Chapter 5 - Ice in My Veins
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The stinging burn of the red wine against my eyelids felt shockingly real, but inside my mind, total clarity took over.
Slowly, deliberately, I reached for my linen napkin. I didn't rush. I wiped the dark red liquid from my eyes, then gently dabbed my cheeks, my nose, and my chin. Every movement was calm, measured, and entirely contained.
Rafael watched me, his chest heaving, his mouth curled into a arrogant sneer. He believed he had won. He thought the public humiliation would force me into tears and submission.
"Done throwing your tantrum?" Rafael asked, crossing his arms. "Now get your card out before I really get mad."
I set the wine-stained napkin neatly beside my plate. I met his eyes squarely.
"Perfect," I said softly.
I reached into my handbag. Rafael smiled, assuming I was reaching for my wallet. Mariana shook her head in disdain, disappointed that I hadn't put up more of a fight.
My fingers didn't touch my wallet. Instead, I pulled out my smartphone. My hands shook slightly, but my mind was laser-focused.
I raised my hand and motioned toward the front podium. "Excuse me!" I called out, my voice ringing clear across the silent dining room. "I need the general manager over here immediately. And call security."
Rafael’s smile vanished. "What the hell are you doing, Elena?"
"Don't make a scene," Mariana snapped, her voice losing its smooth polish for the first time. "Put that phone away!"
I ignored them both. The head waiter, looking panicked, rushed toward our booth, followed quickly by a tall, dignified man in a charcoal suit—the general manager, whose name tag read Álvaro.
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"Is there a problem, Señora?" Álvaro asked, his eyes wide as he took in my soaked dress, the dripping table, and the heavy atmosphere.
"Yes," I said, my voice steady and firm. "I have just been physically assaulted at your table."
