Chapter Nineteen

A WEEK had passed just like yesterday. Roeden was coming home, so she went to his condo unit to prepare him a meal. Avon let his sister fetch him in the airport. She was feeling anxious, for she was about to break the news of her pregnancy. Avon needed a little more time to calm herself.

She was busy cooking in the kitchen when strong arms suddenly wrapped around her waist. Of course, that was Roeden. But because she was busy and preoccupied, she did not notice that he already arrived home.

Avon turned off the stove and turned to face Roeden.

“You’re here.” She cupped his face; her fingers brushed his cheeks.

Roeden pulled her closer and kissed her on the lips. His hands went on her back, and the other cupped the back of her head. He kissed her deeply. Ah, she did not realize how much she missed him until he kissed her like that. Or maybe, just maybe, it was her hormones acting up.

They were both panting when the kiss ended.

“I know you’re tired, so I will let you rest for tonight.” Avon wagged her brows at him. “But before that, why don’t we eat first, hmm?”

But he did not let her go. His arms remained on her waist, and he even pressed his forehead against hers. Roeden might not be good at words, but his actions always speak louder.

“You missed me that much, huh?” Avon clutched her arms on his neck and gave him a quick kiss before moving away from him. “If we stay like that, the food will get cold. Where’s Claudine? Won’t she join us for dinner?”

“She already went home,” he said as he sauntered towards the table.

“Eh? Already?”

“She had to. Yana’s alone.”

“Then she should’ve brought Yana here.”

“It’s okay. I like it better when it’s just the two of us here.” He winked.

Avon laughed hard. “You… I know what you mean by that.”

ROEDEN was taking a bath when she entered the bedroom. Nervous, she plopped down on the bed and waited for him to finish. She did not know how things would turn out. But then, she was determined to push through her plan.

Soon, Roeden emerged from the bathroom with the bath towel wrapped around his waist. Droplets of water were rolling down his chest, and she could not help but bit her lower lip. Little did Roeden know, he was seducing her unintentionally. However, she must hold back. It was not the right time for that.

Avon’s eyes followed Roeden as he walked to the closet. She watched him choose and donned his clothes before finally spilling out what was on her mind.

“Roeden…”

He brushed away the remaining water on his hair and turned in her direction. “Yes?”

“L-let’s get married.”

Roeden straightened his back.

“Let’s talk about that after I get a decent sleep.”

He went back inside the bathroom, maybe to hang his wet towel. When he came out, he went straight to the bed and lay down. Roeden pushed her down afterwards. He hugged her tightly and planted a kiss on top of her head.

“I’m serious, Roeden. I want us to get married.”

Avon felt his body stiffed. And then, there was silence. All she could hear was his heart beating loudly inside his chest.

“Avon…” Roeden heaved a deep sigh. “I’m tired, really. The whole week was exhausting. If you’re pranking me, please, stop.”

Tears immediately welled in her eyes. It hurts that he thought it was a prank. How could he think of that? When did she ever play with his feelings?

Prank my foot! I don’t have time for stupid plays.

She slowly moved away from him.

“You don’t understand, Roeden. I told you I’m serious about it! Why would I prank you?”

He sat up and looked at her intently. It seemed to her that he was trying to read her mind. Then, he stood up. He ran his fingers through his hair and started pacing back and forth.

“Why are you like this, Avon? What made you want marriage in an instant?” He stopped to glance at her. “Aren’t you going to consider what I feel towards this? The decision is not yours alone.”

Avon swallowed the lump that formed in her throat. She had already foreseen the end of that conversation, yet her heart was still not ready to take it. “Roeden, I—”

“Let’s take it slow. Okay?” He even clasped his hands as if pleading to her to change her mind.

“You don’t want marriage,” she said in a cold tone.

“Yes—I mean not yet!” Roeden cupped his forehead. “You’re giving me a headache—”

He turned to her with wide eyes. But it was too late to take it back. His words already turned on the switch.

“Y-you… d-don’t love me…” That was the only thing she could think of why he would not want to marry. Her body trembled, for she could no longer control her emotions. “All this time, were you just playing with me? Did boredom strike you so bad that you look for entertainment?”

Her voice was too loud; it echoed in the corners of the room.

“What are you talking about? Of course, I love you,” Roeden countered. He tried to hold her, but she shoved his hand away.

“Then tell me why you won’t marry me?!” she exclaimed.

Roeden drew a breath. Perhaps he was feeling exasperated.

“As you already know, my parents got separated. I didn’t come from a perfect family like yours. Honestly, I’m afraid of marriage because I’m scared to make the same mistake that my parents did—”

“Damn it, Roeden! I don’t need a man from a perfect family. What I want is a man who is willing to be a part of the family I’m about to build,” she said in between her sobs. “And why are you jumping to the conclusion that the same thing would happen to us? If we love each other, then we can—”

“My parents loved each other too back then! But what happened!” Roeden said bitterly.

“I know you’re afraid of marriage, but you promised me that we will make this work!”

If she told him the truth that she was with child, would he change his mind about marriage, or would he stick to his fear? But Avon did not like the idea of getting married just because she was pregnant. Suddenly, she realized how complicated their situation was.

“Let’s break up,” she told him afterwards. Avon felt her chest tightened. She never thought things would end that way.

Roeden heaved a deep sigh. “Avon, could you please… think rationally? If you really want us to be together, then you can move in. We can do that for the meantime—”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t think rationally right now. I know what I want, and that’s marriage,” she said firmly.

She rose on her feet and got her bag. If Roeden could not give her what she wanted, then there was no reason for her to stay.

“Where are you going?” he asked as he snatched the bag from her.

“Home,” she said coldly.

“It’s already late, Avon.”

She snatched her bag back. “We’re already done, Roeden. I’m not your problem anymore.”

“Avonlei!” he snapped. “Stop it, will you?”

Her hands clenched. Why did he have to raise his voice on her as if he was reprimanding a child?

“I hate you!” She started punching his chest, and he did not stop her. “I hate you so much!”

Then, he let out a long sigh and hugged her.

“I’m sorry…”

She fought hard to free herself from his embrace, but Roeden did his best to keep her in his arms. But soon, Avon gave up. She realized that she has no match for his strength, and worst, it may cause harm to the baby. Then, she felt his lips planting a soft kiss at the top of her head.

Roeden distanced himself from her. He cupped her face, and his thumbs lightly brushed away her tears. It made her heart ache even more.

He was the reason why she was hurting, yet he was the same man who could make her heart happy and turn her frown upside down. And she chose to stand in the middle, enduring the pain. Now, Avon did not know where she should go… Sadly, there is no option but pain.

Roeden soon freed her and got his keys. He left, giving her space.