DYLANI grasped Alena firmly by her arms out of the blue, making her jump slightly. "That bullshit doesn't work on me, okay? Don't even try it! I know my wife. I know the woman I love. Even if you tell me that you had sex with half of this state, I'll never believe you because you are loyal to me. I know that you'd never cheat on me. Your loyalty is something I'll never doubt, so don't ever try to fool me with that lie.""Do you really trust me that much?" she asked me, tears falling from her eyes.I nodded without wavering, a single tear falling from my eye. "I trust you with my life. I know you, and I trust you. I'll fight for you, even if it's the last thing I have to do while I'm alive. Fight with me all you want. Doubt me, but I don't care. I'll always trust you and love you. I'll always bring you back home happily with me, Princess," I replied confidently. I let her go, fearing I was holding her too tight. She broke down into tears.I couldn't control myself either. I collapsed
DYLANMy eyes snapped open, and I shot up, putting my hand on my chest. My heart pounded with all the adrenaline rush, and I was sweating profusely.I could feel hot tears prick my eyes as if I had been crying, and I had this inexplicably overwhelming feeling of grief I couldn't explain.I looked around the room, suspicion and paranoia clouding my senses. I took a deep sigh of relief when I realized I was in my bedroom, the sun shining brightly through the window.It was just a dream.For a moment, I thought I had really died in my sleep. It was all just in my head, and the relief it gave me was overwhelming.I rubbed my eyes with my hands, yawning. Lord, my head throbbed painfully, as if it had been smashed with a sledgehammer.I realized I was wearing my white bathrobe in bed, something I never did. Events that had occurred the previous night suddenly replayed in my mind, making my head ache even more.I looked around the room again. Alena wasn't on the couch, and I was on the bed!
DYLAN"What do you mean by you're leaving?""Exactly what I said. Look, it's not like I'm leaving permanently. It's just temporary. I'll be back in a few days, weeks, or whatever. I don't know yet, but right now I know that I need to leave," she told me, looking at me with a painful sincerity in her eyes.I sat back in my chair and looked up, covering my eyes with my hands as I laughed bitterly to hide my pain and misery. She was leaving me."I thought it'd be better to inform you first before leaving so that you wouldn't think I ran away."I leaned back and stared at her. Her eyes softened. She damn well knew she was smashing my poor heart into meaningless, tiny pieces."You're leaving me," I whispered, my own voice betraying me."I'm not. I'm simply giving us both a break we need.""But I don't need a break from you. For goodness sake, Alena, we don't have to do this. Why are you doing this?""I have to do this for me, Dylan. I need space after everything that has happened between u
DYLAN"We already talked about this, Dylan. Please, let me go."I broke our hug after a few more seconds and tried to kiss her on her lips, but she moved her lips away. I settled for a small kiss on her forehead instead. It was more than enough at this moment."Take care of yourself, honey. I'll call you to check on you. I love you very much. No matter what happens, my heart belongs to you. Till death do us apart, my love."She looked me in the eyes one last time, and she gave me a weak smile. "Take care. I'll see you soon."And with those words, she left. I watched her leave; my face flushed. She didn't say it back. She didn't tell me that she loved me, and that fact made my heart bleed with pain. When would I finally hear her say those three words again?I walked back into the house in misery, battling with my own thoughts about this entire mess and how I'd be able to clean it up. I'd have to make a few phone calls to find out who she was staying with. It was either one of our frien
DYLANI'd look carefully into everything later, once I came back home. For now, I only needed the address. I put the envelope in a drawer where I kept some of my important documents and my journal.I just felt like writing something down before leaving. I sat on the bed with the journal and pen in my hand. It was a gift from Alena, and it was dear to me.I ended up writing her a letter in my journal. It was short, sweet, and heartfelt. I'd make sure she read it once she came back home to me. I put it back in the drawer once I was done and took my phone, then I headed downstairs.I met Elizabeth in the main lounge before I left. She seemed like she had been waiting for me, worriedly lacing her kind face. I hadn't seen her since this morning."Morning, Elizabeth. How are you this morning?" I greeted her, giving her a small hug."Not good, really. Are you okay, Dyl? Harry helped carry you onto the bed early this morning. You didn't even move. Is everything okay?""I'm okay, Elizabeth. I
DYLANI grabbed it standing up and smashed it onto the floor. It shattered loudly into multiple tiny pieces, and the red liquid spilled onto the floor. "I'm not here to play games with you, okay? Don't you think you've gone a little too far?" I barked.Hank laughed bitterly, looking at the shattered bottle. It must have cost him a fortune. "I'll let it slide because I'm in a good mood. I have more for this event anyway," he scoffed, giving me a death glare."I'm sick and tired of you and your games. Let's talk about this once and for all and end this madness. You went too far this time around and ruined something special to me."Hank smirked. "I believe you saw the footage. That was one of Gwen's gifts for playing the biggest role in ruining your marriage. She should have been part of this conversation, but she passed out. How did you feel after seeing me fuck your ex? The power of women is incredible, huh? Look how she managed to turn your loyal and oh-so-perfect wife against you. Ha
