You Belong To Me (A Spin-Off To Avenge Marriage Series)

Chapter #3 Everything In Between

"You are good to go, Ms. Vazquez," The doctor said, giving her a sympathetic look. Vera slowly nodded her head, her heart heavy as stone. "Are you sure you are okay?" 

"Yeah...yeah, I will be fine," Vera answered, weakly. Hopefully. 

"Take rest for a day or two before you travel, okay?" She said and she nodded her head again. She didn't feel like speaking. She didn't have the strength. The hatred she felt for herself, it was overpowering everything else. 

"Thank you doctor," She said nevertheless and the kind woman gave her hands a squeeze, adding a sympathetic smile to it. 

"It's okay," She said softly. "Everyone makes their own choices. Be cautious next time, okay?" Vera nodded again and mumbling a thank you, she walked out. Her entire body felt weak. 

But more than that it was a weird pain inside her that made everything more hard. She shuffled in her purse and pulled out the small picture that the doctor gave her a few days ago. She didn't need it anymore. She need no reminder. No memories. No ghastly residues of how disgusting a person she was. She knew this insane choking feeling inside her wasn't going anywhere but she needed to keep living her life. She needed to move on. There was no other choice. She was in no way ready for this. Without any help, without any support...she would have faltered. Vera knew forgiving herself would be a long shot and she didn't intend to anyway but right now she needed to gather herself. She pulled her bottle from her purse and took two long sips hoping that would help her calm down as she hailed a cab. 

"Vera, you have a visitor," Her neighbor, the ever chatty Mrs. Wilkins muttered as the elevators opened. "Has been waiting for the last ten minutes," 

"I have visitor?" Vera inquired and she nodded her head. Vera hardly get any visitors because she hardly stays at home. And she barely have any friends. Yeah, she knows a million people but they aren't her friends. She has no friends. 

"A man. Is he your boyfriend?" She seemed eager as always and Vera tried hard not to scowl. How was that her business? 

"No, I don't have a boyfriend, Mrs. Wilkins. Thanks for informing me. I will go and check," She replied tartly as she stepped into the elevator and pressed the button before the middle-aged woman starts bombarding her with anymore questions. How could people be interested in other's life was beyond her.  Vera shook her head and sighed. She lived at the tenth floor and it seemed like an eternity before she reached there. She felt so exhausted that all she wanted to do was to go and sleep. 

The doors finally opened and she gingerly walked out. The moment she raised her eyes, she froze as grey eyes stared back at her. Her entire body felt limp as she stared at him. He was here. In flesh and bones, standing in front of her. She blinked hard. Okay, maybe she was in trauma and imagining him? How could he be here in the first place? How on earth? 

"Vera, you have a visitor. Has been waiting for the last ten minutes," 

He really was here. Standing in front of her. The same warm grey eyes, the same beautiful person she fell in love with and the same person whose such a huge part was inside her...was inside her. She felt sick to her core. If he can come all the way here, it has to mean something. But only...if he could have come faster. Just a day before. The realization of how that would have changed everything knocked the wind out of her.

"What are you doing here?" She whispered and he stared blankly at her. 

"I er..." Enrique mumbled, looking a bit uncomfortable. "I came to see you," Vera's eyes widened in surprise as she blankly stared at him. 

Yes, he was here for her. She was supposed to be happy and overjoyed that he took the pain of coming all the way here for her. But all Vera felt was dismay because...he got a little too late. Tears sprang to her eyes as she realized how everything would have changed had he came a little earlier and she felt so weak inside.  Without even a second thought, she ran to him, crashing hard against his muscular chest as the tears broke tremors through her body. 

"Vera...what's wrong?" Enrique asked, his voice both soft and panicked as he slowly rubbed her back. "Did something happen?"

"Why didn't you come a little earlier," She sobbed, the tears getting hard to control. "If only you came a little earlier..." She would have let go of everything and stepped back from the disgusting decision she made. 

"I am sorry...I know I should have done this earlier," Enrique said, his voice warm as melted chocolate, the safety of his arms seeping through her once again. 

This was exactly the way he held her that night and before that and before that...it was this insane feeling of warmth that made her go crazy for this person in the first place. Because she has never felt this way ever before in her life. She has never felt the way she felt in his arms ever in her freaking twenty-six years of life. She can't believe she was getting to feel it once more when she gave up all hope of ever seeing him again. Of course she would have seen him at some point but Vera was pretty sure she would have moved on by then. At least, she hoped to. 

"Vera, please...don't cry," Enrique murmured. "I am really sorry. I acted like a complete asshole at the wedding. But that's why I am here..." Vera pulled back and stared at him through her blurred vision. 

"Why are you here?" She asked. "How did you get here?" 

"Uh...I grabbed a flight," He stifled his smile as he pulled out his handkerchief and slowly moving closer, softly wiped her eyes. "And I am here because...I am lost. And only you can help me out," 

"Me?" She asked and he nodded his head. 

