The Groom's One True Bride

Chapter 15

His basketball conference is starting, and he has been hitting the gym more often than necessary, leaving Alyssa at home by herself. It hasn't been awkward now between them, but it was never comfortable.

The happy gait in her movement is gone; so is the bright smile on her face. There are times when she'd smile that happy beautiful smile, but it's flitting. Like a firefly at night.

He shook his head, as he ran to get the ball. He dribbled walking to the free-throw line, and positioned to shoot.

Swoosh.

Wasn't it her who encouraged him to make that return to basketball? To that one thing he loves?

He ran after the ball, and made another shot. Swoosh.

He wiped his forehead with the back of his arms, and ran after the ball.

Was it his fault, all of these, that happened between them? There was honestly no problem between them, if only Alyssa stuck to the plan, and stuck with him. But it seems she has other plans, other ideas, and... and it didn't work.

Yes, he felt betrayed, left in the cold. He was not sure what happened before she left. He felt it was just a petty misunderstanding between them... Heck! He could not even remember what it was!

And all he can remember is the morning he found out she was gone. And the letter she left, professing her love... But the fact remains she left, and never came back.

What was he supposed to think? What was he supposed to know?

All he felt was the confusion of the love that she claims she has of him, yet she still left him, when they both know they could have done something about Sarah's predicament.

What was he supposed to believe?

That she loved him enough but was quick to leave him when she felt one shaky bump in their relationship? Or that she didn't love him at all, and everything was a lie?

Now that she's back, what was he supposed to feel?

He wanted to let off the anger that has been running in his blood for some time now. He wanted her to feel how he felt. He wanted to lash out all the hurt he went through.

But seeing her again...

Asking her... No. Demanding her to stay with him seems to be a bad idea. But it felt right, he felt vindicated, making her feel like she has to get his approval on her every move. But seeing her the way she is, still smiling despite the situation he has dumped into her.

And then finding in her heart to help him, to be cooperative...

Fuck! He slapped the ball hard. He can't go soft on her! If he falls in love, she will find another reason to make him feel stupid and lost... Just as she did the last time.

But his child, their child... He banged the ball on the floor while he was holding it, and sat on the ball, trying to think things through...

It's their child, and he doesn't want his child to be lost. They can stay together in amicable peace. He knows he has threatened to have their marriage annulled, but for the sake of their child, he just can't find it in himself. Maybe not now.

He stood up, and walked towards the locker room. The gym is almost closed, he was the only one left on the court. He slumped on the bench, and wiped his sweat.

He knows he is doing the right thing. Providing for his child, and the mother. But why does it still feel all wrong?

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