Our Little Secret {n.h}

chapter 32

"How are you doing today, Ari?" Sarah asked and I shrugged.

"Fine." I crossed one leg over the other and leaned back in the comfy chair.

"Have you talked to your husband?" She wondered and I shook my head.

"He sent me a letter this morning but I haven't had time to open it." I said and she nodded, opening a file that had been on her desk with my name on it.

"Do you think you two will work things out when you go back home?" Sarah asked and I shook my head.

"I have no idea. I think I'm gonna stay at my brother's house for a while." I said and she nodded, jotting something down.

"How about we pick up later today? I think you have a letter to read." Sarah shot me a smile and I did too, getting up.

I left her office and moved my sweater around so it wasn't so twisted up. I walked down the hallway and smiled at a few of the other people who were here, making my way towards my room. I passed the cafe and resisted going in to get something to eat. I got to my room and shut the door behind me, sitting on the stiff bed. I grabbed the letter from Niall that I had received this morning and ripped it open, pulling the paper out.

Dear Ari,

Hey. I hope everything is going well over there with you. I'm writing this letter to tell you how sorry I am and explain everything that happened. When you came home that night, I didn't know what to say. Just seeing the look on your face made me want to kick myself in the gut. Right after you left for rehab, Jake came and yelled at me. Then Harry. Then Louise. And I deserved all of it.

When I told Leah that I loved her, I didn't mean it. I was honestly thinking about you and I know it sounds crazy, but it's true. I know that I've been a shitty husband the last few months and I never should have suggested the open marriage. I was scared of marriage. I figured that the agreement would maybe change things up a bit and make us closer instead of driving us so far apart. I never in a million years meant to hurt you.

If you never want to speak to me again or not come home, I completely understand why. I wish you would come home though. I know that's selfish of me to ask and unreasonable on my part, but I can't imagine staying in that house by myself for any longer than I have to. I barely sleep anymore because you aren't in the bed next to me. Samson and Charlie aren't as cuddly and comforting.

Louise told me how much you cried the other night. She said that you could barely talk because of it. Harry said that the night you stayed at their house, he heard you throwing up in the bathroom for a while. I know that it was on purpose but I won't get mad. I'm done getting in dumb arguments with you that don't matter. I just want to talk to you in general.

I love you so much and I'll tell you every day for the rest of my life until you believe me again. If you ever do. When you get released tomorrow, I'll be waiting for you if you want me to pick you up. If not, I understand. I hope that someday you can forgive me. See you later, babe.

From,
Niall

~~~~~~~~~~

I pushed the clothes down in my duffel bag, trying to get them to fit. I eventually zipped it all of the way up and huffed, sitting on my bed. I grabbed Niall's note and shoved it in the pocket of my sweater, making my bed. I left the room and went down the hallway to the front to get my personal belongings. The woman gave me my wedding ring and phone along with my wallet and keys. I signed the release papers and they opened the doors, letting me go out to the waiting room.

I walked out of the rehab and sighed in happiness at the smell of fresh air that I haven't been in for a month. I looked around and noticed the familiar black Range Rover with Niall leaned up against it. He was chewing his bottom lip and looking back and forth until his eyes landed on me. Before I could stop myself, I was running towards him. Niall met me in the middle and wrapped his arms around me as I launched myself into his arms. I buried my face in his chest and he just mumbled apologies and that he loved me over and over again.