Chapter 15: Unexpected Return
Brian's Perspective
Brian's day had started with unexpected meetings and urgent calls. As he finally made his way home, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. His thoughts kept drifting back to Niva and their unborn child. The news of her pregnancy had filled him with both joy and a deep sense of responsibility.
He parked his car and walked up to their front door, hoping to find Niva inside, safe and sound. But as he opened the door, he was greeted not by Niva's smile, but by a familiar face he hadn't seen in years—Tamara, his ex-girlfriend.
Brian: "Tamara? What are you doing here?"
Tamara looked at him with a mixture of surprise and longing. Her presence stirred up memories of a past he had tried to move on from.
Tamara: "Brian, it's been too long."
Brian's mind raced. He hadn't heard from Tamara since she abruptly left him years ago, just as his family faced financial difficulties and his world seemed to crumble. He had rebuilt his life since then, finding love and stability with Niva.
Brian: "What do you want, Tamara?"
Tamara hesitated, her gaze shifting uncomfortably.
Tamara: "I heard about your success and… I wanted to see you. Catch up."
Brian's jaw tightened. He knew there was more to it than that. He glanced around, expecting Niva to appear any moment.
Brian: "I'm with someone else now, Tamara. Her name is Niva."
Tamara's expression darkened briefly before she composed herself.
Tamara: "I see. Well, I won't keep you then."
She turned to leave, but Brian stopped her.
Brian: "Wait. We can talk, but just know… things have changed."
Tamara nodded, her eyes betraying a hint of disappointment.
Niva's Perspective
Niva returned home after a visit to the doctor, clutching the ultrasound images that confirmed her pregnancy. She couldn't wait to share the news with Brian, to see the joy in his eyes.
As she entered their home, she noticed Brian in the living room, deep in conversation with a woman she didn't recognize at first. Then she saw the tension in Brian's posture, the unease in his expression.
Niva: "Brian?"
Brian turned to face her, his eyes filled with a mix of emotions—relief at seeing her, and concern about how she would react.
Brian: "Niva, this is Tamara. My ex-girlfriend."
Niva felt a pang of unease, but she kept her composure. She knew Brian had a past before they met, but seeing Tamara here, after all these years, stirred up a mix of emotions in her too—jealousy, insecurity, and a need to protect what they had built together.
Niva: "Hello, Tamara. It's nice to meet you."
Tamara forced a smile, her eyes flickering with something Niva couldn't quite place.
Tamara: "Likewise."
Tamara's Perspective
Tamara watched Niva closely, her mind racing with conflicting emotions. She hadn't expected Brian to move on, to find happiness with someone else. But seeing Niva and Brian together, she knew she had to tread carefully.
Tamara: "Brian, can we talk… privately?"
Brian hesitated, glancing at Niva. She nodded, a silent assurance that she trusted him.
Brian: "Alright, let's go to the study."
They walked away, leaving Niva to grapple with her thoughts and emotions. She trusted Brian, but the unexpected reunion with Tamara had shaken her.
Brian's Perspective
In the study, Brian faced Tamara, his heart heavy with the weight of their shared history.
Brian: "What do you want, Tamara?"
Tamara took a deep breath, her hands trembling slightly.
Tamara: "Brian, I made a mistake when I left. I've regretted it every day since then."
Brian listened, his expression guarded.
Brian: "Tamara, that was a long time ago. I've moved on."
Tamara: "I know, but… seeing you again, brought back feelings I thought I had buried."
Brian sighed, running a hand through his hair.
Brian: "Tamara, I'm happy with Niva. We're expecting a child."
Tamara's eyes widened in surprise, a mix of emotions flickering across her face.
Tamara: "A child? Brian, I…"
Before she could finish, they heard a commotion from the living room. They rushed out to find Niva, clutching her stomach in pain.
Niva: "Brian, something's wrong."
Niva's Perspective
Niva doubled over in pain, clutching her stomach as waves of discomfort washed over her. She felt Brian's arms around her, his voice a mix of concern and panic.
Brian: "Niva, what's happening? Are you okay?"
Niva tried to speak, but the pain was too intense. Tamara hovered nearby, her face a mask of shock and guilt.
Tamara: "I… I didn't mean for this to happen."
Brian turned to Tamara, his voice sharp with accusation.
Brian: "What did you do, Tamara?"
Tamara's eyes filled with tears.
Tamara: "I… I didn't want to lose you again. I thought if Niva was out of the picture…"
Niva's mind raced. She knew Tamara had poisoned her, but why? What did she hope to achieve?
Brian's Perspective
Brian's mind raced as he held Niva, his heart breaking at the sight of her in pain.
Brian: "Tamara, how could you?"
Tamara's shoulders slumped, tears streaming down her face.
Tamara: "I… I was desperate, Brian. I still love you."
Brian shook his head in disbelief.
Brian: "Love? This isn't love, Tamara. This is madness."
Tamara sank to her knees, overwhelmed by guilt and regret.
Tamara: "I'm so sorry, Niva. I never meant for this to happen."
Brian called for an ambulance, his voice trembling with emotion as he held Niva close. She squeezed his hand, her eyes filled with pain but also with love and forgiveness.
Niva: "Brian, it's okay. We'll get through this."
Niva's Perspective
Niva lay in the hospital bed, recovering from the effects of Tamara's poisoning. She held Brian's hand, grateful for his unwavering support and love.
Niva: "Brian, why… why would Tamara do this?"
Brian sighed, his expression troubled.
Brian: "I don't know, Niva. But I promise you, she won't come near us again."
Niva nodded, her thoughts still reeling from the betrayal. She had never expected such a drastic turn of events, especially not from Brian's past.
Niva: "Thank you for being here, Brian. For everything."
Brian leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.
Brian: "Always, Niva. I love you."
Tamara's Perspective
Tamara sat alone in her apartment, overwhelmed by guilt and regret. She had lost everything—Brian, her chance at reconciliation, and most importantly, her integrity.
Tamara (thinking): "What have I done? I've destroyed everything."
She knew there was no going back. Her actions had consequences, ones she would have to live with for the rest of her life.
Brian's Perspective
Back at home, Brian watched over Niva as she slept, her face peaceful despite the ordeal they had just been through. He vowed to protect her and their unborn child with everything he had.
Brian: "I won't let anyone hurt you, Niva. We'll get through this, together."