Without Preamble

Karma is a Bitch

Noah went home still confused and feeling lost. He knew she can't lose Anelle again. This time, he won't be able to forgive himself. But what can he do? He has nothing to offer her. He is still married, even if he went after Anelle immediately. He had to fix his mess first before he could approach Anelle again, with something worthwhile to offer, against her impending marriage. He decided what to do next.

He met Rebekah in her favorite restaurant apt for their solemn topic.

As he now looks at her across the table, pity is everything he feels for her. He swallowed a lump on his throat, together with his pride. He destroyed the woman he married. What kind of apology is he going to ask her?

"I... I am glad you accepted my invitation to meet..."

Rebekah smirked. "After all these years..."

"I want to sincerely apologize, Rebekah... I don't know how but I am sorry."

"You filed for annulment, how better can you fix all these?" the woman replied.

"I am really sorry. I don't know how to go about this. I was wrong, from the start, it is all my fault."

"So, you are now telling me that the marriage was a mistake?" Tears gathered in Rebekah's eyes.

Noah nodded. "I am sorry."

Rebekah finally broke down in tears. Noah stood up and sat beside the woman. He pulled her closer to him, and took his handkerchief, offered it to Rebekah. Rebekah took the hanky and sneezed, as she continued crying and sobbing.

"Start all over again, Rebekah... Let's give each other freedom, I can give you the capital you need to start the business you always wanted... Fall in love with another man... I am not good enough for you... I made lots of wrong moves. I made a huge mistake and hurt you..." he knew that Rebekah had always wanted to set up her boutique ever since, but had not had the guts to tell him. Which he eventually ignored, too. How much more can he call himself an asshole? "I did love you when I proposed to get married to you, Rebekah. And I knew you loved me. I just did not know what was wrong with me then..."

Rebekah looked him in the eye. "And now, you know what's wrong with you already?"

He nodded slightly. "Everything's been my fault."

"Who is she?"

"I met her before I met you... about nine years ago... I didn't know I fell for her. I thought it's just youthful lust..."

"And now, is she back in your life?"

It was his turn to feel the pain. Tears threatened at the thought of losing the woman he loves the most. "I don't know. I might have lost her again."

Rebekah's chin went up a bit, and she forced a wicked smile. "Then, congratulations!" she laughed. "Karma is a bitch, right?" this time, she saw through him.

Noah remained silent as they finish their meal. Rebekah is right. After his stupidity, his senseless pursuit of pleasure with her comes the pain. Karma at work.

"What would it take for you to forgive me and start anew?"

"You said it a while ago. Maybe, a little something to make me busy will heal the wounds you inflicted on me..." Rebekah replied calmly. Back to her level-headed self, the one thing Noah liked most about her.

"So, you can accept that? How about Reigner?"

"You know I am not selfish. I only got hurt... The court will help us, or we can have a proper arrangement. Reigner did not have to choose between us. Let him come to me, I will let him come to you when he wants it, and if he wants to."