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Before I knew it, our conversation had reached a point of abrupt closure, with Ben excusing himself with a vague explanation. As he left discreetly, I was left standing there, feeling a mix of confusion and disappointment. Had I said something wrong? I couldn’t help but replay our conversation in my mind, searching for clues.
As I walked away from the encounter, my thoughts swirled with uncertainty. There was something more going on with Ben, something he wasn't sharing. And though I understood theimportance of boundaries, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of disappointment at the way our conversation had ended.
Later that night, Aunt Nelly and I sat down in the cozy living room, sipping on warm cups of tea. The fire crackled in the fireplace, casting a soft glow across the room. Her gaze was steady as she looked at me, concern etched on her face.
"Olivia, is there something going on with Ben?" Aunt Nelly's question was direct, and her genuine worry made my heart ache.
I took a deep breath, contemplating my response. "Honestly, Aunt Nelly, I'm not sure. His moods aren’t exactly stable. He’s one person today, and he’s another the next. But I’m certain of one thing. He’s a good man with a good heart."
Aunt Nelly's brow furrowed as she leaned back in her chair. "A good man with a good heart, hmmm?"
"Yes, and the other part I said, it's hard to explain," I replied, swirling the tea in my cup absentmindedly.
"Last we talked; he was evasive, distant. It was like he didn't want to talk to me at all. Unlike the first time when we shared a good time."
Aunt Nelly sighed her expression a mixture of empathy and understanding.
"Well, sometimes people have their own struggles, Olivia. Maybe he's going through something that has nothing to do with you."
I nodded, acknowledging her point. "You're probably right. I just can't help but feel like I did something wrong."
Aunt Nelly reached out and placed a reassuring hand on mine.
"Don't be too hard on yourself, my dear. We can't always know what's going on in other people's lives. But if he's acting strangely, it's his issue to deal with, not yours."
I managed a small smile, grateful for her words of wisdom.
"You're right. I'll try not to let it bother me too much."
As we continued our conversation, Aunt Nelly's warmth and understanding eased some of the worries that had been churning within me. Yet, even as we talked, a lingering sense of unease remained. I couldn’t shake off the feeling that there was more to Ben's behavior than met the eye.
That night, as I lay in bed, the shadows dancing across the ceiling, my thoughts drifted to my previous life. Before my move to Dallas, before the upheaval of my wedding plans. I allowed myself to reminisce about the simpler times, the moments of laughter and joy that seemed so distant now.
The temptation to escape into those memories was strong, to shut out the uncertainty and confusion that had infiltrated my current reality. But even as I longed for the comfort of familiarity, I knew that life was about moving forward and facing challenges head-on.
With a deep breath, I pushed aside the longing for the past and focused on the present. There were mysteries to unravel, connections to be made, and a new chapter of my life waiting to be written. As sleep slowly claimed me, I held onto the hope that answers would come, and clarity would replace the current confusion.
CHAPTER 8
Ben
It was a new day. The wind pushed the leaves about outside and trees waved in the direction of the wind. Cold outside, but my heart was warm; I was restless. I rolled on the bed aimlessly overthinking the Sunday’s experience with Olivia.
The event played in my head over again like it was on repeat.
Usually, I was uptight with Olivia, probably because I didn’t know her very well. I’d also been by myself for a long time. So, even if she didn’t deserve it, I needed to protect my heart.
I’d rather be alone and be enough for my son than allow any other woman to come and mess things up again. I was only trying to guard myself and my son from danger. Michael’s heart was still broken by his mother—I couldn’t risk falling in love with someone who would leave him again.
A loud knock on the door followed by an excited voice jerked me awake. “Dad!”
Michael was awake, and it was time for me to be a father and not a regretting potential lover.
“Who’s it?” I asked fondly.
“It’s me, your favorite son.” He said with enthusiasm in his voice. He was like this every morning, and I couldn’t help but be as excited as he was.
“You mean my only son?” I teased and pushed myself off the bed.
