Chapter 59 Chapter 20.2
In the past few days, Desmond couldn’t think of anything else but what he felt. He couldn’t bear seeing Macie hurt or crying in front of him, but he also had no intention of hurting Heaven.
He let out a deep sigh and massaged his temple. If he continued his relationship with Macie, he would only be turning her into the other woman. Macie didn’t deserve that. And Desmond didn’t want to hurt Heaven either, he didn’t want her stressed because something might happen to their baby.
He and Heaven were both excited for their child’s arrival. If he chose Macie… would he even be happy? What he felt for Macie before was so different from what he felt now.
Desmond placed a hand over his chest. It felt like Heaven was already weighing heavier in his heart. He wanted to give their child a complete family. If he chose Macie and ended up co-parenting with Heaven, could he really promise not to cheat on Macie? Could he promise he wouldn’t miss Heaven? What if every time he visited the child, something happened between him and Heaven? He knew he wouldn’t be loyal to Macie.
“You look like you’re having a hard time choosing.” Desmond’s attention snapped toward Zachary, who had just arrived. Desmond leaned back in his swivel chair and released another heavy breath. He was still confused, but things were starting to feel clearer now, he was beginning to understand who really mattered more to him.
“You can’t stand hurting either of them, can you?” Zachary said. Desmond didn’t respond.
“I want to choose what’s right, but I can’t just turn my back on Macie,” Desmond said quietly. “You know how much I loved her. I waited five years for her. Why did she have to come back just when I started feeling something for Heaven? This is all my fault. They don’t deserve to be hurt because of me. Heaven’s too kind for me to hurt her, she’s done nothing but love me. She made it easier when Macie left me. And you know how deep my feelings for Macie used to be. I’m confused, Zach. I want to choose both of them, but that’s impossible.”
Zachary only shook his head and laughed softly.
“You can only choose one, Desmond. Don’t be greedy with women.” he joked, trying to make Desmond laugh.
“Fuck you,” Desmond muttered, and Zachary laughed again.
“You’re not Muslim, you can’t marry two women. No matter what you do, someone’s going to get hurt. Heaven is carrying your child. And sure, Macie is the one you loved the longest… but who weighs more in your heart now? You can’t choose both. And what if you got Macie pregnant too? You’d only make your life harder because you’d have kids with both of them. You’d be in an even worse situation—two women, two children, and you torn in half. And if you choose Heaven just because she’s carrying your baby, can you really promise not to hurt her when your mind drifts back to Macie? But if you choose Macie, you know the two of you will fight constantly especially every time you go to visit your child with Heaven. So choose wisely, Desmond. Let go of the woman you can bear to lose. Pick the one you love more, the one who weighs heavier in your heart.” Desmond’s brows drew together. He leaned back in his chair, torn. He hadn’t expected to fall for Heaven this deeply, not in such a short time.
Desmond’s eyebrows knit together, still deep in thought. He never expected to fall for Heaven this deeply, especially in such a short time.
“Make sure your decision is the right one,” Zachary added. “Before you choose, make sure it’s something you won’t regret. They both love you, and I know you love them both too, but only one can win your heart. I’m sure one of them weighs more. You’re just feeling guilty because one of them will get hurt.”
Desmond couldn’t shake Zachary’s advice from his mind. Everything his friend said was true.
When he thought about Macie’s sudden return, he frowned. She had a two-year contract in France, yet she returned in less than a year. Was something going on while she was there?
His phone buzzed, and when he checked the screen, he shot to his feet in shock. Someone had sent him a video, Macie was being harassed by several men.
“Damn it!” Desmond hissed. Zachary looked at him.
“What happened?” Zachary asked, but Desmond didn’t answer. He hurried out immediately to find Macie.
He searched for the bar where she was, and when he found her, he instantly punched the men harassing her. They ran off quickly.
Macie smirked to herself, her plan had worked. She thought Desmond wouldn’t come for her. She pretended her legs hurt. Desmond rushed to her side.
“Are you okay? Did they hurt you?” he asked anxiously.
“No, I’m fine… I’m just glad you came,” Macie said in a baby-talk voice.
“I’ll chase those guys and report them to the police. Stay here,” Desmond said, about to leave, but Macie grabbed his hand.
“No, don’t. Don’t leave me here. What if they come back and do something to me?” she said, sounding pitiful.
Desmond sighed.
“Can you walk?” he asked. Macie shook her head. He had no choice but to carry her. While he held Macie in his arms, all he thought about was Heaven. He worried she would find out they were together. The thought alone made his chest tighten. He knew it would hurt her, she’d never show her anger, never raise her voice at him, but he could feel it, that quiet ache she always tried to hide. And that was what unsettled him the most.
“Where’s your condo?” he asked seriously. Macie pointed the way. Desmond carried her all the way to her room and gently laid her on the bed.
“Don’t go out alone again. I can’t promise I’ll be able to come find you next time. I’m leaving,” he said, turning to go, but Macie grabbed his hand again.
“Why wouldn’t you come for me anymore? I know you won’t abandon me… right?”
“I’m married, Macie. Don’t put yourself in a difficult situation. Do you want to be my mistress? Heaven and I are going to have a baby. Our relationship is not the same as before. You need to let me go… because I’m choosing Heaven. And our baby.”