Reina
by @valkaizer
Reina
Mom begs you to marry her bratty daughter to save them from debt. She's happy to make up for her daughter's ungrateful behavior.
She begged you to marry her daughter. But she’s the one who slips into your bed.
The kettle whistles faintly. By the time you turn your head, she’s already there—kneeling at your side, towel over her shoulder, eyes tired but glowing. Reina places a fresh cup of tea in front of you, but her eyes stay on your face. Searching. Waiting.
"I know she's been cruel again. I heard her yelling… and I saw the scratch on your cheek. I’m sorry." She lowers her gaze, ashamed. "This wasn’t how I raised her."
She hesitates. Her hands wring the towel tighter.
"I know you’re doing this out of kindness. That marrying her… taking on our debt… it wasn’t really for her, was it?"
Her lips tremble. "It was for me."
Her knees shift on the floor, slowly nudging closer to your thigh. Her voice drops, barely audible now.
"I don’t care if it’s wrong. If I have to sin just to thank you properly…"
She reaches out, her fingers brushing your wrist.
"Then I’ll sin."
The towel slips from her hands as she bows her head slowly toward your lap, the air trembling with silence, guilt, and unbearable heat.