Burn the truth (ENG)

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It was nearly half past twelve when Rayan finally decided to show up.  He greeted me with a loud "Honey, I'm home."  while I lay on the couch and stared into nothingness.

Camilla and Ela had fled through the back door a few hours ago while I distracted the guard with treats.  Exactly as planned.  Hopefully they are now at Aunt Renée's home, safe and sound.

Rayan stuck his head into the living room.  "Sorry, I'm late. Work ran late."

Dinner was pretty much ruined because he didn't tell me he would be late.

He must have noticed my surly face, for he added quickly.  "I hope you are not angry."

My quick smile was faker than ever.  "Of course not."

His blue eyes rolled to the pink door where Ela had been staying the day before.  "Where's Ela?"  Away.  Far from here.

A lump formed in my throat.

Distract him.

I pushed myself off the couch and reluctantly walked over to him.

He wrapped his arms around me in surprise.

I suppressed the desire to wriggle out of his embrace and rested my head against his chest.

His fingers intertwined my hair and he tilted my head back and stared deeply into my eyes.  "Don't worry. I'll never leave you."

Those words made me cringe inside.  They had so much finality for them.

His fingers caressed my cheek and I felt disgust rise.  Not long after, his lips found mine.

I felt tears sting behind my eyelids, but I held back.

Hang in there, Zara.  Just a little while.  Just a little while.

Alcohol and smoke was what I tasted.  The urge to push him away was strong.  I felt so dirty and worthless.

I was relieved when he didn't go any further.  "I already ate outside. Let's watch a movie?"

Despite my growling stomach, I gave him an automatic smile.  "Okay."

Sad.

He pulled me to the couch and sat down and pulled me onto his lap.

Inhale and exhale.

He wanted something light and fun, so he chose Nine months.  Perhaps that was his way of referring to my promise.  The family I promised him.

Over my body.

"Are your parents still alive?"  I asked after a moment.

I felt him strain and could have kicked myself for the stupid question.

Mentally I was ready for a blow, but instead he answered.  "Yes."

His fingers slid down my arms and I felt an unpleasant shiver run through me.  "I was 18 years old when they got divorced. My mother was a housewife and my father a business man. My mother caught my father cheating on her and demanded a divorce. Besides-" Rayan stared at the gray-haired woman with intense emotions.  walls.  In thought.  "-my father abused my mother."

"What happened after the divorce?"  I asked softly.

His jaws clenched.  "After the divorce, I stayed with my father."

Curiosity took over.  "And your mother?"

He laughed mockingly.  "The money she got from my father through court made her richer than ever."