Off-limits Series: Never Enough

Robert's point of view

As I watched Elena introduce her boyfriend John to her family, a surge of emotions washed over me, catching me off guard.

The fire of jealousy burned hot and fierce in my chest, mingling with a sense of unease and discomfort that I struggled to contain.

My mind was a whirlwind, trying to process the scene unfolding before me.
This was supposed to be a simple family dinner, a routine gathering, yet it had turned into something far more complicated.
John was the picture of charm, effortlessly engaging everyone in conversation. He had a magnetic personality, the kind that drew people in and made them feel at ease. I could see why Elena was drawn to him, but that only made it worse. Every time she laughed at something he said, every time she looked at him with that soft, affectionate gaze, it felt like a knife twisting in my gut.
I tried to focus on the conversation, to engage with Emma and the rest of the family, but my mind kept drifting back to Elena and John. I couldn't help but notice the small details—the way John would subtly place his hand on the small of her back, the way she would lean into him, their easy, natural chemistry. It was like a slap in the face, a stark reminder of what I could never have.
"Robert, are you okay?" Emma's voice broke through my thoughts, her eyes filled with concern. I forced a smile, nodding.
"Yeah, just a bit tired," I lied. She seemed to accept it, turning back to the conversation, but I could feel her eyes on me, studying me.
I took a sip of my drink, trying to steady my nerves. The alcohol burned its way down my throat, but it did little to dull the ache inside. I knew I had no right to feel this way. After all, I was the one who had made the choices that led us here. I had been with Emma long before anything happened between Elena and me, and I had chosen to stay with her after the last night I shared with Elena.
I couldn't stand to look at Elena's eyes when I made my choice to reopen a new chapter with my wife in Alaska.
I loved Emma so badly to hurt her like that, even though Elena was always in my mind all those years, but at some point, it's better to end things before getting complicated. To be honest, knowing that didn't make it any easier to watch Elena with someone else.
As the evening wore on, the conversation flowed around me, but I felt like an outsider looking in. I watched as John shared stories from his travels, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. Emma listened intently, genuinely interested, and even Elena's parents seemed taken with him. It was like he had effortlessly slipped into the role of the perfect boyfriend, the kind of man Elena deserved.
Every smile, every laugh, every casual touch sent a stab of jealousy through me. I remembered the nights Elena and I had shared, the nights that had changed everything. It had been a mistake, a lapse in judgment, but it had also been one of the most intense, passionate experiences of my life.
Now, seeing her with John, it felt like that night was slipping further and further away, becoming nothing more than a painful memory.
I thought I had come to terms with the fact that she was off-limits, that we couldn't be together. However, seeing her with someone else, trying to move on, it feels like a punch to the gut. I know I have no right to feel this way, but it's like a part of me is being torn away. It's a mix of jealousy, sadness, and an overwhelming sense of loss. I want her to be happy, but I can't help but wish that happiness could have been with me.
Even though I'm the one who told her to move on.
As the evening drew to a close, I found myself retreating to the corner of the living room, nursing my drink and trying to keep my emotions in check. The room felt stifling, the air heavy with the weight of unspoken words. I watched as Elena and John said their goodbyes, her eyes sparkling with happiness when he whispered something in her ear. It was a stark contrast to the turmoil I felt inside.
"Robert, you sure you're alright?" Emma asked again, her hand gently resting on my arm. I nodded, forcing another smile.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just need some fresh air," I replied, making my way to the back patio. The cool night air hit my face, offering a brief respite from the chaos inside.
I stood there, staring out into the darkness, trying to make sense of my feelings. I knew I had no right to be jealous, no right to feel possessive over her. But the reality was that I couldn't deny the emotions that were tearing me apart.
Hearing the sliding door open, I turned to see John stepping out onto the patio. He looked at me, a mix of curiosity and concern in his eyes.
"Mind if I join you?" he asked his voice kind and understanding. I nodded, not trusting myself to speak.
We stood there in silence for a few moments, the night sounds filling the space between us. Finally, John spoke.
"I wanted to thank you for welcoming me tonight. It means a lot to Elena" he said, his tone genuine. "She's talked a lot about you and Emma. I can see how much her family means to her."
I swallowed hard, forcing a smile. "Of course. We're glad to have you here."
John studied me for a moment, his eyes searching. "You know, I can see how much you care about her. She's lucky to have someone like you in her life."
His words hit me like a punch to the gut. I wanted to tell him everything, to lay bare the complicated, tangled mess of emotions that had led us here. But I couldn't. Instead, I just nodded, feeling the weight of my secrets pressing down on me.
As John turned to heading to his car he nodded goodbye and let me be with my thoughts.
I stared out into the darkness. The night air was cool, but it did little to calm the fire of jealousy burning inside me. I knew I had to find a way to move on, to let go of the past and accept the reality of the present.
“Hey, do you want to head home?” Emma came from behind me and wrapped her hands around my waist.
I nodded.
I turned around banding over her and taking her lips with rough kiss trying to stop my thoughts from Elena and her boyfriend.
I need a distraction from Elena and fucking my wife feels like a good one right now.
“Yes, let's go home,” I whispered between kisses.