HSC: Chapter 2

    Everyone is still staring at Travis. Despite the hurtful things he said earlier, I still can't help but worry about him. I, who loved him secretly, was hurt by his words; how much more for him, who was betrayed by his girlfriend? He loves her. The pain must be double or triple.

    Our attention was diverted when Aunt Kim spoke.

   “Honey, why did you do that?" "Didn't you see that you hurt your son?” 

    "It's better for him to know the truth, honey, that he's being cheated on by the woman he loves. It's just right that we arrange his marriage with Eunice; we're sure Travis' life will be fine. "She's a kind, beautiful, hardworking, and intelligent woman. The day will come when they'll learn to love each other even more if they live together.  "Am I right, Eunice?” 

     I straightened myself up when Uncle Troy turned to me. God, is this real? Am I really getting married to Travis? It feels like it was just earlier when I dreamed of marrying the man I've loved for so long. But all of that disappeared like a bubble because of today's revelation.

    I don't know anymore. It's too confusing, and I'm still lost.

      “U-um, Uncle...” 

    “If you're thinking about Travis, we'll take care of it." I looked at Aunt Kim when she held my hand.

    “Daughter, if you were asked, would you agree to marry our son?” 

    "Of course, Auntie," was the answer that came to mind. If I hadn't heard what Travis and Uncle Troy said earlier, I might have answered Aunt Kim right away. But I heard it, so I don't want to anymore. Travis loves someone else; he doesn't love me, and I have a bit of resentment towards my mom and dad because they didn't even talk to me about this. I didn't know what was going on.

    I weakly smiled at Aunt Kim as I was about to answer when Uncle spoke again.

    "Eunice, please? We know you're confused right now, but please help us. I don't want to lose what Ariel and I have worked hard for, especially Travis. Many on the board of directors are trying to take Travis's position as CEO; they see many opportunities to remove him from his position. That's why Ariel and I talked about continuing your wedding. Your mom also wants you to marry Travis; she says it will make them feel better. So, daughter, please agree to our request; we'll be happy and wholeheartedly welcome you into our family.” 

    Oh God, I don't know anymore. I need to think. I looked at Trish, asking for help.

     She immediately understood what I wanted to convey.

   "Dad, mom, maybe we should let Eunice think because these revelations aren't just a joke. Auntie Erin will be here tomorrow, and I think my best friend will have a well-decided answer. For now, I'll take her home. Is that okay?"

  

   I relieved, Thanks, bes. It's a good thing she understood me. I need to think and breathe in fresh air. It feels like the garden at Aunt Kim's is too crowded; even though it's an open space.

   "Alright, Trisha is right. Go ahead, daughter, I'm sorry for what happened." Uncle Troy said

   "It's okay, uncle, I'm going home first."

    They both nodded, and Trisha and I stood up. I slightly bowed to say goodbye to my uncle and aunt before we walked away.

    While walking, I couldn't help but think about what had happened and what they had said, Uncle.

   Will I agree?

    But they need help. Aunt Kim and Uncle Troy are kind. Since then, they have treated me like their real daughter. They have done many good things for me. and I love Travis. Maybe Uncle is right; if we live together in the same house, I will learn to love Travis. But what about Mayell? Can Travis move on quickly? He loves his girlfriend so much. Maybe they'll reconcile.

   Oh, Eunice, what will you do? Will you get married or not?

    "Hey, are you okay?" I've been asking you for a while; your thoughts are deep." I was brought back to reality when Trisha touched me.

   "Ha? Ah sorry, I was just thinking if I should get married to your brother or not."

     "Hey, I know you're having a hard time, but whatever decision prevails in you, that's what you should follow. If you're going to get married to my brother, I'll support you. If you don't want to, I'll still support you. I'm just here, okay?" I smiled. I can really count on my best friend.

     We were about to talk more when Trisha's phone rang. We stopped walking, and she took her phone from her short pocket.

   She looked at me.

   "It's Aunt Erin." She answered the call immediately. I just looked at her.

   "Hello aunt? Yes, aunt, she's with me, okay? Wait aunt," She turned to me and said, "Aunt wants to talk to you, bes." You haven't answered her call." Oh yeah, my phone is in my room. I carefully took Trisha's phone.

    "Hello mom? Yes, I'm here. I know. Yes, okay...," I just listened to everything Mommy said. After she said everything she wanted to say, I hung up the phone. I took a deep breath before giving the phone back to Trisha.

    "Bes, are you okay?" "What did Aunt say?" She asked me worriedly.

    I looked up at her, and a small smile appeared on my lips.

     "Trish, I've made a decision...

     I'm going to marry Travis...” 

