Conrad
I’m occupied with work in my office. I spent a few days with Maya after the court case. She needed me because it was a lot, but she was doing a lot better. I’m here today to catch up and get everything organized before my trip to Italy. I want to avoid causing stress for my staff or returning to a chaotic situation. We are both eagerly awaiting our trip to Italy. We have set up a few opportunities to see potential venues for our wedding. It was surprising that they had the date we wanted, considering it was only four months from now. I couldn’t wait for her to become my wife.
The sound of a knock on my door catches my attention. On the opposite side stands Bridget. Why on earth is she here? It has been months since I last saw or heard from her. Our last contact was shortly after Maya vanished. She came over, using that as an excuse to take care of me and offer comfort. I sent her packing, and that was the last encounter.
I gesture for her to enter. A scene doesn’t need to happen. I will see what she wants. With a smile, she walks in and casually strolls over to my desk.
“Why are you here, Bridget?” My voice is calm because I don’t want to snap.
“Can we talk, please?” she asks softly.
I breathe in deeply, then exhale with a sigh. “It depends on what you want to discuss.”
If it’s related to her feelings for me or involves Maya, she can go away. She has said enough, and nothing has changed.
“I promise I am not sure to cause any trouble, Conrad.”
I signal for her to take a seat with a nod. She smiles and takes a seat.
“Why are you here?”
“I would like to apologize to both you and Maya. My behaviour was inappropriate. I’m not sure what came over me. That’s not who I am. To start with, it was because I honestly thought she wasn’t good enough for you, but as time went on, it wasn’t that at all. Jealousy consumed me. Your eyes don’t hold the same longing for me as they do for her. The selfish side of me desired you, as I believed we were meant to be together. I soon realised I was wrong. Maya and you are meant to be. I am sorry I added to everything the two of you were already going through. I acted like a bitch, and I really am sorry, Conrad.” She says nervously.
“Why now? What caused you to change your mind?”
“I wanted to apologize, but I didn’t know how. Seeing how you two are still together and going strong, despite everything, made me realize I had no business meddling. I have also met someone, a great man, who reminded me of the person I used to be, not the horrible one I have become. I don’t expect forgiveness from you, Conrad or Maya, especially Maya, considering how I treated her and the things I said. But I truly apologize.”
I am happy she has found someone. It is what she needed. The person she became after learning about Maya wasn’t the woman I recognized. At least she has realised her mistakes and moved on.
“Bridget, I’m glad you’ve found someone. I forgive you, and I believe Maya will too, as she is a kind-hearted person. The past is the past. It is time for everyone to focus on the now and the future. I wish you the best of luck.”
I truly mean what I said. Bridget and I once had a great relationship, and I don’t mean only the romantic side of things. She was a huge part of my life for a while. My intention was never for us to treat each other horribly.
“Thank you, Conrad, it means a lot to me. I won’t waste any more of your time. I hope your wedding is everything you’ve dreamed of and may you live a happy life free from stress, pain, and anger.” she says with a soft smile.
“Thank you, I appreciate that. We both do. I hope you find everything you are looking for.”
I stand up and move around, giving her a brief hug. I want negativity gone from my life. There has been more than enough going on, but no more bad.
“I am sure I will see you around, Conrad.”
“I am sure.”
She and I exchanged one last goodbye before she leaves my office. Her arrival caught me off guard. I hope she keeps her word on everything she said. I redirect my attention to work. I will tell Maya about her stopping by when I arrive home.
*****
It’s after seven when I arrived home. I hoped to be home earlier, but I got a lot done and I let Maya know I would be late. Instead of cooking, I brought dinner with me.
When I walk into the apartment, I find Maya peacefully sleeping on the sofa, wearing one of my hoodies and with a book resting on her chest. She probably got bored waiting for me and ended up falling asleep.
I put the food in the kitchen and returned to the living room. I lower myself in front of the couch and tenderly touch her lips. She moans but doesn’t wake. I try again. As our lips touch, a smile appears on hers.
“Mmm, hello to you, too.” She mumbles into the kiss.
I pull away and she opens her eyes to look at me. I caressed her cheek. “Hello, beautiful. Did you get bored waiting for me?”
She shakes her head. “I don’t remember the moment I fell asleep. How was work?”
Slowly, she sits up and stretches, running her fingers through her messy hair.
“Bridget paid me a visit.”
Her disapproval is clear as she rolls her eyes. “What did she want? I thought she had left us in peace.”
I shared our entire conversation with her, withholding nothing, since there was no reason to.
“Oh, okay. I didn’t expect that. At least she realised her behaviour was wrong and has found someone. We can put another stressful chapter of our lives behind us. I am glad she had the decency to say sorry.”
“Yes. All positive things from here on out.” I say brightly and kiss her.
It feels like we’ve gone through more than enough, especially Maya. We deserve a break. We have a right to be happy. My wish is for Maya to have a life filled with joy and to be free from fear.
“It sounds perfect.”
“Yes, it does. Are you hungry? I have Chinese food that I brought home.”
“I am famished. Chinese food sounds good.” She replies.
My only desire tonight is to be with my beautiful fiancée. I love those nights so much. I want them forever.