Alluring Mask

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 6

"When did you become best friends with the son of Mr. and Mrs. Zevallos?" my mother asked, her gaze piercing.

I paused at her question, a mix of emotions welling up inside me. Straightening up, I ignored the lingering sting on my cheek from her slap.

"It's been a long time, 'Nay," I answered respectfully, trying to keep my voice steady.

She folded her arms, looking at me with a stern expression. "Why am I only finding out about this now? Why didn't you tell me you were close with him?"

Her questioning tone left me a bit puzzled. I scratched my arm, keeping my eyes on her. "It didn't seem like something you needed to know, Mom... that Raf and I were best friends—"

"Stupid! You're so stupid!" she shouted.

I shut my eyes as she stepped closer, pushing my head back with enough force that I stumbled.

"Mom..." I murmured softly, holding my head. I could feel the sting of tears building.

"Why didn't you take advantage of him?" she continued, her tone bitter. "You're just so foolish."

I stared at her, stunned by what she was saying. "I would never do that just because my friend's wealthy. Raf's the one who would buy all my foods that I'm selling at school. He even paid more than I asked. I could never take advantage of him like that—it's not in me."

She glared and yanked my hair, making me wince in pain.

"Your mouth is going to get you into trouble, Sarah! Get out of here before I really lose my temper!" she hissed, her voice thick with anger.

I stayed silent, just watching her storm out of the room. With a heavy sigh, I went to my own room. As soon as I closed the door, I felt my chest tighten, and my eyes started to water. Before I knew it, I was crying, releasing the emotions I'd tried to hold back.

The tears kept coming, and I cried until exhaustion took over, though I knew the heaviness inside wouldn't fade so easily. Raf was gone, and I had lost someone who meant everything to me.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

"Congratulations, Group 3! You defended your research well. Thank you for your cooperation!" Ma'am announced, smiling warmly at us.

Her praise made me smile, feeling a sense of relief and pride. Graduation was finally within reach. Just a few edits to the manuscript, and we'd be done... all the hard work would be worth it.

But then my gaze shifted to where Rafael's seat would have been. If things were different, we would have celebrated graduation together.

Earlier, Ei told me that Rafael's burial would be held tonight, in a private, undisclosed location. It made me wonder how Ei knew, especially if the Zevallos family had kept the details so private. After class, she offered to take me there to pay my respects.

"Are you sure?" I asked, taking a bite of my food.

She chuckled and nodded. "Yes, don't worry. We'll make sure you get home safely afterward."

"Thank you, Ei."

She simply smiled and took a sip of water. After a moment, I hesitated and looked at her.

"B-by the way... would it be okay if I didn't go inside? I'm fine just looking from the outside," I said softly.

Ei gave me a gentle look. "Are you certain? I could ask Mrs. Zevallos to let you join them. I think Raf would be disappointed if you didn't attend."

I shook my head. "No, I'd rather not."

She sighed but nodded. "Alright, if that's what you want."

"Thank you," I said with a small, appreciative smile.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

"Here we are, Sarah," Ei said softly as the car pulled up, her voice barely above a whisper.

I followed her gaze, taking in the sight of people in black tuxedos lined along the walkway, with others standing guard at the entrance of where Rafael was laid to rest.

My throat tightened when I caught sight of Rafael's large portrait just inside the room. He looked composed and handsome in the photo, his expression calm, almost serene. Flowers filled the space, and the room was elegantly decorated in black with gold accents. The casket was closed, likely due to the severity of the accident—perhaps it was for the best. I didn't think I could handle seeing him like that, and the thought alone made my heart ache. A woman stepped out, I recognized her as Rafael's mother. An older man followed, who must have been his father.

"That's his mom and dad," Ei whispered beside me.

"They look... so elegant," I replied softly.

She nodded. "Yes, they do."

"I'll go greet them quickly. Wait here, Sarah," Ei said, giving my arm a comforting squeeze before stepping away with her driver. I remained where I was, gazing at Rafael's portrait.

I miss you so much, Raf.

The car was dimly lit, with only the street lights casting shadows along the road. I didn't mind the darkness; it suited my mood. But when nature called, I had no choice but to step out in search of a bathroom.

"I really need to find a restroom," I muttered to myself, wandering around the unfamiliar area.

The grounds seemed to stretch on forever. Just as relief filled me at the sight of a bathroom in the distance, I sped up, my focus solely on my goal. But then, unexpectedly, I collided with someone. The impact knocked me off balance, and I fell hard, while the other person managed to steady himself quickly.

"I'm so sorry!" I stammered, glancing up at him.

He wore a black mask and cap, with his attire completely blending into the night. He reached out to help me up, and I gratefully accepted his hand, still shaken from the fall.

"Thank you—" I started, but my words faded when he suddenly pulled me into an embrace.

"Wait—" I whimpered, feeling his arms tighten around me.

SHANGPU