Music Recommendation: Breathe me- Sia
―
"What brought you here this early morning?" Adriana asked, her tone weary once she noticed his stare.
Eugene let out a dismissive snort, a hint of arrogance permeating his words, "What do you think I'm here for? I've come to collect my advance payment for a month's rent."
Adriana's eyes narrowed, infused with skepticism as she challenged him. "An advance payment for rent? I was never informed of any such arrangement or obligated to provide such a concession."
Eugene's voice took on a low, menacing tone as he confronted her, "Do you have the audacity to challenge my words, woman?" he growled.
Adriana fixed him with an unwavering gaze, her expression devoid of emotion, "Mr. Barlow, it is evident that you're inebriated. I suggest you make your way home." She calmly asserted, attempting to close the door. However, her path was obstructed by his frail, weathered hands. Feeling a surge of irritation, she met his gaze with an intense glare.
She wasn't in the mood for this nonsense.
Eugene's head drooped, his voice carrying a tinge of vulnerability, "Please, be forthright with me. Why is it that you do not harbor affection for me? Have my efforts not been sufficient for you to acknowledge my existence?" his words trailed off, his voice betraying a hint of fragility.
Adriana maintained an unyielding gaze, devoid of any sympathy, as she responded with dispassionate apathy, "Are you truly seeking unfiltered honesty from me?"
…
Seated upon the threadbare couch in the living room, Diana eavesdropped on her mother's conversation with Mr. Barlow, their landlord.
At this juncture, her lack of astonishment was palpable. It had morphed into an everyday affair, a predictable ritual when men frequented their home, only to subject themselves to ridicule.
These men would then concoct deceitful tales, spreading falsehoods as a feeble attempt to mend their bruised ego after being rejected.
It was an ironic spectacle, one that initially held an element of amusement. Yet, as time wore on, the humor dissipated, leaving behind an overwhelming sense of repugnance.
Diana released a weary sigh, closing her eyes from utter exhaustion after the ordeal she had just experienced. It marked the first time she had ever felt such profound weariness.
Despite her fatigue, a sense of relief enveloped her, providing respite from the anguish she had endured moments ago.
However, her respite proved fleeting as an unsettling discomfort began to churn within her stomach, manifesting in the most unpleasant manner.
Her pale face contorted into a frown, and she instinctively clutched her abdomen, succumbing to a wave of nausea that propelled her towards the bathroom.
Even though she had skipped breakfast, the relentless churn and ache persisted, prompting her to empty her stomach. The remnants of yesterday's meals, spanning from morning to night, were unceremoniously expelled into the drain.
An indescribable weakness overcame her, and she leaned weakly against the wall, her eyes closed in sheer exhaustion.
Tears streamed down her face as a burning sensation consumed her eyes and chest. Every muscle seemed twisted and contorted with pain that shot through her body, rendering her unable to stifle her whimpering.
Was this the end?
Was this how her life was going to conclude?
A feeble sob escaped her lips as she slowly opened her eyes, only to be met with a blurred vision that rendered her hands invisible.
"M-Mother…" Were her final words before black dots invaded her vision.
Left in an abyss of eternal darkness, her cries for help went unheard, swallowed by the void.
…
"Yes, indeed. I do wonder what led you to make such a rash and unwise choice in declining my generous proposal, despite the multitude of promises I had bestowed upon you. Do you truly believe that any man would be capable of offering the same?" Eugene's voice dripped with condescension as he cast a disdainful gaze upon the naive woman before him.
Adriana regarded the pitiful figure standing before her, a surge of exasperation threatening to roll her eyes in response. A faint smile graced her lips as she mockingly replied, "Very well, If you insist on persisting in your delusions…" Her words lingered, drawn out with a touch of indifference.
Inasmuch as she wanted to strangle him and gouge out his eyes, she had to stay calm.
"You had promised me gold and riches, but how'd you expect me to believe that?" She gestured to his dirty and worn out clothes, "You look like someone who can't even afford a bronze coin."
Eugene gritted his teeth in frustration, his words laced with agitation, "You appear to be conveniently overlooking the substantial wealth I accumulate―"
"Only to squander it on alcohol, I presume? No, no, I haven't forgotten. I've witnessed the aftermath of your relationships, where your wives bear marks of physical abuse or wear tattered garments―"
"The bruises were well-deserved―"
"Do refrain from interrupting me, Mr. Barlow." Adriana retorted icily, her eyes turning red with simmering anger.
"Given your current demeanor, you honestly expect me to place any faith in your words?" Adriana spat out, her tone dripping with disdain.
"You don't understand, Adriana! You're nothing like them. I would never treat you in such a manner." Eugene pleaded desperately, taking a step closer to her, causing Adriana to instinctively retreat.
"Oh, Mr. Barlow, I have no intentions of repeating the same errors as your unfortunate wives. I prefer to learn from their tragic misjudgment." She clicked her tongue disapprovingly, "Furthermore, It's 'Miss' for you. I don't recall granting you the liberty to forego formalities, so kindly respect that boundary."
