When Love Breaks by jack

I froze all over.

It was unexpected, somewhat bewildering.

Perhaps it was because our separation had been so graceless, marked by too many embarrassments, that the thought of having a calm conversation with him post divorce seemed impossible.

To me, the final chapter of our relationship was simple: we went our separate ways. No more complicating each other's lives. Gathering my composure, I looked at him emotionlessly. "What brings you here?"

"..." Bryant flicked the ash from his cigarette, a rare hint of warmth breaking through his usual cold demeanor. "I came to see you."

"Why?" I was genuinely puzzled.

Had he gone bankrupt and now remembered me?

His gaze was intense, unwavering, his voice deep. "To make amends. Jane, there's nothing holding us back anymore. You can go back to being Mrs. Ferguson without worry."

I was taken aback at first, then filled with disbelief.

What did he take me for? Did he think things were the same as before, back when I saw him as my beacon of light?

That with a wave of his hand, I'd go away, and with another, I'd return?

This thought sparked anger ip me, and my reply was sharp. "So you're remembering me now that you're bankrupt and Dorothy refused to get married?" He paused, trying to explain with patience, "Jane, I did what I did because..."

"It doesn't matter."

I couldn't help but interrupt him, blurting out, "Do you really think our issues began when you got engaged to Dorothy? That her showing up is what caused our divorce?"

Bryant's eyes slightly drooped. The usually proud man was now speaking softly, "I know, I misunderstood your feelings before, thinking you liked Mark, not me..."

"It wasn't a misunderstanding."Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

I laughed bitterly, knowing exactly where to strike for the greatest pain, "If I had known from the start that it was Mark who helped me, I might not have fallen for him, but I definitely wouldn't have fallen for you."

That mistake fooled me into thinking he had a soft heart. It made me brave enough to go after what seemed impossible.

Bryant stiffened, his deep eyes locking onto me, visibly shaken. "So, your feelings for me were solely because of that incident?"

I clenched my fist. "Yes!"

Without that incident, he and I would have remained strangers forever.

At most, he'd be the untouchable moon, and I, just one of many gazing up from the mire.

There might have been admiration, but never love.

After saying my piece, I reached for the door lock, turning it open.

I thought I made myself clear, that he would know it was time for him to leave.

But as soon as I turned on the light, his cold presence enveloped me from behind, spinning me around to steal a kiss.

His actions were forceful, desperate, as if he was eager to prove something.

I felt humiliated, unable to push him away, my hands trapped by his. Tha panic, I lifted my knee sharply into his groin!

He stopped dead, pain written all over his face!

He gasped, a dangerous look crossing his eyes, his words as cutting as ever, "Can't even touch you now? Or is it that Gregory has been looking out for you, stirring up feelings? You better be clear about who he is..."

"Bryant, I've never been more clear!"

Anger surged through me, my chest heaving with every breath, my eyes blazing with resentment.

"What right do you have to question me? Even when we were married, things were messy between you and Prowessy Margaret Now that we're divorced, even if there's something between Gregory and me, it's none of your business!"