The Untouched Heart

Chapter 28 - The Unraveling of Secrets

I can only be quiet. I stood in the bathroom doorway and didn't know what to do or say. I haven't seen that scarred face in a long time. Looking back on it again, I couldn't decide to answer honestly and hurt her or lie and live a lifetime of guilt.

Why am I so stupid? I should've just walked out of the bathroom and helped him find the watch. If only I had thought quickly, none of this would have happened. What am I supposed to do now?

“Don't say you still want to leave me,” said Hendra again. I closed my eyes and went back to being quiet. “Do you think by not having children, I will divorce you?”

“I know you don't love me, but don't you want to learn? I love you, baby. I think time will make you love me slowly. What don't I have that Vivaldo has? Say,” his urges.

I opened my eyes. The question is obsolete and I have answered it many times. But the man did not understand either. How do I make him understand my situation? Maybe this is the way out I've been waiting for. Ja. This is my way out of this marriage. I just need to answer honestly. No need to lie anymore.

“You already know the answer. I gave my heart to him, Hendra. Ye? You tried to snatch what I had given to another man. How can I love you when I have loved another man for so long?” I said coldly.

“But you agreed we got married. If you hate me so much, you can say no at the altar. It'll put my family to shame and you'll get revenge. Instead, you answered yes, Za. That means you swear before God to stay by my side until death do us part

“You made Papa and Mama continue to persuade me to marry you. I have to how else?” many sue.

“I didn't persuade them. I told you, I only met them once that's all,” he said don't understand.

“Abspond not on altar?” I ignored that explanation. “Only your family's good name I think? What about my parents and my sister? I still have a heart, Hendra. I won't tarnish their good names.”

“I won't let you get away from me.” Hendra walked over to me.

“What can you do? Keeping me in this golden prison forever?” my challenge. I was not afraid and retreated when he was standing right in front of me.

“Iya. If it's necessary. But first, you have to give me a child.” Without warning, Hendra kissed my lips. I immediately avoided him.

“No!” I screamed as I turned my face away and pushed her body away from me. No. gabe. I don't want any kids. I wouldn't be able to get away from her if we had kids.

Hendra wrapped his hands around my body then with his other hand held my head so I looked back at him. He kissed my lips again. I rebelled with no success. My hands pushed, punched, clawed until I was tired myself, but he was unmoved. His embrace so tightly made me unable to distance myself from him.

And I hated my body for responding by giving in to her kiss. Hendra twisted my body and I walked backwards until he finally laid me on the bed. No. gabe. I will not be able to prevent myself from getting pregnant if she succeeds in doing her intention. I don't want to have children with him.

I have never felt how weak I am physically compared to him. He was indeed taller and bigger than me, but his body now felt bigger and scarier. He paid no heed to my stern protests and I stopped resisting when he managed to give me his seed.

He hugged my body so tightly as we lay together trying to catch our hunting breaths. As Hendra loosened his embrace, I exerted the rest of my energy by pushing him, got out of bed, and rushed towards the bathroom. After closing the door, I sat on the floor. I cried until my tears could not come out.

Feeling my body shiver, I took one of the bath coats and put it on. There was no sound from the direction of the room, I decided to go out. My steps came to a halt when I saw Hendra sitting on the edge of the bed. He only wore his long nightgowns and did not wear clothes.

I hugged my body with both hands and leaned against the frame of the bathroom door. I don't want to look at him at all and keep a safe distance between us.

“I know your parents need money to redeem their home and pay for Mama's operating expenses,” said Hendra slowly. I looked at him and couldn't believe it. How could he know? “The house will be auctioned if they do not redeem it immediately.”

“I also know your parents used almost all of their savings to fund your treatment. The solution is so simple, but Papa won't ask me for money because you ‘kan?” He shook his head.

“I've often said that I am their son too, but somehow they are so worried about you that they don't want to give their complaints to me. I will be happy to help them redeem the house and finance the treatment of Mama.” He smiled wryly. “Am I a son-in-law so evil that they dislike me?”

“Then Zach, he's the most interesting.” She smiled a little. “He got caught in a tough legal case because he had received a case defending a mobster. They've definitely lost, and that means Zach's dead. His men won't want to see their boss imprisoned.”

“Hen,” I said with a worried tone.

I shouldn't be surprised my husband knows all my family secrets, not even the secrets I know myself. Zach got involved with the mafia? Never before have I felt so helpless. Unable to breathe.

What am I supposed to do? I can't help my parents or my sister. I have absolutely no money or savings. Nor do I have the power or know any influential people who can help Zach escape from his mob clientele. Oh, dearGod. I only have one brother. I don't want him dead. I'd lose Mama too if that happened. Which mother can withstand the grief of losing her child? Moreover, Mama has a problem with her heart. And Papa, how will Papa be able to live if Mama leaves?

“All that I can finish tomorrow, their house is redeemed for cash, Mama can operate as soon as possible, and Zach is free from the deadly deal. You won't lose your house, your mama, and Zach. I know you love them very much. You are willing to do anything for both of them. The question is, are you willing to save them?” hendra said coldly.

My body suddenly shook violently. Of course I want them both to be saved. But I had nothing to offer him in exchange for his efforts. Except for that one thing. My head suddenly throbbed at the thought of what Hendra would do to me if I said I agreed. My chest was tight and my heart was rumbling.

“You asked for my body as payment?” My voice vibrates. Hendra smiled then looked at me seriously.

“No, Za. Whether you like it or not, your body is mine. I don't have to pay for it. Whenever I need, I can take what is mine.”

“Then what did you ask?” My lips are shaking violently. No. gabe. Not that one.

“Hatimu. That means you will always give yourself to me completely. I no longer want to face what I've been through. You act as if I am raping you. For Chrissakes. You are my wife, Za,” he said sharply.

“That means, too, you'll stop talking about leaving or divorce. And lastly, you have to give me as many children as I want. I don't care if they're men or women. I will love them, because the woman who gave birth to them is the woman I love.”