The TV blared in alarm, with headlines rolling across the screen in capitals. My eyes shifted towards the subtitles, a feeling much more forboding than dread creeping in the pit of my stomach.

"Breaking headlines, straight from Madrid police station. At eleven am, for the first time in Spain's decade long persue, a member of the most dangerous Mafia has been captured by Spain's Naval special warfare forces" a heavily blurry picture of Rafael appeared on the screen as he positioned a gun before himself. Nothing could be deduced from his face except that he was pissed. Extremely pissed. How someone was able to capture that whilst trying to save their life was beyond me. It would have been comical to state even then, his face was not at all recognisable. They had the opportunity of a lifetime to capture his picture and even then they failed. Miserably.

Even more of a shock to me was how he was titled. A member of the mafia, I couldn't help but scoff at their idiocy. They don't know him like you did, Laila.

Just the look in his eyes was enough to bring a grown man to his knees. He looked like carnage if it was an expression. And he wore it oh so freely too, not the least bit deterred that these people were to capture him and bask in his entrapment.

"As of yet, there has been no further information on whom the leader of the mafia could be, but the police and CNI are working behind the scenes to capture him, and to restore peace within Spain once again. Nothing has been disclosed of the suspect captured but like it's said, one small step for man, a giant leap for mankind. Upcoming presidential candidate, Fernando Vasquez is here with me now. Mister Vasquez, what do you have to say on such a matter?" The host focused her attention on Vasquez, her entire visage like that of a child, gleeful. Proud that something this profound was unfolding after years of melancholy.

My entire insides twisted at the revelation. Rafael was arrested under suspicion of mafia related ties, all because of me. He was the mafia! I couldn't help but scoff. He crested this life for himself and it just showed how much power he held, to not be doubted as the leader of this syndicate.

A phonecall Interrupted me from my over indulgence. Except, this was out of guilt and not pleasure. Not even bloody close! May's voice rang around my ears, like chalk against chalkboard and I couldn't help but wince. I looked away from Vasquez speaking, as he too seemed thrilled at the notion. Only I knew exactly why.

"Hola, Misses Bakhash. I'm guessing you've seen the news judging upon your silence" I could hear the smile in her tone as she spoke further. "Congratulations Laila on behalf of the entirety of Spain. We commend a young women like you whom allowed our government to take presidency without the fear of Mafia from hereon forward. Albeit, the actual leader is in hiding, but thanks to you, we are so much more closer to our goal"

I wanted to kill myself in that instant. She carried on at the expense of my silence.

"The world is corrupt my dear Laila. Nothing goes our way, and if it ever did, life always has something to prevent that. I was indeed quite lucky when I discovered you had some form of contact with the mafia. You were the perfect pawn in my plan" I was seeing red. Never before had I felt such indignation towards someone. I could feel my entire honour and self respect crumble before my eyes, as her vicious chuckles filled the emptiness in my brain.

Once again, I found myself regretting even setting foot in this damned country. I could have avoided all this had I listened to my parents.

"How-how could you?! I did not know you would go this far for a man" I exclaimed exasperated. Angry. Furious. Not only because I played right into their little game, but because I betrayed myself. Rafael. He was now a part of me, yet now, it felt as if that was snatched away brutally, like a cloth being yanked off of thorns. Like death itself.

Her elated cackles rang around my ears, swiftly coming to a stop as she replied back, "What?" Her voice taunted, as if she was waiting for me to ask such an idiotic question. "You didn't think the most wanted criminal in the entirety of Spain would not face his punishment, did you? One of his man is caught, and in a matter of time, so will he" She laughed down at me through the phone, and I couldn't help but curse my stupidity.

Jimena. Jimena was his daughter, whom was now fatherless due to an incompetent woman whom she entitled as her mother. Tears brimmed my eyes. What had I done? How could I have been so utterly stupid? With each passing second, the air suffocated me. My brain was submerged in water, conscious, but not focused.

"I must say, I'm quite proud of you, you know. I thought you would opt out, not that you would have had the chance. You held your end of the bargain quite well if I must say so myself, and now, Mr Fernando will be elected as President quite soon, all because of you, so thank you, how do you English people say it, dearie" my teeth were gritted in anger. I ended the phone call, cutting her off precisely the moment she decided to open her horrendous mouth again and rain on my parade.

The police was corrupt to the core. Of course May was using you to get Fernando elected as the next President. How could I not have seen this? Dealing with the mafia was much better than the corrupt police, as then I knew who I could trust to an extent and who I should have avoided.

My head was in my hands, the weight too much for me to carry anymore. Tears lined my vision and something blocked my throat. I could feel the pain again and again, attacking my ability to breath.

"What have I done?" I rocked myself back and forth through the tears. The room was dark and full of my depressed wails and sobs. Exactly how I was feeling inside. In my head, everything was array.

