Chapter 7
1132 Words
I stood in front of the house, staring at it. The only light on was outside as if it was trying to keep people away. The house looked so forlorn. It's like the sadness from the night I left was still clinging to it.
I got out of the car and made my way to the house. The path was dark and I felt so empty. When I reached the door, I was surprised to find it unlocked.
I stepped inside and saw Grachelle kneeling on the floor, begging me not to go. It felt like a remnant of a dream I had earlier. The memory of that sad dream still haunts me.
I walked over to her and knelt. I could see the tears on her face, the pain in her eyes, and the pain in her expression. It broke my heart even more.
Why didn't I feel sorry for her then? Why didn't I appreciate the sacrifices she made for our marriage? Why did I keep hurting her, when all she did was love me?
I'm the one to blame for the end of our marriage. I was too focused on my pride to see how good of a wife she was, and how good of a daughter she was to my parents. I blamed her for everything, even though I was at fault too.
I rose to my feet and made my way slowly towards the stairs. As I ascended, I couldn't help but recall all the wrongs I had done to her. I didn't treat her with the respect she deserved. How many meals did she slave over that I didn't even touch? How many times did she ask me to join her and I refused? And how many instances did I humiliate her in front of my family and friends? Despite my mistreatment, she stood by me. She never left. It was me who left her when Sarah returned.
I entered the master bedroom and pushed the door open. It was empty, just like the hollowness I felt inside. And there she was, preparing my things as I was about to head to work. I didn't even acknowledge her efforts. Didn't even look at her as she smiled at me. How many times did I use her for my satisfaction and then abandon her because I couldn't bear to be near her? I couldn't stand to hear her cry when I told her that Sarah was better than her. I was foolish. I became desensitized to the pain she endured while she was with me.
I had gold in my hands, but I chose bronze.
I sank onto the bed, surveying the empty room. Why did it feel like the memories of this room were suffocating me? My eyes began to sting, forcing me to blink repeatedly.
I remember how she looked at the party. She was still stunning and radiant. Unlike before, when her eyes were filled with sadness, they now exuded confidence, as if no one could hurt her anymore. The years she spent without me had restored her self-assurance.
Now, I deeply regret it because she is no longer mine. Perhaps even her love for me has vanished. The man she was with earlier, is he the one who has taken my place in Grachelle's heart? I can't blame her. It's my fault that she sought out a man who could give her the things I couldn't, especially love.
You're so stupid, Ram.
I rose to my feet, overwhelmed by the emotions swirling inside me. I rushed outside, only to be taken aback by the sight of another car in the driveway. Frozen in place, I watched as Grachelle emerged from the vehicle and approached me with an unreadable expression in her eyes.
"Grachelle," I stammered, my voice quivering.
"Why are you here, Ram?" Her tone was icy.
"I... I just wanted to see our old home," I replied honestly.
She glanced at me before turning her gaze towards the house, a bitter smile playing on her lips.
"Trying to relive the past?"
"Yes. Seeing you again brought back memories, and I felt a sudden longing for this place," I confessed.
"So, which part of our past do you miss the most, Ram? The mornings when you left without a word? Or the nights you accused me of faking my pregnancy?"
Her blunt words left me speechless.
"Grachelle, I know I can never make up for the mistakes I made during our marriage, but I..."
"Enough, Ram."
"What?" I was taken aback by her interruption.
"You don't need to apologize. Everything that happened was my fault."
"Grachelle..." I moved towards her, but she raised a hand to halt me. "Grachelle, I know I made mistakes, too. I didn't give you a fair chance. I let my anger and resentment cloud my judgment..."
She cut me off with a raised hand.
"Stop, Ram. There's no need to explain further. I'm the one who initiated our loveless marriage."
"Grachelle, please let me explain. I want you to understand that I regret all the pain I caused you. Losing you made me see things clearly and that..."
"That you still care for me?" she interjected.
"Yes!" I exclaimed. I moved closer to her, but she burst into laughter.
"You don't believe yourself..." I said, feeling hurt and embarrassed by her reaction.
"We've been together for three years, Ram, and you never truly loved me. Why should I believe you now?"
I was at a loss for words. I didn't know how to make her see the truth without laughing at me.
"Maybe you miss having a wife who would cater to your every whim. Someone who tolerates your outbursts. I heard Sarah is nothing like that. She's not like me."
"No, Grachelle, you're mistaken. I miss you, and I love you. I've come to realize my feelings for you in your absence."
"Ram, you should head home. Sara is waiting for you. She even called our house looking for you.
My eyes widened, and I felt embarrassed by Sara's actions.
"I'm sorry. I didn't expect her to do that."
She smiled, but it didn't quite reach her eyes.
"You need to explain to her that we have no connection beyond working together. Tell her not to worry. I won't interfere anymore. I've learned my lesson the hard way."
"Grachelle, please..."
I wanted to talk to her, but she waved me off.
"And Mr. Moore, don't call me Grachelle when we're alone. I'm Miss Atkins to you. Please, leave and don't come back. I've sold this house to a friend."
"But why?" I asked, feeling helpless.
"I don't need to explain, Mr. Moore. You know that. Goodbye."
Before I could say anything else, she had already gone inside.
- Writer
