, and I didn't see you. "Is everything alright?" my aunt questioned with concern on her face.

Raymond stood there silent, his gaze not meeting mine. "I was pressed; I had to use a restroom," I lied.

"Alright, then I'll get going now," she said. I understood and followed suit. Raymond trailed behind me.

But as we drove back to the mansion, I couldn't shake off the feeling that Raymond's kindness was just a facade.

That beneath his calm, collected exterior, he was still the same cold, distant person I'd met when I first arrived at the mansion. But how would his father know if he was being kind or hostile to me?

I pushed the thought aside, focusing on the grief that still lingered inside me. After all, this marriage would soon be over before we knew it.

As we arrived at the mansion,

I felt suffocated; this wasn't home. Raymond got out of the car, and I followed suit.

We walked into the mansion in silence, the only sound being the creaking of the doors. As we entered the foyer, I took a deep breath. Raymond's voice broke the silence. "If you need anything, just let me know."

I just nodded; I wasn't going to dwell on the fact that he loves someone else, and he's just pretending to care about me.

I climbed upstairs and entered my room. I suddenly remembered I hadn't read the letter my dad wrote. I freshened up and lay down on the bed to read it.

I froze when I read the first paragraph.