Still Breathing

Chapter 17: You are the reason

Marley Pov present day 2022

I cry uncontrollably in the backseat of the car as one of Mr. Barnes' drivers takes me back home. I try to catch my breath but with every inhale, I just seem to create more tears. I place my face in my hands and try to quiet myself, but all I can do is picture Buckys face as I tell him I don't love him. I'm convinced he will move on from me now. I whisper into my sobbing hands, "he wont love me anymore."

I lay down in the backseat and curl up in the fetal position and cry. Its best that I get it all out now. because once I get back to Stephen, its really over. it's as if I can literally feel my heart breaking again. my chest burns and I don't know if I can get through this again.

When we finally pull up at the penthouse, I sit for a minute before getting out. I wipe away my tears and as I look into my mirror, I see my eyes and nose is red and my lips are swollen. I rub my hands over my eyes, cheeks, nose, and lips. I take a few breaths as I brace myself for the coming days, weeks, and months of the rest of my life.

It hurts knowing I have to let go of him. and now he can let go of me. all this time, I didn't realize that I was waiting for the impossible to happen. I wanted him to come save me. its killing me to know now, he cant.

Stephen greets me when I enter the penthouse. he has 2 black eyes and a broken nose. A bruise on his chest and legs and a broken ankle. Wanda and Pietro really did a number on him. they should've known better. I help Stephen into bed and then I go change into my pajamas. When I come back into the room, Stephen is already asleep, so I slip under the blanket next to him and pray for dreamless sleep.

Flashback 4 years ago 2018

Board of Directors weekend getaway at Barnes country estate.

The Masquerade Ball

"I've always wanted a daughter to do things such as this." Rachel says as she pretends to apply blush to my cheeks.

"So are the balls always this exquisite?" I ask her excitedly.

"Oh yes. Weddings and these balls are the biggest event we have." she drapes different necklaces over my chest.

I look at the diamond drop necklace and I say, "Mrs. Barnes, this is beautiful but its too much."

She laughs at me and says, "nonsense. I trust you. if I trust you with my son, then I trust you with my jewels."

I blush. "I think the dress is fine alone. Simple."

"Like a swan. I see what your saying." She pulls out black gloves that travel past my elbows.

She fixes my hair and have the same person that does her makeup does mine too. then we put on our masks. Mine is white with feathers and pearls draping from one side.

I look over at Bucky's mother and she is dressed in dark blue with gold accents. The dress is off the shoulder and long sleeve. Her mask is blue with gold jewels. I tell her she is breathtaking. Bucky comes knocking on the door wanting to know when exactly will he get his date back. his mother laughs and says, "She is my date for tonight, but if you behave, I may let you borrow her for a dance or two."

We hear him walk away and we finish getting ready. only left to do is slip on our shoes and head down to the ballroom.

When we arrive the party has already started. When we enter, I see all eyes are on Mrs. Barnes and I, but I only have eyes for bucky. he stands at the end of the staircase waiting for me. I watch his gaze travel up my exposed leg, to my bodice and linger at my breast. he lick his bottom lip and I immediately feel heat rush to my pussy. It's like I can feel his thoughts and desires.