Chapter 2: Disappointment

"You slapped me?" Clare asked in disbelief, trying to relish the entire moment, while still rubbing her cheeks.

"Don't ask me silly questions. I have always warned you never to interfere in my marriage and you failed to listen. If you keep doing this, I would keep on with my act and there is nothing you can do about it." Bianca berated, staring down at Lorenzo with disdain in her eyes.

As Bianca berated Clare, the tension in the room was palpable. Lorenzo knew Clare was going to react.

"What in heaven's name has gotten over you Bianca? Why have you chosen to be a thorn in your husband's flesh? You were never like this; I once remembered how you claimed to love him so much. I am disappointed in you." Clare stated, shaking her head in disappointment.

"You don't tell me what to do Clare and if you keep getting on my nerves, I would be forced to report to father." Lorenzo noticed Clare's hands were folded into a fist and her anger was increasing every second. He adjusted himself for a moment and gently tapped her by the shoulder, giving her a signal that it wasn't worth it.

"Of Course that's what you know how to do best..." Bianca indicated observing the tap on her sister's shoulder. "Bitching around and trying to let everybody pity you. You don't deserve any form of pity and most times, I wish you could just die and give me the peace I cherish so much" Clare and Lorenzo gasped simultaneously.

"Bianca! How can you say something like that! He is your freaking husband! You made a vow to be by his side and all you could do is wish him death?"

"It doesn't matter your opinion Clare! This is my marriage and I have warned you never to intrude!" Bianca yelled back at her.

As the argument escalated, Lorenzo saw an opportunity to escape, gently carrying his walking stick with him. He stumbled to his feet and started toward the door, but Bianca was swift to block his path.

"And where do you think you are going? I already swore to myself that you would not step foot into this house and since my beloved sister decided to bring you into the living room, you are not getting past this place." Bianca placed her hands on her hips, positioning herself for any act that Lorenzo was willing to bring to him.

"You are nothing but a failure, a disappointment! I should spit on you for that." Bianca further added. Lorenzo knew she was looking for a reaction out of him, but he was not going to give her one. He was already weak and tired to even speak.

"Bianca, leave his path and allow him to freshen up." Clare spoke behind them, getting up to her feet.

"One more step closer and I swear, I would beat you up. Remember you are my younger sibling and I wouldn't hesitate to place you in that position." Bianca warned, pointing at her direction.

Lorenzo's body was trembling from the cold, the shock, and the adrenaline coursing through his veins. He knew he needed to get away from Bianca and her abuse, but he didn't know how. Slowly he leaped along with his walking stick and turned around, willing to go back to the couch and sit down, but it was a trap.

In one swift moment, Lorenzo swerved past Bianca and before she could hold him back, Clare was there to help him out, grabbing her sister from behind, while Lorenzo headed into the room.

As he stepped into the room, he heard Bianca yelling out at her sister, possibly trying to assault her. He had vowed never to place his hands on a woman and he wasn't coming to break that vow for any reason. He sat down on the bed, and the weight of everything that had happened crashed down on him. He felt the pain, his heart carried such heaviness.

He could still listen to Bianca ravaging like a mad dog in the living room and Clare giving her a piece of her mind as well. His strength was weak to separate the duo and all he could think about in that moment was having his bath.

As Lorenzo stepped into the shower, the warm water touched his bare skin and for a short moment, he felt at ease... so he thought, till his legs gave out beneath him. He fell hard on the tile floor, his head slamming against the wall very hard. His vision blurred and he suddenly began to feel sharp pain in his shoulder. He tried to move, but he couldn't. He was lying on the floor, helpless and in agony. He was unable to call out for help, Lorenzo had accepted his fate at that point in time, when his eyelids suddenly closed, leading him to an unconscious state.

Meanwhile, in the other room, Clare and Bianca were still arguing. Their voices rose, and the tension in the air was palpable.

"Clare, I am highly disappointed in you. For fuck sakes, you are my sister, you ought to have my back against that useless man that can't provide for me. Take a look at me Clare." Bianca made a circular turn around. "I look rough, no new clothes and it's been a long time since I did my nails or even my hair." Bianca added.

"Bianca you have to understand that your husband is handicapped right now. It was never his wish in the first place." While Bianca was about speaking further, they both heard a loud thud from inside the room. Bianca wasn't moved, while Clare rushed out of the living room, navigating her way towards Lorenzo's room.

"Lorenzo?" She called out as she stepped into his room. His clothes had been placed on the bed and it meant one thing to Clare, he was in the bathroom. Her ears picked up the sound of running water, emanating from the bathroom.

"Lorenzo?" She called out again, but there was still no answer. Anxiety slowly began to rise within Clare as she made her way towards the bathroom. The door was not locked and she stepped in; she gasped seeing Lorenzo on the bare tiles unconscious.

"Oh my God! Lorenzo!"