Betrayed by Destiny

~Prologue ~

I was pacing around the bedroom with my hands in my pockets. It's had been two days and I was still in my Air Force uniform. I nearly forgot the taste of food since I haven't had a morsel of it in my mouth since then. I started feeling dizzy, perhaps from my dehydration.

I was still in shock. I didn't expect that. How blind and stupid was I? How did it turn out like this? It wasn't supposed to be like this. We were a perfect couple. Everybody envied us. I thought she loved me. How was I so naïve?

All these thoughts keep racing through my head. But it wasn't mandatory for her to love me just because I loved her, was it? She had a choice. She chose him. I sighed as I heard steps coming towards the bedroom. Towards me.

“Aithan,” I froze in my steps. But I didn't turn to face her. I didn't have the gut to face her. It’s supposed to be the opposite. Instead, I was ignoring her. But, as shameless as she was, she was trying countless times to talk to me; to get a reaction from me. How the hell should I react when every single bit of me was already shattered and burned? I was just doing my body a favor by breathing. Every single part of me has withered.

“We tried several times to talk to you. I am tired and so is he. I'm so sorry Aithan— I didn't mean to. I mean he was just- we love each other.” She admitted it at last,so shamelessly as if she was proud, proud of her betrayal. I clutched my fist tightly and struggled not to smash the vase on the dresser in front of me. I tried to remain calm and not give in to my reactions because I was sure that things would get out of hand if I snapped.

She was still standing there, waiting for my response. When she was sure that she wasn't going to get any, she turned to leave.

“I'm leaving, I wanted to do it before..but I was waiting for you to arrive to talk like actual adults, but...” she trailed off.

Flashbacks of her and that bastard run through my mind and I can’t control myself anymore, I lost control and snapped.

“But when I came back after being deployed for two months; after risking my life every single day for our betterment, for your luxury, to give you the joy that you are used to, guess what?!” My voice starts giving out on me, “I caught you in our bed with that bastard! You fucking betrayed me, Amelia Grace! I agree that I'm not as rich as your father, but you accepted and loved me for what I was and I promised you that I wouldn't let you lack anything. I was fucking trying! I was toiling day and night for what?! Why did you betray me, Amelia?! Why?!” I shouted. All my emotions consumed me and I dropped to my knees.

Even my body couldn't handle the turmoil of emotions I was having. The shock numbed me for days and I wasn't able to react but now all my emotions seemed to be coming out at once. I was feeling sad, angry, tired, and betrayed. All those emotions mixed at once. A few seconds later, she came closer to me and kneeled besides me. She still wasn't sorry for what she had done. She still darned to look me in the eyes and justified her mistakes.

“Look, I know you are hurt and you have every right to be. I know I hurt you, but, wasn't it you who always said and advised everyone to pursue their happiness? To do what their heart seemed right? Well, that’s what I did. I was in love with you but you ruined it. Then I realized that everyone gets and deserves a second chance and luckily, I got my second chance from him. Perhaps I wouldn't have realized that if you hadn’t left,” She said with a smile that wasn’t reaching her eyes. I looked at her in disbelief. How could she? Everything I did was for her.

“I was pleading with you not to go but you were insisting on providing me with the luxury that i was used to, but I came to live with you because I trusted you, because I loved you. And your obsession turned into your enemy. Even before joining the AirForce, you were obsessed with work and money so much that you didn't give me enough time and love. I'm not saying that I am right, but you weren't right either Aithan. I was happy, we had enough to live, but you wanted more. You said you loved me but you didn't. You just took me as a challenge that you wanted to win at any cost and you did it. Congratulations. You are now a successful Air Force officer but it's too late— I'm sorry,” She looked directly at me and her words hit me in the chest.

“You know, he dedicated his time and everything to me. He made me feel loved, wanted and desirable. He showed me what real love is, even though he doesn’t have much money as you do, he still has unlimited love to shower on me, every single day— I already told you and I will tell you again, I don't need luxury, all I need is love.” She went on talking, her eyes fixed on mine. Her eyes shamelessly held hope. Tears were budding in her eyes and on her lips was a smile that held victory. She seemed happy, indeed she was. She finally got to say what she has been suppressing for days. I didn't say anything. I just listened to her quietly.

"I sincerely wish and pray that, just like I found my second chance, you find it too and I'm sure you will.” She smiled faintly and stood up.

“Please, don't make the same mistake once again when you find her.” She said with her back facing away from me. She was about to leave when my words froze her right in her tracks.

“Amelia, this time when you get pregnant, make sure you inform the father. And make sure that he is aware of the baby's existence before you abort it. Just don't abort it as you did with mine.” I taunted her as I stood up. Maybe that was heartless of me to say but all I can feel is hurt right now. Helpless, stupid, and used.

“How did you know...” she stammered as she turned to face me. Her face lost color as shock took her completely. She wasn't expecting that at all. The doctor that did her abortion happened to be my friend's wife who (luckily) saw us together once. My friend was confused because she brought that bastard for the abortion so my friend asked me for clarification.

