[Previously titled 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲]
❝No, Ace. I can't do it," I sob.
"I know you can take more than that, sunshine, come on," he encourages, pummeling into me in fervent motions. "One more for daddy, yeah?" He coaxes in a gruffly voice...
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A C E
As I walk through the college halls, I can't stop thinking about Olivia. I felt pretty down last night when our text chat was short. She said she was tired, so I didn't push it, but I really wished we could've talked more.
Today feels off without her. I don't have any art classes with her, and I barely see her around college or her usual hangout spots these days. It feels like she's slipping away from me, and it makes me anxious and insecure.
I need to find a way to fix this because I can't stand the thought of losing her. When I reach my office, seeing Marisa sitting there irks me. I'm angry because I know she's part of the reason Olivia is pulling away from me.
"I thought I made it clear last time. I don't want you coming to my workplace, especially without warning," I speak sternly, and she frowns but seems undeterred.
"Well, as long as you continue to ignore my texts and calls, I'll keep showing up," she affirms and my glare intensifies as I take a seat.
"Say what you have to say and get out of my office. I'm at work, as you can see, and I've got stuff to do," I speak firmly and she hesitates before talking.
"How long has this been going on between you and Olivia?"
"It's none of your business," I reply with a resolute tone and she sighs.
"I'm not angry at you for cheating on me. I deserved it, and I didn't mean to react that way because I cheated first, but it was stronger than me. When I saw you with her, it reminded me of what I've lost, Ace, and it made me feel jealous and angry," she explains.
Her words unexpectedly strike a chord, but I know this conversation is heading in a direction I don't want.
"I know I messed up, and we hurt each other. But I can't help thinking that maybe we can find our way back to what we once had. Since we both made mistakes, can't we try again and start fresh with our baby?" She continues, looking at me with hope.
I clench my jaw and glance at the subtle bump beneath her clothing. Despite her words, I know in my heart that we can't go back to how things were.
"Marisa, you already know my answer to this. It's not something I'm going to change my mind about," I reply.
"What about our baby? I don't want them to grow up with two homes and divorced parents. They need a real family and both of their parents. You always promised our kids wouldn't have to deal with issues like that," she persists and I tighten my fist.
"Things have changed," I respond firmly. "We can't go back to the way they were,"
"I really think we should consider getting back together. It would be better for all of us," she states and I sigh, my irritation growing.
"Look, I don't want to have this discussion here. I'm working, and you're distracting me," I assert and she looks at me with sad eyes, her shoulders drooping as she lets out a sigh.