The contract of Desire

THE BREAKUP Ava's phone beeped and she glanced at it. She smiled brightly when she saw the sender's ID. She quickly rounded up her work and left the office. "Why did he suddenly ask to meet at our favorite spot? Don't tell me... Is he going to propose?" Ava muttered to herself and smiled like a fool. Her boyfriend of 12 years had just texted her to meet him at their favorite place. Maybe, just maybe today was the day her long term wish would come true. Her wish to start a family with him. She arrived at the restaurant in no time and adjusted her hair before going in. Spotting her boyfriend at a corner, she hurried to him. "Hey Liam" she greeted with her signature smile. "How was work? Aren't you too tired.. I'm sorry I called you out tonight" Liam apologized. Ava frowned slightly, Liam would usually beg to meet her even if she said she was exhausted. Now, he was apologizing for calling her out. "Babe... are you okay? Did something happen in school? You look...off" Ava said, her voice softening with concern. He looked like he hadn't been taking care of himself. "Liam.. I get that you're in your last year of Law School and you're very busy but you should take care of yourself more. You look like a countryside bum" Ava teased, laughing lightly. Liam ran his hands through his messy hair. "Right? But it'll soon be over. Soon, I'll be able to repay you for everything you've done for me. You're the reason I'm able to attend law school without support from my parents and I'm very grateful for that. One day, I'll repay it" "Yes, you should. Become a very successful lawyer, that's how you can repay me. What do you want to eat? It's my treat" Ava replied, smiling heartily, proud of her boyfriend. "No,no.. I should get something. You love the coffee here. Wait, I'll grab us coffee and sandwiches" Liam said, getting up quickly before she could protest. Ava watched him from afar and couldn't feel more loved and satisfied. They have been together since high school, never breaking up. She was always forgiving even if he did something bad. She was always supportive of him. She even dedicated her university life to working part time to help him pay for his studies since his parents didn't approve of it. Both of them lived together in their university days and were almost like a married couple. Ava couldn't imagine asking for more. Liam walked back, carrying their food. "Here..." He said placing the cup of coffee in front of her. "Why are you looking at me like that?" He asked with a nervous chuckle. " I'm just grateful that I have you. As long as we're together, we can get through anything. You remember that, right? So, whatever it is that's on your mind, just say it. I know you have a lot in your mind to say. It's okay, we'll work through it together." Ava spoke gently, grabbing Liam's hand and massaging it gently. Liam smiled awkwardly, his eyes shifting away from hers. "I'll tell you after we eat. Eat first, huh?" Ava nodded and started eating. They ate in silence and the tension between them grew with each passing minute. Liam seemed distant and Ava couldn't shake the uneasy feeling building in her chest. Finally, after they finished, Ava leaned in "Come on, Liam. You're making me nervous. Is it a very big deal? Just say it" Ava said nervously as she searched Liam's face for any clues. Liam cleared his throat, visibly uncomfortable. "Ava... I need to show you something..." Liam opened his bag and brought out a small elegant looking card. At first glance, Ava knew it was a wedding invite. Her heart raced as thoughts ran through her head. “Did he print the wedding invite for our wedding? Will he propose to me after giving me this card” Ava took it slowly. "A wedding invitation? Are we going to someone's wedding together?" Ava asked as gaze switched from the invite to Liam's somber expression. As she opened the invite, her breath hitched. Her gaze landed on the names—Liam Clarke and Mia Steele.Ava felt dizzy and nauseated. "Liam… What is this? Who is this for?" Ava asked, her voice shaking, desperately hoping she was misunderstanding. "Ava.... I'm... I'm getting married" Liam's words were slow, like he was giving her time to absorb the blow. "You're getting married? To Mia Steele? Who's she? What's going on? Give me an explanation?" Ava spoke, raising her voice. Liam leaned in, lowering his voice. "Look Ava, I know this is not how things should end but there's no time. My wedding is coming up soon and I need to tie up loose ends. I'm really sorry Ava. And if this is about how you've been sponsoring my education, I'll pay you back" Liam said and dipped his hands into his bag, he removed a parcel and dropped it in front of her. "Here... Let's call it even with this. It's not near enough but you're not expecting me to pay every single dime right? Since you benefited from this relationship too...." Ava scoffed in disbelief as tears rolled down her eyes. "You're paying me back? Is this what I mean to you? Liam... Since when have you been planning to leave me? Twelve years, Liam.. Twelve years of my life, dedicated to loving you... Being your partner, enduring everything with you... How could you do this to me! How could you?!" Liam hissed, irritation creeping into his voice."Are you the only one in this relationship? Twelve years, Ava! Twelve ! I'm sick and tired. Aren't you tired of being with the same person? You should go out there, meet another man, be wild like all other girls. I'm bored in this relationship. I've been too unsuccessful for long and my marriage? My marriage will bring me the success I've been searching for. I'm getting married to someone that will change my life forever. So 12 years or whatnot.... Forget about it. That's what I came here to say. And don't even think of coming to my wedding. You'll just get hurt" Liam stood up immediately, snatching the invitation card from her hand. Ava grabbed his arm and pleaded. "Liam, you can't do this to me. I've only known you all my life.You too only dated me for 12 years. Did you ever love me? When did you stop loving me? When did you get sick and tired of me? Is it because of my attitude? I'll change, huh? Just don't leave me... Don't go" Liam shook her hand off, his voice calm but distant "Ava, I loved you for all 12 years and I still do. But you're holding me back. I need this marriage to succeed. That's what you wanted for me right? To be successful. And you wouldn't like to be the mistress, right? So think of it like I'm giving you a chance to live your life freely, not bound to only one guy. Ava, when I'm successful... When everything is better with me, I'll come back to you if I still have feelings for you. For now just forget about me, huh? I love you" Liam spoke calmly. He held her face and kissed her forehead before leaving. Ava couldn't believe her ears. Did she give her whole existence to a man who thought of her as nothing but a barrier to success? Ava wiped her tears off with her hands when she noticed people staring. "You want me to get wild? Step out there, huh? I will do just that" Ava said as she made her way to a hotel, determined in her heart. "Tonight, I'll sleep with the first man I meet in the elevator"