Not his family

An unwanted gift

3 days later

*Catalina*

I am in the living-room when I hear Rafael's voice in the hallway. So I find myself plastering on a smile immediately, wanting to appear happy to have him home. I don't want him to think anything is amiss, I need to play the same game as always, even though it falls me much harder than usual.

I walk out to greet my husband, a man I no longer love. To be truthful I haven't loved him for years, but I fear him too much to leave him. I know what the punishment is for even minor missteps. I don't even dare think what he would do to me if I tried to leave him or if he finds out about me seeing Zac.

"Hi darling and welcome home". I say as I spot him. Objectively he still is kind of handsome, just like he was back when we met, but his eyes are hard and cold, and well honestly he just doesn't measure up to Zac in any way.

He hold out his arms, and I walk into them for a hug, trying not to follow my instinct and shy away from his touch. "It has been a hellish week, so I just want to relax the rest of the day. Please make sure the kids don't make too much noise".

"Of course, I know how tired you always are when you arrive back from a work trip. I will try my best to keep them away from you". I say. I prefer to keep them away anyways, it will lower the risk of them mentioning things they shouldn't by accident.

He lets me go and pulls something from his pocket. It is a small velvet pouch, and I know right away that he once again has bought me some expensive jewelry. It should make me happy, but as I know it is meant to make amends for hitting me and for being away, it doesn’t. I don't like that he tries to buy my love that way.

"I got you a little gift". He says, handing it to me.

"Thank you, you didn't have to". I answer, accepting the pouch. I slowly open it, pulling out a necklace with diamonds and pearls. It is way too flashy and over the top for my liking, but Rafael likes to show off his money and always gives me things like this.

I plaster on the usual fake smile as I hold it up and try to sound excited. I know how easy it is to piss him off if I don't seem happy enough with his gift. "Oh it is beautiful, thank you so much. It will make everyone envious".

I put it on and pretend to admire it in the mirror, then I turn and kiss him lightly, but he grabs me, kissing me hard, and again I fight an urge to push him away, but I have to ignore it, close my eyes and think happy thoughts.

"Tell Lucia to take care of my bag. I will go say hi to the kids, before I go rest for a while, come wake me in two hours". Rafael says before leaving the room.

When Rafael has gone upstairs I kind of start to panic. I know what he wants when I wake him in two hours and just the thought of having s*x with my husband makes me want to throw up, but what can I do to prevent it ?

*Zac*

I am sitting in my kitchen, thinking about when I get to see Catalina again, when my phone buzz with a message and I feel an instant fluttering in my stomach, telling myself that I am stupid, it is probably just one of my friends, maybe JR.

> I am sorry to disturb you, but Rafael just got home. He is resting now after the journey, but he wants me to wake him up in two hours, and I know what he wants then. I really don't want to and I don't know what to do ? I wish I could protect you, make sure you were never pushed or forced to do anything you don't want to. Isn't there something you can tell him that will make him leave you alone ? Well maybe I could tell him that it is that time of the month, that I have my period. He doesn't know I have gotten an IUS and don't really get my period anymore Yeah do that if you know that will stop him for now. When can I see you again, I miss you terribly ? I miss you too. Rafael has a lunch meeting the day after tomorrow, I might be able to get out of going if I fake really bad cramps, then I could come by your house, for an hour or two ?If you can do it without bringing yourself in trouble then I am waiting for youSee you the day after tomorrow then, I almost can't wait <

I get up, starting to clean up the house, not that it is really needed, but I am just too elated right now not to do something physical.