Ashford Series 1: Loveless Vows

Chapter 32

As Madonna and Rafael exited the dimly lit basement, the heavy door creaked shut behind them.

The cool air of the hallway was a stark contrast to the suffocating tension that had built up between them.

Rafael glanced at Madonna from the corner of her eye, her curiosity gnawing at her insides. Sabrinna's words echoed in her head, and though she hated to admit it, they left her feeling unsettled.

Madonna walked with brisk, calculated steps, her heels clicking loudly against the marble floor.

Her expression was stony, but Rafael could see the barely contained fury simmering beneath the surface. When they reached the grand living room, Madonna headed straight for the liquor cabinet.

Without a word, she grabbed a bottle of wine, pouring herself a generous glass before sinking into the plush leather sofa.

Rafael stood awkwardly near the doorway, unsure whether to speak or remain silent.

She could see Madonna’s knuckles whiten as she gripped the wine glass, draining it in one swift motion.

The glass clinked as it was placed roughly on the coffee table.

Finally, unable to hold back any longer, Rafael broke the silence. "So... totoo ba yung sinabi ni Sabrinna?"

Madonna didn’t respond at first, her eyes fixed on the empty glass in her hand. She seemed lost in thought, as though weighing her next move carefully.

Rafael shifted on her feet, nervous now. She had seen Madonna angry before, but this was different. This was something deeper, something that felt almost... dangerous.

"Madonna?" Rafael pressed, her voice more hesitant now. "She said na hindi ka talaga asawa ng tatay ni Isabella. Is that... true?"

Madonna’s eyes flicked up to meet Rafael’s. There was no warmth there, only cold, unflinching anger.

For a long moment, the older woman said nothing, simply staring at her, as if debating whether to reveal a long-buried secret or to lash out for the impertinent question.

"You believe that girl’s lies?" Madonna finally said, her voice low and icy.

She reached for the wine bottle, pouring herself another glass. "She’s trying to mess with your head, Rafael. That’s all."

"But... she seemed sure. Parang... alam talaga niya yung totoo." Rafael swallowed hard. "Madonna, I need to know."

Madonna's grip tightened around the glass, and she paused before taking another sip. The silence stretched out, growing more oppressive by the second. Rafael could feel her heart pounding in her chest.

"Fine," Madonna snapped, her patience wearing thin. "Yes. Sabrinna was right. Isabella's father never married me."

Rafael’s eyes widened, shock evident on her face. She had expected denials, excuses—anything but the cold, hard truth. "Pero... bakit mo sinasabi na asawa ka niya? All this time..."

Madonna let out a bitter laugh, cutting her off. "All this time, I’ve done what I had to do. Do you think a woman like me would’ve survived in this world by telling the truth?" She leaned forward, her voice lowering to a near whisper. "I may not have his last name, but I was more of a wife to him than anyone else. And I made sure that when he was gone, I still had power. That’s all that matters."

Rafael stared at her, dumbfounded. This wasn’t the Madonna she had grown up idolizing.

This was someone else—someone ruthless, someone willing to lie and manipulate just to hold onto power.