Chapter 1: Love is Not Enough

Chapter 1: Love is Not Enough

Jasmine POV

“Do you still remember my promise to you four years ago?” I glanced at Travis when he suddenly said that. Promise? Which of his promises? That he would love me as much as I love him? That he would cherish our memories until our last breath?

I shrugged because I didn’t know what he was referring to. He smiled and slowly took my hand, placing it on his chest, where I could feel his heartbeat. His heart was beating rapidly, mirroring mine. He looked straight into my eyes.

“I promise to love you forever,” I smiled at his words. I knew that. I looked away, still smiling broadly.

“I know,” he chuckled. “I know, you know, but that’s not the only thing I mean. Four years ago, I decided to marry you.” I looked at him again.

I remembered that. I thought he was just joking back then. This is the second time he mentioned marrying me.

“Marry me?” He nodded. “Yes, from the first time I saw you, I knew you were the woman I wanted to spend my life with. You’re beautiful, kind, and caring, Jasmine. You possess all the qualities I admire.”

Oh God, he’s praising me too much. My face reddened. Even after all these years in a relationship, the feelings remain the same. He never fails to make me feel loved.

“You are the one I want to be with for the rest of my life, too,” I said while blushing hard. He gently held my cheeks and made me face him.

“I love you so much,” he slowly took something from his pocket. Tears welled up in his eyes at this moment.

“And I don’t want to let you go. Will you marry me, Jasmine?” I bit my lower lip in surprise. I couldn’t believe he was proposing to me now.

Tears streamed down my cheeks. This is unexpected. I smiled as I wiped my tears away and hugged him tightly.

“Of course. I will marry you,” I said with tears of joy.

“Thank you, love.” He whispered.

Two weeks after he proposed, we got married. I was so happy that day, and I couldn’t ask for anything more. Being with him is enough.

I quietly gaze at our wedding portrait. Four years had passed, and things didn’t turn out as expected. I pressed my lips together and sighed.

I don’t know why everything led to this. We love each other, but love alone is not enough. And it will never be enough.

I wiped away the tears from my eyes. I couldn’t help but cry as I remembered our memories together when we were still happy.

A sad smile formed on my lips as I comforted myself. “This is life, Jasmine. It’s tough, but I’ll endure,” I cheered myself.

I stood up from the couch and headed to the kitchen to cook breakfast for him. My husband came home late last night and forgot our anniversary.

I prepared a small surprise for him yesterday. I wanted to be with him on our anniversary, but he’s not here. He was too drunk last night to celebrate, so I let him sleep to get some rest.

This wasn’t how he used to treat me.  Two years ago, things slowly changed. The once sweet and caring Travis was replaced by someone cold as ice.

He often ignored me and didn’t come home, and if he did, he was either drunk or very late. I didn’t know what was happening to him.

Every time I tried to ask, he quickly avoided the conversation. I realised that I might be the problem. Maybe he’s not happy with me anymore.

I’m almost done cooking when I hear his footsteps upstairs. I immediately smiled, “Come on. I’m almost done cooking. Let’s have breakfast together before you leave.”

“No, I’ll be late. Maybe tonight at dinner. I’ll come home early,” he said without even looking at me. The smile on my face quickly faded.

“Late? It’s too early. And besides, you’re the boss. Please, Travis—” He looked at me. “Not now, Jasmine. I have an important meeting today.”

I just nodded and bit my lip to keep myself from speaking. Let him go to work; don’t argue with him. I told myself. I watched him walk away from me. Then reality hits me. He never even bothered to look back.

When the door closed, I let out a sigh. I found myself staring blankly at the food I had prepared.

For the past two years, this has been happening to me every single day. Being ignored by someone you love hits differently. It hurts.

It felt like someone was cutting my heart into a million pieces because of the pain I felt. I couldn’t help but let out a sob. I didn’t want to cry, but I couldn’t stop. I’m hurting too much. This pain is slowly killing me inside.

I don’t know the reason for his coldness, but I’m sure he doesn’t have a mistress. Even though it’s getting difficult for me, I don’t want to let him go.

We’ve been together since college, but I first met him in high school. He courted me for almost two years.

So, it’s hard for me to believe that after all the efforts he made, he could hurt me like this.

I slowly sat down. I felt lonely as if there was a huge hole in my heart. Should I give up? No, I can’t. Even if he can’t keep his promises, I should keep mine.

“Why don’t you just leave him? You’re always crying because of him,” my best friend said in frustration.

I couldn’t blame her for saying that. Every time I cried, she was always the one whom I talked to.

I shook my head, “I can’t. I love him so much, Die.” Diane’s face crinkled when I said that.

“How about him? Does he still love you? The way he treats you is just cruel, Jas.” I fell silent at what I heard.

“See, you’re aware of that matter too, Jas. If you’re not happy anymore, you need to free yourself from that relationship. I don’t even know if there’s still a relationship between the two of you. He’s treating you like a stranger,” I bit my inner lips.

She was right, but I believed I could still fix our marriage. I looked at Diane intently.

“I know he still cares for me—” she raised an eyebrow. “Still cares? Are you kidding me, Jasmine Evergreen?” She said in disbelief while shaking her head.

“If he really cared for you, he wouldn’t be cold and distant. Enough with being a martyr, Jas. Let yourself be happy.” I shut my mouth close.

I closed my eyes, “Maybe you’re right. But I still need to try, Die.” Her brow furrowed.

“Try what?” I took a deep breath.

“I need to take a chance again. He made efforts before; maybe it’s time for me to make the effort.” Diane stared at me as if she couldn’t believe what I said.

“Efforts? Damn, girl. It’s always you make efforts. It saddens me to see your marriage life this miserable. But, girl, wake up to reality. Just because you’re married doesn’t mean you should let your life be sad. You’re still young; you deserve better. “

I fell silent at her words again. I slowly looked at her.

“Do you think the fault is mine, Die?” I asked her suddenly. She looked at me, “Of course not. You’re lovely, Jas.” She firmly answered.

“Travis is just crazy,” she added.

She pulled me closer to her when she noticed that I was silent. Tears were welling up in my eyes.

“I’m just giving you advice, Jas. The final decision is still yours. Whatever you choose to do, I’ll support you,” she said while caressing my back.

“But I hope you choose what will make you happy.” I nodded.

“Thank you, Die.”

“I’m always here for you. But what’s your plan?” she asked.

What is my plan? I can’t leave him now. Maybe he’s just going through something. I will try to save this marriage.

“Maybe I’ll first find out the reason for his coldness. When things get worse, we’ll see,” I decided.

“Good to know you have some sort of plan.”

“The truth is, I don’t know what I should do anymore.” I’m feeling hopeless now.

“I know you’re confused. But you can overcome this problem, Jas.” I nodded. I hope I will.