Catching Kelce

Unraveling Truths

November 2023
Kansas City

Dua

As I stood outside Travis's door, my heart raced with excitement and nervousness. I couldn't wait to surprise him, to see the look of joy on his face when he saw me standing there. But as Travis opened the door, that joy quickly went away.

"Dua, what are you doing here?" Travis asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.

"I wanted to surprise you," I replied, trying to sound cheerful despite the sinking feeling in my stomach.

Travis's expression softened slightly, and for a moment, it seemed like everything would be okay. But then he dropped the bombshell – Kayla had unexpectedly shown up earlier that morning.

My heart sank as I processed the news. Kayla – Travis's ex-girlfriend, the source of so much drama. I had hoped that she would stay out of our lives, but it seemed like fate had other plans.

Travis must have seen the disappointment on my face because he quickly pulled me into a hug, trying to reassure me that everything would be okay. But deep down, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the air.

As I stepped inside Travis's house, my eyes immediately fell on Kayla, sitting at the dining room table. There was a tense energy in the air, and I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. This was not how I had envisioned our reunion.

Travis led me to the table, and I took a seat next to him, trying to ignore the knot of anxiety that had formed in my stomach. Kayla looked up at me, her expression unreadable, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of intimidation.

Travis began to speak, explaining how Kayla had unexpectedly shown up earlier that day. Kayla interjected, offering a half-hearted apology for starting the fake story about Travis cheating on her with me. She claimed that she had been hurt by Travis's relationship with me and that she had only intended for it to be a temporary thing.

Travis's jaw tightened at her words, and I could see the anger flickering in his eyes. "Kayla, that's enough," he said firmly, his voice cutting through the tension in the room.

But Kayla didn't care. She continued to speak, her words ringing in my ears. And then, she said what's been haunting me for words. The truth about the contract Travis had signed to fake our relationship. I have known but to hear it being said out loud once again opened up the unhealed wound.

But as I looked into Travis's eyes, I could see the remorse written across his face. He reached out to take my hand, his grip firm and reassuring.

Travis..." I started, my voice trembling with emotion. "Why didn't you tell me sooner? I found out about this months ago, and you kept it from me all this time."

Travis's expression mirrored my pain, his eyes filled with regret. "I wanted to tell you, Dua, I really did," he said, his voice heavy with remorse. "But I was afraid of losing you. I thought if I could just make it through this contract, we could be together for real."

I shook my head, tears stinging my eyes.

Feeling overwhelmed, I excused myself from the table, needing space to process everything that had just unfolded. As I made my way upstairs, my mind raced with conflicting emotions, and I could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on me like a heavy burden.

Before I could reach the solitude of my room, Travis's hand gently closed around my arm, halting my progress. I turned to face him, my eyes searching his for answers, for solace, for anything to make sense of the chaos swirling inside me.

"Dua," he murmured, his voice soft and pleading. "Please, let me explain."

I shook my head, the pain of betrayal still fresh in my heart. "Not now, Travis," I whispered, my voice barely above a breath. "I need space."

Travis's expression fell, disappointment across his features. But instead of pushing, he surprised me by pulling me into his arms.

"I understand," he said quietly, his voice tinged with regret. "Take all the time you need. I'll be here when you're ready."

His words offered a small measure of comfort, but the ache in my heart remained. I leaned into his embrace, seeking solace in his familiar warmth, even as my mind whirled with uncertainty.

As Travis held me, I closed my eyes, allowing myself to feel the weight of his presence, the steady beat of his heart against mine. In that moment, amidst the chaos and confusion, I found a sliver of peace.