"Yes, Leia meet my ad and Dad meet my best friend-Leia" Mia introduced, obviously innocent on what was going on as I stared at the man in front of me, clearly he had lied because he told me he was divorce with no child and I was certain that Mia's parent are the most happiest couple in the whole wide world as Mia had painted.
"Mr. Rael" I faked my smile and stretched forward his hand to shake mine but his eyes hold the same horror intensity just like the devil. And without a word he turned and storm out while I stood and stare after him, I had just had one of the worst encounter in my life. I turned to Mia who was caught in the most confused state that I have never seen her in.
"I'm sorry, Leia, he never acts this way before and he was very excited this morning when I told him, he'll get a chance to meet you" But it was clearly not her fault I thought, I was at fault because I just found out that I had a one night stand with my best friend's father, very ironic.
"I guess, he had something urgent to take care of, don't worry, Mia" I smiled through the pain.
*******
I sat facing Rael, my best friend's father, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions: guilt, anger, and defiance. The dim lighting in the room seemed to intensify the tension between us, and I could see the veins bulging in his neck as he clenched his fists.
"You weren't stupid enough to tell my daughter the truth, were you?" he growled, his voice low and menacing. I met his gaze head-on, refusing to back down.
"I'm not stupid, Rael," I replied, my voice firm and even.
Rael's face turned red with rage. "For goodness' sake, you little bitch! Why would you lie to me about your age? You told me you were twenty-three and that your name was Ana!"
I slammed my clenched fist on the table, making the water glasses shake. "I'm not a bitch!" I exclaimed, my voice rising. "I can recall that clearly but what about you, you also lied, Rael. You deceived me." Rael's eyes narrowed, his expression calculating. "I have every right to lie," he sneered. "This is an online dating app. You can't expect people to reveal their true selves. Tell me, what's your price, I have my secret and I'm not going to allow you ruin me,"
I leaned back in my chair, my eyes never leaving his face. "You're not the only one with secrets, Rael. And I don't need your money or your help. I have a family too, and we manage just fine without your charity."
Rael's smile was condescending. "Oh, I'm sure you do. That's why your mother sleeps around, and your father is sick without proper medication. You're just like mum, aren't you? Desperate and willing to do anything for a buck."
My anger boiled over, and I felt a surge of adrenaline. "How dare you!" I spat, my voice venomous. "You know nothing about my family or me. And even if you did, you have no right to judge us."
Rael shrugged, his expression unrepentant. "I know more than you think. And I'm willing to do whatever it takes to protect my daughter from people like you." He leaned forward, his eyes glinting with malice. "So tell me, what will it take for you to shut up and leave my daughter's life for good?"
I met his gaze, my heart pounding in my chest. "Nothing," I replied, my voice firm. Rael's eyes widened in surprise. "What do you mean by nothing? Don't be afraid, you can name any price, and it will be done."
As I sat across from Rael, I felt a wave of disgust wash over me. The thought of sleeping with Mia's father still made my stomach turn, despite my attempts to brush it off. I knew I needed the money, but I couldn't bring myself to take it from him, not after what I had done.
"You might be right, Rael," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I need this money more than you can believe, but I can't do that to Mia. I've already hurt her without her knowing, and now you want me to hurt her again by taking your money to hide my sins?"
Rael's expression twisted in contempt. "For a poor girl, you speak as if you have a little sense, but nothing matters. You're smart, you're good, but it means nothing." He leaned closer, his grip tightening around my neck like a vice. I felt my face drain of color as I struggled to breathe. The few patrons in the secluded part of the restaurant pretended not to notice, but I saw the glances, the judgment in their eyes.
I felt anger, pain, and sadness rip through my heart as I struggled to free myself from Rael's grasp. Finally, he released me, and I gasped for air.
"Just make sure you keep to your words and keep your mouth shut, young girl," he sneered before standing and leaving the table. I sat there, trying to gather my composure, but it was no use. The bitter taste of humiliation and shame settled in my stomach like a stone. I wondered how things would have been if the situation were reversed, if I were the one with the power.
As I left the restaurant, I felt the weight of the world's judgment on my shoulders. I quickened my pace, my vision blurring with tears. I couldn't let anyone see me like this. I stumbled through the back door, my father's voice calling out to me, but I ignored him. I couldn't face him, not now.
"Who's there?" he called out again, his voice closer this time.
"It's me, Dad," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.
"Your mum had warned you severally against staying late..." My father's words trailed off as I slammed the door shut behind me, the sound echoing through the hallway like a scream. I leaned against the door, my chest heaving as I struggled to catch my breath. The room spun around me like a vortex, a whirlpool of emotions threatening to pull me under.
I stumbled towards my drawer, my legs trembling beneath me. I had carved out a secret space, a hiding place for the things I didn't want my mum to find. The little box was my sanctuary, my confessional. I opened it, revealing the small shot and injection that would be my escape.
My vision blurred as I fumbled for the needle, my hand shaking like a leaf. Tears streamed down my face as I struggled to steady myself. "Be still, Leia," I whispered, my voice cracking with desperation. Finally, I managed to inject the drug into my vein, and everything faded away to nothingness.
The darkness enveloped me like a shroud, a welcome respite from the pain and shame that had been suffocating me. I felt myself floating, weightless. Free from the burdens that had been crushing me. But even as I drifted away, I knew it was only temporary. The pain would return, the shame would linger, and I would have to face it all again.