This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things

Salvaging Serenity

A/N: Thank you so much for 1K reads! I really appreciate it and I can't wait to share more stories with you.

I arrived at Sam's place, my heart drumming a wild rhythm of nerves and determination. With each step towards the door, I could feel the weight of unspoken conversations pressing down on me. When I knocked, the sound seemed to echo the apprehension that coiled inside.

As Sam opened the door, her surprise quickly shifted into a mix of emotions—an amalgamation of guilt and a longing I could almost taste in the air. Her voice quivered slightly as she asked, "Mon, what are you doing here?"

"We need to talk," I asserted firmly, leaving no room for hesitation. Stepping past her, I entered, trying to maintain a steady gaze despite the tempest of emotions churning within.

In the living room, the unresolved tension was palpable. I steeled myself for the difficult conversation ahead, gathering my thoughts amidst the storm raging inside me.

"You can't just disregard my boundaries, Sam," I began, my voice tinged with disappointment. "Even in our marriage, boundaries are crucial."

I watched as Sam's expression shifted, a painful mix of hurt and realization crossing her features. "I know, and I'm truly sorry. I crossed a line, and I regret it deeply," she admitted, her voice laden with remorse.

Meeting her eyes, I struggled to contain the maelstrom of pain and resolve within me. "I haven't forgiven you for what you did," I continued, my voice steady. "So, please, don't make me regret allowing you into our child's life."

Sam's eyes widened in understanding, the weight of my words sinking in. "I understand," she murmured, her voice barely audible, regret coloring her tone.

Standing firm, I held a mix of sorrow and empathy in my voice. "I understand it was driven by jealousy," I stated calmly, watching Sam's face react with a flicker of surprise.

"How did you—" Sam started, her words trailing off as I continued, "William told me how you shut the door on him."

At the mention of William, Sam's eyes darted up, a hint of unease shadowing her gaze. "Why was he even at your place?" she asked, a blend of curiosity and anxiety in her tone.

"Sam, you can't control who I see anymore. That right was lost," I asserted firmly, my voice resolute.

"Mon, I love you," Sam pleaded softly, desperation lacing her words.

"No, Sam. You're in love with the idea of my love for you. If you truly loved me, you wouldn't have betrayed me. You don't break someone's heart if you genuinely care. You don't make them cry," my voice cracked, emotions raw and exposed.

Tears welled up in Sam's eyes, her voice shaking. "I'm sorry, Mon. It wasn't my intention. I just—" she faltered.