ALENAI crawled into Mom's bed like I used to when I was a small child, kicking off my pumps in the process. She was sitting upright in her pyjamas, looking at me with soft eyes full of love. I joined her in her warm blankets and cuddled up with her, burying my face in her chest."Oh, my baby," Mom cooed, brushing my hair gently with her fingers. "It's okay, Cora.""I'm sorry I woke you up," I mumbled, holding onto her gently. At this point, I was an emotional mess and I could break down for the hundredth time this day at any moment."It's okay, my love. I understand. I don't mind having you here."In my moment of distress, the only person I had thought of calling was Mom. She had been married for over twenty years and she probably had faced something like this before. Maybe she'd help me calm down and sort out my feelings. Maybe she'd share her experience with me and help me with this heartbreaking problem I was facing in my marriage, a marriage I had put all my heart into.I had alr
ALENANo! That didn't sound like the man I had fallen in love with. There had to be some misunderstanding or a mix up. He wouldn't dare crush my heart like that. He said he loved me and he proved it in every way possible. I trusted him blindly, but this was a test that had put everything on the line.There was silence for a couple of minutes as I covered my eyes with my hands and let my tears wash away all the feelings of anger and bitterness in me. I knew he was as shattered as I was. I could see an image of his face in my mind with tears in his eyes as he begged me to stay. It just made my heart ache for both of us.Was I being too hard on him? I was supposed to trust him and stand by him, but I had doubted him in my state of confusion and anger. Was I the one at fault here or the situation was to blame?Mom gave me a box of tissues which were really of great use at the moment. I had to let myself go without holding back for any reason. I believed it was an important process for me
ALENA’S EPILOGUE Our black SUV pulled up in Mom's driveway a little late in the afternoon and we all got out of the car. Amelia was snuggled in her daddy's arms, a place I knew was one of her favourites in the whole world and the way he paid enough attention to her and kept her smiling just made their bond stronger.Aidan and Iris were on either of my sides each holding each of my hands tightly as we walked up the driveway to the main entrance. We had all been looking forward to this family gathering for some time now. Spending time together, catching up on each other's lives and just being there for each other was something we all enjoyed. We were a family and meeting up together like this was always a pleasure."Thank you so much, Mommy, for buying me these pretty sparkly shoes and sparkly dress," Iris squealed excitedly, jumping up and down on her feet as we walked, staring admirably at her new outfit. "I feel like a princess," she added, giving me a brilliant smile that revealed
FIVE YEARS LATERDYLAN’S EPILOGUEThey say that you will never truly understand something until it happens to you.I honestly never paid much attention to this saying until realistic things happening in my own life started weighing much on it and opening my eyes to how everything I was once told about this big mystery called life started unfolding before my own eyes and manifesting in my life.Many a time, Dad would tell me about how marriage and fatherhood changed his life greatly for the better and it barely made any meaningful sense to me, but right now in this very moment, bonding with my baby and showering her with unconditional love made it all make perfect sense.There was something inexplicably intoxicating about seeing our precious bundle of joy happy with a radiant smile on her face. That smile had to be the prettiest thing I had ever seen, for it extended deep into my soul and filled me with joy. I couldn't resist smiling back at her with an even brighter smile, placing the
ALENADylan twirled me around, dipping me as he leaned forward closer to me. Staring at the masterpiece of a husband before me, my breathing became shallow and my heart felt heavy in my chest.Dylan pulled me back up into his arms and I rested my head on his chest and let him sway my body as the chorus rolled in. The song twirled like thread around us, the rhythm of our bodies simply passionate and majestic. I was deep in love."Alena, you're the inspiration for this precious song, and I just wanna see your face light up since you put me on. So now I say goodbye to the old me, it's already gone. And I can't wait to get you home, just to let you know, you are...""The love of my life," we whispered together in unison as I joined him in saying some of the lyrics along to the song playing.I was crying. He was way too sweet. I never imagined he'd be able to love me this much and take our relationship to a whole new level.Couples eventually started joining us on the dancefloor. I looked
