The Unwanted Marriage

Chapter 36

THEA

I barely had sleep tonight. I was worried about Arthur. I had never seen him this torn before. I didn't know what happened but I knew it was nothing about work.

He was peacefully sleeping beside me, holding me tight like he was scared I would disappear. It broke me to see this side of him. Arthur was always so strong, so determined. Whatever happened to him was something serious, and I would have to find out when he was ready to tell me.

I caressed the back of his head, giving soft kisses on his forehead, hoping it would help him slept better. He stirred a bit as I caressed his cheek with thumb.

His eyes fluttered opened, he looked confused as he saw me. "Were you awake this whole time? What time is it?"

I glanced at the wall clock. "It's 6 A.M. I couldn't sleep, knowing you are upset."

His eyes soften as he pecked my lips. "I'm sorry for keeping you awake all night, darling."

"It's fine. Are you feeling alright now?"

This time he let out a sigh. "I'm trying."

"Do you want to talk about it? You don't have to, if you're not ready."

He looked at me, searching something in my eyes. I saw uncertainty and worry in his eyes, and it worried me even more. He looked scared, like he was worried about something that might hurt me. Hurt us.

He let out a sigh. "Thea, I-I don't know what to say."

I reached out to his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "It's okay, you can start with what bothered you yesterday."

He looked down. "Darling, I'm so sorry."

Now it freaked me out. What was he sorry for? What did he do? What happened to him?

"Arthur, you scared me. Why are you sorry for?" I whispered.

I hoped it was not something I thought. I prayed to God it was not something what I thought it was. I hoped it was not 'it'.

"It's Jessy. She's back." was all Arthur said.

It took me a while to remember who Jessy was. The name felt familiar to me. Then the realization hit me. I recognized the name. It was the name of Arthur's ex-fianceé.

Suddenly I became anxious. "Why did she come back?"

Arthur began telling me everything that had happened yesterday at his office. From when Jessy showed up announced at his office after 4 years of radio silence, to Jessy having a brain tumor.

To say I was not surprised was an understatement. I felt sorry for Jessy that she had a brain tumor, it all made sense now why she didn't make it to their wedding 4 years ago.

"She's on Grade 4 now, the last stage of her tumor."

It pained me to hear that. I couldn't imagine how she felt and what she had been through to beat her illness. I might not know her personally but didn't mean I would be heartless not to feel about her feelings.

I was quiet the whole time, listening to Arthur telling me everything. He looked stressed and troubled as he spoke, like all the news of her comeback and everything exhausted him.

"I'm so sorry to hear that. Is she okay?"

"She's holding on as long as she could."

I nodded. It must be hard for her. I had heard the illness, and it sounded serious and terminal.

"There's another thing I have to tell you."

Hearing that, I became even more anxious now. What other news could possibly happen in his life now?