LET'S GET MARRIED

Chapter Eight - Truths Untold

I paced around Dustin's room, my eyes scanning the space. That's when I spotted a wine bottle. I poured myself a glass, despite Dustin's warning.

"Be careful, Britney. That's a strong drink." He said.

I shrugged, taking a sip. The liquid burned down my throat, but I didn't care.

Minutes passed, and the wine's effects began to kick in. My inhibitions faded, replaced by a bold curiosity.

"Dustin," I slurred, "did you ever love me once?"

Dustin's expression softened. "Yes, Britney. I did."

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. "Then why did you betray me after everything?"

My voice cracked. "Why propose to me if you were going to treat me like trash?"

Dustin opened his mouth to explain, but I cut him off.

"No, don't bother. You've made it clear how little I meant to you."

Dustin's eyes widened as he realized I was drunk. "Britney, maybe we should talk about this when you're okay."

I glared at him, tears streaming down my face. "No, I want answers now."

Dustin's face fell, and he looked away, unable to meet my gaze.

The room began to spin, and I stumbled. Dustin rushed to catch me, holding me upright.

"Britney, I think you've had enough," he said gently.

But I pushed him away, determined to confront the past.

"Tell me, Dustin. What really happened?"

Dustin's expression turned grim, and he hesitated.

"You really want to know the truth, Britney?" Dustin asked, his voice laced with trepidation.

"Yes!" I replied.

Dustin took a deep breath. "I was drunk, Britney. I was Childish. I didn't have boundaries then and wasn't prepared for the responsibilities that came with our relationship. But that's all in the past now. Everything is clear now. I'm a changed person"

As he paused for a moment and continued.
"I've been trying to tell you this for a while now, but you locked me out of your life."

Dustin's voice cracked with emotion.

As he finished speaking, he turned back to face me, expecting a response.

But I was silent.

Unbeknownst to him, the wine and emotional exhaustion had taken their toll.

My eyelids had grown heavy, and I had drifted off to sleep.

Dustin's eyes widened in surprise as he realized I was asleep.

He sighed, gently lifting me into his arms.

"Sleep tight, Britney," he whispered.

As he laid me down on the bed, Dustin's expression softened.

For a moment, he forgot about the past and simply looked at me.

The woman he wished he knew how to love better.