CHAPTER 128: IT'S A PROMISE

I was literally shocked at Pamela’s last words. Actually, shock was an understatement. It was more likely horrified than stunned. With all honesty, I didn’t expect to hear this from her. Not from someone who shared a powerful love and remained loyal to that love for decades. And definitely not from a woman whom I knew was head over heels in love with me for God knows how long. This revelation certainly beat the shit out of me as I watched her slowly march away towards where the bathroom was located. 

My mind was in a stand still, same goes with my body, at the sad confession she just uttered. I’d like to say something, but not a single word was registering inside my head. I got tongue-tied with what she declared. 

She may be right that I was jumping into conclusions, that I was terrified of the things that haven't occurred yet, but all I ever wanted was our safety. Hers and Michelle’s. I want us three to escape the inevitable scenario, which I believe will definitely happen in days time. 

Why can’t she see my point of view? Did that ransom money blind her rationale that all she could ever think of right now was that? Although I understood her sentiments, that she wanted a more luxurious lifestyle and was sickened by what we have now, I am still having a hard time truly embracing her decision. 

I can’t fully grasp that she is willing to give up our love, that precious relationship we sacredly preserved for years, all for the sake of that hefty amount. What she declared tore my mind into half. I was in the middle of leaving and staying. If I leave with Michelle now, I will certainly lose the love of my life. But if I stay and be with her in this shithole, the risk of not being able to be with my daughter is extremely high, because the consequences once we get caught would be massive. It’s imprisonment. 

‘Fuck! Think Michael! Would you risk the privilege of spending your entire life with your daughter to the woman you died before losing? SHIT! WHY DID YOU HAVE TO PLACE ME IN THIS MIND-TORMENTING DECISION, PAMELA? WHY CAN’T YOU JUST BE IN UNISON WITH WHAT I WISH FOR THE THREE OF US? WHY DO YOU MAKE ME SUFFER THINKING AND CHOOSING? Why my love, why?’

Pamela already came out of the bathroom, fresh and newly bathed, yet I still couldn’t come up with a decision. I just watched her as she started to wear her underwear, closely eyeing her figure and how she gracefully toweled her hair afterward. A disturbing sigh escaped my mouth, which made her look my way for a while before continuing to dry herself. 

“If you’re having a hard time thinking about what I said, just choose your daughter, Michael. Maybe it’s best for the both of us. But I want you to know that I love you so much, you are and will always be my world. I wouldn’t hold any grudge against you if you ever decided to leave without me. Painful it may seem, but I will understand your decision completely.” She said without even glancing back. 

My heart got arrowed and was instantly shattered into little pieces at the things she mentioned, which made me run towards her and caged her in my arms. Clouds of tears were blinding my sight as I dearly cling unto her from behind. 

“I love you, Pamela. I love you so damn much. I can’t let go, I simply couldn’t let go. I’d be honest with you. What you said really tore me apart. I am torn between staying and leaving. I wanted to leave, but I can’t lose you again. I will never live life normally again if you are not in it.” My eyes were now shedding with rivers of uncontrollable beads. She immediately faced me and gently wiped away the painful streams off my cheeks. Her face was evident with sadness that completely devastated my heart. 

‘How could I hurted her this much? Why did I allow myself to be selfish and not careful of my words, which in the end saddened the only woman I ever loved? How stupid of me to disregard her feelings?’ 

“Then don’t leave me, Sweetheart. Let’s stay in this place together, just until we get what we are here for. I promise you, we will get through this alive. You, Me and Michelle will be out of here and will live together freely after. We will be away from this toxic world and live a life we dreamed of living. Stay with me, Michael, I need you.” With that, she kissed me wholeheartedly. Brushing her soft lips against mine and crushing herself further onto my chest. “I need you, Michael. Don’t leave me, please. I beg you, Sweetheart, stay with me and don’t leave me on my own.” 

I gaze at her straight in the eye, with all the love I have been owning up for her. I knew deep down inside of me that I couldn’t live without her. I died once, when we got seperated by what Penelope did to our relationship, and I’ll be damned if I will let that thing happen to us ever again. Aside from Michelle, this woman in front of me was my air and my water. Without her, my life would be nothing and worthless. 

Another laborious sigh escaped my throat before I finally opened my mouth to say the words my heart contains. “Alright, Sweetheart, I’ll stay with you. Forget what I said earlier, disregard everything that I stated. I will stay with you. So cheer up, okay? I hate seeing you so sad and crying.” Her eyes immediately sparkled and lightened up. They were beautifully shining like priceless gems, regardless of the tears that were at bay.

“Really, Michael? Are you certain about it? You will stay here with me until we get our money?” My head hastily nodded and I smiled sweetly at her, making her beam with utmost gladness. 

“Yes, Pamela. We are with this together. If I leave this place, then I will bring you with me. Both you and Michelle.” 

“Is that a promise, Sweetheart? Do you swear at my father’s grave?” 

“Yes, Sweetheart, it’s a promise that I intend to keep.” 

“Thank you, Michael! I love you very much! Thank you so much, Sweetheart!” She locked her arms around my neck and happily crushed her lips to mine once again. 

Although I am not one hundred percent sure that my decision was right, seeing the woman I dearly love so extremely blissful and beaming, all my negative thoughts went down the drain as I kissed her back feverishly and the fire that was gone minutes ago was slowly coming to life all over again. 

How can I say no to this woman, when just a taste of her melts all my doubts away and succumbs me down right at her feet. It started with a kiss that ended us both back in bed, leisurely sharing a much intoxicating and spell-binding erotic love making.