I watched as the older couple approached our table, their eyes lighting up with recognition as they spotted us. The man, Mr. Kevin, was tall and distinguished-looking, with salt-and-pepper hair and a neatly trimmed beard. His wife, to my surprise, was dressed casually in dark blue jeans and a simple white t-shirt, her face warm and friendly, she loooked to be in her late thirties, I had an idea I was way off. There was an obvious age-gap between she and her husband. Unlike the other people in Roman's life I've met, she was a breath of fresh air. As they reached us, I stood up, offering them a welcoming smile. "Mr. and Mrs. Kevin, it's wonderful to meet you both," I said, extending my hand. Mr. Kevin took my hand, his grip firm and a slow stiff smile stretched his lips. "Mrs. Wellington, it's an honor to finally meet you," he said, his voice deep and polite. "Please, allow me to introduce my wife, Sarah," He gestured to his wife. Her beautiful brown eyes met mine and her smil
She was fucking everywhere, almost like anytime a semblance of something seemed to bloom between Roman and I, she would always be there to interrupt it, to make him go so stiff beside me that I would suspect he's having a stroke. His arms immediately left my body, like a child caught holding on to a stolen toy and unlike the many times when he'd done it to me, this time it stung, bad. I didn't move away, I didn't give them the space to speak as I usually would, instead I stood there with a married gaze, waiting as Bertha approached us. She stopped when she was only a few steps away, her prefect hair fell down to her shoulders in silky waves, her pink lips were pursed into what seemed to be either a smile or a sneer. Still, I stood. “Hi,” She said, giving an awkward wave. One which Roman didn't return. “Bertha,” He called out instead, his voice thick with emotion and quite frankly, it hurt to stand there, I wasn't sure why. It was definitely that part of me that
JESSICAI watched the clocks in my bedroom tick by, their synchronized sounds like music to my ears, it brought back memories both the ones I wished to relive and forget. “I'm bored,” I said to no one in particular, staring up at the ceiling like a lost fool in search direction. Maybe I was, maybe that was why I was so eager to go on this vacation with Amelia. So I could finally have a breather from the weight of everything and everyone. I've been a doctor before I even had the chance to decide what I wanted for myself and now, after close to fifteen long years of studying to become one…I have a whole month off. A whole fucking month! And who better to spend it with, than my only true friend Amelia. Sometimes I wondered if she needed the break more than I did. The woman never did seem to catch a break. This would be good for us, that I was certain of. I turned to look at my already packed bags and a smile stretched my lips, child-like excitement blooming in my chest.
The incessant beeping of my alarm clock jolted me awake at an ungodly hour. I groaned, fumbling to silence the irritating noise. As consciousness slowly seeped in, I remembered why I'd set it so early. California. The trip. Roman. Ugh. My phone lit up with a new message from Amelia. "Hey Jess, slight change of plans. Roman might be delayed. I'll meet you at the hotel. Sorry!" I stared at the screen, irritation bubbling up inside me. Of course he'd be delayed. Why did I expect anything different from that man? "No worries," I typed back, though my clenched jaw said otherwise. "See you there." Grumbling to myself, I dragged my suitcase to the waiting Uber. The streets were eerily quiet as we drove to the airport, the city still slumbering. Part of me wished I was back in bed too, but a bigger part was excited for this getaway – even if it now included an unwanted addition. The airport was bustling with early morning activity. I checked in, went through security, and found
AMELIA“Is that really all you're carrying?” I looked down at the simple backpack Roman had packed for a two week stay, it was barely enough to contain anything. He nodded, zipping it close, his arm's muscles flexing from the small action. He wore a T-shirt that hugged his chest and his abs like s second skin, then he wore jeans…fucking jeans. When was the last time I saw the man in anything other than a suit and tie? He looked good in everything. Dressing casual made him look rather boyish, that serious air that constantly surrounded him seemed to ease slowly, even more when Colson had come over to take the last of the files. He was left in charge for the next two weeks. Riman surprised me by making such a decision, I was even more surprised by the fact that Jessica agreed for him to come with. “Well then, put it up there, or do you need help?” I raised a brow in question. We were already seated in the plane, Roman booked business class for some reason and now we were
As we stepped into the hotel lobby, the cool air-conditioning was a welcome respite from the California heat. I couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement. This was my first time out of the country, and I was determined to make the most of it. Most importantly, it was a break from everything, including the ones I couldn't remember. "I should call Jessica," I said to Roman, pulling out my phone. "Let her know we've arrived." Roman nodded, his expression unreadable. "I'll wait here with the luggage," I dialed Jessica's number, and she picked up on the second ring. "Amelia! Are you here?" "Just arrived," I confirmed. "We're in the lobby," "I'll be right down!" Came her squeal of excitement. True to her word, Jessica appeared moments later, practically bouncing with excitement. She rushed over to me, enveloping me in a tight hug. She was beautiful, and it took me some time to really get used to it. Her long brown hair was tied up into a loose bun, she wore an oversized s
“Is that really all there is to it?” “Yes,” Jessica nodded, though I could tell she wasn't entirely convinced. "Well, let's focus on us for now. We've got a whole vacation to enjoy!" As Jessica launched into her plans for our trip, I tried to push thoughts of Roman out of my mind. But part of me couldn't help wondering what he was doing now, alone in his room. Would he spend the entire vacation holed up there, or would he finally let himself relax and enjoy this beautiful place? I shook my head, forcing myself to focus on Jessica's excited chatter. This was my vacation too, after all. And I was determined to make the most of it, with or without Roman's participation. "So," I said, cutting into Jessica's monologue about the best local restaurants, "Tell me more about this shopping you mentioned. I think I need some new beach clothes," Jessica's eyes lit up, and she launched into a detailed description of all the boutiques we simply had to visit. She even had a list. As
Shopping for beachwear was hectic, Jessica didn't let me choose a one piece…contrary to what she picked for herself. She claimed this was my chance to get a new husband since I'd be on the market soon. Which I found utterly ridiculous, I don't want to be with any man…I never did. I'm not even sure how I ended up with Roman in the first place, not sure why I was drawn to him. Still, I liked some that she picked so I let her take the reins, instead I followed behind asking questions about my life just to put the pieces together. Apparently I had met Roman in Russia, not that I remember going there and when I returned I'd announced that I was in love. Only for him to return to the country a few weeks later with Bertha on his arm. But of course, his grandfather chose me as the wife…because of my mother, his goddaughter. So Roman had to leave Bertha and marry me against his will. That is enough reason to hate me, I was certain. Speaking of which, Roman was a no show