WHY DOES LOVE FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE

“Cheated? Am I not enough?” I asked. Tomson’s face twisted in anger. “Are you not happy I came to look for you? If you bring this up again, I swear, I’ll leave forever.” “Okay, okay,” I said quickly, swallowing my pain. “I won’t mention it again.” “Come here,” he beckoned. I stood slowly, like a remote-controlled doll. “Sit on my lap,” he said. I obeyed, and he started massaging my thighs. I couldn’t help but moan. God, I missed his touch so badly. “Did you like it?” he asked, his voice dreamy. I nodded, breathing heavily. “Should I continue?” “You okay? You seem lost.” “I’m fine. Just a headache.” “I’ll take you to the hospital.” “No need.” “Okay,” he said, “but can I borrow your friend for a moment?” Lydia looked at me, unsure. “Go,” I nodded. “I’m fine.” She hugged me. “Are you sure you’ll be okay?” “Yes. Go with your lover,” I said playfully, pushing her away. “And don’t forget—I don’t do girls,” she joked, bursting into laughter before walking off. After they left, I felt hollow. Empty. I looked across the room and saw Tomson laughing with Olivia. They looked like a real couple. And I… I looked like a mistress. My heart crumbled. Then, he noticed me staring. He seemed startled, then composed himself and walked over. “Hey, what are you doing here?” I snapped. “So I can’t be here? Is that what you mean?” He flinched, surprised at my tone. “No, that’s not what I meant. This is just a banquet for the city’s elite.” “Right. And since I don’t fit in with you anymore, I guess I should’ve stayed home.” “You’re being arrogant again. Olivia’s just a friend. Even if she’s in my bed, it doesn’t mean I’ll marry her. Mrs. Morgue is still you.” “Spare me the lies, Tomson. I didn’t ask about Olivia—you brought her up yourself. Let me ask you something important: Do you even love me?” He was silent. That silence answered everything. I turned to leave. He grabbed my arm. Just as he was about to say something, Olivia called out. And he ran to her. Without a second thought. I left the banquet broken. Not even a goodbye to Lydia. I went straight to the bar. Drank everything. I didn’t care anymore. When I woke up the next day, I was in his bed again. No. Not again. “Your bill is now 4 million,” his voice rang behind me. “So find a way to pay or… don’t regret it later.” I gritted my teeth. Why do I keep ending up here? Seriously? Can’t you see I’m melting under your hands? Why ask such a foolish question? I nodded again but quickly stopped him. “We’re in the sitting room. Someone could walk in.” He didn’t argue. Instead, he lifted me in bridal style and carried me to my room, gently laying me on the bed. That night, we made love over and over again. The next morning, I woke up to see Tomson sleeping beside me. I traced my fingers along his face. He was so handsome. Lying there beside him felt like peace. If this is all I ever had, I’d be fine. His eyes fluttered open. “How long have you been staring at me?” he asked. I blushed hard. “Yesterday wasn’t enough?” he teased. Then, before I could answer, he pounced again. I truly thought he had changed. I believed him. But later, his phone rang. I peeked. Olivia. My heart sank. I couldn’t hear what she was saying, but Tomson’s mood changed immediately. He got up and started putting on his trousers. “Tomson, where are you going?” I asked, trying to hide my growing suspicion. “Sorry babe. I’ll be back tonight. Wait for me.” That’s when it all became clear. He hadn’t changed. After he left, I showered and got dressed. Lydia had invited me to Mr. Johnson’s birthday banquet—he was Ray City's top tech mogul. I wore something radiant. Honestly, if Tomson hadn’t left me behind, I probably wouldn’t have come. But maybe it was meant to be. At the banquet, the air was full of power. Prominent families from every sector were there. I felt lucky just being in the room. Then I spotted Lydia. She waved and hugged me tightly. “Hey buddy! I missed you!” she said. Of course she did. After her fiancé picked her up last time, they left me to wander the streets alone, drunk and wasted. I didn’t hug her back. Sensing my discomfort, she stepped back. “I’m really sorry about last time. I didn’t know what happened. Please forgive me.” Her genuine apology melted my heart. “It’s okay. Don’t blame yourself. Anyone can make a mistake.” “How did you even get home?” she asked curiously. “Story for another day,” I smiled faintly. “I'll gist you later.” Just then, Lydia looked over my shoulder. “Wait—isn’t that Tomson?” “Yes!” I smiled, unable to hide it. She looked at me sharply. “Are you two back together?” “Yes,” I said, beaming. “He apologized. We’ve been together since yesterday.” “Hmm…” She didn’t look convinced. “Are you sure this guy’s changed?” “Don’t worry,” I said confidently. “It’s different now.” Then she narrowed her eyes. “Wait… who’s that with him? Is that… Olivia?” I turned my head quickly. My smile vanished. At first, I tried to deny what I was seeing. It’s not what it looks like, I told myself. But then... they kissed. My heart shattered. I grabbed a glass of wine and gulped it down. Lydia stood silently. She didn’t know what to say. Then, as if to rub salt in the wound, Lydia’s fiancé showed up. They hugged and greeted me. Ryan only offered a handshake. “Oh Lara, sorry about last time,” he said. “Yeah, I’m fine,” I replied, trying to hold it together.