"Can we go in and talk? Your neighbor was looking at me as if I am some sort of escaping terrorist or something," He made such a bad face that a reluctant smile made it's way on her lips. She nodded her head and was about to open her door when she suddenly realized... how disgustingly messy it was. 

Fuck. 

"Would you mind waiting out for ten minutes?" Vera muttered hurriedly and Enrique frowned. 

"Is there someone else in there? I can leave if you like..." He said, his eyes wide. Vera shot him a look in response. 

"Did you come here to leave?" She admonished and Enrique shook his head lightly. 

"No, I don't think so," He answered, frowning again. He looked completely lost and Vera couldn't help but wonder what in heaven's name was going on with him. But then again, Enrique always had that calm yet lost aura about him. 

"Then stay right here. Just ten minutes," She answered and he raised his brow at her but eventually smiled and nodded. Vera walked inside and quickly shut the door. 

Now that he was here, she felt a bit better. Of course, not in the I-want-to-dance-and-sing-in-happiness kinda way. Just a bit relieved and reassured that maybe all was still not lost? Maybe he can help her cope through this loss with his warmth and kindness? There was a reason he was here after all. It gave her a bit hope and she appraised her apartment with a renewed enthusiasm. Okay, maybe one job at a time would be a good idea. She took a deep breathe and started gathering all the crap that was lying around, piling them up in a garbage bag. She stalked into her bedroom, gathered all her clothes lying around and threw them into the wardrobe. She would be starting to pack soon anyway. 

"Vera? Is everything alright?" Enrique knocked at the door and she quickly cleaned up whatever else she could and stowed the bags by the dustbin before dusting her clothes squaring her shoulders and opening the door. She was Vera Vazquez, what was a 6'2 insanely attractive man for her? A lot actually because she loved this hunk of a guy. Vera shook her head and waved at Enrique. 

"Come in," She mumbled. "Sorry, needed to sort a few stuff out," Enrique nodded, getting her point as he walked inside, dragging his hand luggage with him. Did he come straight here from the airport? His grey eyes assessed her apartment with curiosity. It was a fairly nice, one BHK she leased out when she was finally managing to earn enough to afford that. It was to her taste which means it was expensive and it made her immensely proud to think that she was actually the one paying for it and not her parents. 

"This is nice," Enrique remarked. "Very...you," 

What was that supposed to mean? He meant it in a good way, right? 

"I will take that as a compliment," Vera answered glumly and pointed to the couch. "Please be at home. Would you like a drink?" 

"No, I am good. Thank you," He answered, flopping down on the couch. Vera stared at him and only then did she realize how awkward it was. For both of them. Enrique looked a bit flustered too as he stared at everywhere but at her. Vera cannot fathom after everything that happened between them, why was it so awkward. Maybe, the everything that happened part was the reason to begin with. 

"You can sit down," Enrique commented after an eternity. "It's your apartment after all," Vera nodded her head and flopped down on the couch beside him. And to her disgust, she actually felt a bit shy of him. And she never does shy. The word doesn't exist in her dictionary. Everything goes wrong with her when this guy was near, Vera realized that with disdain. 

"Can I ask you something?" He asked and it amused her that despite his voice being so heavy and masculine, he still somehow manages to sound warm and kind. And same with his looks.

 Enrique looked like the perfect heartbreaker bad boy writers describe in the high school romances. Brooding eyes, chiseled face, jawline so sharp that it could dice onions and a body so delectable that he didn't even need to be shirtless for women to drool over him. Nobody who didn't know him can ever tell how sweet and kind he was as a person, completely opposite the ruthless alpha looks of his. It was a heady combination. After all every woman does deserves a good boy in streets and a bad boy in...never mind. 

"Sure," She said and he turned a little so that he was facing her. 

"Did something happen?" He asked, looking concerned. "You...look sick. Are you not alright?" Vera blinked at him, a bit thrown that he noticed that. She thought she was completely invisible to him all these days. But if he can distinguish that she seemed different that means that was not the case. It brought some relief and a tiny flicker of joy inside her. But at the same time, she was lost as to what to say to him. 

Did something happen? If she tells him what happened, will he forgive her? If he knew what drastic decision she took without even consulting him, he will never ever look at her the same way again. Maybe he didn't love her but he did feel something and he definitely respected her. She could sense that in his eyes. She will loose all that if she tried to tell him the truth. At least, not just yet. 

"Can you expect me to be alright?" She whispered and Enrique's eyes widened in surprise, guilt filling them up instantly as he gazed at her. She didn't mean him to feel guilty after all it wasn't like he forced himself on her or intentionally broke her heart. He was very clear from the beginning and the rest that happened, it was a f*****g stupid decision made by two completely grown up adult. She was just as responsible as he was. 

"I am really sorry...I just," He ran his hand through his hairs, biceps rippling because of that small motion in his tight blue Polo T-shirt. "I was just so lost. I didn't know what I was doing, what was happening in my head..." Vera just stared at him because she felt he has more to say and of course, it was no rocket science that he was confused. 

