When Love is Gone

Chapter 6

The fire that blazed in her eyes that day lingered in my mind as I drifted off to sleep. Her fiery spirit always brought a smile to my face, making me feel like the most handsome man alive.

Yet, I must push aside the admiration I hold for her. There is someone who expects more from me - the woman I love. She is the one I wish to wed, the one I envision as the mother of my children. Imperfect as she may be, she is an independent woman I deeply respect. She has stood by me through thick and thin, witnessing my highs and lows. I will not be swayed by the likes of Grachelle, no matter how pretty or wealthy she may be.

What came next from Grachelle was unexpected. She managed to worm her way into my family's good graces, just as she had done with me. Showering them with gifts, she sought to win their favor. I can still recall the anger that boiled within me when my sister accompanied Grachelle to the mall, allowing her to splurge on expensive items.

"Have you no shame? She's not your personal bank!" I scolded her.

"She offered! She's been so kind and caring towards me, unlike your girlfriend, And she even gave Dad money for house renovations. She warned that a strong wind could easily destroy our home," she retorted, her tone dripping with sarcasm towards Sarah.

I was taken aback when I found out that Grachelle had given money to my parents for house renovations.

"They should have refused!" I shouted in frustration.

"Why should they, if it benefits us greatly? They didn't force her to help us... And the gifts!" She retorted before storming off.

I stared helplessly at the door she slammed shut.

It seems that the way to a man's heart is not through his stomach, but through his family.

I see through Grachelle's actions. She's trying to win over my family to win me over.

I was deeply disappointed in both her and my family.

"I did what I had to do. Reina is my new best friend, so I got her some gifts! I didn't realize it was wrong to give your best friend presents," Grachelle defiantly stated.

"What about the money you gave my parents for the house? Did your parents know you were giving away their hard-earned money?" I asked bluntly.

"The money I gave them is mine, Ram. I wouldn't have given it if it wasn't mine."

"Enough, Grachelle. I see right through your intentions, so I'm telling you now, stop trying to buy our affection!"

She looked at me in shock, as it was the first time she had seen me so angry.

"Ram, I... I was just trying to..." She trailed off, but I cut her off immediately.

"I love Sarah. I will only love her and no one else. No one else, Grachelle."

Those were my final words to her. I thought I wouldn't have to repeat them, but I did on our wedding day.

Yes, I ended up marrying her.

I was under the impression that she would cease her actions after our last confrontation, where I clearly stated that she wouldn't be able to change my mind. However, I was mistaken.

At the year-end party of the company, she managed to achieve her ultimate goal. To seduce me and trap me in that so-called marriage.

She alleged that I impregnated her, and I was taken aback when her father demanded that I marry her. Trying to reason was futile due to her close ties with my parents, who believed we were engaged in an intimate relationship.

I was at a loss on how to refuse her father, the man who had given me an opportunity when no other company would.

Thus, we were wedded promptly. I didn't even have the chance to inform Sarah. I didn't want to cause her pain, embarrassment, and all the other consequences of my marriage to Grachelle.

I was furious with her for ruining all my plans with Sarah. I was enraged that she imposed herself on me. In my eyes, she was the one lacking in shame, not me or my family.

Naturally, I didn't treat her well. My anger knew no bounds. Just because we were married didn't mean I would forget how she manipulated everyone around her, especially me. I maintained a facade of civility in public, but in the privacy of the mansion her father bestowed upon us, I treated her like trash. I only approached her when I felt a strong desire to use her. She was my wife, so it was my right to claim her body. Unfortunately, even in bed, I made her feel my wrath. I engaged in s****l acts with her as if she were a p********e. She never protested. She simply allowed me to carry out the degrading acts to satisfy my physical needs and ego.

I never imagined that my anger towards her could intensify, but it did. It was when I discovered that she wasn't truly pregnant. It was during the moment I was supposed to take her to bed, but she declined. That was because she had gotten her period.

The world may have crumbled at that instant, but it didn't diminish the rage I harbored towards her. It all erupted in a single slap that sent her tumbling off the bed.

I didn't regret it, even though I saw the bruise on her face and the blood on her lips. I was mad with so much anger.

I walked away from her, leaving her crying. I was afraid that hearing and watching her cry would make me forgive her.

I came back after some days. She happily welcomed me as if she hadn't done anything wrong. She was supposed to embrace me but I pushed her away and told her to prepare my things because I have to work. Since that day, I have treated her like a slave.

Her father gave me a high position in the company. I accepted it thinking that it was his p*****t because I married his daughter. Little did he know that I treated his precious daughter as if she owed me the world. Little did he know that the mansion he built for his daughter's future family had turned into a hellhole for her. I endured her for some years but everything changed when I received Sara's call telling me that she forgives me, and she understands why I have to marry Grachelle.

When Sarah told me that she was coming back for me, I finally decided to end my and Grachelle's sufferings. It's not only Grachelle who suffered from that marriage. I did suffer, too. My happiness already came back so I will not allow anyone anymore especially Grachelle to take it away from me for the second time.

I left her that night while she was begging me not to. I didn't listen to her cries. I didn't let her begging melt my heart she has turned into a stone. I left her while she was on the floor, down the place where she deserves to stay forever for what she has done to me and Sarah.

I was just shocked the next time that we met when she was already civil to me and handing me our divorce papers. I thought maybe she realized that our loveless marriage won't do her any good after all. The next thing I knew, she was already out of the country.

Her parents became cold and distant towards me. I didn't care as long as Sara was with me. She's the one who will only make me happy.

Or so I thought...

I blinked back tears as I finished the last drop in my glass. My lips quivered as I fought to hold back the emotions threatening to spill out of me.

Seeing her brought back all the pain of my past mistakes. Regrets pierced my heart like sharp knives, over and over again. But the most agonizing feeling of all was realizing that I still loved her deeply.

I am in love with the girl I once despised and caused pain to.