Always Been You

Chapter 3

~DANTE~

I shifted into the hospital bed in order to get a better view of the girl beside me. The girl I had recently turned into a woman. She was eerily silent. We have never been deafeningly silent or ran out of things to say to one another. This is quite uncomfortable. Since she was admitted, we have been sleeping in this hospital bed. No other woman has ever given me a cold shoulder as Lola has. Is she upset because I stole her innocence and damaged her vCard? I’m desperate for her to say something. Considering what we just did, Candice doesn’t deserve what we did. I was drunk, but I knew what I had done, and I wanted to do it again. I wasn’t under the influence of alcohol, and I wouldn’t claim that I was under the influence of alcohol. I was aware of what I was doing. I never imagined that I would come close to crossing the boundary. Another minute passed in utter silence on the hospital bed. She straightened her clothing and entered the bathroom.

Her skin appeared to be immaculate, and I felt my c**k throbbing in my jeans. I prayed that I would never feel this way again. I cursed my d*ck for desiring her beneath my breath. Why does it feel so right? I cheated on my girlfriend with my best friend. It feels so right. As I am currently aroused, I cursed myself for even gazing at her in the first place. I’m aware she hasn’t fully recovered, but I want her so desperately. I’ve never desired a woman as much as I desire Lola, and that’s wrong. I could tell that she was still having some difficulty walking.

Why does it feel so natural to sleep with my best friend?

I’m starting to believe I’m sick. What was it about it that didn’t feel like a mistake? I’m completely devoid of sensation. Not in the slightest. While I am aware that she is my wife, I also have a girlfriend. Is it possible that she slept with me because we are now married? Is it because she’s my wife that it seemed right? Everything appears to have occurred simultaneously. It seemed as if I couldn’t get away from it. It was as though it were meant to be.

She walked out of the restroom and stood by the window, her gaze fixed on the street outside. I need to get everything out of my system. This is not going to happen again. She has a right to know. I inhaled deeply behind her. I looked down at my ring, which felt perfectly placed, as though it was meant to be there. How is it that everything with my best friend feels so natural? It was as if she were my genuine wife and Candice was not. I brushed it aside.

"Lola, last week’s events should not have occurred."

I’m not sure what she thinks about that. Things can’t be awkward between the two of us, though. We have crossed the line. She will always be my Lolita. My best friend

"Lola, you should say something. This can’t happen. It shouldn’t have happened in the first place. Even if we were married, it would be impossible. You are aware, right?"

She was still peering out the window.

"You know, it was supposed to be Candice, but what we did to her isn’t fair."

She shifted her gaze with a smile on her face.

"It was merely a moment of weakness, Dante; there is no need to justify it. I understand." She began packing her belongings.

"We’re returning to my place." She gave a nod.

~Lola~

When Dante informed me that it should not have happened, his words cut like a toxic dagger through my viciously twisting heart. I was well aware that I would have to bear the consequences, yet I went ahead and did it anyway. I knew he’d come to regret it. Thank God I’m not facing him, which is preferable to his witnessing my devious tears. I inhaled it and grinned. This is something I’ve been doing for years. She always had a smile on her face, no matter what.

We returned to Dante’s residence. Unlike us, we were sleeping in separate rooms this time. I was missing him. However, I recognized that sharing a bed was no longer an option for us.

The following morning, I awoke to the sound of giggles in the living room. I glanced down from upstairs, where I was reading a magazine, to meet with Dante and Candice. I was feeling unwell, so I returned to my room. Since I returned from the hospital, I have not felt well. I walked into the bathroom to shower. Prior to heading to work, I needed to go somewhere.

When I returned to work following my appointment, I was forced to make a decision. I am aware that this is a rash action, but it is necessary. I met with the human resources department to iron out the details. My eyes were on my laptop when I returned to my office. I’m not sure if this was the best decision for me at that point. However, it was necessary.

I drove home normally, but I had to return to Dante’s house because I was still married to him. I pulled into a parking space and was greeted by his mother.

"How are you doing, child? Why are you so pale? Have you eaten anything?" She said this as she snatched my bag from me.

"Yes, Mother, I’ve just changed my foundation," I said.

We entered through the front door. Dante and Candice were engrossed in their television viewing. I ascended to finish the task that had been left unfinished since I had an early appointment. I got myself a glass of orange juice and stepped out onto the porch to do my work. When I opened my laptop, an email from the agency I hired greeted me.

Greetings, Mrs. Monroe.

I wanted to let you know that the property has been sold as a result of your inquiry. Currently, I’m scouting the area in search of the one you are looking for. It will take me approximately a week or two to get what you seek. Please let me know which of the six images I have provided is your favorite and which one is your least favorite. I eagerly await your response.

I grinned at the agent’s news. Once I resumed work, I began adding stuff to my basket online, and once everything was organized, I’d know where to ship the products.

After everything, I have been significantly behind on several things in my department since I was in the hospital. While I was working, Candice and Dante entered the room, hand in hand. I greeted them with a grin and shut down my laptop.

"Today, Lola, you have been distant. Are you feeling alright?" Candice inquired.

"Candie, I am very sorry. I’m swamped with work, having gone a week without working."

"You are aware that you can always seek my assistance, right?" She claimed.

"Trust me, I’m in desperate need of destruction right now. Thus, what are your intentions? I am unable to remain married to your man. You are aware of this, right?"

I noticed that her expression seemed worried. One thing I am certain of is that Candice will not wed Dante. She is still in the mood to play. However, I cannot continue to play Wifey for the remainder of my years while she sleeps with him. It is illogical. She must select what she desires. There is very little left to say about myself and Dante. We ceased to be friends the day we crossed the line.

"Well, we’ll discuss it later, but for now, you remain Mrs. Monroe." She chuckled.

"Well, it appears that you are having an affair with my husband, Missy." We both burst out laughing.

"For the time being, I’m going to take a shower," Candice remarked.

Now, it’s just Dante and me. He sat opposite me on one of the chairs.

"Are you feeling well, Mrs. Monroe?"

"There’s no doubt about it. Are you well? How was your day at work?"

"Not bad, Lola. You look..." After a brief pause, he began assessing my features. I grabbed my laptop and diverted my attention away from him in order to avoid looking at him until he discovered any flaws.

"How long has it been since you ate?"

"Not much longer."

"Put an end to your deceptions, Lola. You haven’t eaten anything, as far as I can tell."

He went inside to bring me a meal. He began feeding me. Personally, I find it hard to believe. When I passed by the kitchen, the aroma was revolting, but now that Dante was feeding me, it tasted fantastic.

"Are you mad at me, Lola?"

This is one subject I’ve been trying to avoid discussing with him. I let out a sigh.

"Are you aware we cannot continue discussing it? If you want to forget about something, stop discussing it. You are happy with Candice, and that is all that matters."

"How come it didn’t feel like a mistake? It just felt perfect. I have no idea what is wrong with Lola."

To be honest, it felt the same to me. Well, I know the reason, but I won’t tell him. He is under no obligation to know. He is happy with Candice, and she is happy with him.

"Can we move on from this? I miss my friend. Not the man I slept with."

He cupped my face in his hands. We sat on the patio as he assisted me with my work. Having him so near provides me with comfort. All the storms in my heart and all the battles I’m engaged in within myself are extinguished.

Why would my best friend remain a source of calmness to me despite what we did?