LET'S GET MARRIED

Chapter Twelve - Before You Go

I woke up to an empty room, but the feeling of being watched last night lingered, sending shivers down my spine.

I couldn't shake off the haziness of the previous night's events. "Was I drunk again?" I wondered, my mind foggy.

As I got out of bed, the sounds of arguing and sounds of broken glasses drifted from outside, making my heart skip a beat.

Curiosity got the better of me, and I rushed downstairs to investigate, my feet pounding the stairs.

That was when I spotted Alexander and Dustin from a distance trading blows.

People gathered around, unsure what the fight was about meanwhile I quickly rushed to intervene, trying to separate them, my voice shaking with anger.

"Hey, hey, stop it!...what's going on here?" I demanded, my eyes scanning the scene before me.
"What could be so serious that you guys can't you talk it out like adults?"

Alexander's anger was palpable, his face red with rage.
"You're a monster! You made her life miserable. You slept with her best friend two days before your own wedding!" he spat, his words like venom.

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. The truth dawned on me, and I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I slowly turned to Alexander.
"Who told you he was my ex?" I asked Alexander, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Your dad told me," Alexander replied, his eyes flashing with anger.
"I did some research after you left the party in a haste last night, and I found out you were still probably haunted by your past. Never knew it was him all along. The great Dustin Thomson." As he continued, going on and on about my past pointing his index finger at Dustin.

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as memories came flooding back. I felt like I was reliving the pain all over again.

"Who do you think you are trying to fight for me? Who gave you the right to avenge my past? Tell me?!!" I asked Alexander and demanding for answers, my voice cracking.

"Because I care for you, Britney. I love you!" Alexander said, his eyes filled with sincerity.

Dustin tried to speak, but I cut him off by lifting my hands in silence.

"And who says the love is mutual?" I asked Alexander, my heart heavy.

Alexander's response was met with my tears. My emotions bitterly raw.

"That's enough! I think I've seen it all. This vacation has been a mistake," I said, my voice shaking.

I walked away, leaving the two men behind, and stumbled back to my room. I locked the door and cried my eyes out, my body shaking with sobs.

Alexander's  voice echoed from the door with a knock,
"Britney I'm sorry for what just happened out there. I want to apologize for my actions. I was only trying to stand up for you. You can tell me if I'm off but I just don't wanna see you in a wrong situation. You deserve someone better. Please talk to me Britney Couper."

But I didn't respond. I just couldn't.

I packed my bags, ready to leave, my heart heavy with emotions.

A text from my dad summoned me to take a short walk with him outside.

𝘼 𝙒𝙖𝙡𝙠 𝙒𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝘿𝙖𝙙

As I walked alongside my dad, the warm Hawaiian sun cast a gentle glow on the lush greenery surrounding us. The air was filled with the sweet scent of plumeria, and the soft chirping of birds provided a soothing melody. The tranquil atmosphere was a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside me.

We strolled along the winding path, the sound of gravel crunching beneath our feet the only sound breaking the silence. The palm trees swayed gently in the breeze, their leaves rustling softly. The ocean waves crashed in the distance, a constant reminder of the serene beauty that surrounded us.

My dad's arm wrapped around my shoulders, offering a comforting presence. "Honey, I heard what happened. I'm deeply sorry your stay in Hawaii has been quite complicated," he said, his voice filled with concern. I took a guess Alexander had given him a full gist of what happened earlier.

I felt a lump form in my throat as I gazed out at the ocean. The turquoise waters seemed to stretch on forever, meeting the horizon at a perfect line. The waves rolled in, each one a reminder of the ups and downs of life.

We walked in silence for a while, the only sound being the waves and the rustling of leaves. My dad's words hung in the air, waiting for me to respond.

"It's okay, baby doll. Let it out," he whispered, pulling me into a warm hug as he noticed a drop of tear from my eyes.

I felt a wave of emotions wash over me, and I began to cry more. The tears streamed down my face, mixing with the salty air. My dad held me close, his arms a safe haven.

As we stood there, the world around us melted away. The palm trees, the ocean, the sun, everything faded into the background. All that mattered was the love and support of my dad.

"I'll be leaving for New York City today dad" I said taking a glance at the wide ocean"

Dad was silent for a moment. I could sense a little bit of sadness upon his face.

"Love can be the best thing that ever happens to you, but it can also be hurtful. Remember, true love never goes away as long as there are memories to remind you and selfless actions." His words were laced with wisdom.

He slowly dipped his hands in and out of his pocket and handed me a letter. "Take this."

I looked up at him, wondering what he was trying to say. Was he trying to tell me something?

"What's this?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper as I collected it.

My dad's hug was his only response. "I'll miss you honey. Mind if I drive you to the airport...?" My dad asked "You can read it on your way..." he said.

I felt a pang of sadness, knowing I had to leave this beautiful island and dad behind.

"Alright, sure. Thanks, Dad." I said.

As we walked back to the house to get my luggage, the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the landscape. The sky was painted with hues of pink and orange, a breathtaking sunset that seemed to match the turmoil in my heart.