CHAPTER 5

For a long moment, Alicia just stood there, looking at him with a teary eye. 

Her fingers tightened around the orange peel still in her hand, her heart beating faster than the rain hitting the windows. She stared at Lucas, hoping, praying, he would say something else, that he was pulling her legs. 

That it was a mistake.

That he didn’t mean it.

But Lucas didn’t take the words back.

He just stood there, calm, cold, and still the same facial expression. 

“I… I don’t understand,” She finally uttered a word, her voice barely steady. “A divorce?”

He looked at her without flinching. “I think I’ve been clear enough.”

She dropped the orange peel, stepping toward him. “Please, Lucas. Don’t do this. We have Maya. We have a home, I gave you everything… even my kidney. Doesn’t that mean anything to you?”

His eyes narrowed. “Don’t act like a saint, Alicia.”

Her lips trembled. “I’m not pretending…. I love you deeply, with everything in me.”

“Oh, come on!” he snapped, throwing his wet suitcase on the couch. “You think this marriage was ever supposed to happen?”

Alicia stepped back.

He exhaled sharply, like the truth had been sitting on his chest for years.

“I courted you because of a bet, Alicia. Back in college, you were the quiet one. The stiff, nerd, uptight girl who didn’t talk to anyone. My friends dared me to make you fall in love, and I did.”

Her knees weakened the more she heard him talk, but she didn’t fall. She held the edge of the table to steady herself.

Lucas kept going, without mincing words. “It was never supposed to go that far. But then you got pregnant, and my father found out. He threatened to cut me off if I didn’t marry you.”

Tears streamed down her cheeks. She couldn’t even wipe them fast enough.

“You think I chose this life? I was trapped. And now that he’s gone, I’m done pretending.”

Alicia choked on her words. “But Maya… she needs both of us.”

“I’ll take care of her,” he said flatly. “I’ll tell you when you can visit.”

Her mouth dropped open.

“You’re taking her from me?”

“She’s the only thing that came out of this... mistake, I won’t let you ruin her too.”

He turned and walked upstairs, leaving her shattered on the floor.

*****

The next morning, Alicia sat at a corner table inside Amaya’s café. The place smelled like roasted coffee beans, and soft music played in the background.

But Alicia tasted none of it. She just stared at her untouched hot, steamy coffee. 

Amaya finally walked over from the counter and sat in the seat beside her.

“You haven’t said anything since you came in. Talk to me,” she said gently.

Alicia looked at her, eyes dull. “He wants a divorce.”

. “What?”

“And he wants full custody of Maya.”

There was a silence.

Then Amaya slammed her hand on the table, making the coffee slosh in the cup.

“That wicked boy. After everything? After you gave him your kidney? He has the heart to kick you at your lowest? How callous can one man be?”

“I don’t have the money to fight him,” Alicia whispered. “No lawyer, no strength. Nothing.”

Amaya’s voice softened. “We’ll find a way. You don’t have to do this alone.”

Alicia shook her head. “He said she’s the only good thing that came from me. And he’ll decide when I see her.”

Amaya’s eyes welled with tears. “That bastard.”

*****

Later that evening, Alicia found herself standing in front of her sister’s house; her house was the only place she could think of. 

Becky opened the door quickly, dressed in a casual silk robe and holding a glass of wine. Her expression changed from fake surprise to soft concern in seconds.

“Sis?” she said, pulling Alicia into a hug. “I’ve been worried. You look like you haven’t slept.”

“I haven’t,” Alicia murmured.

Becky led her inside, placing the wine down. “I heard about Lucas. I’m so sorry. You deserve so much better. If I had known he was this wicked, I wouldn't have encouraged you to donate your kidney to him.”

Alicia gave a small nod, not sure how to respond.

Becky smiled and squeezed her shoulder. “You know what you need? A break. There’s a boat party tonight. Just a few people, no pressure. You need fresh air.”

“I don’t know…”

“Please. You need to forget all this for just a moment. Come, let's dress up and go.”

Alicia hesitated, but something inside her, maybe exhaustion, maybe hopelessness, gave in.

“Okay.”

*******

The boat rocked gently as music played softly from speakers around it. Soft light reflected on the water, casting a beautiful picture. 

Alicia stood on her own, reminiscing on past events, her arms wrapped around herself, eyes staring at the calm water beneath.

She didn’t drink. She didn’t dance, she just stood, thinking.

Behind her, Becky moved silently.

She looked around. No one was watching.

She picked up a thick wooden pole meant to adjust the anchor cords.

And without a word…. 

THUD!

Alicia gasped as something slammed into the back of her head. Her knees gave out, and she touched a hard surface; her body hit the boat.

Becky looked down, breathing heavily. Then, with quick hands, she dragged her sister’s body closer to the edge.

The water lapped quietly as if waiting.

One push, and Alicia slid into the water. 

The splash was barely heard over the music.

****

An hour later, Lucas was sitting in his living room, going through reports, when the door burst open.

Amaya ran in, her face soaked with tears, makeup ruined by tears. Her hands trembled as she held the doorframe.

He stood immediately. “What happened?”

Amaya didn’t speak at first. She just looked at him with wild eyes.

He rushed over. “Amaya, talk to me. What’s going on?”

She swallowed hard, her voice shaking.

“We have a problem.”

“What is it?”

Amaya collapsed onto the couch, covering her mouth.

“My sister is dead.”