THE ROOT OF A CYNOSURE

Chapter twelve

Damon

Kim and Samantha stood beside Steve. Kim was speechless, her Eyes became larger as she gaped at us. Samantha folded her hands across her chest, and they all looked to have gotten the greatest shock of their lives. Steve was looking very calm, not showing anger , hands in pocket, looking at Alicia.

" What is going on, Alicia?" He asked in a cool manner which surprised me. I had expected him to rake, kick me in the groin, hit her face and shout but he chose to stay pacific. I admired his maturity.

" It's not what you think, Steve?"

" I don't get it." Kim said. " Which part of the what-you-think am I missing? The kissing part or what?"

" Let me talk to her Kim." Steve said.

" She is right." I said. " It's not what you thtink.."

The look Steve shot at me sent a chill through me. He said no word, but the danger in his thin eyes radiated. I understood with him. Having been with a girl for all your life and catching her kissing someone on your engagement night was tormenting. I could see fear on Alicia's face. It seemed she just realised how bad what she did was and full of regrets and remorse.

I only came to exacerbate the whole thing. This would not work out. What was I thinking ? Giving her a ring on her engagement night. There was no way it was going to work out. Her parents wanted Steve, a billionaire. I hard no good job, no big family name and one they considered a criminal on the police watch list.

" Alicia." Steve said calmly. " I am not insane. Even after the ocular proof, I am ready to believe you if you tell me that what I saw was just hallucination. I loved you and still do. I forgive you, for your sake I forgive him, and we can leave this behind. I just hope it does not repeat itself."

His kind words seemed to get into her. Her eyes was now watery, giving him a look of affection and compassion. She looked chastened, probably regretting her actions, finding a way to make it up to him.

" I am sorry, Steve. I am Sorry Kim. I need you guys to forgive me." She said apologetically.

" It's okay, sweetheart." Steve said.

" You know you have always been special to me, the only man I ever wanted to marry." Alicia continued. The guilty conscience drifted out of me and jealousy took place. I did not want to witness a romantic reconciliation.

" I never cheated on you. You are one of the nicest person I ever met. Your patience and understanding is next to none. You went and will go to any length to make me happy. For your sake, I stopped picking his calls. I avoided him. I chose you and agreed to marry you. I did not invite him. Kim did. I thought I would never see him again. I'm sorry this is not the first time I kissed him. It was after the first I decided not to see him again. What is between me and Damon is unfathomable. Something strange I never felt. This night as he came here, it became clear to me that ....our bond is inexorable and esoteric. Steve, you are special to me but this is the guy I fell in love with . I'm sorry to tell you this."

What! There was a deadly quietness
as she said those words that not only shocked them but me as well. I never imagined Alicia loved me this much. This was a twist of event. I was filled with mixed feelings. I was glad and overwhelmed she chose me but I also felt bad for Steve. I imagined the calibre of guests inside, the anticipations of the parents and friends and realised it was a disaster.

" I'm sorry everyone but I have to follow my heart."

Kim shook her head.

" I thought I had a best friend. I never knew you were a cheap, deceitful, heart-breaking cheap slot!"