Dangerous Desires

30

Arsenio's eyes followed me as I walked away, a pang of sadness in his heart. He knew this was the right decision for both of us but it didn't make the pain go away. He turned his attention back to Tenebroso, who was looking up at him with wide, innocent eyes. "Looks like it's just you and me for a few days, buddy," he murmured. "We're gonna have some fun, just you and me."

Arsenio watched me disappear through the door, his heart heavy with a mixture of emotions. He knew I was hurting just as much as he was. He held Tenebroso close, feeling the warmth of his son's body against his chest. "Your momma loves you so much," he whispered, more to himself than to the baby. "And so do I."

On the other side of the meeting room, I looked at Mark. Mark wrapped an arm around me, pulling me close in a comforting embrace. He said nothing, simply offering his support in silent solidarity. 

I sobbed into his embrace "Is this what first breakups are like?"

Mark tightened his hold, stroking my hair gently. "It's different for everyone," he said quietly. "But it hurts like hell no matter what."

I kept crying "I know this is for the best and it is the truth what you heard in there but it hurts so much more that when he finds some girl he will be happier than he was with me,".

Mark's expression softened, his eyes filled with empathy. "It sucks, I know," he murmured. "But you can't control the happiness of others, and you can't compare yourself to girls he meets in the future. You gotta focus on yourself and your happiness, not his. Easier said than done, I know. But it's what you need to do for yourself."

"It hurts so much," I sobbed.

Mark held me tighter, his own heart breaking at the sight of my pain. "I know it does," he whispered. "But you're strong, Indira. You'll get through this. And I'll be here every step of the way."

The older man from the meeting came over and signalled Mark to let him hug me. Mark nodded, understanding the man's gesture. He gently released me, allowing the older man to step up and pull me into a comforting hug.

"Will everyone treat me the same or am I now an outcast?" I sobbed quietly.

The older man gently patted my back, his voice firm and soothing. "You are still a part of this family," he assured me. "You've been through a difficult time, and we will always support you. You're not an outcast, and we will continue to treat you with the same love and respect."

I kept crying "Did I do the right thing? You were closer to Arsenio than everyone,".

The older man continued to hold me gently. "Sometimes, the right thing isn't always the easiest," he said quietly. "But I believe you made the decision that was best for both you and Arsenio. It takes courage to do what you just did, and it takes strength to put the happiness of others before your own. You are a strong, kind-hearted woman, Indira, and I trust in your decision."

I kept crying "I know he told you things about the relationship. Was I right about him falling out of love with me a few months back?"

The older man paused for a moment, considering his words carefully. "Yes," he finally admitted. "Arsenio confided in me. He had been struggling with his feelings for some time, but he didn't know how to tell you. He cares about you deeply, but he's been having a hard time reconciling his responsibilities as a father and husband with his desires and freedoms."

"Okay, I just wanted to know I didn't force him to do this breakup. I know he needs this for his happiness, his freedom and for his work," I was still upset.

The older man nodded, his expression sympathetic. "You didn't force him into anything," he reassured me. "He was struggling with his desires and responsibilities, and this breakup was something he needed to do for his well-being."

Just then, Arsenio's men approached, holding a bouquet of vibrant red roses. He stepped forward, his eyes meeting mine with a mix of sorrow and tenderness. "For you," he said softly, offering the flowers to me. 

I sobbed quietly "Thank you, you guys won't hate me right?"

The older man shook his head firmly. "No, we don't hate you," he said emphatically.

Arsenio looked at me with a mixture of emotions in his eyes. "I could never hate you," he murmured. "I hope you know that."

I saw Arsenio holding Tenebroso "You promise?"

Arsenio held my gaze, his voice firm and tender. "I promise," he said firmly. "I may be moving on, but I will never hate you. You're the mother of my son, and you'll always have a special place in my heart."

I sobbed quietly as I fell into Mark's embrace. Mark held me close, his arms encircling me in a protective embrace. He gently stroked my hair, offering silent comfort as I cried into his chest. The sound of Tenebroso's soft cooing drew Mark's attention. He glanced over at Arsenio, who still cradled the baby in his arms, watching me with a mix of regret and tenderness.

Mark couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for him. He was going through his pain as well, just in a different way. "You okay, man?" He asked gently, addressing Arsenio.

Arsenio's gaze shifted to Mark, his shoulders slumping slightly. "As okay as I can be, I guess," he replied, his voice gravelly. "I feel like crap for hurting her like this, but I know it's for the best. I just can't shake this feeling, you know?"

Mark nodded, understanding the pain and guilt that came with such a situation. "You did what you thought was right, even if it caused pain. And she's strong, she'll get through this. You both just gotta give it time."

"Yeah." Arsenio shifted Tenebroso in his arms, his gaze flickering back to me. "I just wish it didn't have to hurt so damn much," he muttered, regret heavy in his voice.