"Miguel, what are you doing here?" Audrey asked, her eyes wide with curiosity and a hint of apprehension. She was shocked to see him at her place and her heart raced with questions.
What is he doing here at this hour? Is he trying to get something in return for his help? This is why I don't trust anyone.
"I needed to see you," Miguel said, his voice surprisingly steady despite the turmoil inside him. "I need to tell you something important."
Audrey hesitated, unsure of what to expect. Seeing her reluctance, Rosaline stepped in and urged Audrey to let him enter. Audrey stepped aside, allowing Miguel to stumble into the warm, inviting living room. He took a moment to gather his thoughts, turning to face Audrey, who watched him with a mixture of concern and anticipation.
"Audrey, I know this might come as a surprise, but I have to be honest with you. I have feelings for you. I've felt this way for a long time, and I can't keep it to myself any longer," Miguel said, his voice full of emotion, even through the slur of his drunken state.
Audrey's eyes softened, and she took a step closer to him. "Miguel, I…"
I knew it! All men are the same. He wanted something in return.
Audrey's heart sank as suspicion crept in. She had been let down so many times before. Could she trust Miguel's words, or was he just like everyone else, looking for something in return for his help?
Rosaline, sensing Audrey's inner conflict, stepped forward. "Miguel, maybe you should rest. You've had too much to drink. We can talk about this in the morning when you're less sober," she suggested gently.
Miguel nodded, the weight of his confession and the alcohol taking their toll on him. He allowed Rosaline to lead him to a guest room, leaving Audrey standing in the living room, her mind racing with conflicting emotions.
After Miguel was settled, Rosaline returned to find Audrey still standing in the same spot, lost in thought. "Audrey, are you okay?" she asked softly.
Audrey shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes. "I don't know, Rosaline. I don't know what to believe anymore. He says he has feelings for me, but why now? Why when everything is so complicated?"
Rosaline wrapped her arms around Audrey, offering comfort. "Sometimes, people don't realize what they feel until they're about to lose it. Give him a chance to explain when he's sober. You deserve to hear the truth."
Audrey nodded, wiping her tears. "You're right. I'll talk to him tomorrow. But for now, I just need to rest."
The two women made their way to their respective rooms, the weight of the day's events pressing heavily on them. As Audrey lay in bed, she couldn't help but think about Miguel's words. Despite her doubts, a part of her wanted to believe him, to trust that his feelings were genuine, but still she wasn't ready for any kind of relationship.
Morning came all too quickly, and Audrey found herself nervously pacing the living room, waiting for Miguel to wake up. When he finally appeared, looking tired and remorseful, she knew it was time for the conversation they both needed.
Miguel woke up in an unfamiliar room, disoriented and with a throbbing headache. He gasped as he realized he was in a bed that wasn't his own. The events of the previous night were hazy, but he remembered drinking far too much. He needed to stop drinking, he thought to himself. Silently, he walked out of the room to figure out where he was and who might be around.
As he peeked through the door, he saw Audrey, the woman he had a crush on. Memories from the previous night flooded back, making him feel so embarrassed that he considered retreating back to the room. However, Rosaline spotted him.
"You're awake," she said, and he had no choice but to respond.
"Yes," Miguel replied sheepishly, stepping into the room.
Audrey turned at the sound of their voices and saw Miguel standing there. She hurried over to him, her expression a mix of concern and irritation.
Miguel took a deep breath, meeting Audrey's gaze with sincerity. "Audrey, I'm sorry for showing up like that last night. But everything I said was true. I do have feelings for you. And I want to be there for you, no matter what happens."
Audrey's expression hardened. "What do you mean, Miguel? What are you doing? I can't have anything to do with you. I don't have time to date. Please, I'm sorry. If it's because you helped me, you can take back your investment!" she fired back, her voice sharp and defensive.
Miguel's eyes widened at her words. "I didn't mean to make you feel that way. I'm sorry if it seemed like I was expecting something in return," Miguel said, reaching out to touch her, but Audrey slapped his hand away, her eyes blazing.
"Don't you dare touch me," she hissed. "Leave my house. First thing tomorrow, I'll send you back your money, and you'll sign off the deal."
Miguel's heart sank at her words. He had hoped that confessing his feelings might bring them closer, but instead, it seemed to have pushed her further away. He took a step back, his hand stinging from the slap and the harshness of her rejection.
"I understand," Miguel said quietly. "I'll leave. But please, know that my feelings are genuine. I didn't help you because I wanted something in return. I helped you because I care about you."
Audrey didn't respond. She turned away, her shoulders tense. Miguel looked at Rosaline, who gave him a sympathetic look but said nothing. He knew it was best to leave and give Audrey the space she needed.
He walked out of the apartment, his heart heavy. The morning sun was just beginning to rise, casting a soft light on the empty streets. As he walked away, he couldn't help but feel a deep sense of regret and sorrow. He had poured his heart out to Audrey, only to be met with suspicion and anger.
Back in the apartment, Audrey sank onto the couch, her hands trembling. Rosaline sat beside her, offering silent support.
"Do you think I was too harsh?" Audrey asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Rosaline sighed. "You've been through a lot, Audrey. It's understandable that you're cautious. But maybe Miguel's feelings are genuine. He seemed sincere."
Audrey shook her head. "I can't trust anyone right now. Everything is so complicated, and I don't need any more distractions."
Rosaline nodded, understanding. "Just take it one step at a time. Focus on what you need to do, and if Miguel really cares, he'll understand and give you the space you need."
Audrey nodded, trying to steady her breathing. She knew Rosaline was right, but the fear of letting someone in was overwhelming, after what happened with her ex in the past, For now, she needed to focus on finding her godmother and ensuring Jonathan's safety. Everything else would have to wait.