Girls After Dark - Whisper's of Destinys Veil (Andrea)

Exhaustion hung over Mela like a heavy shroud as the taxi navigated the bustling streets of New York City. The city's iconic skyline, usually a sight to behold, felt distant and surreal through the fog of her jetlag. Her queasy stomach churned in protest, a side effect of the grueling 20-hour flight that had brought her to this moment. She gazed out of the taxi cab window, the passing buildings and landmarks failing to ignite the excitement she had anticipated for so long. Instead, a wave of anxiety and uncertainty washed over her. Lost in her thoughts, Mela was startled back to reality by the sound of the taxi driver's voice. "I'm sorry, can you repeat your question?" she murmured, her weariness evident in her tone. The cab driver, a friendly face amidst the chaos of the city, leaned back slightly and smiled. "I was just saying, you ought to check out Central Park and Times Square while you're here. They're must-see spots," he offered.Mela managed a faint smile in response, her mind still grappling with the thoughts that had preoccupied her. "Oh yeah, well, it depends on how long I'll actually be staying. I might just turn around and leave tomorrow morning," she replied, the weight of her own uncertainty lacing her words. "Going to New Jersey or somethin'?" the cab driver inquired, a hint of curiosity tinging his voice.Mela shook her head slowly. "No, not exactly. It's just that my plans are a bit up in the air right now. Waiting for an answer that might change everything," she admitted, her gaze drifting away. The cab driver's quizzical look lingered for a moment before he returned his attention to the road, allowing silence to envelop the car. The city's symphony of sounds—honking horns, distant chatter, the occasional siren—seemed to underscore Mela's contemplation. As the taxi eventually pulled up to her destination, The Wallace Hotel in Manhattan, Mela's focus returned to the present. She glanced at the meter, the digits climbing close to $80.00. With a sigh, she fished out some bills from her wallet, handing the cab driver $85.00. "Here, keep the change," she said, offering a small smile. "Thank you, miss. I hope you'll have a wonderful vacation here in New York," the driver responded warmly. Mela echoed his sentiment with a soft, "Yeah, I hope so too," her words carrying a mix of hope and uncertainty. With that, she stepped out of the taxi, her journey into the city's enigmatic embrace officially beginning. As the taxi pulled away, the city's pulsating energy surrounded her, the distant echoes of her own questions lingering as she walked into the lobby of The Wallace Hotel, her heart a blend of anticipation and trepidation. Upon arrival, the bellboy assisted her with her luggage, and Mela generously tipped him for his help. Once alone, she promptly ordered room service to curb her hunger. While placing the order, she couldn't resist ordering tomato soup, a grilled cheese sandwich, and a fruit platter. She requested that the food be sent up in about 10 to 15 minutes, allowing her enough time for a shower. Mela settled into her luxurious suite at the Wallace hotel, taking in the ambiance and amenities. As she re-read the email from Marco again the details of Carlos' dinner for later, she couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. The spacious and modern room provided her with a tranquil space to gather her thoughts and prepare for the evening ahead. As Mela unpacked her luggage, she selected an outfit that would accentuate her figure and make her feel confident. While looking at her outfit, she can't help but feel a bit of unease as in a few months' time she won't be able to wear her clothes anymore. Her grumbling stomach made her touch it without any thought. She started talking to her unborn baby, "hey little bean, I know you like to reject most foods lately, can you promise me not to reject the food I ordered please? I know you are hungry as well. We need our strength when we meet daddy later, okay? The moment she mentioned daddy, evoked sadness in Mela and soon enough tears began to flow, symbolizing the emotional turmoil she was experiencing. Recognizing the need to move forward, she decided to take a soothing bath to both cleanse her body and provide a release for her emotions. After her relaxing bath, Mela emerged from the bathroom feeling rejuvenated. She had taken the time to let her tears flow and wash away her worries along with the water. Wrapped in a plush bathrobe, she settled onto the comfortable chair by the window, gazing out at the view as the sun began to dip below the horizon. Her appetite satisfied by the delicious room service, Mela felt a sense of relief that her "little bean" seemed to agree with her food choices. She couldn't help but smile at the thought, her hand instinctively resting on her still-barely-showing belly. It was as though she was forging a connection with her unborn child through these simple moments. With a deep breath, Mela turned her attention to the clock. Setting her phone's alarm for 6:45 pm, before taking a nap. She gave herself ample time to prepare for the 8pm dinner Carlos had at the Wallace Lounge. When her alarm rang, even though she was still sleepy, she made herself get up from bed, start to get ready and do her make up. As she's doing her makeup, she's mentally preparing herself for seeing Carlos after 2 months of being apart. After arranging her hair and adding the finishing touches to her makeup, Mela checked the time once more. It was nearly time to head down to the Wallace Lounge. She picked up her clutch, slipping her phone, a compact