SAVING MY MARRIAGE

SAVING MY MARRIAGE CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 14 (LOST)

Linda was perched on Tony’s lap, giggling uncontrollably as he tickled her.

‘Tony!’ I shouted, causing them to jump.

“What’s going on?" I asked my eyes on Tony.

Tony abruptly stood up, his eyes flashing with anger as he walked out

“I’m sorry, ma" Linda mumbled before scurrying away, the sound of her footsteps fading into the distance.

My eyes widened as my mouth gaped in shock. What had gotten into him? I wondered. I felt a creeping sense of panic as confusion swept over me.

Is this the same man I saw in his office just moments ago? I wondered. This was a side of Tony I had never seen before.

Ever since Grandma’s death, Tony’s behavior had undergone a drastic shift.

He plunked down on the edge of the pool, his stare fixed on the water.

I wanted to storm over to him, to demand answers, but something held me back.

Why did he insist Linda stay? What was he hiding?

I considered seeking out Linda, but I knew that she had nothing to do with this. She was innocent in all of this.

I made my way to the bedroom, collecting my son from his crib. Tears spilled down my cheeks, splashing against his chubby face.

I didn’t even realize I was crying until my son giggled. I quickly wiped away the tears with my sleeve, giggling along with him. ‘Oh! Sorry, papa!’ I said as he chuckled.

I lifted him, and he began to giggle, which immediately lightened my mood. He started to lick my face, filling my cheeks with his slobber.

I tried to lower him back to my lap, but he immediately started crying. I relented, smiling despite my tears.

I prepared some baby food, which he gobbled up eagerly before falling asleep on my lap.

This house had been a part of my properties. I had purchased it from the landlord when he put it on lease, ensuring it would remain a part of our family’s legacy, and I had willed it to my son.

But what could be wrong with Tony? My mind spun in circles as the events of the evening flashed through my mind. Something wasn’t right. Tony had never acted like that before. What could be going on?

I was lost in thought and didn’t even hear the soft click of the door handle, but I saw the door swing open, my gaze never leaving it.

Tony stepped into the room, but before he could speak, I erupted.

"Shut your mouth and get out of my room!" I screamed and he startled

“Babe, I’m sorry" he said, approaching me.

I wanted to storm out of the room, but my legs felt heavy, like lead weights were attached to them. I gazed down at my son, asleep in my lap, and gently kissed his soft cheeks.

Tony stood there, waiting, but I refused to acknowledge him.

“Babe, I really am sorry" he pleaded, sitting down gently beside me.

“Don’t touch me" I hissed as he reached for my hand.

“What’s gotten into you, Tony?" I asked staring him down.

“I…I don’t know" he stammered, burying his face in my arm.

I couldn’t help but feel pity for him in that moment. "It is well" I said softly.

In that moment, I realized that my husband’s grief over his mother’s passing was still deeply affecting him.

While I was still soothing my husband, my phone began to ring. Glancing down, I saw my father’s name on the caller ID.

'Dad' I said, carefully laying my son down on the bed. I walked into the sitting room, eager to hear my father’s voice more clearly.

“How have you been, my daughter?" He asked, but his voice sounded tired and weak.

“Dad, are you okay?" I asked.

“How could I be okay when my only blessed child abandoned me?" he retorted, his tone laced with accusation and pain.

“I’m sorry, Dad. I’m so, so sorry" I whispered, tears welling up in my eyes.

“It’s alright, my child" he replied, his tone softening. "I went to your old apartment months ago, but they told me you had moved after your wedding."

“Oh, Dad! I’m sorry for not keeping you updated. I no longer live in that apartment. After our wedding, I moved in with my husband." I explained, smiling despite the tears.

“Darling, please forgive me" he said, his voice full of love. "How are you? And your family?"

“We’re doing great, Dad! And I’m thrilled to tell you that I have a son!" I exclaimed with joy.

“Congratulations, my princess!" Dad cried.

We chatted for a while, and I ended the call with a sense of relief. I sent him our current address, and he promised to visit before the week was out.

As I thought about my dad’s visit, I felt a flood of gratitude. I missed my parents, even if my mom could be a source of frustration.