His Uncle's Plaything

Chapter 2

Two months had passed, and I'm still recovering from the heartache I felt. Jack? He never showed his face to me after his text. I went back to our apartment, and his things were already gone. Whatever his reason was, he really wanted to leave me.

I still tried to contact him but received no answers. I needed answers to my questions. I went to his house, but his family claimed they didn't know where he was. However, I was certain they were aware of his whereabouts.

The pain was still inside me. Despite my efforts to move on by overworking myself, selling items that reminded me of him, and finding a new house, the memories lingered. But just when I thought I was making progress, Jack reappeared in front of my gate.

“J-Jessa…”

My heart pounded, and my anger flared. “You… How dare you show up here, huh?! f**k you, Jack!” I moved towards him and struck his chest. I knew it wouldn't mean anything to him; Jack had a broad chest. I felt pain in my palms as I hit him, but I didn't care. I hated him. I wanted him to feel the pain he had inflicted on me. “f**k you! You left me! You promised me that you love me, but you left!”

Tears streamed down my face. My knees trembled from the exertion and anger.

“I-I’m sorry, Jessa. I didn’t mean to,” he whispered.

My eyes narrowed. “You didn’t mean to? Are you even listening to yourself right now, Jack? We’ve been together for eight years! Eight f*****g years! We were getting married, and that's the only reason you can give me?”

Jack stared at me. My heart shattered more when I saw the pain in his eyes. “I-I got scared. I know it's wrong. But can you blame me? I lost my job a month before our wedding. You have a successful career, and I am nothing. I was scared that I couldn't give you the life you deserve.”

“I already told you I don’t care, Jack. We’ve been through ups and downs together. I was there for you when you had nothing, and you are everything to me. But why did you suddenly give up? Tell me, who is it?”

Jack frowned. “What do you mean?”

“You wouldn't be acting like this if there wasn't someone else, Jack. Just tell me!”

“What are you saying? I'm loyal to you, Jessa. Yes! I chickened out, but I love you. That’s why I’m here. I want us to get back together, please?”

I paused, unsure how to respond. He wanted us to reconcile?

“Are you for real?”

“Yes, Jess.”

Jack stepped forward, his hand finding mine. I closed my eyes as he wiped my tears away. I missed him. He might be flawed, but I loved him. Despite the pain he had caused, I longed for him.

“I know I hurt you, Jess. I promise I won't do it again. Just give me another chance, please?”

I opened my eyes and met his gaze. I didn't know how to answer. The pain was still raw from his betrayal. I hadn't spoken to my family or friends for a month after the breakup. My father had been furious at him, almost taking matters into his own hands.

I pulled my hand from his and turned away.

“Jess…”

“Just go, Jack.”

“Don’t you love me anymore?”

I clenched my fists. “You shouldn’t ask me that, Jack. You know how I feel, but that doesn't mean I'll just accept you back.”

“I'm sorry. I promise I'll prove myself to you again, Jess. I love you!”

I didn't respond. I retreated to my house and locked the door, crying over how unfair life had been to me.

Days turned into weeks, and Jack remained persistent. He courted me again, even though I pushed him away. He faced my family and begged for their forgiveness. He made sure to show up at my workplace daily, always bringing a single rose. Jack was truly working to mend our relationship.

“Are you two back together?” Mariel asked. She was a colleague and friend, someone I'd known since college. We'd ended up working at the same company. Jack had just left my workplace after giving me yet another rose.

“No,” I replied, placing the rose in a small vase on my desk.

“Really? But he's been doing that for a while. Are you considering getting back with him?”

I shrugged. “Honestly, I'm not sure yet.” I looked at Mariel. “If you were in my shoes, what would you do?”

Mariel thought for a moment. “Well, what he did was wrong. But if he's truly making an effort to change and you can see he's sincere, why not give it a chance? Just don't rush into marrying him again. Once bitten, twice shy, right?”

I sighed and leaned back in my chair. She had a point. Jack was indeed making an effort. So, after some contemplation, I decided to forgive him and give our relationship another chance. He persisted and put in the effort to mend things between us.

“Are you up for a family dinner tomorrow? My parents want to see you there. It's a bit different this time, as some relatives will be present.”

I looked up from the coffee I had prepared for Jack. He was seated on the couch with his laptop.

“Why? I just met them recently.”

“Well, this time it's more formal. Relatives will be there too.”

I placed the mugs on the table and sat down beside him. “Sure. What should I wear?”

Jack paused his laptop activity and looked at me. He placed his hands on my shoulders and caressed my head. “A formal dress would be suitable, but you can wear whatever you're comfortable in. You'll still be the most beautiful woman there.”

I smiled. “Thank you for the compliment. I'll be available tomorrow, for you,” I said, meeting his gaze. I was taken aback when I realized he was already looking at me. For a moment, my heart raced. Maybe I was foolish for giving him another chance, but that's what love does, right?

He slowly leaned in, and I closed my eyes, anticipating his move. His soft lips met mine. Perhaps I was a fool, but I would never regret it. I loved him, and nothing else mattered more to me than that.