Chapter 15: My Salvation and Torment

Maybe my happily ever after does exist.

I’m lucky to experience this kind of happiness in my life despite not being able to leave my own version of a glass slipper. Even though we have only been dating for a few weeks now, I still haven’t mustered the courage to tell him the truth about that night.

“Sandra?” Arthur’s low and husky voice interrupted my thoughts. I turned my head towards the source of the voice to see him grinning widely at me. His smile was one of happiness that was growing, similar to a spring flower that has bloomed. I could see how it came from deep inside to light his eyes and spread to every part of him. The energy that he radiated was just so pure and genuine that it even had the power to make me feel warm inside.

"Hmm?" I mumbled dreamily as I squeezed his hand lightly. We were both walking towards my apartment room as I stared at him in awe. I just loved the way he just smiled with more than just his mouth. I could tell from his voice, the choice of his words and the way he seemed so relaxed and comfortable with me. Everything about him was just beautiful.

“Are you okay?” He asked worriedly as we stood in front of my apartment door. We were facing each other with my hands still in his. He squeezed it back, flashing me a small smile. Every time he smiled at me, all my worried thoughts and stress would fade away. Excitement rushed through my veins. The happiness that flared in his eyes was definitely infectious because it began to reflect in mine too.

“I’m fine.” I responded genuinely. “Thank you for tonight.”

“I’m glad you have fun.” He gently cupped my face and leaned in to kiss me on the forehead. I closed my eyes, savoring the warmth of his touch. His hand then drifted to my hip. It settled there for a brief moment before pulling me closer. I inhaled sharply. I was now against his warm chest that was chiseled to perfection. Must he be so perfect?

My breathing quickened as he began nuzzling my neck with delicate kisses. So faint, they were almost like whispers. I urged myself to push away, knowing that it’s late, but I couldn’t. My body has now surrendered to his touch as his smell took over my senses. His head was angled slightly to the left as his lips approached mine.

My lips parted in anticipation as our breaths mingled. My heart fluttered inside my chest. When he kissed me, my brain lit on fire and the warmth spread through my entire body. His kiss was addictive, I couldn’t bear not to be with him and I sometimes could barely breathe when he was around. His kisses were my salvation and my torment. Within just such a short period of time, he has become the half that made me whole.

He suddenly pulled away, smirking at me in amusement. “Good night.” He said teasingly.

“Rest well, Sandra.” He was about to turn around and leave but I grabbed the end of his coat, stopping him in his tracks. He turned to look at me, confusion was written all over his face. “What’s up?”

I didn’t know what took over me at that moment. It was like I was possessed with lust and desire for him. All I cared about was being in his arms right now. “Want to go inside?” I ask, gesturing him to my apartment. He hesitated at first, looking at me to see if it was really alright to do so.

I opened it for the both of us and stepped aside for him to enter first. As he walked inside, I noticed him surveying my apartment. He went over to one of the picture frames on the wall. It was a picture of my family.

“You look just like your mother.” He voiced out as he admired my family portrait. "But you’re more beautiful than her." He whispered as he turned to look at me and winked.

This sent a tingling sensation down my spine. He pulled back and caressed my face with his right hand then he pushed back a strand of hair. His hand slowly traveled down my arms to settle down at my waist. This gesture made me shudder with excitement. I leaned onto him, inching my face closer to his. His other hand settled at the back of my head that pulled me close to him. His kiss was hot and needy. His hands roamed all over my body, feeling every inch of skin. We started moving towards the couch without breaking the kiss and we laid sloppily on it. He broke away to leave a warm kiss on my neck, while his hands moved downward sliding my dress up. A moan escaped my lips as I felt his hand squeeze my thighs.

“Mmm…” I trailed off and arched my back and leaned to the side to provide more space for him to leave kisses on my neck. The sensation felt exhilarating. I could easily get lost in his touch. “Arthur...” I moaned his name breathlessly, making him groan against my skin.

