_Trial_
649 Words
"Wait a minute," he thought to himself. "Aria would never do that. She's not the type to just move on like that."
He thought about their relationship, about the way Aria made him feel, about the way she always supported him. He couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right.
"Maybe Thomas is just trying to stir up trouble," Raphael thought. "Maybe Aria is busy with her studies or having some difficulties with her study."
He decided to give Aria the benefit of the doubt. He wouldn't jump to conclusions or assume the worst. Instead, he would try to reach out to her again, to talk to her and clear the air.
Raphael pulled out his phone and sent Aria a message. "Hey, I need to talk to you.
He waited anxiously for a response, hoping that Aria would reply soon and put his mind at ease.
Meanwhile, Thomas was watching Raphael, He had no idea that Raphael was onto him, that he suspected Thomas of trying to cause trouble.
But as Raphael waited for Aria's response, he couldn't shake the feeling that Thomas had an ulterior motive. And he was determined to find out what it was.
Few days later, Aria finally called Raphael. He answered on the first ring, his heart racing with anticipation.
"Hey," Aria said, her voice sounding hesitant. "I'm sorry I haven't been in touch. I've been really busy with school."
Raphael's instincts told him to be cautious. "Busy with school, or busy with someone else?" he asked, trying to keep his tone light.
Aria sighed. "Raphael, what's going on? You sound upset."
"You have no idea," Raphael said, his emotions boiling over. "Thomas told me you're seeing someone else. Is it true?"
Aria gasped. "Who told you that? That's not true at all!"
"Then why haven't you been responding to my messages?" Raphael demanded. "Why did you just disappear?"
"I told you, I've been busy," Aria said, her voice rising. "And even if I was seeing someone else, which I'm not, I don't owe you an explanation. We're just a course mate , helping each other
Raphael felt a pang of hurt and anger. "So you're just denying my calls on purpose.
Aria's voice softened. "Raphael, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that. I love you, and I miss you.
****
Aria took a deep breath and began to explain the situation to Raphael. "Raphael, I know Thomas told you that I was seeing someone else, but that's not true. Gerald, was just a friend. He's been helping me with my studies."
Raphael raised his voice "Helping you with your studies? What do you mean?"
Aria hesitated, collecting her thoughts. "I've been having a tough time with my law school coursework. I was struggling to keep up, and I felt like I was falling behind. Gerald, a classmate of mine, had offered to help me study. He's been tutoring me, and we've been meeting up regularly on school premises to go over my notes.
Raphael's expression softened slightly, his mind relaxed "Why didn't you tell me about this? Why did you keep it a secret?"
Aria felt a mix of emotions. "I didn't want to worry you. I knew you were busy with work, and I didn't want to add to your stress and I felt like I could handle it on my own. But things got tough, and I needed help. Gerald was there for me, and I'm grateful for that."
Raphael nodded, starting to understand. "So, Gerald is just a friend, someone who's been helping you through a tough time?"
Aria responded "Yes, exactly. He's just a friend. We've never been romantic, and I never had any intention of pursuing anything with him. I love you, Raphael, and I would never do anything to hurt you."
Raphael's heart relaxed, "I'm sorry I doubted you. I should have trusted you more."
- Writer
