Chapter 3 Disgust me
“I have some board meetings to attend to.”
Anthony’s voice was clipped as he adjusted his cufflinks in front of the mirror. He did not look at Nia when he spoke, not even once. He simply grabbed his briefcase and straightened his jacket, already halfway out of the room.
Nia sat on the edge of the bed, her fingers clenched together. “Okay,” she said quietly.
He nodded as if that settled everything, then walked past her and out the door without another word.
The sound of his footsteps faded down the hallway, followed by the unmistakable click of the front door closing.
Nia released the breath she had been holding.
“He’s gone,” she whispered.
She lay back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling, her heart pounding unevenly in her chest. The house felt heavier now. Smaller. Like the walls were closing in on her. Rachel’s presence lingered everywhere, even without her being in the room. The thought of running into her made Nia’s stomach twist.
“I’ll just stay here,” she murmured. “It’s much better if I avoid her.”
She stayed in the bedroom all afternoon, barely moving except to use the bathroom. She skipped lunch, her appetite completely gone. Her mind replayed the events of the morning over and over again, each memory sharper than the last.
By evening, the light outside the window dimmed, casting long shadows across the room. Nia sat curled up on the bed, her arms wrapped around herself, when a knock sounded at the door.
Her body stiffened.
She didn’t need anyone to tell her who it was. There were only two women in the house, and one of them was standing on the other side of that door.
“Nia,” Rachel’s voice called sweetly. “Open the door.”
Nia stayed still, her heart racing.
The knock came again, louder this time.
“Nia, I know you’re in there. Don’t let me pull down this door from the hinges.”
She squeezed her eyes shut, hoping Rachel would get tired and leave. But instead, the knocking became more aggressive.
“Open this damn door, Nia,” Rachel said more sharply than before.
With a shaky breath, Nia slid off the bed and walked toward the door. Her hand trembled as she turned the handle. She knew this was trouble looking for her even while she tried to hide away from it.
The moment the door opened, Rachel shoved her aside and walked in as if she owned the room.
“Hey,” Nia shouted, stumbling back. “What do you think you’re doing?”
Rachel ignored her, strolling around the room leisurely, her eyes taking everything in. Nia’s gaze dropped instinctively, and that was when she saw it.
The gold necklace.
It rested against Rachel’s collarbone, glinting under the light.
Nia froze.
Her world went silent, her heartbeat roaring in her ears. She would recognize that necklace anywhere. The delicate chain. The tiny clasp. The one she had found hidden in Anthony’s wardrobe and foolishly believed was meant for her.
Rachel noticed her sudden silence.
She smiled slowly. “You like it?”
Nia’s throat tightened. “Where did you get that?”
Rachel lifted a hand and touched the necklace proudly. “Anthony gave it to me,” she said. “As a welcome back present. Isn’t he sweet?”
Tears burned Nia’s eyes. “He’s never…” Her voice broke. “He’s never given me anything.”
Rachel laughed softly. “Well, that’s unfortunate.”
She continued walking around the room, touching the dresser, the bed, the curtains.
“You know,” Rachel said casually, “this room suits me. I’ve always liked spacious bedrooms.”
Nia’s chest heaved. “Get out of my room.”
Rachel turned slowly, her smile cold. “Your room?”
“Yes,” Nia snapped. “This is my bedroom. Get out.”
Rachel tilted her head. “You really think Anthony wouldn’t kick you out of here if I asked?”
Nia hesitated.
Rachel stepped closer. “He would do it without blinking.”
The words sank deep, twisting painfully inside her.
“Enjoy it while it lasts,” Rachel added softly.
Nia’s voice shook with anger. “Leave. Now.”
Rachel smirked and turned toward the door. Just as she reached it, the sound of the front door opening downstairs echoed through the house.
Rachel paused.
A slow smile spread across her face.
Before Nia could react, Rachel grabbed her arm and yanked her close.
“What are you doing?” Nia cried.
Rachel tore at her own shirt, ripping a button loose. She ruffled her hair violently, then screamed.
“Stop!” Rachel shrieked. “Why are you doing this to me?”
The sound pierced through the house.
Nia froze in shock. “Rachel, let go of me.”
Footsteps thundered up the stairs.
Anthony burst into the room moments later. “What the hell is going on?”
Rachel released Nia instantly and collapsed into Anthony’s arms, sobbing uncontrollably.
“She attacked me,” Rachel cried. “All because I told her I was hungry and asked if she could help me with some food.”
Anthony’s eyes blazed as he looked at Nia.
“That’s not true,” Nia said desperately. “She came in here and…”
“Enough,” Anthony snapped. “I don’t want to hear it.”
“She pushed me,” Rachel sobbed. “I was so scared.”
Anthony wrapped his arms around her protectively. “It’s okay. I’ve got you.”
Nia felt like the ground had disappeared beneath her feet.
“You believe her?” she whispered.
Anthony turned on her furiously. “What kind of woman are you?” he yelled. “Are you insane?”
“She’s lying,” Nia cried. “Please listen to me.”
“You’re jealous,” he shouted. “Pathetic and jealous.”
Rachel sniffed softly. “I don’t want trouble. I just wanted something to eat.”
Anthony glared at Nia. “You disgust me.”
He turned to Rachel. “Go change. I’m taking you out to dinner.”
Rachel nodded tearfully and walked out of the room, casting a triumphant look at Nia.
Anthony stepped closer to Nia, his voice low and dangerous.
“If you ever lay your hands on her again,” he said, “I’ll damn my grandmother and throw you out of this house for good.”
Tears streamed down Nia’s face as Anthony stormed down the stairs to wait for Rachel.
Nia collapsed onto the bed, sobbing uncontrollably.