We were kissing each other torridly until we both heard the sound of my phone ringing. Arthur was the first to break away and checked the surroundings to see where the sound was coming from.

“I got it.” I walked up to where my phone was located to answer it. Arthur followed me and hugged me from behind. “Hello, who’s this.” I said to the other line, to which Arthur kissed my ear softly. I wanted to release a moan but held it in and turned around to gently push him away. He chuckled and planted a delicate kiss on my forehead before going back to the couch.

“Hey, girl! Are you busy tonight? Let’s hangout!” I heard Ellie’s excited voice on the other line.

“I’m kind of in the middle of something.” I told her as Arthur cleared his throat loud enough to be heard on the other line.

“Oooh… Who is that? Is that who I think it is?” She asked teasingly, making me feel shy.

“Yes, and I need to go.” I hurriedly babbled and heard a faint laugh as I hung up the phone. I went back to plop down next to a busy Arthur.

“Who is that?” He inquired as he finished texting on his phone.

“It’s just my friend, Ellie.” I told him nonchalantly. “She just wanted to hang out tonight.” I added to which I saw him furrow his eyebrows. It seemed like he zoned out for a bit and I cupped his face to get his attention. “What’s the matter?” I asked worriedly.

“Do you remember the girl I told you about before, Sandy? If I remembered correctly, she mentioned her friend’s name is also Ellie.” He answered with a still confused expression on his face. Crap! I totally forgot that we both searched for her that night. Is he connecting the dots? I need to act calm and think of an excuse.

“Well, Ellie is a pretty common name, don’t you think?” I shrugged, trying to sound nonchalant. It seemed like he wasn’t convinced as his face was still frowning which made me anxious. My hand started sweating as I tried to keep my cool.

“Yeah maybe.” His voice was still unsure but just decided to drop the topic. I cleared my throat, trying to change the subject. I propped myself up and sat properly.

“And why do you talk about her all the time?” I ask, pretending to be annoyed as I crossed my arms in front of my chest and rolled my eyes.

“I…” He trailed off, not knowing what to say. I pursed my lips to a thin line as I struggled to stop the smile that was itching to form on my face.

Nice save, Sandra.

“It seemed earlier you were quite busy on your phone.” I uttered to divert the topic. Maybe I should use this as an excuse to send him home before he fully connects the dots. “Maybe you need to go now.” I added to which he pulled me closer.

“I already resolved that matter. We still have that unfinished business that we need to take care of.” He placed light kisses on my cheeks. It took me lots of strength to pull away from his addictive kisses. I knew deep down that it was for the better. I was worried that he’d ask more questions about Ellie and start figuring everything out.

“No, I think we’ve had enough for today. Good night, Arthur.” I sighed tiredly as I slowly moved away from him.

“Wait, are you mad?” I could hear the panic in his voice as he abruptly sat up. “Sandy was just a one night stand, you know? You’re my girlfriend.” I felt my heart sink to the pit of my stomach as I frowned at what he said. I know that he was just trying to comfort me and he meant no harm but it also hurt to hear him say that about Sandy even though I know deep down that it’s true.

I was just a one night stand.

I pressed my lips together, trying my best to keep a neutral expression on. “I’m not mad.”

“Are you sure?” He asked worriedly as he held my hand.

I nodded my head in response as I let out a soft yawn. “I’m just tired.” I stretched as I stood up. “It’s really time for you to go.” I added casually as I gestured to my wall clock, making him groan.

"But--" I cut him off.

"Arthur, it’s late." I stated curtly. As we stood up and made our way to the door, he looked disappointed as his eyes were pleading to take back what I said but I stood my ground and accompanied him to the door.

"Sandra..." He trailed off pleadingly.

"Good night, Arthur." I said firmly as I kissed him for the last time tonight before closing the door.

I sighed heavily plopping down on the sofa. “That was a close call.” I muttered under my breath.

I need to be more careful next time...if there’s going to be a next time.