I seemed to be regretting a lot of things lately. The most was crossing the mafia. Had I known how far I would be intertwined with Rafael, I would have never agreed to May's plans. I would have ignored all of her reasoning and gone along with whatever life had thrown my way.

I needed to get out of here. It was only a matter of time before someone from the organisation doubted me. And knowing me and the amount of guilt I'd be carrying on my shoulders, I would surely give myself away.

But what about Jimena? Could I leave her so heartlessly after discovering her story. After I was responsible for her father's capture? No. If there was one thing I knew, it was that this girl would grow with me. I will take her to Britain with me and give her the love she'd been lacking from a mother.

Right now, I needed to leave this mansion. Despite how spacious each room was, I couldn't help but feel extremely suffocated. The walls were closing in on me and I didn't have much options to turn to.

Without another thought, I exited the room and headed over to Jimena's. There, I located the wardrobe and grabbed a couple of outfits and shoes. It was too dangerous for me here, I needed to leave ASAP. I couldn't be so careless and leave Jimena here. I now had a legitimate relationship with her, and it would be the last day on earth if I left her alone.

It came as a bonus that the Mukhtar's were already home. I'd went to meet them yesterday, with a fresh served meal and a nice, clean home. I would bid them farewell and take Jimena with me. I had to book the earliest ticket also, for both me and her.

What I would explain to my parents would come later, and what excuse I would use to inform my University would also come later. I'd already left Marissa a text, Informing her I had to leaver earlier than expected. She replied back almost instantly, disheartened over the fact that we couldn't even get to say a proper goodbye.

I willed my tears from falling, not wanting to make Jimena upset as I woke her up. She smiled at me, rubbing her eyes in sleep. "Si mama?" Her cute voice drawled groggily.

I released my lip from my mouth, not knowing where to start. "Jimena, baby. Mama needs to go back home to her parents. Do you want to come with me?" I asked tentatively. She was only a child, yet I was so scared for her answer.

She frowned, not a good sign. "But, papa? What 'bout papa?" I winced. For the second time in the span of two minutes, I held back the lump in my throat, successfully overcoming it as I replied to the little girl's enquiry. "Your father will stay here for some time" in prison "Mama wants to take you with her so we can live together, and then after a few months, we will come back to meet papa, okay?" When that will happen or whether I'd even be alive for it to happen was another problem for future me.

She didn't seem the least bit excited, after all she'd leave behind her father. But still, for my sake she nodded and grinned a small one.

"Okay mama" she jumped from the bed, and I guided her to the bathroom where I helped her clean up. Once done, we hand in hand walked down the stairs and stopped in the foyer. My eyes rested on the door where everything changed. When I was feeding Jimena her food, and Rafael walked in on us. Although I didn't want to admit it, my feelings had changed then. I was no longer the angry women calling Rafael a demon.

Tears brimmed in my eyes and my chin wobbled just thinking about him. I held them back upon eyeing the guards, whom were unaware of what transpired in these past couple of hours. One of them stepped forward, wondering why I had Jimena in my arms. My throat dried, mentally racking myself for any excuse to dilute their suspicions.

"Mama and me going to meet her family!" Jimena claimed excitedly. My saviour. My child. The guard looked up at me as if to confirm what little Jimena said is true. I nodded seriously, simultaneously swallowing down the non-existent spit.

"Yes. My family wants to see this little princess over here. I would have preferred for this to happen sooner but my work got in the way and-"

"That is okay, Mrs Ray. We will accompany you to your family residence-"

"No! No. I will go by myself" he opened his mouth to speak, but I knew what he'd say. The same old. "I have already spoken with Rafael. I will be fine" I exclaimed exasperated, yet Internally I was scared. They might have seen through this facade. They knew what I did. But thankfully, he just nodded once, moving back towards his station.

I exhaled a sigh of relief, forcing a smile onto my face and carrying Jimena in my arms, her bag in the other. I walked it to the main road, much to my tired state and hailed a taxi. Urgency was zapping throughout my entire body, the need to get away from this country. These people who most likely would put two and two together in a matter of time.

Time I did not have.

I felt like ripping my heart out, time traveling, disappearing all at once. If only that was possible. After some time, we reached the front of the Mukhtar residence. Thankfully, I had already informed them of Jimena, letting them know that she was Rafael's daughter. Everyone looked at me like I'd lost a head, but understood once I'd further explained that her biological mother passed away and that Rafael adopted her.

Some newfound praise and softness rested on their features, thinking Rafael the saviour he wasn't meant to be. He was the type of man parents told their daughters to stay away from. He was bad news. And I was the eager journalist, risking my future for a once in a life time scoop.

The moment we entered the Mukhtar residence, I set Jimena down on the ground and instead clasped her hand. We walked towards where everyone was stationed. It was like time froze as everyone stared at me. Then Jimena. Me. Jimena. Lameesa immediately jumped off of the sofa and lunged towards Jimena, whom instantly stood behind my legs.

