"Do you think he would react negatively if you shared your story with him?" Mrs. Agbor asked gently, concern etched on her face.
"Yes, I genuinely believe so," Roslin replied, her voice trembling.
"Nothing has changed for me. You are still the strong, beautiful, and sophisticated woman your husband admires. You continue to spread God's love, even when it seemed you had every reason to lose faith. So, what do you say? Shall we go back and talk to Dave?" Mrs. Agbor encouraged, her tone steady.
"What if he leaves me or sees me differently?" Roslin questioned, anxiety pooling in her chest.
"There's only one way to find out," Mrs. Agbor said, her expression resolute.
Roslin nodded, her heart racing as they both returned to the office. Mrs. Agbor instructed her secretary to call Dave in. He entered, and when he saw his wife with her head down, sobbing, he quickly took a seat beside her to console her.
"Dave, your wife has been through so much. You need to be patient with her," Mrs. Agbor urged, her eyes softening.
"To Dave," Roslin began, lifting her gaze to meet his. "Are you sure you want me to speak? Are you ready for what you're about to hear? Dave, I am damaged and broken, and I don't believe anyone can fix me. But opening up has helped a little, and if you think this is what will save our marriage, I'm ready."
"You don't have to share if you're not ready, right, dear? We…" Dave started, concern etched in his features.
"No! I want to. I want to do it here because the moment I leave this room, I will retreat back into my shell. So, I ask again, would you still love me, Dave?" Her voice wavered, vulnerability pouring from her.
"I have loved you even when I knew nothing about you, and I will continue to love you no matter what," Dave said, his voice firm and reassuring.
"Dave…" she breathed, relief mixing with fear.
"Yes, my love, I'm here for you," he replied, taking her hands in his.
"Dave… I…" Roslin stuttered, feeling the weight of her confession hanging in the air.
"It's alright. Take it one step at a time," he encouraged softly.
"I… I am…" she struggled to find the words, the heaviness in her heart almost paralyzing.
"What is it, love?" he asked, leaning closer, his eyes searching hers.
"I am HIV positive," she finally said, the words falling from her lips like stones.
"What did you just say?" Dave's voice rose, disbelief etched across his face.
"I am HIV positive, Dave…" Roslin repeated, her voice steady despite the tremor beneath it.
"Dave, you need to calm down and truly listen to her," Mrs. Agbor interjected, concern evident in her tone.
"You… you… are what?" Dave stammered, shock replacing the warmth in his gaze.