Discovering Truths by B. Benfield (chrysanthemum read aloud .TXT) 📕

This was his perfect opportunity. Let’s get it all out. I knew why he was afraid of confronting it…he didn’t want to be caught. How long could I keep the secret that I’d known all along?

“You know work has me incredibly stressed, and I know you have a lot going on with your job too. I assume that’s the reason for our disconnect.”

It always came back to the work excuse. I’d never understand why he wouldn’t man up and face the reality of the situation. Face the mess he caused.

“But Marcus, we’re married. Our work shouldn’t be tearing us apart. Coming home to each other at the end of the day should be something we look forward to…a place of comfort.”

If he could feed me lines of crap, I could do exactly the same.

“You’re right. I let the stress get to me and I carry it home. I’m sorry for that.”

He may have had stress from work, but there was someone else occupying his mind and time, and that was the reason for our problems. I just wanted him to admit it. It was a never-ending circle.

“Maybe this time apart will be good for us,” I said. “I mean, I’ll be home on the weekends, but maybe some space is what we need.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“I mean that shit needs to get figured out, Marcus. I want you to really think while I’m gone. I know, I know, work has you busy, but without me in the house, really think about us and our marriage. We can’t continue like this.”

“And you? You going to think about us and our marriage?” he asked.

Nope. Not a chance.

“Yes.”

“Okay,” he said. “I know that you’re right. Everything you’re saying makes sense.”

I didn’t reply, unsure of what else I could say. We stared at each other with sympathy and I knew there was no more hope for us. Maybe this was the beginning of our end.

Before falling asleep, I picked up my phone, hoping for a message from the one person who brought me happiness. Unfortunately, there was nothing there.

Me: Goodnight. Can’t wait to see you tomorrow. I love you.

I didn’t wait for a response. I shut my eyes and let the darkness consume me, silently begging for this nightmare to end.

Chapter Thirty-One

The next morning, I woke up anxious and eager for the day ahead. Marcus was already gone and if he said goodbye on his way out, I didn’t even realize it. I reached to grab my phone off the nightstand and pulled up my messages.

Gage: Hey sorry. Rough night again.

Me: Hey. It’s okay. Are you okay?

Gage: Yeah, I’m fine. Just the same shit as always. We still on for today?

Me: Yes absolutely. You sure you’re going to be able to get away from work?

Gage: Should be. I’m telling them I’m leaving early. Hopefully nothing comes up to keep me here.

Me: Okay. Keep me posted. One o’ clock, right?

Gage: Yes.

We were meeting at our usual hotel. I hoped nothing happened to stop our engagement. For my sanity, I needed to be with him. He was the only part of my life that brought me any sense of peace and comfort. With my training taking me away during the week, I genuinely feared things changing between us. It was only temporary, but his reaction to my being gone made me nervous. I needed this time with him today to make it clear that we would be okay.

With my morning free, I spent the time preparing for my trip. I packed my suitcase for the week and read up on paperwork I’d received from HR. This career change was another thing I needed. Things seemed to be falling into place for me. I wished the rest of my life would move this smoothly.

Finally, that afternoon, my phone dinged and I grabbed it immediately.

Gage: See you soon.

Yes. We were still on. I hoped for the best, but expected the worst, so in my mind, I was prepared for bad news.

I’d already had my shower and spent the next thirty minutes throwing my hair and face together. For myself, I wanted to look good, but Gage always made a point to tell me that I didn’t need to put much effort in my appearance. He had a way with words. It was another one of the qualities I loved about him.

I jumped in my car and took off, anxious as always to see his handsome face. There was no way I could ever get tired of this feeling…I was convinced.

As I was driving, my phone went off again and I assumed that was him texting me a room number. When I parked, I looked to see just that. My eyes stayed peeled as I focused on my surroundings. All seemed clear, and I made it to the room quickly. He opened the door and I slid in.

He pushed me against the wall immediately and our lips locked. The kiss was rough and full of hunger. I didn’t dare pull away as he devoured me like I was the fix to his craving. The heat between my legs intensified as his hands roamed across my body, moving his lips to my neck. My knees were weak and I almost stumbled, unable to control myself any longer. He scooped me up and carried me to the bed where he placed me down gently.

“I need you.” He said, barely audible as he pulled his shirt up and over his head.

“I need you too.” I whispered. He didn’t know how much I truly needed him.

He pulled my shirt off and tossed it across the room, then slid my shorts down and kicked them to the side. He removed his shorts next and wasted no