"I have never fallen in love with anyone before," He whispered, staring down at his hand. "Amber was the first woman...and it's just, it's so hard seeing her with Ivan," Vera felt the same pain flooding through her. Wasn't she already knew that? 

"But..." He turned his eyes to her and she was once again captivated by the warmth and beauty in them. "I also can't stop thinking about you. I thought, whatever happened...it meant nothing but...I just can't stop thinking about all that and you...this was the reason I screwed up during the wedding. My intentions were never to hurt you, Vera.  I cannot just control anymore what's happening to me. I just knew that there were things left unsaid between us. Things that needed to be said because you deserve to hear them. That I needed to let out before I go mad. And I knew you if anyone can help me with this...it's you," Vera was blank. She could just stare at him, baffled by his honesty. 

"Help me out...please?" He whispered. "I want this insane tug of war in my head to stop. I want to be...happy too and spending time with you, it made me feel...I don't know...alive? Of course, I don't want to burden you with anything...you can just show me the door and it will be okay. I will completely understand. But I had to tell you these things...I don't think we could have just ended...like that. It wasn't fair to you or even myself. I...just...God, I don't even know what I am saying anymore," 

"Answer what I ask honestly, okay?" Vera said softly. Enrique gazed at her, looking tired and nodded his head. 

"I'll try my best," He answered and Vera knew he will. She trusted him that much. 

"Do you still love...Amber?" She asked and Enrique stared down at his hands and slowly nodded his head. Vera took a deep breathe and nodded too. She wasn't surprised but it still hurt nevertheless. 

"Do you really feel something for me?" She demanded. Enrique took a deep breathe and nodded his head. 

"Yes," He replied. "If I can't stop thinking about you and took the pain to fly all the way here...that's supposed to mean something, right?" He was asking her. How the f**k would she know? She barely understood her feelings. Love was not something that came easy to her. It was a completely alien feeling to her. 

"Enough to try for more?" She asked, her heart beating furiously. "Enough to be brave enough and let Amber go?" 

"As long as you help me with that," He answered sincerely. "I want to try. I know...I am being selfish but I promise...I will try my best," Vera gazed at him and she knew he will. 

Enrique doesn't talks nonsense. He was one of the most genuine and purest man she has seen in her life. Hands shaking, she raised her hand to softly caress his face. He closed his eyes, leaning in to her touch and she knew that maybe this was a very bad idea. Maybe, she might end up getting hurt in the process. But he was here...and he was willing to try, for her. Should she let go of that opportunity? Should she not even try once to hold onto the only man who ever managed to make her fall in love? Who gave her something to hold onto when she was completely empty? If he can be kind to a complete stranger out of nowhere, maybe with some help from her...he could love her too? 

"Why me?" She whispered. Enrique opened his eyes  and gave her a warm smile. 

"Because I have never met someone like you either..." He answered, tucking stray hairs behind her ears. "And nobody have so blatantly said I love you to me. Hell, nobody has ever said I love you to me the way you did. And nobody has just kissed me in a parking lot out of the blue and because nobody..." He stopped and ran his thumb on her cheek, making every hair in her body stand to attention. "Nobody has ever so selflessly given herself up just to make me feel better. You have your ways, but damn...you are a freaking amazing woman," Vera blinked at him and she couldn't help as a lone tear fell down her eyes. 

"I want to try...only if you are willing to," Enrique whispered, his face inches away from her. Vera nodded her head. 

"Yes," She said and leaned in, stopping just an inch away from him to seek permission. Enrique closed his eyes as he pulled her closer and that was all she needed as she kissed him. Soft, slow and hopeful. He was cautious, his lips soft and guarded and it assured Vera that no matter what he does, no matter where this goes...he won't willingly hurt her. Ever. Because, he respected her and that was all a woman ever needs from a man. Respect. Even before love. He tasted just like him, just like she remembered...like kindness and warmth and everything in between that she ever wanted. 

"I have never done this before," Vera whispered and Enrique smiled, pressing his forehead to hers. 

"Good, we can learn something from each other than," He answered softly. "I know we are completely different...but maybe..."

"That's what will make us different," Vera completed for him and he nodded his head. Vera smiled and wrapped her arms around him. 

She didn't know what lay in front of them. She had no f*****g idea where they were headed and she absolutely had no idea how the hell she was ever going to tell him about the child or about the decision she took. He will never look at her the same way. Ever. And she can't afford that. She just found him...she needed him. It was like a miracle when she gave up all hope. She can't lose him. The truth has to be stowed in the dark depths of her closet and mind. Enrique can't find out about this. At least not yet when they have just barely started to embark on this path. Vera took deep breathe, inhaling the fresh, masculine scent of him. 

The secret will go with her...

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A/N: Hello lovely readers! How are you all? Finally, here's the Friday update and because I got some time, I managed to pull out 3k words for you all. I hope you like this chapter and Enrique's honest and sweet confession. Damn, I love that guy so much. Anyways, I hope you enjoy the update. Thank you so much for all your support and patience and thank you for reading.