CONFLICTING FLAMES

CHAPTER 2

Amanda woke up with a severe headache. It was like two rough edges were hitting against each other in her head. She slowly opened her eyes, taking in the fresh air that was oozing in through the open window.

She looked around, not seeing the man she had slept with, the night before. She felt guilty as she remembered all that happened the night before. Her encounter with this man was more passionate than anything she had shared with Brian before.

"I love you." David had said many times last night as his touch sent shivers down Amanda's spine. Amanda knew he only said that because he was under the influence of s*x.

It was the first time Amanda was sleeping with a man other than Brian. She was so frustrated yesterday that she didn't even know what she did and how she did it. The plan was to get drunk, go home, and cry.

She did shed a couple of tears yesterday but not alone.

The room was dark and as she got up from the bed, Amanda couldn't remember where exactly he had brought her. She opened the window wide, letting light into the room, and then took a deep breath. She wondered where David must have gone.

Then the door opened and he walked right in.

"Good morning, sweetheart." He replied, giving her a hug. It was quick but was heartfelt.

"Good morning," Amanda replied with a smile, partly shocked at the way David responded.

"I had to attend to an important phone call," David explained and Amanda wondered why he was explaining. He should be asking her to leave and not explaining himself.

"It's fine, I understand." Amanda paused, searching for the right words. "I will have to be on my way."

"Now? Have breakfast with me." David said with a smile.

"You know I can't," Amanda said. She was still in her undies and wanted to dress up to leave, knowing fully well Brian would be worried.

"Yes, you can. A little breakfast won't hurt."

Amanda wanted to have breakfast with him so she agreed. It was weird but after all, it was going to be the last time.

"I'll make coffee while you freshen up, okay." David left but not before kissing her on the cheek.

It was a surprise to Amanda. She acknowledged that whatever they shared was just for a night and hoped that David won't take it seriously.

After having a bath, she walked out with the exact dress she wore yesterday

"You look beautiful," David commented as she walked to the table.

"This was how I looked yesterday." She responded, refusing to accept his compliment.

"You still look beautiful, baby." David poured her hot coffee, never letting his eyes off her.

"I'm engaged." Amanda blurted out. She didn't know why she said that but she felt that David was getting too clingy for a one-night stand.

"Yes. You told me yesterday."

"I did?" Amanda was surprised that she said that. She was drunk and didn't know what she was doing.

"Yes. We talked about a lot of things. You also said that your wedding will be coming up soon. In two weeks exactly." David said.

"Wow. It seems like I drank too much alcohol."

"It was more than alcohol. We had a connection last night." David answered and Amanda laughed so hard she almost spilled her coffee.

"Connection? That didn't happen." Amanda cleaned the little trace of tears that fell as she laughed.

"Yes, it did. You don't believe in love?"

"You're saying crazy things." Amanda laughed again. "It was just one night, nothing more."

"I don't think it's a coincidence, I believe it was meant to be for us to meet."

"I don't care about what you think." Amanda checked her phone. "I have to go. I need to meet up with someone."

"Your fiancé?" David asked, showing no expression.

"Yes." Amanda

"Your coffee?".

"Forget it." Amanda was putting her phone into her bag.

"Let's have dinner tomorrow. " David held Amanda's hands, stopping her. He was smiling and Amanda could see hope in his eyes.

"Please." David pleaded, sensing a negative answer from her.

"David." Amanda gently removed his hands. "This would never happen again between us. Never!" Amanda walked away, closing the door behind her.

As she walked away, she could feel him still staring at her through his window. Then her phone rang and it was Brian. Amanda felt guilty immediately.

She didn't want to answer his calls because he would want to see her and she couldn't face him at the moment.

His call came in again.

Amanda paused and then picked up the phone.

"Hello."

"Babe.. where are you? I have been calling you and you haven't answered or even returned my calls. Please tell me where you are." Brian's voice was heard at the other end.

Amanda felt bad. She had left home, without telling him where she was up to and hadn't picked a single call of his.

She told him her destination and waited, hoping they'd finally fix their issues.

He arrived in the shortest time and as he walked out, looking gorgeous as usual, Amanda felt lucky. She was lucky to have a man that truly cared for her.

"Let's go home," Brian said and gave her the warmest hug ever.

"What do you want to eat?" He asked as he drove. "I can get you anything."

"I'll eat at home."

"Okay." Braina simply answered, caressing Amanda's hands with his free hand.

"Are you fine?" Amanda asked, not knowing what else to say. She has been observing him and noticed he was not looking happy."

"I am fine now with you by my side." His voice was melodious and Amanda could listen to him talk all day."Everything will be fine." It seemed like he was trying to make everything right.

When he packed his car in the garage at his home and Amanda had wanted to come down, he stopped her.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart. I realized that I haven't been listening to you." Brain said and waited, hopefully waiting for Amanda's answer but she didn't say a word.

"I'm so sorry, I have been giving Mum more attention than you." He said again.

Amanda was tired of hearing those words. She was so used to Brian apologizing that she knew exactly what he would say next. It was getting boring for Amanda and the feeling of regret was getting to her.

"It's fine." Amanda only said but Brian was not satisfied with her response. The AC was on but she was feeling so hot.

After all, she was the one who had a one-night stand and not him. She was the one meant to apologize.

"I'm sorry, I promise you. I know you feel that you must have heard this many times but I need you to trust me this time around. I am ready to make this work. We'll be getting married in a week and I don't want to be fighting with my wife."

Amanda was touched, she never liked fighting and would never cause trouble between her and Brian.

"It's okay. I love you, Brian." She said, finally.

"I love you too, Baby. Let's get married." Brian said with excitement. "I will introduce you to some of my family members, they are so eager to meet you."

"Seriously? You promised to introduce me to your foster brother but you've not."

"You'll meet him soon enough. He is such a nice guy, I promise he won't be difficult."