ALENADylan pulled me towards him gently but firmly by my waist and he placed his lips firmly on mine, cupping my cheek with his hand.His lips were soft, almost silken against my own. Our lips fitted perfectly as if they were meant for each other. Moving against each other, feeling each other.Warmth blossomed in my chest, sparks igniting. This was beautiful and magical, a dream come true. When we pulled away from each other, the crowd was cheering loudly for us, clapping and everything.We both chuckled, holding hands tightly. We turned and faced everyone. Their cheers grew even louder and more enthusiastic.I could see Mom sitting in front with Benjamin, Steve and Celeste. Ezra was in front on the other side with Axel, Sophie and Elizabeth. Everyone else followed behind them. They all looked happy for us.Dylan and I stepped down from the wedding altar and we proceeded down the aisle. Everyone rose and started throwing confetti at us as we walked out. It was perfect.I looked up at
ALENA"Of course, I will. When can we start making the preparations?"Dylan laughed, pinching my nose. "Silly, I mean today. Everything is already set. You just have to get ready and walk down the aisle.""You're kidding right?""I'm dead serious, honey. Everything's the way you wanted it and mostly your choice. I know this isn't our first wedding, but I want us to consider this our actual wedding because the previous wasn't even one. This time around, I'm marrying you willingly with pride."I laughed, failing to believe this. "How? I can't believe this.""Believe it, baby. We're getting married and this time around the proper way. I've been so excited to finally take you as my wife the proper way and give you the joy you deserve. I want to marry you, Alena.""Dylan, how did you even think of this? Just how?" I asked him, blinking away my tears.He wiped away my tears with his hands. "Because I want to see you happy and make your dreams come true. It's called love, honey. You've drown
ALENADylan opened the door of his car on my side and I stepped out, taking his hand which he had extended politely towards me to help me out. I murmured a polite thank you with a smile on my face as he helped out and closed the door once I was standing next to him.We linked arms and he gave me a small peck on my forehead before we started walking down the pathway that led to the dock of a beautiful lake.There were bright heart shaped lanterns hanging on tree branches and rose petals artistically scattered on the pathway we were walking on. Star shaped twinkle lights were wound around branches and lining the pathway. It was breathtakingly beautiful.It was a beautiful sunset and it felt extraordinarily magical with the water in the lake glimmering beneath the beautiful sky, looking calm and inviting.I had no idea if it was the beautiful weather and scene that added the special magical effect or if it was the exceptional man right next to me, holding me like his entire life depended
DYLANI loved it when she played dirty. I loved seeing that side of her that only I knew. I loved this state where she was raw, untamed and fierce sexy."Naughty girl," I chuckled, smacking her butt firmly. She winced, her lips cracking into a wider smile."If I am naughty, what are you?" she purred, pressing her body firmly into mine. She bit her bottom lip tenderly, looking at me with lust filled eyes."Your sexy husband who loves bringing the naughtiness out of you." I smacked Alena's butt one more time, pressing her body into mine at the same time."Ah," she moaned, throwing her head back. She loved it.I took my spoon and scooped some ice cream onto it. I trailed the spoon from her earlobe down to her throat. She shivered, looking at my hand. "Cold," she breathed."I'll set you on fire," I promised and with those words, I smashed my lips onto her neck, earning a loud moan from her.I held her firmly close to me by her butt as I attacked her neck with deep kisses, soft nibbles and
DYLANShe took her wine glass from me and looked up at me, taking a step closer. "Careful what you wish for, Princess. I want to, I can and I will eat you," I said, closing the small gap between us."Is that a promise?" she asked me, running her finger slowly down my torso. I had been working out a lot to get back in shape. All my hard work hadn't gone to waste."It is," I affirmed, brushing my lips against her smooth skin. "And you know I never break my promises."Alena stood on her toes and she pecked my lips. She held both of our glasses, looking deep into my eyes with her bottom lip between her white teeth. I poured the wine and took my glass from her."What are we toasting to?" she asked me."To us. To our lives, love, freedom and everything we ever wanted that we can proudly say we achieved.""Cheers to that," she said, raising her glass."Cheers." We clicked our glasses and washed down the red wine together in one go. We had a second round and we drank the wine in the same mann
DYLAN"No," she mumbled quietly. She was crying."Show me your face. I want to look at you," I spoke softly."Do I have to?" she replied quietly. She sounded cute and in my head, I could see a cute pout on her lips as she said so. That made me smile."Yes. You have to," I murmured, kissing her temples. Alena slowly pulled away from me and she sat up, facing me. She had tears in her eyes and a few had fallen down her cheeks. I wiped them away using my thumbs."And why is my beautiful princess crying when we're supposed to be celebrating?" I asked her, taking both of her warm hands into mine. I planted sweet kisses on both of them and looked up at her. "I don't know," she mumbled, looking at our hands. "Tears of relief if there's anything of that sort I guess.""You don't have to hide your feelings from me, you know. It's okay to cry if you feel like it. We all express joy and relief in different ways.""Does that mean I can bawl my eyes out and you'll still be okay with it?""Hmmm...