Chapter 8
“No, that’s not it…” Donald said. He tried his best to think of an explanation to give, but alas, that was indeed how he had treated me in the past. I had merely told the truth.
“Jeannie, you agreed to watch a movie with me. Why are you still here?”
Just then, Clark’s voice rang out.
I whipped my head around, only to see that he had already hooked his arm around mine.
“Donald, right? You’re still out and about, huh? I’ve been seeing your name a lot lately.”
Donald’s dim eyes gleamed a little at that.
“Jeannie, all of the information needed to sue your old company is ready. As for the situation with Gigi, I’ve gotten in touch with the police about it. She accepted numerous bribes during her employment with the company and also destroyed several families by being a homewrecker.
“She would’ve gotten a five–year prison sentence for her crimes, but she was such a coward that when she found out about the news, she accidentally fell down a flight of stairs. She’s now half–paralyzed.”
Clark shook his head before adding mischievously, “It’s such a pity. Otherwise, you could’ve joined her in prison, Donald.”
Donald was stupefied. A range of emotions washed over his face, and for a moment, he couldn’t speak.
“You two are… Jeanette, how could you find yourself a new guy so quickly?” Donald demanded.
“Nope! You’re wrong about that!” Clark piped up. He swiftly kissed my cheek before explaining, “I’m still trying to woo Jeannie, but she hasn’t agreed to go out with me yet. But you needn’t worry about anything. By the time you’re released from prison, you should be able to celebrate the birth of our future child with us.
“Oops! I forgot to mention that Gigi has thrown you under the bus, saying that you were responsible for everything.”
As soon as Clark finished speaking, he dragged me off with him. No one bothered to spare a second glance at Donald, who was wailing his heart out behind us.
Once we left the building, all of Clark’s courage seemed to drain out of him. He swiftly backed away from me.
“J–Jeannie,” he stammered nervously. His entire head was as red as a tomato. “I–I was just pissed off earlier.”
“So, you only said those things because you were mad, but you didn’t mean them?” I asked on purpose as I was in
the mood to tease him.
“No, that’s not true. I really like you. I’ve liked you for a very long time. I meant what I said when I said I wanted to marry you. I want to have kids with you too.”
“Sure.”
I nodded and started walking.
“Oh, well. Even if you reject me, I won’t feel down in the dumps about it. I’ll wait until next time when I… Hang on. What did you say?”
Clark’s eyes widened. It took him a while before he exclaimed, “You said yes, didn’t you? You agreed to go out with me, right?”
I let the wind answer on my
behalf.
1/3
Chapter 8
+25 BONUS
On the first day of the court hearing, Donald looked rather ashen–faced. His hair was a little disheveled, and he looked extremely frail.
“Sorry for looking like a mess, Jeanette. My parents tried to sell me off. I got a bit banged up when I made my escape.”
Frank and Martha had always been obsessed with money. They would do anything for a quick buck. Since Donald was no longer of any use to them, they didn’t bother treating him well either.
“I wish none of this ever happened, Jeanette. I wish time could turn back to when we first met. I’m such a fool. I can’t believe I developed feelings for someone like Gigi. Because of that horrible woman, I ended up hurting you for five years!”
Donald stumbled to the floor and tugged against his clothes in a frenzy.
“Don’t leave, Jeannie. Don’t leave me. I’m begging you. I can’t live without you, Jeannie! Jeannie! It’s all my fault. I know I was wrong! I really do!”
Donald seemed to be in agony. His body started convulsing, his muscles spasming uncontrollably. Gritting his teeth, he forced himself to get back onto his feet before opening his arms toward me.
“Hold me, Jeanette. Can you give me a hug once more? You said you’d be with me forever. You said you’d never
give up on me no matter what. How did we end up like this?”
“I never thought about giving up on you. You brought this upon yourself!”
If it hadn’t been for the crowd around us, I would’ve marched up to him and slapped him. I was even sorely tempted to crack his skull open and see if he had a brain in there.
“B–but…”
Donald stared dazedly at me, his gaze hollow. He opened his mouth and started dry heaving.
“The defendant is having a seizure! Quick, take him to the hospital!”
That morning, Donald took over 30 sleeping pills, but it wasn’t enough. Having received treatment in time, he didn’t suffer any physical damage, but he was left mentally disabled.
Out of consideration for our past relationship, I had him placed in the same nursing home as Gigi. With his daily needs provided for, he would at least be able to stay alive.
Since they loved each other, I was more than happy to give them my blessing.
Winter had arrived. Sometimes, as I drifted off to sleep, I would still recall Donald’s face.
Out–of–season fruits often cost a great deal more, the difference in price signifying the value of its rarity. Everything came at a cost, and Something similar can be said about love. The cost of belated realization and feelings that came too late was knowing that some things were irreversible.
When I first found out about his lies, I was hurt beyond words.
Thankfully, that had all passed. It was all over.
The day Clark and I got married, everything, including the weather, was perfect.
We both had pretty carefree personalities. Instead of having the usual wedding reception, we decided to leave for a seaside retreat and start our honeymoon straight away.
2/3
Chapter 8
+25 BONUS
Even as the sun started to set, its warmth continued to envelop us all. Meanwhile, the moon started to make its ascent too.
All was quiet on the beach. It was as though Clark and I were the only ones left in this world. He held my hand as we left footprints in the sand. His pretty eyes curved as he flashed me a smile.
As soon as the stars began to sparkle, fireworks exploded in the sky.
“Look, Jeannie!”
“Why do I see my name there…”
Clark looked down and took my hands in his. His eyelashes were flickering, and tears crept out of the corners of his eyes.
“I feel like I’m in a dream. Everything’s just so wonderful. I’m so glad to have you by my side.”
He ran barefoot across the sand with his arms wide open. As the wind blew, he called out, “Jeanette!”
He turned around to look at me.
“I’m here.”