“I know a lot of things. For example, you went to Paris with him, right?” I asked. I found the receipt yesterday in her cupboard. She swallowed hard and looked at me shockingly. Of course, she was thinking of lies to cover her sinful deeds. After a minute, she proceeded to defend herself.

“Yes, we went to Paris, and yes I did abort it. Look Aithan, this is my body and I do whatever the hell I want with it. I don't want to get pregnant right now, I'm only twenty-two for Christ’s sake and so are you! We are so young. How could we look after a baby, being so young ourselves?” She defended herself and I sighed. She had justification for every single deed she committed. Typical.

“We are adults damn it. You always wanted to have babies young so that you can grow with them, right? How could you have changed so much? You are not the Amelia whom I loved; that I knew. You are being badly manipulated and I don't need to say by whom.”

“Oh just stop it already, do you know what pregnancy is? Pregnancy is nine months of torture, and childbirth is practically experiencing death. And if you managed to survive it, then years of being sleep deprived.” I can't believe that she was still going on with her pathetic excuses.

“I tried to give you everything,” I whispered.

“Sure you did but what the point, you still ended up losing me,” She said.

I was trying hard to control myself but it was becoming unbearable; so I decided to leave the room but she decided to continue.

“It’s always us women who have to suffer. You men have nothing to do with it, you conceive a child while enjoying it,” She justified and I shook my head. I attempted to leave the room but she grabbed my hand and I wished she hadn't spoken. I just wished she hadn't grabbed my hand. I just wished.

“Why are you so attached Aithan? It was only a three-month-old fetus, it wasn't even a baby, it was just a bunch of cells.” She says dryly and that was when I couldn't take it anymore. I jerked my hand from her grip and pushed her with enough force that she lost control of herself and hit her head on the dresser. Blood splashed everywhere.

Flashback ended.

“Amelia!” I yell loud enough and jump up. I realize that I was dreaming. I was dreaming my past once again. All of it was replaying in my mind as if it happened yesterday. It is still fresh and raw even after five years. Even after five damnit years.

“Sir, are you alright?” Freddy, a young eighteen year old boy who came in yesterday offers me a glass of water. I look around and find myself in the same place; in this hell.

“Thank you.” I mumble while hurriedly downing the glass of water.

“A nightmare?” Freddy asks as he takes the empty glass.

“Umm.” I nod.

Freddy was sentenced to eighteen years because he murdered his mother and her boyfriend after a heated argument.

He stated that his father didn't deserve this betrayal and neither did he so he murdered them. According to him, his father was a very kind person and his mother treated them poorly.

“Please, call me Aithan.” I look him in the eyes. He was so innocent looking, unaware of what was in store for him in this hell. The prison was just a fancy name for this hell. I just wished he had controlled his anger more. That one wrong decision he made ruined his entire life. I pitied him. God had been so unjust. I just wished he would have been only one year younger; just one year. He would have been in the juvenile prison instead of this hell. Would he be able to get out of here alive and scarless? Or would he be scarred like me?

“I think Sir suits you better,” Freddy smiles. We are still talking when suddenly lights turns on. What I was fearing is turning into reality. I hope they don’t choose him. God protect him from those demons.

“What happened? Why did they switch on the lights?—It's midnight.” Freddy asks confusingly and the look on his face saddens me. I can’t find the right words to explain to him what’s going to happen.

“Well…Freddy they...” I am stammering so bad. I can't bring myself to explain those things to him. I, being twenty-seven years old, trembles at the mere thought of those things. Whereas he is only eighteen years old.

“Hello, boys.” I close my eyes tightly as I hear that voice.

A few seconds later, the door of our cell swings open and Alex appears along with his fellow ‘goons’. Alex is a 'reputed' officer who likes to torture prisoners who were ‘handsome’. I couldn't conclude if he is gay or not because he never touchs any of us intimately. He brings the one he likes to a room and watches them get raped.

His goons are mostly rapists and murderers. They are here for amusement and fun instead of rectification. They take real fun in torturing and abusing prisoners. It’s sickening.

“Why are you here?” I ask bitterly while standing to face him. I am also a victim of him. I tried to fight for justice, not once; but several times and failed at every single attempt. They had made my life a living hell after that. So much that I ended giving up the fight for justice. That fight scarred me so deeply that I lost courage. I didn't dare to stand against them anymore. I just let them do what they want to. I guess my voice somehow created ‘fear for me’ in their hearts, so they don't bother me anymore but only under one condition; I should not interfere in their business.

Alex stares at me mockingly for a few seconds before gazing maniacally at Freddy. His actions clears my doubts. They are here for him. Those demons never spared anyone unless by chance, they were physically unattractive. Freddy's good looks became his own enemy. He is still confused by the whole scenario.

“I'm here for him,” he points towards Freddy, “I think the boss will relish him.” He bites his lip viciously as he observes Freddy from head to toe. ‘Boss’ is another officer. I have never seen his face and I'm sure neither have the other prisoners because he always hides his face. The room is always dark; and victims who are brought there are always blindfolded. ‘Boss’ never come out to prey on his victims. Instead, he sends Alex. He abuses prisoners in the room while Alex watches. Just a bunch of officers abusing their power like always.

My anger starts boiling as he starts to approach Freddy.

