Chapter 11.

Shadows of the Past

The sun shone brightly as Clara and the young woman headed to the garden. Despite the beautiful day, the young woman couldn't shake the fear that gripped her. Every step she took brought her closer to the painful memories of her past, and the trembling in her body was evident.

Clara, noticing the anguish in the young woman's eyes, tried to reassure her. Don't worry, the dog will be in the barn. It won't hurt you, she said with a comforting smile.

The young woman nodded, but her mind was still trapped in memories of that hellish night. The scars on her back burned as if the wounds were fresh, and every sound around her seemed to amplify her fear.

As they watered the garden, Clara tried to strike up a conversation to distract her. ¿Do you like working with plants? I've always found it therapeutic, she said, hoping to ease some of the tension.

The young woman forced a smile. Yes, it's nice. It helps clear my mind, she replied, though her voice trembled slightly.

Suddenly, a loud noise coming from the barn made the young woman jump. Her heart pounded and her hands began to sweat. Clara, noticing her reaction, approached and gently took her arm. Relax, it was just the wind. You're safe here, she said, trying to calm her.

But the young woman couldn't, but felt watched. She knew that her husband, the abusive, sadistic rat, as she called him in her mind, wouldn't leave her alone so easily. She felt his gaze from a distance, and that only increased her anxiety.

Meanwhile, William, who had been watching from afar, decided to intervene. He approached the garden with a kind expression. ¿Is everything okay here? he asked, addressing Clara and the young woman.

Clara nodded. Yes, we're just watering the plants. But I think a little help wouldn't hurt, she said, looking at the young woman with concern.

William smiled and knelt beside them. Let me help. Together we'll finish faster, he said, beginning to work with the plants.

William's presence seemed to have a calming effect on the young woman. Although she still felt the weight of her past, Clara and William's company gave her a small respite. She knew she couldn't trust her husband, but maybe, just maybe, she could find some peace in the company of these people.

As they worked in the garden, the young woman began to open up a little more. Thank you for helping me, she said softly, looking at William and Clara. I'm not used to someone worrying about me.

Clara smiled and gave her arm a gentle squeeze. We're here to support you. You're not alone, she said sincerely.

William nodded. Exactly. And if you ever need to talk or just a safe place, we're here for you, he said, his voice full of empathy.

The young woman felt a small spark of hope in her heart. He knew his situation was complicated and dangerous, but perhaps, with Clara and William's support, he could find a way to face his fears.

While Auritz watched as his wife tried to appear kind, perhaps this was what bothered him, because she wasn't to blame for the decisions made by his grandmother Zulay and his mother Cristina. 

However, he felt deeply upset that they hadn't given him the wife he had truly requested, Yerai, decided that within a week he would invite Kaled's family to dinner with him.

 He knew the women wouldn't waste this opportunity to get money from him, and he wanted to see how good they were at manipulating the girl who had slept in the pigpen.