Jealousy.

~MELANIE~

MOM.

With hearts and smiley faces. 

I couldn't even delude myself into thinking she was concerned about my whereabouts because a line of the message was staring at me. 

A freaking demand for money. 

My thumb hovered over the notification before it opened on its own, like the universe insisted I see it completely.

“You better send some money as soon as possible. Paul is very sick because of your stupid behavior last night. He is traumatized and needs to see a doctor as soon as possible. You need to take responsibility for this. Fix what you caused.”

My stomach dropped.

There was no Are you okay? No Where are you? No Come home, darling, let's resolve this?

Just blame. More blame. Always blame.

The words blurred as a tremor shot through my hands. My heart squeezed painfully, like it was trying to fold in on itself and just end this misery.

Suddenly I could hear it again. Her screams, her fists, the crack of the shoe hitting my cheek. The cold air slammed into my skin as they threw me out. Paul’s smirk burned into the back of my skull.

‘Fix what you caused.’

She was concerned about him being traumatized but not me? He could get sick but not me? God, what if he didn't use protection? What if I ended up pregnant or with an infection?

A sob clawed its way up my throat. The walls of the room felt like they were closing in on me. My chest tightened, even harder this time, forcing a gasp out of my lips. 

Not again. Please, not again…

“Melanie?”

Rafael’s voice cut through the spiral like a warm blade. Gentle and concerned. 

I flinched back instinctively.

He stepped closer, brows furrowing at me. “You just went pale. Are you feeling…”

“I’m fine,” I choked out, backing away faster, clutching the phone like my life depended on it. “I’m… I’m fine.”

“You don’t look fine.” His voice softened even more, which somehow made it worse. “Did something happen?”

“Please leave,” I whispered.

He blinked, startled. “Mel…”

“I said leave,” I snapped, voice shaking. “Get out! Please… Just go.”

The hurt that flickered across his eyes sliced through me like a razor, but he didn’t argue. He simply lifted his hands in a small gesture of surrender and nodded.

“As you wish,” he murmured quietly before stepping out and closing the door behind him.

The click of the door was my undoing.

I collapsed onto the bed and the sob ripped out of me, raw and ugly. I pressed my face into the pillow to muffle the sound, but it didn’t help. Tears poured uncontrollably, hot and relentless, draining me from the inside out.

My mother didn’t care. She never cared.

And Paul… That bastard was probably having the time of his life, celebrating his win. Oh God…

My stomach twisted violently and I curled in on myself.

After what felt like minutes, maybe hours, I couldn’t really tell, I did the only thing that could give me even the tiniest sliver of relief.

I blocked her number.

I stared at the screen, at the little confirmation bubble, until it finally became real.

Blocked.

A shaky breath escaped me.

I had never blocked my mother. Never. No matter what she did to me. But right now, I couldn’t survive another blow from her. Not today. Not in this house where everything felt gentle, safe and peaceful. 

A soft knock came much later.

“Mel?” Allison’s voice drifted in. “Can I come in?”

I wiped my face quickly with the back of my hand. Trying to appear normal so I wouldn't worry her. But then a thought came.

What if she knew? What if her father told her I was rude? That I snapped at me send told him to get out of his own property? What if she came to kick me out too? Where will I go?

Maybe I should just open the door and quickly apologize.

My heart pounded painfully as I cracked the door open. 

“H-Hey,” I managed.

Her brows knit together as she looked at my blotchy face. It looked like she had something to say but she didn’t comment. Instead, she grinned like nothing was out of the ordinary.

“Go get dressed,” she said brightly. “Beach time, baby! Dad’s already waiting.”

I froze.

Waiting? He didn’t tell her? Does that mean they wouldn’t send me away? Or was he waiting to do it himself?

“Come on,” she urged, shoving a bag into my hands. “I brought you options. My fashion sense is a gift. Don’t waste it.”

I didn’t trust my voice, so I just nodded.

Inside the bag was a stunning set, a light, flowy cover-up and a simple but elegant black swimsuit. Something about wearing it made me feel normal again. Like I was back in high school, just living my best life with Allison.

When I stepped out, Allison let out a whistle. “Damn, girl. You look hotttt! I bet my dad is going to…”

“Ally,” I hissed, heat creeping up my cheeks. “Stop.”

She only smirked. “What? I was only going to say he would scold us for dressing like that.” 

It was a lie, of course but I didn't push it. I was already terrified of facing him, I didn't want to add to it. 

We walked outside, and there he was. In a casual outfit that made him look way younger than he was. 

Rafael stood beside the car, leaning casually against the door, sunlight catching the strands of silver in his hair. His turquoise eyes lifted the moment he heard us, landing on me instantly.

And lingering.

Something warm flickered there.

But he didn’t mention earlier. Didn’t question me. Didn’t say anything to me.

“Ready?” He asked simply, his gaze darting to Allison. 

My eyes dropped to the floor, unable to look at him for more than a second.

“You bet!” Allison grinned, skipping to the car. 

Guilt churned in my chest. I needed to apologize. He has been nothing but nice to me and didn't deserve to be yelled at. But maybe later. Preferably when my voice stopped shaking and my head was no longer a battlefield.

During the drive, I sat in the back, but every few minutes I’d catch him watching me through the rearview mirror. And every time our eyes met, my pulse tripped over itself. If that was even possible.

Stop it, Melanie. Just breathe.

I was more than happy when we got to the bitch because I just couldn't wait to get out of the car. 

The beach was stunning. Bright sand, gentle waves, warm sunlight but I couldn’t unclench the knot in my stomach. All I could think about was what Rafael thought about me. What was going through his mind. 

We walked, talked, dipped our feet in the water. Allison was her usual chaotic self, running around and splashing me until I finally loosened up and joined her in playing. 

But somewhere between laughter and the chilly wind, she paused.

“Wait,” she frowned. “Where’s Dad? He was supposed to get the horses.”

I turned instinctively, scanning the beach.

And there he was.

Standing with a woman.

She was tall, elegant, and beautiful in that effortless European way. They were standing close, close enough that she lightly touched his arm while saying something that made him smile.

Something sharp and unexpected jabbed me under the ribs.

It wasn’t sadness. It wasn't even pain.

Just… irritation.

Stupid. Irrational irritation.

Allison grabbed my wrist, forcing me attention momentarily off them. “Come on! Let’s go drag him away from whoever that is.”

I let her pull me along.

But as we approached, I couldn’t shake the strange, ridiculous feeling bubbling in my chest.

Why the hell did it even bother me? He was an adult and could hang out with whomever he wanted. 

But it did.

God help me… it did.