"No no no no no. What was I thinking? Why did I bring him to the show?" I screamed, my voice breaking as my chest tightened.
Panic gripped me, sharp and suffocating. I ran into the bathroom, slamming the door behind me and locking it with a trembling hand.
I pressed my palm to my lips, staring at the reflection in the mirror. My eyes were wide, almost desperate, scanning my face as if it might hold some explanation, some escape from what had just happened.
Was that a dream? I couldn't tell. I slapped myself hard across the cheek, the sting sending a jolt through my body.
"That hurts!" I blurted, my voice cracking as I pressed my hand to my reddened cheek.
I couldn't believe it. He kissed me. In front of everyone. We weren't even a couple. Why? Why? Why?
Frustration bubbled up uncontrollably, and I slammed my hand against the basin, the sharp clang echoing in the small room. Then came a soft knock on the door.
"You can come out now. Everyone's leaving," Raisem's calm voice floated through.
Oh no. My stomach twisted violently. How was I supposed to face him now? Why did this have to happen?
"I have things to do, Ara. Get out of there, or I leave you," he said firmly, the seriousness in his tone grounding me in a terrifying reality.
I froze. I wanted to argue, to hide, to disappear but I couldn't avoid him forever.
With a shaky sigh, I unlocked the door and stepped out. I hadn't noticed him standing so close. I almost collided with him, stumbling slightly, catching myself just in time.
"Ohhhh… what's your body made of?" I groaned, my face flaming.
"Husband material," he whispered into my ear, his warm breath brushing my skin. My heart stuttered violently.
We walked outside together, weaving through the displays. Couples were everywhere, laughing, holding hands, whispering.
I followed quietly, my tiny heels clinging to the polished floor with a nervous click. I wanted to disappear, not meet his gaze.
Then, snap. My heel broke. A sharp pain shot through my ankle.
"Owww," I groaned, wobbling. Raisem spun around instantly, his eyes wide with concern.
He bent down, inspecting my broken heels, his fingers gentle as they hovered over the damaged straps.
"Can you walk?" he asked softly, a protective edge to his tone.
I nodded quickly, trying to convince both him and myself that I could. But the moment I shifted my weight, a spike of pain made me groan again.
Without a word, he scooped me up effortlessly in his arms, holding me close against his chest.
"What are you doing? Put me down!" I exclaimed, aware of the stares from around us.
He ignored me, his lips twitching in amusement, and set me gently on a nearby bench.
"Stay here. I'll be back soon," he said, his voice calm and commanding. Then he walked away.
He didn't realize a small object fell from his pocket— his phone, clattering to the floor.
"Your phone," I called, bending to pick it up. But he had already disappeared into the crowd.
The screen lit up, and my heart sank. A hundred missed calls from Joja. And a message from someone named Beth:"When can we meet again and have each other for the night?" accompanied by a provocative image.
My stomach twisted. Oh woahh ,so the kiss, the closeness… it meant nothing to him. He had women around him. I was just here for the contract. Nothing else.
I shook my head, trying to push the thoughts away. Maybe I should focus on the money and getting out.
Maybe even have kids early, end the contract, and be free from him.
Could he even love me? Even though we were only connected due to the contract and no emotional connection, I felt so upset seeing that message pop up and realizing he could never love me and all his care was only because of the contract.
Minutes later, Raisem returned, holding a cute little flip flop. He knelt and carefully helped me slip it onto my injured foot.
"Your phone," I said, pointing to him.
He glanced at me briefly and took it silently. I stood slowly, testing my ankle. The pain lingered, sharp and pulsing.
"Can you walk better now?" he asked, watching me closely.
"Yes, thank you," I said, forcing a smile, though my mind still clouded with what I had seen on his phone.
"I'll piggyback you," he offered suddenly, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"It's fine. I can walk," I said stubbornly, limping away. But he followed, his hands lightly brushing my waist for support.
Something fluttered inside me, but I pushed it down. He guided me to the car, and we drove in silence. The soft hum of the engine filled the tense space between us.
"Why are you so quiet and acting strange?" he asked finally.
"Nothing," I replied softly, hoping to avoid conflict.
"I know that's a lie," he said, his tone unwavering.
"Raisem, I'm really exhausted. It's nothing," I added, raising my voice slightly, frustration threading through it.
He didn't respond. I looked away, questioning if I was being too harsh, too mean. The images from his phone clawed at my mind relentlessly.
Then—a sudden, loud bang. The car jolted violently. Raisem cursed under his breath. The car stopped and Raisem came down to check on it.
"Fuck." He growled.
I got out of the car, horrified. Both rear tires were punctured.
Oh God, not this time. I really don't want to spend anymore time with him tonight. My day just got better and I almost shed a tear.
"What do we do now?" I asked, panic creeping in. "Can you change a tire?" I added.
He shook his head. No.
I scanned the empty highway. Not a soul in sight. My heart sank. I shouldn't have forced him to drive this far for a theatrical show. Even if he called for help it would take a while, the place was really far from the city.
"This place looks like a horror movie set," I muttered, shivering.
"You think Jason Voorhees will jump out of the woods with an axe?" he teased.
I hissed and rolled my eyes, though a small shiver ran down my spine.
"Can we find a place to stay? There should be a motel nearby," I suggested.
"I'm not leaving my car," he replied firmly.
A howl echoed in the distance, eerie and hollow. My chest tightened.
"Let's go," he said, finally moving.
Relief washed over me. I smiled watching him react that way. We packed our essentials and locked the car, walking along the lonely highway.
It felt endless, but eventually, a small motel came into view. Exhaustion hit me like a wave, but relief and happiness followed.
Inside, an old woman at the reception blushed as she looked at us.
"Couples," she murmured.
"Two rooms?" Raisem asked.
"The rooms are all occupied. Only one left," she replied.
I grabbed his wrist instantly as he started to walk away. He didn't even say a word.
"Raismem, what are you doing?" I asked staring at him in confusion.
"We'll both be uncomfortable. Maybe there's another motel,"He stopped, eyes narrowing slightly.
"And if there isn't? Hours wasted searching? We can't just wander like stray cats." I tried to change his mind.
"Fine," he said, surrendering with a small, nervous look. "We'll take it."
The woman winked. " Both of you got into a fight but don't worry, our bed is perfect for reconciliation. Enjoy your stay."
We entered the modest room. Raisem looked slightly irritated, accustomed to more space and comfort, perhaps. I wanted to laugh but I held it in.
"It's just for a night, you won't die." I said, adjusting the bedspread.
He raised an eyebrow.
"Ara, why were you giving me attitude in the car?"
I froze. I had no answer.