Twisted Vows

chapter 6 : fractured hearts

Days passed, but the heaviness in Ethan's chest remained. He moved through the motions of life, but his thoughts were consumed by the decision he couldn't avoid. Both women, Olivia and Samantha, lingered in his mind—his past and his present. And he knew, sooner or later, he'd have to choose.Samantha had been distant since their last conversation, and although they texted briefly, things weren't the same. Ethan didn't want to pressure her, but the silence between them grew louder. He missed the life they shared, even if he now questioned the foundation it had been built on.Late one evening, after what felt like an endless day of going back and forth in his mind, Ethan decided he couldn't wait any longer. He had to see Samantha, to face whatever was left of their relationship.He arrived at the house they shared, standing outside for a moment before knocking. After what seemed like forever, the door creaked open, and there stood Samantha, her face pale and her eyes tired. She didn't say anything, just stepped aside, letting him in.Ethan hesitated before walking in, his nerves raw. Inside, the house felt colder than usual. The warmth that once filled it was missing. Everything was neat, but lifeless. They both stood in the living room, the tension between them thick and suffocating.Samantha finally broke the silence. "What do you want, Ethan?"Her tone wasn't harsh, but it wasn't warm either. It was the voice of someone who had been hurt deeply and was trying to protect herself from more pain."I miss you," Ethan said softly, his voice cracking with emotion. "I miss us, Sam."Samantha's eyes softened, but there was still a distance in them. "Is that all you miss? Or are you just afraid of losing the security we had?"Ethan flinched at the question, knowing she had every right to ask it. He stepped closer, his hands trembling slightly as he spoke. "No. It's not about that. I—Samantha, I didn't realize how much I was holding on to the past. But when Olivia came back, it stirred things up that I thought I'd buried."Samantha's eyes narrowed, her jaw tightening. "So, you're saying you still have feelings for her?"Ethan ran a hand through his hair, his frustration boiling over. "I don't know. That's the problem! When she left, it broke me, Sam. And then you came into my life, and things got better. But now... I don't know how to move forward."Samantha crossed her arms, her gaze cold. "So, you're torn between your ex and your wife. Great, Ethan. Just great.""I'm sorry," Ethan said, his voice desperate. "I never wanted this to happen. I never wanted to hurt you."Samantha shook her head, her eyes filled with a mix of anger and pain. "But you did. And the worst part is, you still don't know if you want to be with me. After everything we've been through, after all I've done for you, you're still unsure."Ethan stepped forward, reaching for her hands, but she pulled away, keeping her distance. "I need time, Sam. Please, just give me a little more time to figure this out."Samantha looked at him, her expression unreadable. For a moment, there was a silence between them, broken only by the sound of their breathing. Then, she spoke quietly, her voice steady but firm. "Ethan, I don't think you realize how much time you've already taken. I've been patient. I've been understanding. But there's a limit. You can't keep stringing me along while you sort out your feelings for Olivia."Ethan's heart sank. He knew she was right, but the fear of losing either woman paralyzed him. He couldn't imagine his life without Samantha, but at the same time, the memories of Olivia haunted him.Samantha took a deep breath, her eyes filled with resolve. "I can't keep doing this, Ethan. If you need time to figure things out, then take it. But I'm not going to sit around waiting forever. I deserve better."Ethan's stomach twisted in knots. "Sam, please—""No," she interrupted, her voice firm. "I love you, Ethan. But I love myself too. I'm not going to stay in a marriage where I'm not a priority."Her words hit him like a punch to the gut. Ethan felt like he was drowning, and the lifeline he had always counted on—Samantha—was slipping away.She stepped closer, her voice softer now. "I'm not saying it's over. But if you really want to make this work, you need to decide. I can't be second to your past. I need to know that you're choosing me—fully, without hesitation."Ethan swallowed hard, his throat tight. He nodded, but the uncertainty in his chest remained. Samantha was giving him one last chance, but it was clear that this was the final straw. She walked toward the door, opening it for him. "Go. Think about what you really want. But don't come back unless you're sure."Ethan stood frozen for a moment, his heart aching as he looked at her. He wanted to say something, to make a promise, but the words wouldn't come. Without another word, he walked out, the door closing softly behind him. As he stood on the front steps, the reality of what had just happened hit him.He was standing at a crossroads, and if he didn't choose soon, he'd lose everything. For the first time in his life, Ethan felt completely lost.