mirror, and a tissue inside. As she closed the door to her suite behind her, she carried with her a mix of emotions—nervousness, hope, and a touch of apprehension. With each step she took towards the lounge, her heart beat a little faster. The hallway seemed to stretch on, giving her both a sense of anticipation and a few moments of respite. As she approached the lounge entrance, Mela took a deep breath, ready to face Carlos and whatever conversations the evening might hold. Mela's heart raced as she sat in the lounge, her anticipation growing as she awaited Carlos' arrival. When he finally entered the room, every ounce of his presence commanded attention. Carlos exuded confidence and sophistication in his impeccable Armani suit, his features striking and his demeanor captivating. Her gaze, however, was drawn to the unexpected entrance of a tall, blonde woman who seemed to have a familiar sense of intimacy with Carlos. The sight was a gut-punch to Mela. Her emotions were a turbulent mix of shock, hurt, and a tinge of anger. The blonde woman's enthusiastic greeting of Carlos seemed too personal for comfort. But Mela refused to let her emotions show. She stood up, composed herself, and approached the duo. With a controlled smile, Mela walked to them and said "Hello My husband", hoping that her calm demeanor would hide the turmoil within. The blonde woman's incredulous response only added to Mela's distress, "You're delusional to think that you're his wife!" "She's not delusional, Adriana. She is my wife.... Well, soon to be ex-wife". Carlos' response was a painful reminder of their shattered relationship. As Mela held her ground, the intensity between them was palpable. "I didn't come here to New York to meet your bimbos, I need to talk to you" said Mela with conviction in her voice. Carlos smiled, not reaching his eyes. "Always straight to the point, I'm guessing you wanna talk about the terms of the divorce?" asked Carlos. "Yes and No, I do wanna talk but I won't be signing the divorce papers anymore"said Mela firmly. Carlos chuckled and looked at Adrianna, "Adriana my driver will take you home for the night. I'll send you a bracelet from Tiffany's. You can leave now" said Carlos, while already putting his arm around Mela's waist and guiding her to the hotel's restaurant, not even giving a second look to the now angry Adriana who was now being whisked away by Marco, Carlos' assistant. Gazing at Carlos from across the table, Mela's mind wandered to their shared memories. She realized how much she missed him—his presence, his quirks, the intimacy they once shared.Her reminiscing was stopped when the waiter asked her for her order. "Huh?" said Mela abesntmindedly. Carlos was looking at her, half amused and taking the lead on her order. "....So you're staring at me. Did you miss me or something?" asked Carlos with raised eyebrows at her. Mela smiled at him and answered truthfully "Yeah I missed you" said Mela. Then silence fell and Carlos looked at Mela with so much heat and longing. Mela's face burned red since Carlos was gazing at her as if she was naked for crying out loud. The silence was broken by Carlos while still looking at her with eyes that could probably burn through her soul. "So you were saying earlier you didn't want to get divorced?"asked Carlos. She looked down at her napkin and said "Yes, I don't want to get divorced." Carlos reached out to her hand from across the table and squeezed it. "So you decided to terminate your pregnancy, is that it?" Carlos sounded hopeful. "No, I am not terminating my pregnancy" said Mela, looking at him straight in the eye. Carlos' face dropped and turned stoic, letting go of her hand. "You know we've been through this. I can't have this baby. We can't have a kid together, you know that" Carlos said. "But why can't we just be happy and live together like we used to? Why is it so hard for you to accept that you're going to be a father?" Mela asked. "You know why,God Damn It Melanie!" Carlos said loudly with a pained expression on his face. The other customers were looking in their way. "If you have come here to convince me, you just wasted your time coming here" Carlos said cold heartedly and started to stand up. As he was about to leave, Mela held on to his hand, looking up at him with pleading eyes. "At the start of our marriage I told you something that I would never do in a relationship. Do you remember what I told you, hmmm?" asked Mela. Carlos avoided her eyes and shook his head. "Tell me Carlos?! What is something I would never do?" Asked Mela again with tears starting to form in the corner of her eyes while looking at him. Carlos swallowed hard and looked down on Mela. "You won't beg for someone to stay in a relationship with you" answered Carlos. Mela tried to hold her tears while still holding his hand. "Well, this is me begging. Please stay. Y-You know I love you, I-I-I need you, I can't go through with this pregnancy without you, my love, so this is me swallowing my pride, asking you to stay and not leave me." said Mela tears starting to fall from her eyes now. Carlos stared at her, clenching his jaw. His hand closed in to a fist, his expression unreadable "I'll ask my lawyer to give you the house in Mckinley as part of the divorce settlement", Carlos said emotionless, while removing Mela's hand from his. Mela's tearful gaze met his, a silent plea for him to reconsider. But Carlos' resolve seemed unshakable, his words cold and final. "Well, this is Goodbye then" said Mela. As he left, Mela's heart shattered once more, tears flowing freely. It was a goodbye she had never wanted, but it was a reality she had to face.