Fractured Loyalty, Rekindled Desire

In the bridal chamber meant for me and Darius Williams, I took my last breath.

Just before I died, he kissed my forehead and said, “Don’t be upset. She will be gone soon. My wedding with her is just a formality.”

“Next month, I’ll marry you,” he promised.

With my lifeless body in his arms, he held a private wedding ceremony for us alone.

***

Today was the seventh anniversary of my relationship with Darius Williams and the system had reminded me early in the morning.

“If he spends the whole day with you, it means you’ve won him over,” the message said.

But by nightfall, I still hadn’t seen Darius. He was so busy that he couldn’t even answer my calls.

I stared at the cold dishes on the table and the nearly burnt-out red candles, much like our love, slowly growing cold and fading away.

Seven years of relationship, all falling apart in a single day.

By nearly midnight, I dialed his number several more times. It wasn’t until the sixth call that he finally answered.

His voice came through, laced with alcohol and impatience. He said, "I was at a business dinner. What’s up?"

I wanted to apologize, understanding that his busy schedule with the company’s growth meant late nights and networking.

"I made you some soup to help sober up," I retorted.

But before I could add, a sweet, flirtatious voice interrupted the other line, saying, "Darius, I want you to feed me."

My heart tightened with pain. I recognized the voice. It was none other than Althea Smith.

"Darius, come back right now!" I demanded; I didn't want him to spend another minute with the girl he was with.

In my heart, I could feel something was wrong. And I just couldn't have an assurance.

He replied, “Althea said I should feed the dog. Don’t overthink it about her again, okay?”

"Althea’s chest hurts again and even after taking her medication, she’s refusing to sleep,” he said, then focused back on me. “I’ll come back after I get her to bed. You don’t need to wait for me."

I dug my nails into my palm, trying to hold back the sob rising in my throat.

“Darius, if you don’t come back by midnight, I’ll die,” I pleaded.

“If you’re trying to pressure me with excuses, Vera, it’s not going to work,” Darius replied, his voice edged with impatience.

“I told you already,” Darius continued, “Althea is seriously ill. She doesn’t have much time left. Do you expect me to let her face death alone?”

The pain in my palm was unbearable, but I couldn’t stop. I was the one facing death.

Perhaps Althea heard us arguing because her soft voice came through the phone again.

“Darius, you should go back. I don’t want Vera to be upset,” she said gently.

“It’s fine,” Darius replied, “She won’t be upset. I’ll leave after you fall asleep.”

I let out a numb, bitter laugh.

“Darius, don’t ever come back,” I said, my voice breaking.