A Strange Relationship
Ryan
Since my sister began living in Kael's mansion after the accident that left her paralyzed, he avoided business trips or any commitment that kept him away from home for longer than strictly necessary. These restrictions imposed by Kael ended up becoming my responsibility, which didn't significantly alter my life since I always accompanied him on his trips or important business commitments. So, I shouldn't say that it was affecting me.
However, it was affecting me. My girlfriend doesn't like it when I come home beyond the usual work hours, which she considers the limit, usually by late afternoon. As for the trips, the issues between us were even greater because Madison doesn't like it when I travel alone and also doesn't want to accompany me, putting me in an extremely delicate situation.
I love Madison, but I can't abandon my work, especially when I'm helping my brother. Now that we're living the relationship that was denied to us before when Maíra and I were deprived of that opportunity. This situation was making me tense and stressed, and I needed to vent to someone, but I didn't feel comfortable talking to Kael at that moment. He and Sarah were so happy with the progress she was making regarding the movements of her legs, which prompted a celebratory dinner at their house, to which Madison and I were invited that night.
I couldn't just discuss my problems now because it might make Kael feel guilty, causing discomfort, something I didn't want at all. I thought about all this as I showered to go to dinner, fervently hoping that Madison wouldn't be late since she hadn't returned from college classes yet.
Dinner was scheduled for eight o'clock, and it was already a little past half-past seven, which made me worried. I decided to hurry and only put on a robe, then went back to the room to look for my phone to call Madison. Although I had offered to pick her up, she said that Beth and Justin, a couple of her friends, would take her home and assured me that she would return in time for us to have dinner with my family.
Before I could call Madison, Sarah phoned me, and I answered quickly, worried it might be a problem.
"Are you ready?" Sarah asked after greeting me.
"Yes, I'm just waiting for Madison," I thought it best to be honest.
"Then you don't have to wait anymore," Sarah said excitedly, leaving me confused by her words. However, she soon explained, "Madison is already at our house; she asked me to let you know she came straight from college."
I felt a terrible anger sweep over me because not only did she make me wait in vain, but Madison didn't even have the courtesy to speak to me directly, preferring to send a message through my sister. I didn't even bother asking why Madison chose to send me messages, as it was becoming increasingly clear that I wasn't at the top of the priority list in my own girlfriend's life.
"Okay," I said simply. "I'll be there in a few minutes."
"You don't have to rush so much, brother," Sarah said with noticeable concern. "We'll wait for you, don't worry."
Considering that Madison and Sarah had known each other for years and that I met my girlfriend through my sister, it was natural for them to have a strong bond with each other. What was difficult to understand was how Madison had been behaving lately. I realized I didn't need to talk to other people about my relationship; what I needed was to talk to Madison about us, that was the truth.
With that decision made, I went to dinner at Kael's mansion and found Sarah radiant and happy. By the way, her feet seemed to have a life of their own, it was evident that she was making great strides in her recovery, which was fantastic news for everyone. Madison also seemed happy about my sister's recovery, and the dinner proceeded in a very pleasant atmosphere of general happiness.
Sarah was magnificent in her beauty like I had never seen her before that night. Kael commented on it, and everyone agreed, indicating that it wasn't just me noticing how Sarah had flourished and become a woman of strength, confidence, and determination. She was very different from the shy and insecure girl I had met a few months ago on my brother's yacht.
"Do you find it strange that your sister is about to marry your brother, Maíra?" Madison asked with a smile.
"I confess it's strange," Maíra joked, releasing a hearty laugh.
At that moment, I was so bothered by Madison's behavior towards me that I ended up saying something untimely.
"I'm also Kael and Sarah's brother, Madison," I said, and upon realizing the bitter tone in which I said that, I felt bad for clouding the evening of people I love and tried to correct, "And I'm Maíra's brother too."
The last words were accompanied by a laugh that I tried to sound light-hearted, and by the way everyone remained calm, I imagined they hadn't noticed what happened in front of them.
"I'm so glad that everyone is gathered here today to celebrate all the little victories in the recovery process of my dear Sarah, who, to my genuine joy, will soon be officially my daughter-in-law," Mary said with evident emotion. "It's a shame your father isn't here to witness how strong and determined his daughter has become, but I'm sure wherever he is, he's watching over us and is happy, just like I am, Sarah."
Even though trying to hold back tears, Sarah was visibly moved, and even I, who never had the privilege of having my real father in my life, also felt emotional.
"Today is a night of celebration, and I don't want to see tears at our dinner," Kael said with a playful tone as he hugged Sarah and wiped her tears. "Why don't you listen to me, love?"
"Because you don't boss me around," Sarah replied promptly.
Despite the cheeky response, Kael managed to bring a smile back to Sarah's face, and the atmosphere at the dinner table became lighter after that, with everyone chatting about happier subjects and enjoying the wine.
Madison and I arrived home late that night, and she went straight to bed, claiming to be tired from the day's excitement. I would never insist on talking when she felt that way. However, the next day, I needed to be in London again as important and urgent business related to Kael's team required our presence in the city, but this time, only I would go to the UK.
The uncomfortable subject I needed to discuss would have to be postponed, and I could only address it when I returned to Seattle, which was concerning since I didn't have a set return date. This triggered a big argument between the two of us.
Looking at Madison's back, I felt the urge to hug her and sleep beside her, as we used to do. However, that night, I was also rejected in that regard.
"I'm tired, Ryan," Madison repeated her mantra.
"I'll just hug you," I explained, even though that should have been quite clear.
"I'm married, I've already said," she replied.
"I just want to..."
Before I could finish what I intended to say, Madison went so far as to put a pillow over her ear, making it clear that she didn't even want to hear what I had to say.
"Goodnight, Madison," I couldn't help but say, but apparently, I was talking to the walls.
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