What He Won't Do

Chapter 5:The Unseen Heart

Four days straight, Dominic cooked, cleaned, and catered to his wife. Every night, she left, only to return close to nine the next morning. Where was she going? What was she doing? He never asked. It didn't bother him anymore. This had been going on for years. They'd been married so long, he figured he didn't care as long as she was happy, living how she wanted. He gave her everything she wanted, everything she needed. There was nothing else he could do. They were married, but he didn't want her to feel tied down.

Laylonie was beautiful, but she wasn't the type to be around people much. She kept to herself. Dominic understood that, that was why he married her. He needed someone like her to love him, and that's exactly what he got. She took pride in her appearance, her clothes, and even the company she kept. They had money, but even before he came along, she wasn't using his money to keep her stylish life going; she had her own.

"Laylonie, honey, where are you going now?" Dominic asked softly as he followed her to the shower.

She didn't answer. She just looked at him, then stepped in.

He stood there, cold and naked, for a moment before slipping on some underwear and heading to the kitchen to make coffee.

The clock struck 7:23 am when he heard the door slam; she was gone. Time to get ready for work.

On his drive to work, his mind raced. How could he get her attention again? Spelling her name out in roses? Giving her full-body massages? But then the doubt crept in.

Why even try? he thought. She doesn't love me anymore.

He felt the sharp sting of loss. He'd lost the love of his life and wasn't even sure if she was coming back.

Pulling into the parking lot, he fumbled with his phone and searched for marriage counselors. Did he really want to do this? The question lingered. At least, he wasn't ready to give up.

He arrived late, distracted by the phone call he never made. Pain settled heavily in his chest.

He took his post by the door.

Not long after, his eyes caught a glimpse of a woman, beautiful but crying softly. The moment she stepped inside, his heart stopped.

He ducked out of sight, needing to know her story.

Why was she so sad?

Once inside, he waited until she handed over her keys, then parked her car. When he finally crossed the room to her table, the glow from the overhead light made her seem almost angelic. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears; her hair curled perfectly around her face. She was poetry personified.

He sat down beside her.

"She's stunning," he whispered to himself.

They talked for a while. He was mesmerized by her voice; soft, soothing, a balm to his restless soul.

But suddenly, he realized he'd said something wrong. Her smile vanished.

"I... I'm sorry," he stammered.

She stood abruptly.

"Wait, please," he called out, but she was already storming away.

He ran after her, but by the time he reached the door, her car was speeding off.

"Damn, I fucked up," he muttered.

Determined, Dominic began to plan.

How could he see her again? How could he get to know her? He had ideas, schemes even, but where to start?

Something was wrong, and he wanted to fix it. No woman that beautiful should be crying or dining alone.

He promised himself he'd do whatever it took to make her happy, no matter the reason.

His mind wandered.

He imagined opening her door every chance he got.

Telling her she was beautiful, and meaning it.

Showing her she was more than amazing.

Getting to know her so well, he could say she was the reason he smiled.

He forgot, for a moment, that he was married. All that mattered was being near her.