REVENGE'S UNEXPECTED LOVE

WHIRLWIND OF EMOTIONS

As Ismarie wakes up on the day after her marriage, memories come flooding back, hitting her like a hurricane. The previous day's events play out in vivid detail; each moment is etched into her consciousness like a series of snapshots.

She remembers feeling nervous and excited as she prepared for the impromptu ceremony. As she walked out and saw her in-laws, she felt a flutter of anticipation in her stomach. However, that feeling of excitement was quickly replaced by overwhelming anger as she faced Max.

'Did I do the right thing?'

As Ismarie reflects on the whirlwind of emotions that accompanied her journey to this moment, she finds herself grappling with a tangled mess of conflicting feelings.

Ismarie quickly touches her chest before pulling back the bed covers. She is relieved to find that she is still wearing the dress she had on after the wedding ceremony. A sigh of relief escapes her lips as she realizes that nothing happened between her and Sean.

As Ismarie gazes down at herself in the dress, memories of the wedding day flood her mind again—each moment tinged with a sense of absurdity. How could she have married out of spite? What has her life become? Yes, Max hurt her deeply, but she can't shake the feeling that she could have chosen a better path than marriage as her response.

'Why my parents didn't stop me?' Well, they did stop her, and she knows that, but it's not like she would have jumped out of the building if they locked her in the room until she returned to her senses.

The weight of uncertainty presses down on her as she contemplates the repercussions of her impulsive decision. How will she face everyone with lingering questions about her tumultuous relationship with Max and her newfound relationship with Sean? Doubt and regret swirl in her mind, clouding and overwhelming her.

With a heavy sigh, Ismarie puts her hands over her head, seeking solace in the darkness of her thoughts.

"Morning," Sean says groggily, sitting up. "Why are you up so early?"

"Just thinking," Ismarie replies, turning to face him. "About us. It feels surreal, doesn't it? ?"

Sean nodded, scooting closer. "It does, but it felt right. Just you and me."

Ismarie sighs, a mix of contentment and concern in her eyes. "How are we even going to make this work? We work together, our colleagues! Oh my God!..."

Sean takes her hand. "We did the right thing. Focus on yourself; we don't need a big show to prove our commitment. I care about you deeply, and I will always be by your side. That's what matters."

Ismarie smiles and squeezes his hand. "I care about you, too. And the fact that you came for me in my lowest moment, I will forever appreciate it."

"So," says Sean with a twinkle in his eye. "About the honeymoon—any ideas on where you'd like to go?"

Ismarie hesitates, her brow furrowing slightly. "What about work? Can we even take the time off?"

"I've got that covered," Sean reassures her gently. "I sent an email last night—we're clear for a week. But only if you're up for it. We can keep it simple if you'd prefer."

She mulls over his words, her gaze drifting toward the window before settling back on him. "Let's not go far. Maybe a little cabin upstate? Just a few days to unwind, nothing fancy."

"That sounds perfect," Sean replies, his voice soft and understanding. "Just us, the woods, and maybe a lake. Quiet and simple, sounds like a dream."

Ismarie nods, her smile returning as she leans into him. "Quiet and simple sounds just right." They settle back into the pillows.

Taking a week to reflect on her emotions, contemplate the steps ahead, and evaluate her betrayal is precisely what she needs.

Ismarie drives to her apartment around noon. As she opens the door to her apartment, she is immediately met with the anxious gaze of her mother, Marie, who anxiously awaits her return. Marie's face is a portrait of worry and confusion, her eyes intently searching Ismarie for any hint of distress.

"A wedding so suddenly, Rosemarie? This isn't like you, especially after everything with Max," Marie says, her voice heavy with concern. "Do you truly love the man?"

"You supported my decision yesterday—what changed?" Ismarie challenges, her voice tinged with surprise and a hint of defensiveness.

"I wasn't thinking clearly, but your father made me see things differently. He's worried you might be setting yourself up for misery. This marriage started under complicated circumstances—does Sean even know you were supposed to marry Max that day?"

"Yes, he knows, he knew before we got married" Ismarie answers as she places her bag by the door, signaling the weight of the situation. "Mom, it’s complicated. Sean and I—we respect and care for each other deeply. It felt right to both of us." she says trying to justify her actions but does she care about him or does she just want revenge?

Marie steps forward, her features softening as she takes her daughter's hands. "I just want to make sure you're not rushing into this to retaliate against Max or to shield yourself from the pain he caused you. You were in love with him and those feelings can't just vanish after he made one mistake."

One mistake! those videos showed it didn't happen one time but several times right under her nose! While she was drunk in love or blinded by love.

Meeting her mother’s eyes, Ismarie feels a surge of emotion, and her voice cracks as she confesses, "I thought I knew what I was doing, but now, I'm not so certain anymore. There’s so much I haven’t worked through yet. Sean and I agreed that I should take this week to reflect on everything alone."

Marie nods, her expression filled with relief and lingering concern, pulling Ismarie into a warm embrace. "Good, honey. Take your time to heal and understand what you want. Remember, I'm here for you, always."

After talking with her mom, Ismarie heads out to meet Sean. She has mixed feelings about Max but if she could just throw hot water right in his family jewels maybe those feelings would be clear.