CHAPTER 4

She stared at the disheveled frame of her husband who stood at the entrance of the bathroom, staring back at her with bloodshot eyes. He let out a groan of pain and he held onto his head, probably suffering from an intense migraine and hangover.

She would have formerly rushed to the bathroom cabinet to pass him some aspirin but now, she curled her lips in a sneer and said, “You should probably get some aspirin, you had more than enough to drink last night”.

Dylan regarded her with guarded eyes walked into the bathroom, crowding her into the wall.

He was very close now and in the dim bathroom light, she saw his eyes clearly, deeply set eyes they were, beneath heavy lids, familiarly piercing. She yearned to cup his jaw and kiss him with all the love she had for him in her heart but she couldn’t make herself do it.

She was angry and needed space to rethink things and set some barriers, she now wondered if he remembered what she told him the night before and her pulse quickened, fearing his next words.

Her fears were allayed when he said, “Babe, when did you get home yesterday, I had made dinner.”

Looking solemnly at her, Vanessa felt relief and guilt course through her. He didn’t remember last night and she didn’t want him to.

She swallowed hard, carefully choosing her next words, having decided to keep everything from him, “I am sorry Dylan. I had some work to do at the hospital.”

He sighed and took hold of her hands, his thumb moving slightly over her ring, “What work Vanessa, what work? You see baby, I want to apologize for my behaviors these past few days. I behaved like a teenager, keeping malice with you. I want us to put the past behind us, I am done keeping up this barrier and distance between us because of your busy schedule or your job. All I want is you, and I would have you any way I can, I would take whatever you’re giving, even if it’s bits of your time.” He cupped her face, “I would support you whatever comes.”

Vanessa couldn’t stop the next choking sound that churned out from her throat. Tears ran into her eyes and she looked up, blinking them back, “Oh Dylan, I love you and I am sorry for prioritizing my job over this marriage. I want you to have all of me so badly, but I-I can’t...” She finished brokenly.

A cavern opened in his stomach and a sad and forlorn look came over his face. He grasped her chin and forced her to look into his eyes directly, “Why can’t you baby, I love you more than life itself and I wanna build a family with you. You promised…”

“Stop this entire guilt-tripping Dylan.” She snapped. “This isn’t easy for me either.”

“But baby…”

“I need to be on my own, excuse me Dylan.” She said with a tone of irrevocability.

“What isn’t easy Vanessa?” He pleaded, “You are my wife, talk to me.”

“Just leave Dylan,” she whispered pointing at the door. “Leave me alone.”

Ready to implode with denial, he nonetheless reined in his anger and took a moment briefly to breathe, to think.

Then he dropped his mouth on hers, hoping she feels the love in his kiss.

“Never. I’ll never leave you”. He growled against her mouth, before tearing himself away from her and turned to walk away.

Her words stopped him midway, “this marriage was a mistake”.

Her words hit him like a blow and he turned back to look at her, “You don’t mean that, Vanessa.”

She bit her lip and the look in her eyes said it all. She truly thought marrying him was a mistake.

He wants to convince her otherwise, he wants to fuck her sense back into her but he couldn’t.

Walking away, it nearly killed him to leave her standing with the sorrowful look in her eyes but they were at an impasse, he has no idea what was wrong and she isn’t telling him anything.

If he pushes too hard, he knows she’d only close herself off and he’d get nowhere.

A hurt look passed his features then he withdrew from her, a stoic look plastered on his face.

His jaw hardened as he left her standing in the bathroom alone.

She felt so small and tiny as her heart crumbled all over again.

She sobbed into her fists, trying to muffle the noises. She didn’t deserve this.

Things weren’t always like this between them, they had an enviable relationship and they tied the knots a few months ago. Nothing ever prepared Vanessa Compton for the news of her health.

It still felt like yesterday when they got married, promising their vows.

When they finally became Mr. and Mrs. Compton

***Her mind replayed the happiest day of her life.

HER WEDDING DAY

Her heart thumped in happiness as her best friend (as she is an orphan and has no relative that would do it for her) led her down the aisle to meet her love.

Tears welled in her eyes as she saw her handsome groom, standing tall and sexy, waiting for her at the altar. She noticed how the suit hugged his broad shoulders and the white shirt he wore beneath his navy blue three piece suit couldn’t hide his thick Pecs and abs.

“How did I get so lucky?” She thought in admiration as she stared at him. She saluted the décor in her mind, it was her dream wedding and the flowers in the greenhouse were arranged beautifully and everything dazzled in the bright summer sunlight.

Dylan’s nerves were twisting in a bunch earlier when his bride took forever in coming out of the dressing room, his best friend and also best man tried to allay his doubts unsuccessfully.

He was on the verge of tears when the bridal song started playing and he breathed a long held sigh of relief. He had feared she has seen she was too good for him and decided not to go on with the marriage anymore.