Through Pain We Survive

Chapter 73

***TRIGGER WARNING- Violence mentions***

The crowd around them made quiet sounds of joy, seeing the seemingly "happy" proposal underway. They were in awe of what was unfolding before them.

Gwen heard a few saying how cute they were together, how adorable a proposal at the park was, and it about made her sick.

I can't say no, he will hurt AJ. Or, rather make ME hurt him. I can't say yes, either! I'm already married! How can I get out of this? So many people are watching. If I say no, what is the worst he could do? We're in public, and Officer Mobus is right behind me. My AJ... I can't do this to him. What should I say?

"Miss Gwendolyn? Did you hear me? I asked a question." He slightly moved and she saw a knife on his belt.

Her eyes shot up to his. Ever so slightly, he nodded his head to tell her he knows what she saw, and she had better say yes or he will use it.

I've got it. I can let him down gently. He knows I'm already married, but these people don't. If I say it clearly, he will look like the weird jerk.

"Damien, I am flattered. You are a nice guy. However, I already have a husband." She held out her hand to show him, but really wanted to make sure the others around them saw too. "I appreciate the gesture. You have such great qualities, I'm sure any woman would be lucky to have you. Just, not this woman."

She saw the fire in Damien's eyes. She knew he would try to get his revenge somehow. He lowered his voice to only where she could hear him. He started pulling out the knife. "You've made a mistake, Miss Gwendolyn. I will get you- one way or another."

Gwen saw him showing off the knife so she could see it.  "SHUDGE!" Gwen said loudly.

Officer Mobus walked towards them. "Is there a problem here, miss?" The crowd around them disbursed, not wanting to see a domestic dispute.

Damien discreetly shoves the knife back. "Hello officer. Umm, I was just talking with my girlfriend here. Lovely, why don't you tell the nice officer lady you're okay."

AJ came over to the three of them. "Gwen! There you are, Honey. Sorry, I got held up. Shall we go now?" AJ grabbed Gwen's hand. Gwen turned and kissed AJ, making it a point that this was her love. Damien looked more and more angry.

Gwen looked at Damien then AJ. "Yes, Baby, let's go. Thank you officer for your kind assistance."

"My pleasure ma'am. You all have a wonderful day." Officer Mobus walked away.

Gwen and AJ turned and started to walk away, but heard Damien. "I will get her, if it's the last thing I do! She is mine!"

They walked back to their car and drove home in silence, numb to the events of the past ten minutes.

Once they arrived home, AJ placed his hand on the small of Gwen's back and guided her inside. Once in the comfort of their home, he embraced her.

Gwen finally let go of all the emotions she felt. She sobbed into AJ. "I was s-so scared! He had a-a knife! He threatened t-to make ME hurt you! Baby, I w-would never—" He cut her off with a kiss.

"You were so brave. I wanted to step in so many times. I just wanted to protect you. I know you have been so brave through all of this, and it makes me love you that much more for it." He kissed her again.

He guided her to the couch and they sat down, him still holding her. She continued to cry, just getting all the emotions out.

When she started to settle, he asked about calling people. "We should probably call Nate and Cat to let them know what transpired and to have constant vigilance."