Pursuing my ex Wife

feelings

                             Andre's pov

I lay with my head on Payal's lap, her fingers absentmindedly running through my hair as we watched a movie. Well, she was watching; I was lost in my own thoughts. My mind kept drifting back to that restaurant to Audrey.

Her words replayed in my head, each one hitting like a blow to the chest. She had every right to say them—I deserved it. I knew that. I cheated, I lied, and I didn’t trust her. It was all on me, but that didn’t stop the hurt from sinking in.
Audrey was seeing her "hot single dad" neighbor now, or at least that's what Payal had mentioned casually. There was this flash of jealousy that burned for a second before I pushed it away. She’s moved on, and I have no right to feel anything about that. Not anymore.

Payal’s soft laugh interrupted my thoughts. The sound caught me off guard, warming me in a way I hadn’t expected. She’s always been beautiful—undeniably so—but I never really allowed myself to think about her like that. She’s a co-star, a friend, and I’ve always had a rule about that. But tonight... something was different. Maybe it was Audrey’s words still hanging heavy in my mind, or maybe it was the way Payal has been so close, so supportive. Always there.

I turned my gaze up at her, and for the first time, I really saw her—her soft pink lips curved into a smile as she watched a romantic scene play out on screen. Something shifted in me. Maybe it was time to move on. Audrey had told me I was only feeling guilt, not love. Maybe she was right. What we had was always a mess, doomed from the start. Nothing good was ever going to come from it. But Payal... she’s been there from the beginning, and maybe she’s the one who’s right for me.

Before I could think twice, I found myself calling her name, "Payal." My voice was low, husky, and when she turned to look at me, her eyes glinting with curiosity, I saw her in a new light. It was like seeing her beauty for the first time. And without another thought, I kissed her.

She froze for a second, surprised, but then she kissed me back. It wasn’t like kissing Audrey. This kiss was softer, less passionate, but there was something comforting about it. Even as I kissed her, part of me couldn’t help but think of Audrey what her lips felt like, how everything felt so much more intense with her. I pushed that thought away. I didn’t deserve to think about Audrey, not now. Not ever.

The kiss deepened, and before I knew it, we were tangled on the couch. Payal’s hands around my neck, pulling me closer. I couldn’t stop myself, and maybe I didn’t want to. But as things got heated, I realized something—I wasn’t feeling that spark. Not the way I had with Audrey. Still, I couldn’t stop now. Payal meant too much to me, and stopping would ruin everything.
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The next morning, I woke up to Payal softly snoring, her body curled against mine. My chest felt heavy, not from her weight, but from the weight of what we had done. I enjoyed last night, sure. But there was a lingering sense of regret, a realization that maybe I’d crossed a line I couldn’t uncross.

Carefully, I tried to slide out from under her without waking her, but she stirred and smiled at me shyly—something so unlike her usual bold demeanor. "Good morning," she whispered, her voice still thick with sleep.

"Morning," I muttered, searching for my sweatpants. They were crumpled by the TV, which was now playing the credits of the movie we’d long since stopped paying attention to.

I quickly pulled them on, trying to shake the awkwardness creeping in. Payal stood up, wrapping a blanket around her body, her eyes on me. "So... about last night."

I fumbled for words. "I, uh, we... I mean..." Before I could finish, she silenced me with a kiss.

"It was amazing," she said with a smile before disappearing into the bathroom.

I stared after her, my thoughts a mess. Sure, last night had been fun, but I knew deep down I’d messed up. This wasn’t what I wanted. My feelings for Audrey hadn’t gone away. If anything, they’d only gotten stronger. I was leading Payal on, and I hated myself for it.

Later that afternoon, Brandon came over. I needed to talk to someone, and he was the only one who knew Payal as well as I did. I hesitated at first but eventually told him everything.

"You HAD SEX WITH PAYAL!?" he practically shouted, nearly spilling his whiskey.

"Yeah, don't be dramatic, bro," I said, trying to play it off like it wasn’t a big deal.

"Dramatic? Man, this is huge! So, what now? Are you guys a couple? Friends with benefits?" He wasn’t going to let it slide.

"I don’t even know, man. I just... it happened. And the worst part? I initiated it."

Brandon shrugged. "Well, Payal’s always had a thing for you. Maybe it’s time you moved on, you know? Give her a chance."

I laughed. "Like how you’re moving on?"

Brandon raised an eyebrow. "Sure, but it’s different for me. I was never married to Isha. And now, I’m engaged to Chelsea."

"Yeah, but you’re still hung up on Isha. Don’t act like that’s not true."

He sighed, taking a long sip of his drink. "Look, I’m just saying—Payal’s good for you. You two already have a solid friendship, which is the foundation of any good relationship. Why not see where it goes?"

I leaned back, feeling the weight of his words. "I don’t know, man. I’m still thinking about Audrey. I can’t shake these feelings, no matter how hard I try."

Brandon looked at me seriously. "Then fight for Audrey, pursue them both, Audrey'snew found lover doesn't stand a chance with you. Figure it out. See where your heart really lies."

"Yeah... that’s not a bad idea," I muttered, pouring another drink.

"Cheers to relationship drama," he said with a grin.

"Don’t manifest it, man," I replied, but we clinked our glasses anyway.

___________________________________________

Helloooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!

I hope yall enjoyed this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Ai had made things easier with editing... literally minus 1 of my many problems.

Just wanted to quickly say that my heart goes out to all those in Florida. I'm so sorry for all that you're experiencing, and I pray that the Lord shows his mercy upon you guys.

Florida, you're in my prayers🤍🤍

Have a great yall and all those in america, China, Taiwan, just to mention a few. Please stay safe... WHEREVER YOU ARE!!