The Love that Passed

Colleen

"Hubby, can you lend me some money?" I asked my husband, Jared, my voice filled with uncertainty. His gaze bore into me with a mixture of anger and frustration.

"Why would I give you money? Do you think just because I agreed to marry you, I will give you what you want just like that?" he retorted, his words laced with resentment.

That moment had taken place two years ago, not long after we had gotten married. At that time, I was battling a severe illness, and my doctor had just delivered the news that a compatible heart was available for me. The prospect of extending my life through surgery had filled me with hope, but there was a significant hurdle: the cost. So, I turned to my husband, desperately seeking his support. However, he met my plea with stubborn silence, his resentment unabated.

I understood his anger all too well. Our marriage had been orchestrated by his mother and sister, leaving him with no choice but to marry me against his will. He didn't love me; he loved someone else-Stacey, the woman he had been with for four years and had envisioned marrying before I disrupted their plans.

Jared had been clear about his feelings. He professed his love for Stacey and insisted that nothing I did could change that. I couldn't help but hope that they had parted ways after our marriage, although I didn't delve into their relationship. My hope wasn't born out of selfishness but rather a desire for my husband not to be emotionally entangled with someone else. After all, who would want their spouse to be involved with another person? I imagined no one would.

For the time being, I was relieved that Stacey hadn't come knocking on our door claiming to be pregnant with Jared's child. I shuddered to think about how I would react if that ever happened. While I didn't love him, I still respected the sanctity of our marriage, and I hoped he did too. Though, deep down, I knew he didn't, as long as he kept his relationship with Stacey discreet, hidden from everyone but the two of them, I was content to look the other way.

I couldn't help but wonder why I had acceded to my mother and sister-in-law's insistence on this marriage. They had been incredibly kind to me, showering me with affection. Yet, the marriage had brought me nothing tangible. Well, almost nothing. I had gained a family of sorts-a far-from-conventional one. Still, I cherished my mother and sister-in-law, whom I had come to regard as my own. They loved me deeply, as if I were their biological daughter and sister. Their care for me was palpable, and I knew that if Jared ever wronged me, they would be unforgiving.

My own family had been fractured long ago. My parents divorced when I was eight, embroiled in bitter fights over money, or rather, the lack thereof. I had grown to resent money, regardless of how shiny or enticing it appeared. The divorce didn't materialize until I was sixteen, marking the end of their tumultuous relationship.

Both my mother and father had embarked on new families, seemingly content with their newfound happiness. You might think I'd be happy too, free from their constant bickering. Initially, I was. However, their newfound bliss came at a cost-they both seemed to forget about me, leaving me in the lurch. I couldn't fathom anyone being pleased about such a fate.

My mother declared that she didn't want me in her new family because I reminded her of my father's irresponsibility, while my father harbored a similar sentiment. He wanted nothing to do with me because I brought to mind my mother's alleged greediness. I was particularly disheartened by my father's rejection because, as a child, I had been a daddy's girl, seeking solace in him.

As a result, I lived alone, fending for myself for eight years. During that time, I managed to carve out a modest existence. I never asked for anything beyond having a roof over my head and consistent meals on my table. I worked while I pursued my studies, grateful that, despite the corruption plaguing our government, I was afforded a free college education. I dedicated myself to my studies, aiming to secure a future for myself in this harsh world.

My path to a college degree was longer than most, but I felt a deep sense of accomplishment. Balancing work and studies had not been easy. I steered clear of unnecessary expenditures, limiting my purchases to essentials. Even when I finally secured a job, I remained focused solely on work, paying no heed to any potential suitors vying for my attention.

However, life could be unforgiving. Despite my hard work and self-reliance, a routine check-up due to breathing difficulties plunged me into despair. It was then that I received the harsh revelation that my heart was weakened, demanding utmost caution in everything I did. Dr. Gerard guided and advised me relentlessly to safeguard my health, but it seemed as though the damage was already done.

All those times when I had ignored and brushed aside my shortness of breath had proven to be a grave mistake. Dr. Gerard's diagnosis was stark-I had three years to live unless I underwent the expensive surgery. I was left with no choice but to accept my fate.

I had married Jared for the sake of his mother, whom I had grown to adore-Mommy Claire. She was a loving mother, a stark contrast to my own. She was also unwell, and I yearned to bring her happiness. Thus, I had reluctantly agreed to the marriage.