I cooked for her to come forward and after a couple moments of delay, she reluctantly followed. Her doe yes rested on Lameesa, taking her in. Lameesa looked the her I'm wonder.

"She's so cute!" Squealed Lameesa, extending her hand towards her. Jimena hesitantly took it, asking for my permission. I nodded, smiling encouragingly.

"Jimena, this is your aunt, Auntie Lameesa" I glanced at Lameesa's face, and to my surprise, looked as if she would burst from happiness. Her entire face was red, like that of a gumball. I cold help but chuckle.

Jimena retracted her hand away from her, clasping onto my leg. I looked at auntie and uncle nervously, to see them smiling at the interaction. My heart was somewhat relieved at their reaction. Alhamdulillah.

"Come here, Jimena" said auntie, holding out her hands. I nodded for my daughter to proceed, which she did. Her small legs carried her towards auntie, who wasted no time in picking her up and smooching her with kisses on both her cheeks. She moved about uncomfortably until auntie stopped.

"And I am your Grandma, well not your actual grandma, pero aún así, trato a tu madre como a mi propia hija" she mumbled to herself. Almost instantly, Jimena's visage transformed into glee, as she responded back to auntie almost Instantly.

"También puedes hablar español?"

"Si!" Exclaimed auntie in happiness, smiling from ear to ear. "Eres tan adorable" she exclaimed, cupping her cheeks and letting go gently. Jimena giggled, no longer shy. She certainly found her people.

"Auntie" I called. She looked at me and held my gaze upon seeing my serious state. "Can I talk to you outside?"

"Auntie" I began, once we were in the safety of the kitchen. She looked at me worriedly at my sudden change in demeanor. "Auntie, I have to leave Spain tonight" I exclaimed suddenly. She was not expecting this and visibly paled at my words. "What? Habibti, what do you mean?" I winced. "I'm sure you have a couple of days left!"

"I-i don't auntie. I need to go back home today. I've already sorted everything out" I lied straight through my teeth. My insides were burning to tell her everything, but this was my problem. "B-but Laila.."

"I'm sorry auntie. I-i I don't even know what to say. You just came back from your holiday and all of a sudden, I'm dropping this on you. I feel so bad!" I exclaimed, letting the few tears fall. I'd spent the last half a year with these wonderful people. And for that, I would forever be grateful.

"Oh Laila, come here daughter" she soothed, caressing my back and head. I cried like the little baby I am, feeling distraught. All of my previous decisions caught up to me like a noose, wrapping around my neck and tightening with each feeling of guilt.

"I'm so sorry" I continued mumbling in my tethered state. She gently let go of me, motioning towards the stairs. "You go ahead and pack, my dear. I will let everyone know. Dokt worry about anything habibti" she exclaimed in a mother like tone, caressing my cheeks.

"Jazakallah khair" I announced my gratitude, overcome with so many emotions. I ran upstairs, grabbing all of my items. Whatever I could locate, I made sure to add into the suitcase. With a heavy heart, I trudged downstairs, only for Uncle to meet me halfway and carry it down himself.

"Let's go to the airport Habibti" came his father like tone, as he looked down at me in understanding. I smiled, going in to hug him. I couldn't hold myself back. He was shocked at first, but slowly patted my back in comfort.

"When is your flight time?" He asked, looking down at me. I replied back, glancing at the twins, and finally Lameesa. My partner in crime. All those late night talks and little adventures we'd take around the city played in my mind. Tears welled in my eyes, and she herself tried to hold them back.

Almost like some magnets, we connected in each other's arms, crying. "Oh Laila. Today is too soon" she whined, wiping her tears as we pulled back. "I know" I sighed, doing the same myself, "but it's urgent". She nodded fanning her face.

Finally, I hugged the twins, whom latched onto me. They were still too young to understand true departure, yet still, we'd miss each other dearly.

It was finally time to go to the airport. On our way there, I explained how I would be taking Jimena with me. They met my eyes with a questionable look, to which I answered. "Jimena really wanted to come with me and was crying. She's never had a mother figure, and I couldn't be so heartless as to leave her alone"

"What about her father? Did he not mind?"

I shut my eyes, staring out at the scenery, whilst rubbing Jimena's hair as she slept on my lap, peacefully.

"He did not mind. He was more than happy to allow Jimena to come with me. He would have seen me off, but he had to go on a business trip" to the police station "so, he couldn't make it to bid us farewell" I decided to say, answering their unasked question.

Uncle met my gaze through the rear view mirror. His eyebrows raised. "Okay, my dear, but if anything bad is to happen, you tell me instantly, na'am?". I nodded, smiling weakly. I just needed to reach home and everything else would come later. It was too late for that uncle. I had to reap what I sowed.

It truly was an unfortunate farewell. But even more, it truly was an unfortunate day when I agreed to May's proposition. And now, I had nothing left but myself. Once again.

___