The air in the room feels heavy with tension as I take my seat between Daniel and Lily. Daniel’s intense gaze follows my every move, while opposite me, Logan’s eyes are fixated on me with a silent intensity.
Around the table, they discuss lively, but I can’t shake the feeling of being out of place. I notice that Logan isn’t contributing much to the conversation; his answers are monotone. It’s evident that they all share a close bond that I only admire from the sidelines.
“Nadine, I hope you’re enjoying your meal,” Florence says, her face lighting up with genuine happiness that I’m in Logan’s life.
“Yes, ma,” I reply, bringing the glass of orange drink to my lips and taking a sip, trying to focus on the food in front of me as a distraction from the tension swirling around the table.
Lily’s voice pulls me back to the present moment. “You know, Nadine, I was wondering how you and Logan met. I’m so glad love has finally found him.”
Summoning every ounce of courage I can muster, I fix my gaze on Logan. I notice a flicker of emotion pass through his eyes as they meet mine, but he quickly masks it. Memories of our first encounter flood my mind as I search for the right words to express how I feel about him.
“On a more serious note, I’m surprised at your assumptions regarding Logan,” I begin. “He has a large heart and has been nothing but sweet to me.”
I take a deep breath, recalling our story. “We met at one of the functions organized by his company. Since my company and his are partners, I was sent as a delegate.”
I remember the moment I first noticed him, how someone kept following my every move. I was struck to see the most gorgeous man checking me out, itching to strike up a conversation with me. “I said looking at him with all the love I could muster.”
The opportunity arose when he asked me something crucial about my company. I took it as a cue that he wanted to know my value to the organization, and off we clicked from there.
“From that moment on, our connection deepened with each conversation. It felt as if we were drawn together by some unseen force. He asked me out on a date, but he tagged it as an ‘official’ date,” I say, gesturing with my hand to make quotation marks.
“But when I went for the date, it was nothing official. We only talked about ourselves,” I continue, locking eyes with him once more. I notice a small smile playing on his lips.
With late-night talks and several dates, he has shown me time and time again that he is the one. So when he proposed, I said yes, and now we’re married,” I finished, proudly showing them the ring on my finger.
“Wow, I didn’t take him for someone who would fall hopelessly in love, because I can tell from his look that he is smitten by you,” Laura says, glancing between me and Logan.
I notice his jaw clench as if he feels caught in a vulnerable moment. He gives Laura a warning glare, and I can tell they all enjoy pushing his buttons.
Could this be true-that he is smitten by me? No, this can’t be. They could say the same for me with the story I just told them. The thought seems too surreal, too good to be true. I’ve spent countless hours searching for hidden meanings and signs of affection, but always come up short.
His father gives him a pat on the back, perhaps having seen Logan’s vulnerable side. Then, his father whispers something to him, prompting him to stand. He looks at me for a moment, and I nod, understanding the assignment.
“Now, if you’ll excuse us, everyone,” his father announces, “my son and I have something important to discuss since he has finally brought his wife home.”
With that, I watch both father and son leave, and the rest of the room falls into a hushed silence.
Suddenly, I feel Daniel’s hand on my thigh. My breath hitches in my throat as his hand ventures higher, urging me to act swiftly to break free from his grasp.
Abruptly, I rise from my chair, drawing everyone’s gaze toward me, but I offer a charming smile. “Sorry, I think I need some fresh air,” I say softly, my voice barely above a whisper. With a glance at Daniel, I stride toward the door, my heart pounding with each step.
I push open the door and step into the cool night air, grateful for the peace it brings.
I don’t know where I’m going, but I trust I won’t be lost. I continue along the walking path until I reach a large opening. I know I need to clear my head of all the emotions swirling within me. A swimming pool comes into view, and thrilled, I approach, sitting at the edge and dipping my leg into the water.
Closing my eyes, I savor the sensation of the cool water against my skin. Suddenly, I feel a presence behind me, and I resist the urge to react.
I remain still, focusing on the rhythmic lapping of the water against the pool’s edge. Every fiber of my being urges me to turn around, to confront whoever stands behind me.
“You know I can see through your lies,” he says, his voice dripping with disdain. “He doesn’t make you feel half of what I made you feel, right? He never does love. You should win an accolade for acting your part and fulfilling your bargain,” he taunts, advancing closer to me.
His words cut deep. I know I need to act fast before he exposes our charade to everyone.
But he doesn’t relent, continuing his verbal assault. “How do you think Florence will feel when I walk back in there and inform her that you’re both pretending?”
Enough is enough. I can’t allow him to dictate my life any longer. He may be my ex, but he has no right to interfere in my life. It’s time to put him in his place once and for all.
With deliberate movements, I withdraw my leg from the water and rise to my feet, a fire igniting within me.
I unleash the words I’ve been holding back for far too long. “What I and Logan feel for each other is none of your goddamn business! I’m sure you’re pained that he makes me feel loved in a way I never experienced with you during those two wasted years.”
I watch as hurt crosses his eyes, but I’m not finished yet. “You’re nothing but a pathetic excuse for a man, thinking that because of your good looks, you can charm your way into any girl’s heart. Newsflash: I’m over you, and I think you should do the same.”
I turn away, leaving him to confront the harsh reality of my truth.
But I stop myself, turn around, and move closer to him, jabbing my finger into his chest. “Stay the hell away from me! I am happy with Logan, and nothing you do will make me stop loving him. So stop being a killjoy and be happy for your cousin for once.” With that, I pull my finger off his chest and turn to leave.
As I turn around, I notice someone looking at me with an expression I can’t put into words. A sense of unease washes over me, but I quickly push it aside and continue on my way.