Now, two years later, Jared's indifference toward me was as palpable as ever. We rarely interacted, despite living under the same roof. He would leave before dawn and return home after I had already retired for the night. Nevertheless, I remained committed to my role as his wife. I diligently prepared everything he needed for work and more. His suits were laid out for him, ready to wear, although he had stopped adhering to my choices after nine months of marriage.

Even though he seldom dined at home, I ensured that there was food waiting for him should hunger strike in the middle of the night or upon his return. I had discovered his untouched plates in the kitchen sink on many occasions. To most, it would seem like a small gesture, hardly worth mentioning, but to me, it was significant.

If, after two decades, Jared came to accept me, I would cherish it. I was content with our situation, harboring no desire for him to love me. Such a sentiment would only inflict pain on him, especially if I were to leave him after a brief period. I was content to love him alone, to motivate myself to hold on for one more year.

I considered myself fortunate to possess the capacity to love someone, having yearned for that emotional connection since my faith in my parents had been shattered. For years, I had been solely concerned with my own well-being. Yet, now, I felt truly alive, despite the emotional pain Jared's detachment caused me.

I wanted to believe that he could change, but I refrained from entertaining such thoughts. I didn't wish to hurt him in the end. So, I had come to terms with my reality-I loved him while he loved someone else. At least, when I was no longer here, he would find happiness with Stacey, the woman he yearned for and loved.

Third Person's POV

Two years ago

Jared found himself at the epicenter of a turbulent storm. His world, once familiar and stable, had suddenly become a maelstrom of conflicting desires, expectations, and frustrations.

It all began with a confrontation that would forever change the course of his life. In the dimly lit living room, anger radiated from Jared like a palpable force. His gaze, ablaze with fury, fixated on Colleen, a poised and enigmatic presence seated on an elegant couch.

"You want me to marry her?" Jared's voice boomed, his finger accusingly pointing in Colleen's direction. His outrage was a tempest brewing beneath the surface, threatening to engulf everything in its path.

Colleen remained composed, her eyes meeting Jared's with a calm that seemed to aggravate him further. She was, after all, at the heart of this familial tempest. "I have a girlfriend, and you know that," Jared continued, his voice rising in frustration. "What on earth made you suddenly decide that I should marry this woman?" His words carried the weight of disbelief and indignation.

Ingrid, Jared's sister, couldn't remain silent any longer. "Jared, you're shouting at Mom," she reproached, her voice laced with irritation. "Can't you have a civilized conversation? And what's wrong with Colleen? I can see with my own eyes that she's way better than your girlfriend, whose name I don't even know," she added, her words cutting through the tension in the room.

Jared's anger shifted from Colleen to Ingrid, and his frustration continued to boil over. "Tell me, Ingrid, which part of her surpasses Stacey?" he snapped, his voice tinged with exasperation. "Do I need a reason to love someone? We've been together for four years, four years, Ingrid, and you want me to throw that away." His words were a defiant proclamation of his devotion to Stacey.

Ingrid, unyielding in her stance, fired back. "That's what I don't understand about you," she retorted. "You've been with that woman for four straight years, and yet, you don't seem to know her at all. What have you been doing for the past four years, Jared?" Her accusation hung heavy in the air, challenging her brother's commitment to Stacey.

Jared's patience was wearing thin, and his gaze now returned to Colleen, who remained an enigmatic figure amidst the turmoil. "And what about her? How long have you known that you were willing to throw away my four-year relationship with the woman I love?" he demanded, his voice carrying the weight of his emotions. "Mind you, Ingrid, THE WOMAN I LOVE," he emphasized, his love for Stacey resolute and unwavering.

In this cacophony of emotions and accusations, Colleen, the silent observer of this family feud, became the center of attention. Jared's frustration finally found its mark as he turned his piercing gaze on her. "What about her?" he asked, his voice laced with resentment. "Did she feel the same way? Did she like me? For you to claim that she's way better than Stacey, she must have agreed to this. She shouldn't have let me and Stacey break up because of her selfishness," he accused, his words a searing indictment of Colleen's role in the unfolding drama.

Claire, Jared's mother, could no longer bear witness to this tumultuous exchange. Her patience had worn thin, and she decided to interject forcefully. "Jared, that's enough!" Her voice, though tinged with maternal authority, bore traces of exasperation. "I don't want to hear any more of your shouting. If you don't want to marry her, then fine. Ingrid will handle everything. You can resign from your position in the company as well."

The shock that rippled through the room was palpable as both Jared and Ingrid exclaimed in unison, "What?"