“Stop,” I order angrily as I come to stand in front of Freddy as his shield. I had nobody to protect me, to shield me from those demons. But, I won't let anything happen to him. I would fight for him until I couldn’t; until my last breath I will protect him.

“Oh captain,” Alex laughs and his goons join him, "Do you think that you can stop me?"

“What is happening sir?” Freddy whispers perplexed,

“Stay quiet,” I whisper back.

“Hey boy, come with us,” Alex adverts his attention back to Freddy and orders him.

“No,” Freddy answers back and clenches my arm firmly.

“Oh boy, I hate no’s—if you decline me then I will have to use force and trust me buddy, I hate violence,” he says sarcastically as he clutches his wrist.

“Captain, tell him to come with us calmly otherwise,” he threatens and this is enough to bring my past in front of me like an open book. All those tortures, all that pain these people inflicted on me. All because I fought for justice. Like Freddy, I was innocent, and I said no, not once, but a million times. I even tried to run away from here but it just made it worse.

“Look, Alex, leave him alone. He is a child and…”

“So, and what?—I'm sure boss will love him, you guys are wasting my time. Boss hates waiting, you should know that.” He says irritably.

“Boys, bring him.” He orders his goons and turns to leave.

“Don't touch him!” I push one of the goons and he falls down. A few seconds later, the other goon grabs me tightly, making me unable to help Freddy anymore.

Alex turns and smiles victoriously at me, “oh captain, I told you to stay away from us; that you will live better. Why can't you stay quiet and mind your own business?” He instructs as a teacher would instruct his primary student.

“Alex, I beg you, please…” I can't even bring myself to finish that sentence. Those words disgust me terribly. For the past five years, I had been ashamed of myself, for what they have done with me, even if it was against my will. But now, to save someone from the hell that I have been dealing with, I would be willing to sacrifice my dignity. Willing to sacrifice myself.

“Take me, I'm willing to please boss. Please take me instead of him—I will do it wholeheartedly.” I plead desperately as I try to free myself from their clutch but since it's more than two of them holding me, that makes it hard. One of them is holding Freddy. I once injured Alex while fighting. Perhaps that's why he still holds a deep enmity with me.

Countless of times I tried to report him and ‘Boss’ to the one who comes for inspection but due to ‘Boss’ being invincible; meaning that nobody have ever see his face. It seems as though they were all accomplices and ‘Boss’ seems to be always there whenever there are inspections. So, the matter never got to reach the board. They either bribe, threaten, or scare the honest one into hiding the illicit and inhumane things they do in this prison.

For the first time ever, I see satisfaction in Alex's eyes. They are gleaming with pride and ego. I notice how his lips curve into an evil smile as he scans me with that vicious look. He comes closer to me. If my hands were free I would’ve broken his hand once again. Disgust fills me as I feel his repulsive touch.

His lips find their place near my ears and those words he whispers freezes my breath.

“Kiss me,” he whispers and I didn't know if he said this to make me furious or to test me. Even if I was repeatedly raped for two consecutive years, I have never ever been asked to kiss. I would never do this. I couldn't bring myself to even imagine this. Disgusting.

“No! Never!” I back up hysterically and he laughs, backing away as well.

“Oh captain, then why are you talking big? How would you please Boss if you couldn't comply to my single request? I'm sorry but you are too old to serve boss anyway. We have a fresh comer here. I'm sure boss will relish his new meat,” he growls at Freddy who now seemed to understand the whole scenario and is looking at me helplessly.

"Okay, okay, I'm sorry. I will kiss you, but leave him." I pleaded desperately. Why did I refuse him? I have promise myself that I will protect Freddy.

"No, that's too late now." Alex says as he signals his goons and starts to walk.

How helpless was I!? I couldn’t do anything but bow my head. I have failed him.

“Guys, take Captain and lock him in the other cell until we are done with this young man,” Alex orders his goons who oblige immediately.

My pleas and cries goes unheard as I am being dragged to the cell. ‘The cell’ is used for rebellious prisoners so that they could rectify them. Every single prisoner here is too terrified to even hear of the other cell. The cell has no light; only darkness and it is so small that it holds only a single toilet, nothing more.

The cell don't terrify me anymore. I had been in it so many times that I lost count of it. I am somehow used to it by now.

My only worry is what will happen to Freddy? Will he be able to come out of there unscarred? Or would his soul be scarred just like mine? I ask myself again. I knew the answer from within but refuse to acknowledge it.

I turn one last time to see him. He is still struggling and begging them to let him go. He turns to me.

“Sir, please save me! I don't want to go! Please sir, save me.” He is begging me as tears are streaming down his face. That scenario is so haunting. I couldn't bear to see him anymore. I want to shun his cries and his pleas from my mind. I turns and walks to the other cell voluntarily without them needing to drag me anymore. Knowing how helpless I am; that I couldn't help him. It makes me feel sick with guilt.

“Sir, I beg you.” I hear his last words and close my eyes tightly allowing my budded tears to fall.

“May God have mercy on you little one, no one else will, I'm sorry. I couldn't help you, please forgive me.” I whisper before entering the cell.