A second chance at love

Chapter3

Frank sat in the corner booth of a quiet, dimly-lit bar, nursing a glass of whiskey. The usually bustling place was unusually empty tonight, offering the perfect setting for his troubled thoughts. The weight of his recent engagement to Nimi pressed heavily on his mind, a stark contrast to the carefree evenings he once enjoyed. As he stared into his drink, lost in the amber liquid, a familiar voice interrupted his reverie.

"Frank? Is that you?"

Frank looked up to see an old friend, David, approaching with a surprised smile. David and Frank had been close in their younger years, but life had taken them on different paths. Frank motioned for David to join him, grateful for the distraction.

"David, it's been ages. How have you been?" Frank asked, forcing a smile.

David slid into the booth opposite Frank and ordered a drink. "I've been good, man. Busy with work and family, you know how it is. What about you? Last I heard, you were getting divorced."

Frank sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, Annie and I split up. I'm actually engaged again, to Nimi."

David raised an eyebrow. "Nimi? Wasn't she Annie's friend? Your secretary?”

Frank nodded, feeling a pang of guilt. "Yes, she was. It's a long story."

David took a sip of his drink, studying Frank. "You've always been a bit of a mystery, Frank. Mind if I ask what went wrong with Annie?"

Frank hesitated, then decided he needed to talk to someone who knew him well. "I guess I never really appreciated her. Annie was always there, supportive and loving, but I took her for granted. Besides the marriage was arranged and I never really loved her. I tried frustrating her out of it but she was always comfortable with my behavior. I was so wrapped up in my work, I didn't see how much I was neglecting her. We drifted apart, and by the time I realized it, it was too late."

David nodded thoughtfully. "It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget what really matters. Do you miss her?"

Frank looked away, the question striking a chord. "I do. But it's complicated. Nimi is great, and we're engaged now."

David leaned forward, his expression serious. "Frank, you need to think about why you're moving so fast with Nimi. Are you sure it's what you want, or are you just trying to fill a void?"

Frank frowned, feeling defensive. "Nimi makes me happy. She's different from Annie, and I think we can make it work."

David placed a reassuring hand on Frank's shoulder. "I'm not saying Nimi isn't a good person. But you need to be honest with yourself. Are you really in love with her, or are you running away from your past with Annie?"

Frank shook his head. "I can't go back, David. Annie and I are over."

David sighed. "I'm just saying, don't rush into something because you're trying to escape. Take the time to figure out what you really want. Maybe even talk to Annie, get some closure."

Frank looked at his friend, frustration and confusion battling within him. "Why would I talk to Annie? She's probably moved on by now."

David smiled gently. "You never know until you try. Sometimes, facing the past is the only way to truly move forward."

Just then, Frank's phone buzzed on the table, interrupting the conversation. He glanced at the screen and saw Nimi's name flashing. For a moment, he hesitated, then answered the call.

"Hey, Nimi," Frank said, trying to keep his voice steady.

"Frank, where are you? I was worried," Nimi's voice came through, filled with concern.

"I'm just out with an old friend," Frank replied, glancing at David, who watched him intently.

"Alright, don't stay out too late. We have a lot to discuss about the wedding," Nimi said, her tone softening.

"Of course. I'll be home soon," Frank promised before ending the call. He put his phone down, feeling the weight of the conversation with Nimi and the one with David.

David gave him a knowing look. "Think about what I said, Frank. It's your life, and only you can decide what's right for you."

Frank nodded, the conflict in his heart more apparent than ever. "Thanks, David. I will."

David finished his drink and stood up. "Anytime, Frank. Just remember, it's your life. Make sure you're living it for the right reasons."

"Thanks, David. You've given me a lot to think about," Frank said quietly.

As David left, Frank sat back, the conversations replaying in his mind. He had a lot to figure out, and he wasn't sure where to start. But one thing was clear: he couldn't keep running from his past. His parents weren't even aware that he had ended his marriage with Annie. A Lot of questions were running through his mind.

“What if they desire to have dinner with me and Annie, do I tell them the truth or just find a way out of it?”

“What if my dad denies me of my share of his properties after finding out that I ended the marriage without his consent?. I'm in a mess”. Frank spat.

On one end it looked as though he was only feeling pitiful for Annie for his own selfish reasons, to get his share of his father's property and business or could it be that he actually realizes that he hurt her. Frank couldn't wrap his head around the whole situation. He only had a one night stand with Nimi before their unhealthy relationship started. But does he really love Nimi or was it his way to hurt Annie more?.

Frank paid his tab and left the bar, stepping into the cool night air. He looked up at the stars, feeling a sense of clarity. He knew he had to confront his feelings about Annie and his future with Nimi. With a renewed sense of purpose, Frank set off, determined to face his past and make the right choices for his future.

The conversation hung in the air, heavy with unspoken truths. Frank didn't have all the answers, but he knew David was right about one thing: he needed to think things through. The path ahead was unclear, but rushing into another marriage without understanding his own feelings could lead to more heartbreak.