Facing the Consequences

**Point of View: Richard**

I left the café with my heart pounding and my mind in turmoil. The sight of Sophia sitting there with that man—Adrian—filled me with a rage I couldn’t control. I knew I was being irrational, but I couldn’t help it. The idea of another man getting close to her, especially now, made me blind with jealousy.

I drove back to the office in a state of agitation, barely able to focus on the road. Sophia’s words echoed in my mind, and I knew she was right in many ways. I had no right to control her life, but that didn’t mean I didn’t care about what she was doing, especially when it involved our children.

When I got to the office, I sat at my desk, trying to put my thoughts in order. But it was impossible. The image of Sophia with Adrian was etched in my mind, consuming me from the inside out.

I turned on the computer and tried to focus on work, but the words on the screen made no sense. My hands trembled slightly, a reflection of the internal storm that was taking over me. Finally, I pushed the keyboard away and stood up, walking to the office window.

I looked down at the city, trying to find some clarity. What was happening to me? Why was I so consumed by these feelings? Why did seeing Sophia with another man affect me so much when I should be focused on rebuilding my relationship with my children?

A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts, and I turned to see my assistant, Kelly, walking in. “Richard, are you okay? You seem… agitated.”

I forced myself to smile, trying to dispel the concern on her face. “I’m fine, Kelly. Just a tough day.”

She hesitated, but then nodded. “I understand. If you need anything, I’ll be here.”

When she left, I sat back down, feeling the weight of the day pressing down on me. I needed to do something; I needed to resolve this situation before it destroyed me.

I picked up the phone and dialed Vanessa’s number, knowing I needed to talk to her about what was going on. She answered on the third ring, and I could hear the concern in her voice.

“Richard, is everything okay?”

“We need to talk,” I said, my voice firmer than I felt. “About Sophia, about everything.”

She was silent for a moment, then responded. “Sure. Can we meet at home tonight?”

“Yes,” I replied, trying not to let my nervousness show. “See you then.”

I hung up the phone and closed my eyes, trying to calm the anger that still simmered inside me. I knew this conversation with Vanessa wouldn’t be easy. She was aware of the tension between us, and I knew she wouldn’t easily accept the fact that Sophia was still on my mind.

The rest of the day passed in a blur. I could barely focus on anything, and the clock seemed to drag as I waited for the moment to finally confront Vanessa.

When I got home that night, Vanessa was already waiting for me. She was sitting in the living room, her hands folded in her lap, her eyes fixed on me as soon as I walked in.

“Richard, what’s going on?” she asked bluntly.

I sat down next to her, trying to find the right words. “I… I saw Sophia today. She was with a man, Adrian. And I… I couldn’t control myself.”

Vanessa’s eyes narrowed. “Adrian? Who is he?”

“She said he’s a neighbor,” I replied, trying to hide the jealousy that still burned inside me. “But I didn’t like the way they were together.”

Vanessa was silent, but I could see the growing fury in her eyes. She knew my behavior was wrong, but I also knew she didn’t like the idea of Sophia getting close to any man who wasn’t me.

“Richard, this can’t go on,” Vanessa finally said, her voice firm. “You need to decide what you want. You can’t keep wavering between me and Sophia.”

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. I knew she was right, but admitting it was hard. I didn’t want to lose Vanessa, but I also couldn’t ignore what I felt for Sophia.

“I know,” I replied, my voice low. “But it’s hard. I don’t know how to handle this.”

Vanessa sighed, her expression softening a bit. “Richard, I love you. But you need to sort out your feelings. And fast. Because I won’t wait forever.”

I knew she was serious. And that scared me. I realized I was on the brink of losing everything—my family, my stability, my very sense of identity.

That night, as I lay in bed next to Vanessa, I stayed awake for hours, trying to find a solution. But the truth was, I was lost. Torn between two women, between two worlds, and not knowing which direction to take.