Divided Heart

Chapter 10

Rahn and Nikki sat across from each other in the sterile confines of the therapist's office, the weight of their fractured relationship heavy in the air. Nikki, a picture of composure, exuded a silent desperation to salvage their marriage. Rahn, on the other hand, was a fortress of emotional detachment, his resolve unwavering.

"How does what Nikki said make you feel, Rahn?" Dr. True inquired, her voice gentle yet probing.

Rahn sighed heavily, his gaze fixed on a point in the distance. "These sessions feel pointless," he confessed, his voice devoid of emotion. "I've been honest about my feelings. I can't keep pretending to be something I'm not."

Nikki's face contorted into a mask of pain, but she maintained her composure. She had always prided herself on being a supportive wife, a loving mother. But now, as the reality of Rahn's departure loomed, she felt a deep sense of loss.

"I feel like he's using that as an excuse to give up on us," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Rahn's jaw clenched. "I'm not giving up on us, Nikki. I'm giving up on a lie. I've been living a lie for too long."

Dr. True watched the exchange with a keen eye, her expression neutral. "Rahn, it sounds like you've made up your mind. But it's important to remember that Nikki deserves to understand why this is happening."

Rahn hesitated, his resolve wavering for a moment. "I'm in love with someone else," he finally admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

Nikki's world seemed to tilt on its axis. The words, simple yet devastating, echoed in her mind. She felt a surge of anger, hurt, and betrayal.

"I don't understand why now," she managed to say, her voice trembling. "All this time, and you're telling me this now?"

Rahn looked at her, his expression filled with remorse. "But I've been telling you Nik. Today isn't my first time saying it. I know it's unfair, and I'm truly sorry for the pain I'm causing you. But I can't live a lie anymore. It's over."

Dr. True interjected, her voice calm and steady. "Nikki, it's important to acknowledge your pain. But it's also crucial to understand that Rahn's decision isn't about you as a person. It's about him recognizing what he needs and what he can offer in a relationship."

The weight of the situation was palpable in the room. As the minutes ticked by, it became clear that there were no easy answers, no quick fixes. This was the beginning of a painful process for both Rahn and Nikki.

Rahn stood up abruptly, his decision final. "I think that's enough for today, Dr. True," he said, his voice firm. He turned to Nikki, his eyes filled with a mixture of regret and determination. "I'll see you in mediation," he said before walking out of the room. Rahn wasn't trying to be a dick but how many times and in how many ways can you tell a person it's over.

Rahn fumbled for his phone in his pocket, his thumb hovering over Terrance's contact. He took a deep breath before pressing call. The line rang a few times before Terrance answered, his voice thick with sleep.

"What up man? A nigga tired," Terrance mumbled.

"My bad," Rahn replied, his voice filled with exhaustion. "I just needed to talk to someone."

There was a pause on the other end, as if Terrance was trying to wake up fully. "You good? You sound messed up."

Rahn ran a hand through his hair, the gesture a physical manifestation of the turmoil inside him. "I just got out of therapy with Nikki," he began, his voice barely above a whisper.

Terrance sat up straighter, his sleepiness fading. "And?"

Rahn took a deep breath, preparing himself for the conversation. "I told her it's over."