"Shaelyn?" Nixon called out, as he quickened his pace to catch up with her,
The shock of seeing him was overwhelming, yet she couldn't suppress the tinge of joy that accompanied it.
He came… he really came to see me, she thought, struggling to lower her twitching lips as she walked even faster.
Nixon jogged closer, stopping her, his tone tender. "I missed you so much," he said earnestly, his eyes searching for any sign of the connection they once shared.
Shaelyn felt a rush at his words. She could hear the difference in his tone, and it was clear to her that despite his seemingly cold facade, he cared about her deeply. But as she stood there, caught between joy and confusion, she hesitated.
Nixon strode forward with determination, stretching out his arms. "Come here," he urged softly as he embraced her tightly.
He buried his face in her hair, inhaling the familiar scent that brought back memories of happier times. "Shaelyn, can you please stop making trouble, let's go home!" His voice was filled with frustration as he leaned down further into her shoulder.
"Making trouble?" Shaelyn's mind raced at his words. Is that what Nixon thinks this is? The realization hit her hard—he still believed she was causing chaos for no reason. The heart that had softened at his presence began to harden again.
With a deep breath to steady herself against the swell of emotions, Shaelyn pushed him away gently but firmly. She looked up at him with a blank expression that masked the turmoil within. "Mr. Gray," she said coolly, "please respect yourself."
"Shaelyn," Nixon said, his voice laced with desperation, "You go home with me, let's have a good chat, okay?"
"What? A chat?" Shaelyn raised an eyebrow, her expression a mix of disbelief and sarcasm. "So Nixon Gray now has enough free time for a conversation?"
Nixon felt the sting of her words. He could sense the walls she had built around herself. "Come on, Shay," he pleaded, trying to bridge the gap between them. "I know I've been busy… but this is important."
Shaelyn shook her head slowly, a wry smile tugging at her lips that didn't reach her eyes. Her tone was cold and indifferent as she replied, "Nixon, I gave you multiple chances to discuss and settle this issue. But every time I reached out, you were either too busy or thought I just wanted to make trouble."
"Don't you think it's too late for us to talk now?" she continued, crossing her arms defensively.
The chill in her voice sent a shiver down Nixon's spine. He clenched his fists tightly, fighting against the urge to let anger seep into his words. This time around, he wanted to remain calm; he couldn't afford to repeat his previous mistakes.
"No," he said, pausing slightly before steadying himself. He looked into her eyes, as he slowly stated his thoughts.
"I know you feel wronged… but Shay," he paused again for emphasis, searching for the right words.
"As I have said repeatedly, I really have nothing to do with Leyla. And if you trusted me, you would know that in my heart, you are more important than anyone."
Shaelyn's gaze softened momentarily before hardening again as if she were wrestling with conflicting emotions. "You say that now," she replied quietly but firmly. "But what about all those times when it mattered? Where were you then?"
"I was lost," Nixon admitted softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I'm here now… can't we at least try?"
"Try?" Shaelyn echoed incredulously. "After everything? You think just saying 'I'm here' makes it all better?"
"No," he said quickly, shaking his head. "But it's a start! Just give me one chance to show you how much you mean to me."
She hesitated for a moment longer before sighing deeply and looking away in contemplation,
Shaelyn couldn't help but sneer at his words. "Important? Really, Nixon? If I was really that important to you, why does it take Leyla just a single phone call to make you drop everything and rush to the hospital?" Her voice dripped with sarcasm as she crossed her arms, trying to block the sadness that threatened to spill over.
"Shay, it's not like that." Nixon started,
"Not like that?" Shaelyn scoffed cutting him off, her tone sharp. "You've missed every single important date in our marriage! Our anniversary? Not even a text! You can't claim to love me when you care about Leyla so much that every time she calls, I might as well not exist."
He opened his mouth to respond but found no words. Instead, he ran a hand through his hair in frustration. "I can't just ignore her. You know that."
Shaelyn's heart raced with anger and hurt. "When you are able to clearly state her position in your heart, then maybe we can have that talk." she concluded firmly.
"Shay, why are you acting this way. You have to understand—" he said,
"No!" she interrupted him sharply. "You have to understand! This isn't just about you and your obligations to her; this is about us! About what we had—or what we still could have if you'd only choose me for once!"
Nixon looked down at the floor. "I can't bear your indifference towards me either," he admitted quietly. "But Leyla… it's complicated."
"I...." Nixon opened his mouth in response but was interrupted by the roaring sound of an approaching car, be turned around to see a familiar car driving up to them,
"That's your car right? It seems like you are needed elsewhere." Shaelyn said,
"Just give me a minute to send him away. " Nixon retorted, as he walked over to the car.
Shaelyn just went along with Nixon's words with a 'watch and see' attitude.
Nixon knocked on the window to the passenger side,
The front passenger's car window was lowered suddenly, revealing that disgusting face of Leyla, she stretched out her hand to Nixon and Shaelyn could see the subtle change in his stance,
This sight made Shaelyn feel like she was doused water,
Shaelyn watched as Nixon lowered his head to speak to the smiling woman, Shaelyn thought that perhaps Nixon would send her away and return....he did want to have a talk, didn't he?
Nixon turned to look at her with a conflicted gaze, that Shaelyn clearly recognised
"Hmph." Shaelyn snorted coldly, she hadn't gotten to the point of waiting for an insult to come her way,
Shaelyn turned around, and walked towards her home with a frosty face.