The rain poured heavy that night like the sky itself cried for her. Karina lay on the cold marble floor her vision fading as Luis held Bianca close whispering that she deserved it. The poison burned in her chest her lips trembling as she called his name one last time but he didn't look back. Her fingers reached for him but all she touched was the empty air filled with their laughter. The man she gave her heart to watched her die with a smile while the woman she treated like a sister stood over her like she had won.
When her eyes finally closed the world became quiet and dark. She thought death would be peaceful but it wasn't. She saw everything even after she was gone. Her funeral was small no tears from Luis only empty words of pity from those who mocked her. But one man came every single day. Alex. The man she always ignored because she thought love was loyalty to the one she married. He knelt by her grave every morning whispering her name over and over like it was the only thing that kept him alive. He left flowers every day and sometimes he would sit there for hours talking to her grave about things he wished he had told her when she was alive.
Her spirit stood beside him her heart aching at the sight of his tears. He looked thinner his eyes tired from sleepless nights. She wanted to reach out to him to tell him she was sorry for not seeing him before. She wanted to tell him how she felt every word he said even if he couldn't hear her. One night he whispered I would give anything to bring you back Rina. Just once more. That was when her spirit broke and she whispered back If there's a next time I will make things right Alex I swear I will make Luis pay for everything he did
Then everything went white
The next sound she heard was the voice she hated most in the world. Luis. He was shaking her shoulder his voice sharp Rina get up and make me something to eat. She opened her eyes slowly her breath stuck in her throat. The room was familiar the soft blue curtains she had bought a month before she died. Her heart raced as she looked around. Everything was the same even the half burned candle on the nightstand. She sat up her hand trembling. This was the same day she had gone to the hospital and the doctor told her she was fine. The same week before the betrayal began.
Luis frowned standing at the foot of the bed wearing his smug smile like nothing had ever happened. She could still see the image of him holding Bianca while she lay dying and something inside her snapped. He said it again louder You hear me Rina I said make me something to eat. She looked at him and for the first time there was no fear only disgust. She remembered every word every lie every touch that led to her death.
She got out of bed slowly her bare feet touching the cold floor. Luis thought she was obeying him but instead she walked past him toward the door. Then she turned back her voice calm but firm Get out. He blinked confused What did you say She repeated it louder Get out of my room.
Luis stared at her shocked You must be losing your mind Rina I said I'm hungry. She walked closer her eyes steady You're not hungry you're just useless. Go ask Bianca to feed you.
He froze. She had never spoken to him like that before. The anger rose in his eyes but she didn't care. She opened the door and pointed outside. For the first time she saw fear flicker across his face. She didn't shout she didn't beg she just waited. He muttered something under his breath and walked out slamming the door behind him.
When the room went quiet she locked it and leaned against the wall breathing hard. Her heart raced but this time not from pain from freedom. She touched her chest and whispered He really doesn't know yet. I'm back.
She went to the mirror and looked at her reflection. Same face same eyes but her soul was different. The woman in the mirror wasn't the same naive Rina who begged for love. She was reborn not to forgive but to make them pay. She smiled a small cold smile and whispered softly This time I'll taste freedom even if it's covered in blood.
The morning sun poured into the room warm and quiet but Rina was wide awake already. She stared at the credit cards on the table Luis's cards the ones she used to handle carefully like she was afraid to spend a single coin. Now she picked one up and smiled softly. It felt strange holding power again but this time she knew exactly what to do with it.
She walked into the walk-in closet and opened every drawer every box. The clothes she used to wear looked plain and dull like a woman who forgot who she was. She whispered under her breath not anymore. She grabbed her purse and left the house.
The mall was bright and busy and everyone looked her way as she walked in. Rina moved differently now with quiet confidence in every step. She went straight to the luxury floor and didn't stop until she reached the designer section. The salesgirls who used to ignore her rushed to greet her smiling wide the moment they saw the black card. She let them talk she only pointed and tried on what she liked.
She chose high heels tall enough to make her legs look endless. A deep v-neck gown that shaped her curves perfectly and hugged her waist like it was made for her. Then came the jewelry a simple diamond choker and silver earrings that caught the light. When she looked in the mirror even she barely recognized herself.
After that she went to the salon and told them to change her hair completely. The stylist asked for the color and she said wine. When they were done the mirror showed a woman who looked bold fierce alive. The shade framed her face and made her eyes glow. She smiled a little this was her first step.
By the time she returned home she had spent over a hundred million and felt no guilt at all. The guards at the gate almost didn't recognize her when she stepped out of the car. Luis was in the living room scrolling through his phone when she walked in. He looked up and froze his mouth half open his eyes wide.
Rina dropped the shopping bags on the couch and looked at him like nothing had happened. He stood slowly his voice low Where did you get the money for all this Rina
She tilted her head acting innocent I used your card. You left it on the table so I thought you wouldn't mind.
He blinked confused and a little angry You spent my money on all this nonsense
She smiled softly tilting her body just enough for him to notice how the gown shaped her. I didn't think it was nonsense. I thought you liked your wife looking beautiful.
Luis opened his mouth to argue but nothing came out. He stared at her for a long moment his pride fighting with something else in his chest. She walked past him slowly her perfume brushing against him leaving him speechless.
Rina went upstairs without another word the sound of her heels echoing in the hall. When she closed the door behind her she laughed quietly to herself. The look on his face was worth every coin.
Downstairs Luis still stood there holding the card his mind spinning. She had changed completely overnight and he didn't know what to think. But she did. She knew exactly what was coming next.
The house was quiet that night only the faint sound of the rain against the window. Rina stood in front of the mirror wearing a silk nightdress soft and thin against her skin the color deep red that caught every bit of light. The straps slid low on her shoulders the fabric flowing around her legs. She brushed her hair back the wine color glowing under the warm lamp.
In the kitchen she poured herself a glass of milk her movements slow and calm. The sound of the glass touching the counter was the only thing breaking the silence. She didn't hurry she didn't hide. Every small move was careful like she was teaching herself what freedom felt like again.
Luis came in from the hallway half distracted by his phone until he looked up and froze. The sight of her standing there made him forget how to breathe. The woman in front of him didn't look like the wife he thought he knew. She looked like temptation itself.
His voice came out rough Rina what are you wearing
She turned slightly her tone calm like she didn't notice his stare I was thirsty so I came to get some milk.
He swallowed hard trying to look away but his eyes kept finding their way back to her. She took a slow sip from the glass and then leaned on the counter the curve of her body outlined by the soft fabric.
You can go back to your room Luis she said quietly without looking at him.
He hesitated his pride and confusion mixing together but she didn't wait for an answer. She walked past him her scent wrapping around him like a spell.
When she disappeared up the stairs he stood there still stunned the glass of milk half full on the counter. Everything about her felt different now and he couldn't understand why.
Upstairs Rina smiled faintly to herself. The beginning had already started.