Behind The Bet

CHAPTER5

Reyna blinked. “Good?”

“Yes,” her aunt repeated. “It’s better you found out early. " He’s not committed, he’s not reliable, and he’s not your future. You’ve got a long life ahead, full of promise. Don’t waste it on someone who doesn’t even know your value.”

“But I really loved him…” Reyna whispered.

“I know. But love alone is not enough, my dear. Real love shows up. Real love gives, supports, protects. What he gave you was confusion and silence. You deserve better.”

Reyna held her breath, slowly nodding.

“Wipe your tears. Focus on your dreams. The right person will come, but only when you stop holding space for the wrong one.”

And at that moment, Reyna felt something shift inside her, not full closure, but a beginning. Then she hugged Claire so tightened while she hung up with her aunt.

Reyna’s mother had always been intuitive, the kind of woman who could read her children’s moods with just one look. For days now, she had watched her daughter retreat into herself, moving around the house like a ghost. Her eyes were always puffy, her meals barely touched, and her once cheerful voice had faded into whispers.

“Reyna,” her mum called one afternoon, stepping into her room with a worried frown. “We need to talk." This... this isn’t just sickness. What’s going on with you?”

Reyna, curled up on her bed under the covers, turned her face to the wall so she wouldn't be teary while responding to her mother. “I’m fine, mum. Just tired.”

“You’ve been tired for weeks. I know my child, and this isn’t just physical. Something’s bothering you. Talk to me.”

Reyna sniffled and faked a cough. “It’s just stress… I’ll be fine, I promise.”

Her mum didn’t buy it, but she also didn’t want to press too hard. She sighed and sat at the edge of the bed, placing a gentle hand on Reyna’s leg. “If you ever need to talk, I’m here. No judgment. Just don’t keep everything bottled up, it’ll eat you alive.”

Reyna nodded, turning to face her. “Thanks, Mum,” and gave her a hug.

Outside the room, her siblings carried on with their lives, unaware of the storm raging inside her. They saw Reyna as strong, even untouchable. No one imagined she was silently breaking, dealing with heartbreak, betrayal, and shame all on her own.

And that was the hardest part: being surrounded by people, yet feeling utterly alone.

Reyna stared at her phone screen, her heart racing as she read David’s message again.

"I want to explain everything to you, Reyna. If you can, come over. " I’m not forcing you… but I owe you the truth."

For a moment, her breath caught in her throat. She had waited for this, some form of closure, an apology, even just a reason. And now that it was here, her hands trembled as she reached for her bag.

She stood in front of her mirror, fixing her hair half-heartedly. Her reflection looked tired, worn, but beneath it, there was still a flicker of hope. Maybe he regrets it… maybe he still loves me.

Despite the hesitations clawing at her chest, she couldn’t ignore the pull. The part of her that still loved him… still wanted him… still believed they could fix what was broken.

She quickly got dressed, opting for something simple but decent. Not because she wanted to impress him, but because she didn’t want him to see how wrecked she truly felt inside.

As she locked the door behind her and stepped out, her mind was flooded with emotions, confusion, fear, anger, but also… longing.

"He had better have something real to say," she thought as she entered the cab. Because I’m not walking out the same way I came in.

As Reyna stepped out of the cab, she found David already waiting by the junction in his sleek black jeep. He didn’t smile, didn’t wave, just leaned on the driver’s door like someone burdened by a heavy weight. She approached slowly, her heart thudding.

When she got in and shut the door, there was silence. Just the hum of the AC and the distant sound of traffic.

Without looking at him, she said softly, “So you just left me... without a word?”

David kept his eyes on the road and replied flatly, “That’s what I want to explain to you now.”

Reyna turned slightly toward him, her voice cracking with emotion. “Please, don’t ever do that to me again. I’m not made of stone.”

But David didn’t respond. He simply muttered, “Let’s just get to the house.”

She noticed it immediately, his tone was cold. Detached. He wasn’t talking like someone who once called her his world. It sent chills down her spine.

—

They arrived at his place, walked inside quietly. No holding hands, no stolen glances. Just silence.

As soon as they stepped into the room, David dropped to his knees in front of her.

“Please, Reyna… forgive me,” he said, his voice suddenly shaking.

Reyna stared at him, confused. “Forgive you? For what exactly? What did I even do to deserve all this, David? Just tell me what happened.”

But he had no answer.

Instead, he kept repeating, “I’m sorry… I messed up. I was stupid. Just forgive me, please.”

She crossed her arms, anger burning in her chest. “You vanish for days, you ignore my calls… then you show up and beg like this with no explanation? That’s not love, David. That’s manipulation.”

He stood up, ran his hand through his hair, walked out of the room, then went back moments later, desperation in his eyes. “Reyna, please. Just forgive me this one time. It won’t happen again. I swear.”

She looked away, trying not to cry. “This better not repeat itself,” she said quietly. “I’m only forgiving you because I love you.”

He moved toward her and pulled her into a tight hug. “Thank you… I’m sorry,” he whispered into her hair.

Moments later, he lay on the bed and patted the space beside him. “Come here… let’s just be close again. I missed this.”

Reyna shook her head. “David, I’m ovulating. I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

He sat up. “We can use protection.”

“No,” she said firmly. “Not today.”

He sighed, disappointed, but didn’t push further. “Alright… let me drive you home before it gets too late.”