THE PAIN YOU GIVE

CHAPTER 14-Revelations and Resolutions

"Chrissy, is there anything you want me to know about?" Uma's voice held a hint of concern as she approached her friend. "What?" Chrissy's response was guarded, her demeanor defensive as she took a step back from Uma's advance.

"I mean, you've been behaving strangely lately," Uma continued, her gaze unwavering as she tried to understand what was troubling her friend. "I've heard you've been sneaking out. Where do you go?"

Chrissy's heart skipped a beat, her façade faltering for a moment as she struggled to come up with a plausible explanation. "Um, work... We have a project, and it's very demanding," she stammered, her eyes darting away from Uma's probing stare.

"You mean that's why you leave home and return the next day?" Uma's concern deepened as she pressed for answers. "Yeah, by the way, why all these questions?" Chrissy's attempt to deflect Uma's inquiries fell flat as Uma remained resolute.

"Ah, forget it," Uma sighed, sensing Chrissy's discomfort. "Okay, let's continue shopping."

As Uma gently guided Chrissy through the bustling shopping mall, an unsettling air of unanswered questions lingered around her. Chrissy felt a weight in her chest, burdened by the secrets she harbored. Hours slipped by unnoticed as they strolled through the maze of shops, lost in their own thoughts. As they approached the mall's exit , Uma suddenly halted her steps, a realization dawning upon her.

"Oh gosh, I forgot something inside. Wait here, I'll be back, alright? "Chrissy nodded silently as Uma hurried back into the shop, leaving Chrissy alone in the middle of the hallway. Lost in her own thoughts, she absentmindedly scrolled through her phone, distracted by a peculiar messages and dirty tests from clouse.

Suddenly, her attention was captivated by a familiar sight across the hallway. Squinting her eyes, Chrissy recognized her brother-in-law, Joe, entwined with another woman, lost in a passionate embrace. A smirk crept onto Chrissy's lips as she discreetly pulled out her phone to capture the scene, relishing in the irony of her discovery.

Chrissy: *whispering to herself* "I guess your marriage isn't so perfect after all, little sis. "Before she could dwell further on her thoughts, Uma's return interrupted her reverie. "Chrissy, let's go! What are you staring at ?"

Chrissy snapped back to reality, hastily concealing her distraction."Oh, nothing. Just lost in thought. Let's go."

With a forced smile, Chrissy followed Uma out of the mall,

As another night descended, Chrissy found herself nestled in Clouse's comforting embrace once more. Their bodies entwined in the intimacy of their love, they shared tender moments together. They made love with a passion that mirrored their deep connection, and afterward, they lay cuddled together, gazing into each other's eyes.

Chrissy, burdened by the weight of her secrets and the growing suspicion from her husband, confided in Clouse as he tenderly caressed her cheeks. His understanding eyes reflected her worries, and he silenced her fears with a loving kiss.

"You must divorce him as soon as possible," Clouse urged, his voice filled with determination and longing for their future together. Chrissy, moved by Clouse's unwavering support, sat up in bed, contemplating his words. She knew what she needed to do so they could be free to start anew. Clouse sat beside her, his affectionate gaze never wavering.

"I would be the happiest man ever, my love," Clouse declared, his voice brimming with sincerity as he gently kissed her hand. "Your husband is too blind to see the beauty he has as his wife. You deserve to be happy, darling."

Tears welled in Chrissy's eyes as she felt the weight of Clouse's love and encouragement. With resolve in her heart, she pledged to take action. "I will get it done, then run to you," Chrissy vowed, her voice filled with determination. Clouse pulled her close, pressing his lips to hers in a tender kiss, before enveloping her in a comforting hug. Chrissy found solace in his embrace, her tears flowing freely as she rested her head on his shoulder.