Claire's resolve remained unshaken. "Didn't I just say I don't want any more objections?" she retorted, her voice unwavering in its determination.

Ingrid, now faced with an unexpected proposition, tried to voice her concerns. "Mom, you know I'm not really into the business. What about my career?" she protested, seeking a way out of the turbulent family dynamic.

Jared, however, couldn't contain his anger. "What about you, Jared? Why should I consider you?" Claire responded, her tone laced with disappointment. "You're perfectly capable of yelling and shouting without even realizing that I'm your mother, all because of the woman you claim to love."

The ultimatum was clear, and Jared's anger flared as he processed the consequences of his actions. "So, you're firing me from the company? I've worked hard for that position!" he exclaimed, the sting of betrayal and frustration evident in his voice.

Claire's retort was swift and unapologetic. "And I haven't? Your father hasn't? Was it all you?" she countered. Her words were a sobering reminder of the family's collective effort in building the company. "Go to the woman you love, and let's see if she stays with you when you have nothing."

With her final words, Claire turned her attention to Ingrid. "If you don't want to manage the company, find a professional to handle it for me," she instructed, leaving no room for further debate.

As the weight of Claire's decision settled upon them, Ingrid and Jared found themselves alone in the living room, their faces mirroring a mixture of shock, frustration, and uncertainty. Ingrid couldn't help but cast blame on her brother. "This is your fault," she accused, her voice tinged with resentment.

Jared, however, refused to bear the full weight of responsibility. "Isn't this your fault? You're letting me marry a gold digger," he shot back, his anger unabated.

Ingrid, resolute in her position, held her ground. "You don't know Colleen, and I wouldn't want her to marry you either. She's too precious to be with someone like you," she asserted. "If you can't see what Mom and I see, then that's your problem. I think it's best to let a professional handle the company."

With those words, Ingrid left Jared alone in the living room, the echoes of their heated exchange still reverberating in the air. Jared, now left to contemplate his circumstances, retreated to his room. It was there, in the solitude of his thoughts, that he faced the monumental decision before him.

Jared's love for Stacey was undeniable, but so was his desire to preserve the company that had become an integral part of his family's legacy. He had dedicated years of hard work and determination to propel the business to success, and he couldn't bear the thought of relinquishing it.

As he pondered his choices, Jared couldn't help but reflect on his parents' legacy. Claire and his late father had founded the company together, with Claire's brilliant mind and his father's unwavering support driving its success. He understood that Claire's ultimatum was born out of frustration and disappointment in his actions.

That evening, Jared made a momentous decision. He picked up his phone and dialed Stacey's number. "Hello, honey," Stacey answered sweetly, unaware of the turmoil that had gripped Jared's life.

"Honey, can we talk? Let's meet tomorrow at our usual place," Jared requested, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

"Sure, honey. Is something wrong?" Stacey inquired, her concern palpable.

"Nothing; let's just talk tomorrow," he replied, not wanting to burden her with the weight of his decision just yet.

"Alright, see you tomorrow, honey," Stacey said, her voice filled with love and anticipation.

"Okay, bye," Jared said, ending the call. He lay in bed that night, consumed by the enormity of the choice he had made. While his love for Stacey remained steadfast, his commitment to the family's legacy was equally unwavering.

As the night wore on, Jared made a solemn promise to himself. He would marry Colleen, not out of obligation or pressure but as a testament to his devotion to his family and their enduring legacy. The path ahead was uncertain, but Jared was prepared to face it with resilience and determination, come what may.

Jared's POV

Uncertainty gnawed at me as I contemplated whether Stacey would agree to this unusual arrangement. The prospect of revealing all the intricate details of my impending marriage was daunting. I decided it was best to keep the conversation with Stacey simple and straightforward. She needed to know that I had no intention of severing our relationship because of the company's demands.

To be perfectly honest, our relationship was almost too good to be true. We had never experienced those fierce arguments or heated disagreements that often test a couple's bond. Stacey had a remarkable way of managing our relationship with grace and poise. She never lost her temper with me, even when circumstances pushed me to the brink. It was as if she were immune to my flaws.

There had been moments when I failed to meet Stacey's expectations, like the time she waited for me at a boutique until it closed. The clothes she desired were sold to another customer because my flight had been delayed while I was out of the country. Despite my lapse, Stacey never reproached me; instead, she displayed remarkable understanding and empathy. Her unwavering support made me feel incredibly fortunate, and I couldn't help but cherish every moment with her. I couldn't help but fall deeper in love with her.

