SERENDIPITY

~9~ Behind The Scenes And The Breakup ✔️

Recap: Thankfully, the dinner ordeal was finally over. With Jess taking the initiative to clear the table, I joined in and began gathering the plates and other items. Together, we swiftly collected everything, and with a tired sigh, I opened the connecting door that led to the kitchen. Jess had already started washing the dishes, so I joined her, grateful for the distraction. Finally, the end of the night was in sight.

Before retiring to my room, I decided to take a detour to the garden. I yearned for the solace of the lilies, hoping their beauty would provide some much-needed tranquility. However, as I approached the garden, what I witnessed stole the very air from my lungs. The sight before my eyes confirmed my worst suspicions—Daniel was undeniably a hypocrite.

...•...•...•...

Within the embrace of Daniel Johnson's arms stood Joanna Rosales, the very girl he had once assured me was of no concern, that there was nothing for me to worry about. Now I understood why Joanna had been growing increasingly bitter and venomous with each passing day. Concealed behind the delicate petals of a rose, I observed the repugnant scene that unfolded before me.

At last, they parted, allowing their whispered words to reach my ears.

"Daniel, you can't comprehend the anticipation I feel every night, longing for the moment when I can hold you in my arms. I'm relieved that you ended things with Raquel. We could have continued our clandestine meetings, reminiscing about the good times we shared."

"Joanna..."

"Hush. There's no need to speak, my love. Finally, you have rid yourself of that foolish girl who believed she had complete control over you. It's amusing, really, how utterly absurd she was." Joanna's lips met his once more.

Daniel's POV

"Joanna listen..." As I found myself lost in the whirlwind of kisses, I attempted to interject, to make Joanna listen to what I had to say. Yet, she remained relentless, consumed by the fervor of the moment. It dawned on me that I had made a grave error when I confided in Joanna about my relationship with Raquel. In that moment of vulnerability, I felt betrayed by Raquel's silence regarding her past with Cyril Walker, only to have Joanna reveal the truth to me. However, I now realized the hypocrisy of my anger because I, too, had failed to disclose my own history with an ex. It was that very night, as emotions escalated, that Joanna and I found solace in each other's arms. But it was a mistake, a mere one-night stand, not the foundation of a meaningful relationship.

Now, my focus shifted. I yearned to make amends with Raquel, to apologize for my past behavior and the pain I had caused her. I needed to set things right and convey to her that I had been a fool. Lost in my contemplations, I had forgotten the present moment, the person I was entangled with, and the words that flowed from her lips

"...that night was so extraordinary. The sensation of your hands caressing every inch of my being, the sweetness of your lips embracing me wholeheartedly. I just remembered that special night you confessed...it's a memory I hold dear," Joanna murmured, her words intertwining with the haze of kisses. Confession? What confession? I struggled to recall any declaration of non-existent feelings, but then it hit me—when she had asked if I loved her and I responded with a kiss. It was not an expression of love as she had assumed, but rather a reflection of my own loneliness and sense of betrayal. Damn it, I had truly messed things up.

"...your actions speak volumes, my darling. They make me fall deeper in love with you each passing day, Daniel. Let's formalize our connection, and make it known to the world. Show that foolish Raquel her rightful place," she continued, her voice filled with fervor and determination.