From the outset

Twelve

Victoria's POV:

I sat on my bed, tears streaming down my cheeks. I never wanted it to end like this. I still loved Ryan, but Alex... I couldn't resist him.

My heart ached, torn between the familiarity and comfort of Ryan, I'd hurt Ryan, and the guilt consumed me.

"Why did it have to come to this?" I whispered to myself.

Memories of Ryan and me flooded my mind - laughter, adventures, and quiet moments.

As I sat amidst the turmoil of my emotions, my phone lay silently on the bed, a reminder of the message that had changed everything. Alex's words still lingered in my mind: "Can't wait to see you tonight."

I thought of Ryan's face, etched with pain and betrayal, and my heart sank. How did I let it come to this?

Suddenly, my phone buzzed, breaking the silence. A text from Alex:

"Hey, beautiful. Still on for tonight?"

My fingers hovered over the keyboard, hesitation gripping me. Should I respond, or take a step back?

The memory of Ryan's hurt face flashed before me, and my conscience pricked.

"Hey, I need to cancel tonight," I typed, hitting send before I could change my mind.

Alex responded immediately:

"What's wrong? Everything okay?"

I took a deep breath, unsure how much to reveal.

"Ryan found out about us. I need time to figure things out."

The silence that followed felt oppressive.

Alex's response finally arrived:

"Understood. Take care of yourself, Victoria. We'll talk soon."

His words seemed distant, lacking the warmth I'd grown accustomed to. A pang of uncertainty struck me.

I tried calling Ryan several times, but he kept sending me straight to voicemail. The repeated rejections stung, and my anxiety grew. Had I lost him forever?

Desperate to explain and apologize, I sent him a text:

"Ryan, please talk to me. I know I've hurt you, and I'm so sorry. I need to explain."

Minutes ticked by, with no response from him. The silence was deafening.

Here's the rewritten text with improved grammar and clarity:

As the silence stretched on, my anxiety grew. My phone remained eerily silent, devoid of any message or call from Ryan. My heart raced with worry.

"What if he tries to hurt himself?" the thought crept in, but I swiftly pushed it aside. Ryan wouldn't do that.

I paced around my room, feeling restless and helpless. How could I make things right?

Suddenly, my doorbell rang. My heart skipped a beat. Could it be Ryan?

I rushed to the door, hope and trepidation mingling in my chest.

I flung open the door, expecting Ryan's familiar face, but instead, my sister Lisa stood on my porch, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity.

"Hey, Vikky. I saw Ryan stormed out of the house in rage what's going on? "Lisa asked walking in.

I sighed, relieved but also hesitant to share my messy situation. "We had a fight."

Lisa's eyes widened. "What happened?"

I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. But Lisa's gentle prodding encouraged me to open up.

I took a deep breath.

"It's complicated," I began. "Ryan found out that Alex and I are having an affair."

Lisa's expression changed from curiosity to shock. "Alex? As in, your coworker?"

I nodded, feeling a mix of guilt and embarrassment.

Lisa's face a mix of shock and empathy. "Why did you have to hurt Ryan in such a way, he's such a good guy."

"I know Lisa but I was feeling suffocated I wanted to be free, being in a relationship feels like bondage. I feel terrible, Lisa. I've hurt Ryan so badly," I sobbed.

Lisa's grip tightened. "That isn't a good enough reason to cheat on him sis you need to talk to Ryan before it's too late apologize and explain things to him. Maybe he'll understand."

I sniffled. "He won't even answer my calls."

Lisa's expression turned thoughtful. "Give him space. He's hurt, but I believe he'll come around. Try again tomorrow."

I nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope.

Just then, Lisa's eyes narrowed. "Do you love this Alex guy?"

I hesitated, unsure.

I avoided Lisa's gaze, unsure how to respond. My feelings for Alex were complicated, and I didn't want to admit them, even to my sister.

Lisa's expression softened. "Sis, I'm here for you, no matter what. But you need to figure out what you want. Ryan or Alex?"

I shrugged, feeling torn. "I don't know."

Lisa stood up. "Well, until you do, take care of yourself. And maybe give Ryan some space."

With that, Lisa left, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

As I sat in silence, my mind wandered back to Ryan.