The Distance Between Us
847 Words
Janine POV
Weeks had passed since Lucas and I returned from Jeric’s wedding. Bess and Nilo had stayed behind, and I still didn’t know why.
But what really weighed on my mind was Lucas.
Everything between us had been perfect. We were still sweet with each other, glued together whenever we could be. Always hugging, always close, always affectionate.
Yet there was one thing I didn’t understand.
Whenever he talked on the phone, he sounded different.
Sometimes defensive, sometimes almost pleading. Whenever I asked who or what the problem was, he always said it was just business—some minor issue. But why did I feel like he was hiding something?
I was lost in thought when someone spoke beside me.
“Do you have something to tell me? I feel like I’m the only one you haven’t spoken to.”
Jerome.
His arms were crossed, a slight smirk on his lips as he looked at me.
“Huh? What would I tell you? You don’t even pay attention to me anymore. You don’t want to talk to me,” I teased, pretending to pout.
He laughed and came closer, holding my chin so I’d look at him.
“It’s not that I don’t want to talk to you,” he said calmly. “I just want to slowly accept that you’re going to be gone from me.”
I frowned.
“Gone? What do you mean?”
“I know you and your husband are happy now,” he continued.
“And I’m genuinely happy for you. I know this is the dream you’ve wanted for so long—to have a smooth, happy marriage. I hope you won’t cry anymore. I hope you’re always happy. And remember, I’ll be here if you ever need me.”
I couldn’t hold back my tears.
He was such a good person.
“Thank you, Jerome,” I whispered.
He smiled, though sadness lingered in his eyes, before leaving my office.
When I got home, Lucas still wasn’t there. He hadn’t come to pick me up, so our driver did instead. I heard he had a lot of work at the office. Guessing he was exhausted, I prepared dinner.
I sat on the sofa while waiting. Without realizing it, I had dozed off.
When I opened my eyes, I glanced at the clock—midnight.
My stomach growled. I was hungry.
“Where is Lucas?” I whispered to myself, anxious.
I reached for my phone to call him, but before I could dial, I heard a car pull up outside.
I was about to stand to greet him when the door opened.
It wasn’t Lucas.
It was Sophia.
Lucas followed her inside.
“Hi, b***h. I’ll be staying here again,” she said, grinning, giving me a cheek kiss.
A chill ran through my body.
Lucas approached, clearly unaware of what Sophia had just said.
“Hon, you’re still awake? You shouldn’t have waited for me. You should be sleeping,” he said, frowning slightly.
I just nodded.
He smiled, hugged me, and kissed me on the forehead.
“I missed you, hon.”
Suddenly, my heart felt lighter.
“How romantic,” Sophia interjected, with a teasing, mischievous smile, before heading upstairs.
Lucas looked at me.
“Hon, don’t mind her, okay?”
I nodded, hugging him tightly.
I didn’t know why, but a flicker of fear crept into my chest.
“Why are you being so sweet tonight?” I teased, touching his face.
“I love you, Lucas,” I whispered, kissing him.
He just nodded, averting his gaze.
“I’m hungry, wife. Is there anything to eat?” he asked, smiling while rubbing his stomach.
“I cooked for you earlier,” I said. “I didn’t eat either—I was waiting for you.”
I forced a smile as I set the food on the table.
“Wife, don’t do this again,” he said seriously.
“Don’t wait up for me when I’m out late. You need to get used to me being gone sometimes. Eat on time. Take care of yourself.”
A sudden weight pressed against my chest.
“Are you… going to leave me, Lucas?” I asked, voice trembling, tears spilling.
He quickly came closer and held my hand.
“Of course not,” he said firmly. “I just have some new business. Out of the country. Looks like I’ll be away often.”
My eyes widened.
“Tomorrow, we have a flight to Chicago. A business trip.”
“Who’s going with you? Sophia?” I asked.
“No,” he replied. “My assistant. She’s better with investors. I don’t have much patience for that.”
I nodded, though a pang of hurt lingered.
We ate in silence.
Then he stood abruptly.
“Hon, just trust me, okay?”
That was all he said before heading upstairs.
I was left sitting there.
Something felt wrong.
And whatever it was… I hoped it wouldn’t destroy everything Lucas and I had worked so hard to fix.
- Writer
