Chapter 33 CHARLOTTE Before leaving the courtroom , I stole a final glance at Rogerio . He looked perfect in the three piece suit he had on , and I yearned to tell him that , but I knew better . He seemed excited about the outcome of the proceedings and did a fine job of avoiding my stare . As he spoke with his lawyers in the most enigmatic fashion , I smiled wistfully and walked to the parking lot . My lawyer offered to follow me , but I declined . I thanked him for his role in the hearing and made my way towards the car with slow , steady steps . Thankfully , the lot was empty , so I got into the car and sat in silence for a few minutes . Everything I had dreamed of having for almost two years had gone up in flames in a few hours . I had no more zeal to fight for anything left inside me . I could wish to turn back the hands of time or try to find a light at the end of the tunnel , but I knew those options were pointless . No matter what I did , nothing would change . I tried to come to terms with what had happened , but the more I tried to wrap my head around it , the more confused I got . I started driving for a bit , but my hands trembled , and I knew the sensible thing to do would be to stop , so I did that . I looked outside the car window and watched the passersby . For an instant , I wished I could be like them , oblivious to the pain that tugged at my heartstrings . Then I chuckled at my wishful thinking . They might not have my type of problems , but I was certain they had some problems they needed to fix as well . I couldnt take solace in anyone elses troubles ; we all have issues tailored to specific needs . I couldnt tell what the next persons issues were merely by looking at them , but I knew mine . It haunted me with every breath I took . I had no tears left to shed for this cause , and if I was being honest , I had lost a marriage of convenience . Thats what Rogerio thought it was , anyway . True honesty would be admitting I had lost the man I had grown to love . I wasnt sure how to cope with it . When my parents died , it was easy to bawl in my room and wish they would walk through the front door and tell me it was all a sick joke . But death made it permanent . Knowing that they wouldnt be around forever broke me as much as it gave me strength . Realizing that Rogerio would always be so close but yet so far away was something I wasnt sure how to deal with . I started the ignition and exhaled loudly . I needed to get home and crawl into my bed . Perhaps I could sleep for a very long time , and when I opened my eyes , the pain would be gone . What do I do ? I muttered as the world around me faded into the distance . Nothing mattered anymore ; I was too sad to pay attention to anything beyond getting to the estate . When I arrived , I declined to have lunch and went straight to my room . I lay in bed for a few minutes , trying to force myself to fall asleep , but that didnt happen . I stared at the ceiling and counted sheep for a bit ; none of that helped my predicament either . I needed to find something a distraction . Something that would make me feel a lot better or make me too distracted to notice the pain in my heart . 21.2 % Chapter 33 I tried to stand up , but my body protested against any movements . My intentions didnt matter at this print , I wrat forced to stay in bed . Soon , I had dozed off and slipped into the same recurring dream . This time , there was no Rogerio , just me standing in the middle of an empty stre , Waves of loneliness engated me as I wrapped my hands around my body and tried to force myself to wake up , Signora … I heard a familiar voice calling faintly in the distance , I looked around , but I couldnt see anyone . I closed my eyes and listened to the voice as it called out to me once more , Signora , wake up , I opened my eyes and saw Maria sitting next to me . Her eyes expressed her worry as she placed a damp cloth on my head . Maria ? I started to say but stopped as my throat felt sore . You have a fever , Signora , she stated , standing up , Does your head ache ? She asked as her eyes glanced around the room . I nodded in response , and she smiled sadly , Ill be right back . She exited the room for a few minutes , leaving me with my thoughts . This was the worst time to be ill ; I needed all the strength I could get to move around and find other things to do . Lying in bed all day wasnt on the menu . My eyes shifted to the door as it creaked lightly , She entered the room holding a glass of water and painkillers . Here , take this . I tried to sit up and realized the severity of the illness . Every joint and muscle in my body ached with every move I made . I felt nauseous as the taste of the medicine touched my tongue and I tried to stop myself from puking all over the floor . My head throbbed and tears streamed down my cheeks , This is the worst time to be ill , I croaked , and she sighed in response . You already have too much to deal with ; now you have to take care of me too . Im sorry . Youve got nothing to be sorry about , Signora . Ill get a doctor to come over , and youll feel better in no time . No , no doctors . I think this will pass ; Im probably reacting to something I … My thoughts drifted back to the court hearing , and I immediately knew the root of my problem . I had accumulated so much trauma in the last few days that my body was beginning to tell its own version of the story . I probably just needed to rest for a few days , and Ill be fine . I just need to rest , I added with a forced smile . No doctors . She shook her head in response but she didnt argue with me . If you insist , Signora . Ill be back to check up on you in an hour . Thank you , I responded . She gave a little nod and exited the room . The next few days were the worst ; I alternated between nightmares , terrible migraines , and the feeling of dread that constantly enveloped me . Maria was the only source of joy I had , but one day , she walked into the room with a confused look on her face . What is it ? I inquired , my voice barely above a whisper . She stared at me for a few minutes , contemplating if she needed to tell me the reason for her worries . Dont hide anything from me and dont lie . Itll hurt much worse than the truth . 21.4 Chapter 33 She nodded slowly and sat next to me . I closed my eyes as she pressed a palm against my temples. Do you feel any better ? A little , I lied , and she smiled wistfully . I just got a letter from Signora Thuthai , she started to say , and she watched my face for a reaction . I looked at her in confusion . Rogerios mother ? I asked in a surprised tone . Well , technically , the letter has her signature and the familys seal , but it might not necessarily be from her . I scoffed at her response . Oh , its definitely from her . She doesnt like me ; I wouldnt be surprised if she wrote a thousand letters to that effect . We sat in silence for a few minutes , each lost in their thoughts . She didnt say that in this letter , though . I sighed . Why send a letter when phones are available ? Well , the Thuthais have their way of doing things . Yeah … They need to join the rest of us in the 21st century . I retorted , and she stifled a chuckle . What does the letter say ? Signor Rogerio would be coming over to pick up the rest of his things in a week . Well , thats peachy , I uttered drily . At least when I take walks around the house , therell be fewer things to remind of the life I once led . me A thin smile spread across her face , and she looked relieved . Would you like dinner now ? I was grateful for the change of subject ; the less I thought about Rogerio , the better for me . Yes , please , I replied , and she exited the room . The days rolled by , and the scheduled day came quickly . I was eager for it to be over soon as I tried to ignore the mixed feelings that came with seeing Rogerio one last time . I got out of bed and walked down the hallway . Nothing prepared me for the sight I saw . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!