The guarded heart

chapter5

SOPHIA'S POV

I slipped away from the crowded ballroom, I needed a moment, a brief escape from the oppressive atmosphere that had suddenly turned cold. I pushed opened the bathroom door and stepped inside, leaning against the cold tiles, trying to steady my breathing.

How can it be my own cousin! He is showing off my cousin Amira, like a trophy girlfriend. He is parading his new relationship with someone, who should have been a family ally. I can't believe both of them.

The sting of betrayal was sharp, but I am not going to let anyone see a weakness in me. I took several deep breaths, willing myself to regain composure.my reflection in the bathroom mirror looked haggard, and I, tried to smooth the tears away, dabbing a fresh layer of cushion powder near my eyes.

When I felt calm enough, I walked back into the corridor . oh well, I guess someone is making out there. The whispers and moans grew louder, not your business Sophia! Walk straight! But the voice was way too familiar so I followed the sound. If these people wants to make out in my event then at least close the door for god's sake. I peered through the door ajar, my heart skipped a beat as I took in the scene before me... there was Kevin, my ex- husband, locked in a passionate embrace with a woman. But she wasn't my cousin he had brought to the hall earlier; instead, she was Elyssa...Elyssa!! You little cunning one! I stood frozen, the sight was a punch to my gut. Kevin's betrayal wasn't limited to just dating my cousin; he was now involved with someone from a rival company.

I was seething, the urge to confront Kevin overpowering my usual restraint. My hand reached for the handle but I felt a firm hand on my mouth pulling me away from the door. My heart raced, and I struggled , trying to free myself. I looked up, only to find out it was Alex.

"Don't do anything". He whispered urgently, his grip was firm but not harsh.

I tried to speak , but his hand was covering my mouth, muffling my words. I bit down on his fingers , hoping he'd get the message. He winced slightly but kept his hold steady.

"but he's making out with someone else here," I managed to mumble.

Alex pulled me closer, his eyes intense as he spoke quietly . " your cousin probably knows what kind of jerk is. For some people money and power are greater than dignity, therefore I suggest, you don't meddle in their dirty business." Seeing my distress, Alex's grip softened, and he spoke gently, "Let's go home".

I nodded.

Just as we were about to exit, Amira, my cousin approached me. I gestured Alex to give me a moment, and then he nodded, saying he'd be waiting by the car.

"I'm sorry" Amira said. She looked genuinely distressed, but there was something in her eyes that made it hard for me to take her apology at the face value. "I just love him so much". I rolled my eyes as the words slipped from her mouth. Is she just here to declare love for Kevin, I thought, she better not!

"apologies?" I let out a laugh. "can they really alter anything now?"

She looked at me , searching for understanding and forgiveness. But how can I offer either when the betrayal cut so deep?

"i—" Amira started, but the words faltered, unable to bridge the chasm that had opened between us.

I took a deep breath, "Amira, I don't blame you for anything. I can only blame myself because I was too blind, I thought Kevin truly loved me, but none of it matters to me anymore. Its been a year and I have moved on." I let out a frustrated sigh. "you had an affair with my husband while I was carrying his baby. Now, here you are, involved with that jerk, who's making out with someone else in this very room behind your back...Karma is so...poetic in its cruelty. Isn't it?"

Her face flushed with shame.

"I am not saying this to hurt you—"

"I don't care where Kevin is having an affair. At the end of the night I'll be the one holding him."

I could only nod, my heart aching with the absurdity of it all. Without another word, I turned and walked towards the car. The sight of the Alex waiting by the vehicle was a balm to my frazzled emotions. He was leaning against the car holding an umbrella . I let the downpour drench me completely . Instinctively, I ran to him, wrapping my arms around his neck, for a brief hug.

"you did well" he whispered. He stepped back slightly and opened the car's door for me. I leaned back in my seat, allowing the exhaustion to wash over me.

Alex is not pushing me to talk, not prying into the details of what just transpired. i glanced over at him , are you really a gentleman , can I trust you like Maria said. i guess you will last more than a week? A month? A year? , I smiled at my own thought and closed my eyes trying to take a nap.