  ******

   Travis' point of view

I clenched my fist while walking down the hallway towards Mayell's unit. The photos and video that Dad showed me couldn't be erased from my mind.

D*mn it, Mayell! You need to explain everything!

When I arrived in front of her unit, my hand was shaking as I rang the doorbell. The door opened immediately.

The woman I love appeared in front of me, surprised by my presence.

"H-Hon! "What are you doing here?" She asked in a nervous, disbelieving tone. Clearly, she did not expect to see me here now.

I looked down at her outfit. She seemed to be going out, dressed up. Forget about where you were headed; you're not going anywhere, Mikaela Mayell.

"We need to talk to Mayell." I said it seriously. I could see her change in reaction; she was nervous. You really are hiding something from me.

"Ha? "About what, hon?" I didn't answer. I just walked inside without waiting for an invitation and sat on the single sofa, signaling for her to sit down as well. She sat down on the other sofa.

"What are we going to talk about, hon?"

I took a deep breath, calming myself, before looking seriously at her.

"Do you love me, Mikaela Mayell?" She was surprised by my question, but later laughed softly before answering.

"What kind of question is that, hon?" Of course, I love you." D*mn Mayell! How long will you deceive me? How long will you pretend?

I was about to speak when our attention was diverted to her cellphone ringing on the center table. It must be him calling. That assh*le.

She quickly grabbed her phone and turned off the call. I could see her panic and fear.

"Who was calling?" Why didn't you answer? "It might be important." I asked seriously and with restraint.

"Uh, it's my manager." I'll call him back later; we're still talking." I only smiled and nodded. Even when we're together, she always answers her manager's call. But now? It's obvious that she's hiding something, and I could see her forcing a smile. I love her so much and know her so well.

Her phone rang again. She panicked and turned it off again. Because I was getting angry, I offered her my hand.

"Give me your phone." I'll talk to your manager." I said it seriously. I felt like I was stuck; I didn't know how to react when I saw her simply turning off her phone and putting it behind her.

D*mn! You really made me look stupid, Mayell...

"Hon, it's okay. I'll just call him back later."

"I said, give me your goddamn phone! Why won't you give it to me? Are you hiding something from me? " I couldn't help but shout. I was full. She became frightened when I shouted. It was the first time that I've ever raised my voice at her since we've been together.

  "What's wrong, hon?" Why are you like this? "What's happening to you?" I looked away when I saw her tears. I am weak when I see her like this. This is one of my weaknesses.

 

I took a deep breath. I'm finally going to ask her the question I've wanted to ask her.

 

"Do you have another man?" This time, I looked directly into her eyes. All my restraint came out.

 

She was shocked by my question. I could clearly see the change in her facial color.

 

"What are you doing?"

 

"I'm asking you, Mikaela Mayell, to answer my question! Do you have another man?"

 

"No! What are you saying?

 

"Bullshit! Stop the act, Mikaela! "I know the goddamn truth!" And that's where she stopped. It's shocking to believe I knew.

 

"Why Mayell? Why did you fool me? Am I not good enough? What else, Mayell? What did I lack for you? Damn it!" I rubbed my face due to the frustration.

 

"I'm sorry," I said, glaring at her.

 

"Who is your man?" I asked, angry. "Who is your guy, Mikaela?" Who!?"

 

Instead of answering me, she just looked away. Damn!

 

"I'm asking you! Who is your fcking man? "What's his name?" I asked again, but instead of speaking, she suddenly stood up and grabbed my hands while crying.

 

"Calm down, Travis; please let me explain for you."

 

"No need." What you need to do is leave him, Mayell. Leave your man, and I will forgive you. I will forget everything. Just leave him." I'm stupid, but I really love her! Even though she cheated on me, I will accept her.

 

But I felt like I was drenched in cold water when she let go of my hands and looked away.

 

"I'm so sorry, Travis. I'm so sorry, but I can't leave him. I love you, but I love him more. I love him more because he understands me. He doesn't suffocate me; he's different from you. Sorry, Travis, but let's end this. Sorry if I fooled you, but I'm happy to have been part of your life. I hope you understand me. Thank you for everything. Goodbye Travis." After she said those words, she left in front of me and went out. I was left devastated. She chose her guy over me! I, s that just it? Is it over?

 

"Bullshit!" Why Mayell? I loved you so much! I even fought for you with my family! Is it really that much? Am I really that suffocating?

 

Why did you leave me so easily? Fool me. You wasted years, damn! Nothing! The woman I loved for years is gone! I was left! I was left for another guy! Fck!

 

Why didn't you tell me that you were suffocating? I wish you had told me everything so I could have changed my self ! Not like this, where you looked for someone else and left me!