Eugene could feel a vein throbbing in his head as anger surged through him. He clenched his hands tightly, struggling to resist the urge to strike the woman standing before him, "We don't need to be married. We could simply engage in a discreet affair." He suggested, his voice strained.
"Desperate, aren't we? How utterly pathetic." Adriana sneered, her disdain palpable.
"Why are you so vehemently opposed to it?!" Eugene's voice grew louder, his frustration boiling over, "Pathetic? You call me pathetic?! It's even more pathetic for you to masquerade as a saint while indulging in pleasures without the burden of marriage―"
A resounding slap reverberated through the air, the sheer force of it snapping Eugene's head to the side. Pain and shock washed over his face as he recoiled from the impact.
Fear flickered in his eyes, his heart pounding in his chest, as Adriana closed the distance between them in two deliberate and menacing steps. Eugene took a step back, his body trembling with a mix of trepidation and anticipation.
Whispering with chilling intensity, Adriana's voice dripped with dark menace. "The next time you dare utter a word about my personal life, your teeth won't be the only thing missing." Not a trace of emotion adorned her face or eyes.
She wasn't joking.
"Now get your pitiful and wretched self off my doorstep. The mere sight of you is enough to taint my morning." Adriana declared coldly, shutting the door in his face.
Eugene stood frozen, his senses reeling from the searing pain that radiated his cheek, an indelible reminder of the vicious slap that had landed with brutal force.
A surge of adrenaline pulsed through his veins, intensifying the throbbing ache in his neck, a sharp reminder of the violent whiplash he had suffered.
The taste of iron tainted his mouth, an unmistakable flavour of blood, adding a sinister edge to the situation that sent shivers coursing down his spine.
The assault had not only left him physically wounded, but had also shattered is pride, leaving him exposed and vulnerable.
The frailty that emanated from her appearance belied the raw strength she possessed, a paradox that both intrigued and terrified him.
In a moment, she had effortlessly put him in his place, using nothing more than her cutting words and the stinging impact of her hand against his face.
Contrary to the whispered rumors that had circulated about her, he found himself far from disappointed. Instead, he felt a perverse fascination grow within him, an insatiable desire for her that defied reason.
The pain and humiliation only fueled his obsession, deepening his longing for her, as if it were a twisted form of affection.
A sinister smile slowly crept up his lips, revealing yellowed teeth that now bore the crimson hue of his own blood.
This twisted revelation of his own desires brought a sickening satisfaction, for he knew that her wanted her–needed her, even.
And he vowed, with a chilling determination, to make her his, by any means necessary, be it through cunning manipulation or ruthless force.
By hook or by crook, he would possess her, consequences be damned.
…
Adriana slumped against the wooden door, her body betraying the weight of bone-deep exhaustion. A flicker of relief danced in her eyes as she took in the absence of Diana's presence within the room.
Had her pleas finally reached Diana's ears, compelling her to seek solace in much-needed rest?
The memory of Diana's fatigued figure, barely able to keep her eyes open, haunted Adriana's thought. Perhaps, just perhaps, her words had finally resonated.
Driven by a sense of maternal concern, Adriana resolved to take care of Diana, to nourish her fragile body with a comforting meal.
Porridge seemed a fitting choice, a simple sustenance that could provide both warmth and nourishment. With methodical precision, she prepared the porridge, every action a testament to her unwavering devotion.
As the aroma of steaming porridge filled the air, Adriana cradled the bowl in her arms, the warmth seeping into her palms.
She approached the bedroom door. Raising her hand, she gently rapped against the door, a soft echo reverberating through the silence. Not waiting for a response, she pushed the door open, only to find an empty room before her, devoid of any presence or warmth.
"Diana?" She called out as she placed the bowl of porridge on the bedside table.
Her brows furrowed, a tangle of concern etching across her face as the weight of silence enveloped her. With measured strides, she advanced towards the bathroom doors, each step deliberate, filled with growing unease, "Diana? Are you in there?"
Met with nothing but solemn silence, she summoned the courage to push the door open, her heart seizing within her chest as her gaze fell upon the scene before her.
Diana's delicate form laid on the cold tiles, her complexion a hauntingly pallid hue, a stark testament to her ailing state. Her once vibrant lips, now slightly parted, bore the telltale signs of their fading vitality, their once passionate crimson fading into a lifeless shade of ashen purple.
Her vibrant eyes, once radiant and full of light, now concealed behind sealed lids, while her golden ringlets cascaded disheveled upon the unforgiving ground.
She looked…
Lifeless.
As if every ounce of vitality had been mercilessly drained from her being.
Adriana felt her soul leave her body. Her whole body began to shake violently in fear as she rushed towards Diana's limp body.
"D-Diana…" Adriana whispered in disbelief.
She quickly checked her pulse and nearly sighed in relief upon realizing that her pulse had not stopped.
But it was slow. So slow you could hardly feel a beat.
She was losing her.
Every single second was a step closer to death for Diana.
Without wasting much time, she bundled up Diana in her arms and ran hastily out of the house.
She had to save her.
She had to save her child.
It would ruin her if she ever lost her only daughter.
Adriana was sure she had never run as fast as she did right now. But it didn't matter.
Saving Diana was the main priority.