Stacey possessed a rare quality-she was not the clingy type. Whenever I expressed hesitation or reluctance, she never pressured me into anything. She allowed me the space to make my own choices. Our relationship flowed smoothly, and I couldn't have been happier.

As I contemplated the impending conversation with Stacey about my marriage to another woman, I hoped she would be open to understanding my predicament. Stacey had always shown herself to be an exceptionally understanding person, as far as I knew. It was perplexing to me that my mother, Claire, and sister, Ingrid, couldn't see the qualities I so admired in her.

For four years, they had remained silent about my relationship with Stacey. So, when they suddenly informed me that I was expected to marry Colleen and end my relationship with Stacey, I was taken aback. While I hadn't contemplated marrying Colleen, I had looked forward to a future with Stacey as my wife.

I made my way to the Poppy Hotel, our usual meeting place. Although I had initially considered booking a villa for both of us, I couldn't help but second-guess my decision, and I ended up staying at the hotel. Maybe I had arrived too early because I waited for Stacey for over an hour, growing increasingly anxious as time passed. The sound of the door opening finally broke the silence.

As Stacey walked in, her radiant smile greeted me, and my heart ached at the thought of the path we were about to embark upon. She approached me, her smile unwavering, and settled onto my lap, sealing our reunion with a kiss. It was a bittersweet moment, knowing that we were heading for a parting of ways.

"I missed you, honey," Stacey murmured, her words saturated with affection. It struck me as somewhat ironic, given that we had seen each other just a couple of days ago. Yet, in our relationship, time seemed to possess a fluid quality. There were instances when we would only meet once a week due to my business commitments or Stacey's own busy schedule.

"I missed you too," I replied, wanting to reassure her. "What took you so long?" I asked, my concern genuine.

Stacey smiled playfully. "Now, I'm sure that you missed me," she teased, capturing my lips in a passionate kiss. Our fervent embrace only subsided when the need for air became undeniable.

"What's on your mind? I can tell something is bothering you," Stacey observed, her intuition remarkably sharp. Guilt coursed through me as I acknowledged her unease.

I stared at her, trying to summon the courage to convey the painful truth. I didn't want to break her heart, but I knew it was a necessary conversation. I refused to be the kind of man who would exploit a woman's feelings or tarnish her reputation by continuing our relationship.

Stacey, with her unwavering gaze fixed on me, waited patiently for my response. With a heavy heart, I finally dropped the bomb, uttering the words I had long been dreading. "Let's break up," I said, the weight of my decision evident in my voice.

Stacey's eyes widened as she struggled to process the shocking revelation. After a few moments, she managed to find her voice. "Let's break up?" Her question hung in the air, her disbelief palpable. I nodded, unable to utter a word.

"Why? Did I do something wrong? Did I hurt you in any way?" Stacey fired a barrage of questions, her desperation growing by the second.

I shook my head in response to each of her inquiries, unable to speak the truth about why I was ending our relationship. The truth would be too painful for her to bear.

"Why, then? Why are you breaking up with me?" Stacey implored, tears streaming down her cheeks. The sight of her pain cut deep into my soul.

"Mom and Ingrid have arranged a marriage for me," I confessed, my voice heavy with sorrow.

"But you don't love her; you love me, right? Why did you agree to marry her?" Stacey cried, her anguish now apparent for all to see.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't bring myself to say no to them," I replied, my own eyes betraying the turmoil within.

"Is she wealthy? Will she help with your company? Will marrying her expand your business?" Stacey continued her questioning, each word laced with desperation.

"No, she's an ordinary person without any notable background," I admitted, though I couldn't bring myself to tell Stacey that Colleen was incomparable to her. I didn't want to give her false hope, nor did I want to encourage her. My primary concern was sparing her from further heartache and embarrassment. I knew the gravity of my decision, and it weighed heavily on me.

"I'm sorry, Stacey," I murmured. She was crying, and I couldn't bear to witness her pain any longer. I rose from my seat and left the hotel, leaving her behind to grapple with her sorrow.

As I walked away, a profound sense of worthlessness enveloped me. I couldn't defend the woman I loved, and I despised myself for my apparent greed. I had allowed the company's demands to dictate the course of my life, and I knew I would carry this guilt and self-loathing with me for a long time. My hope was that Stacey would find success and happiness in all her future endeavors, even if it meant that I would forever remain a regrettable chapter in her life.