Page 3
Story: When Love Wasn’t Enough
My mind was racing, and my feet were throbbing with pain, blisters forming and bursting from the long walk.
My entire body ached.
I collapsed onto the sofa and curled up tightly.
My gaze shifted to the small green plant on the coffee table.
Beckham bought it to cheer me up.
He had previously stated: “Succulent is resilient, just like you, who grew up so strong.”
But it hadn’t been watered in days, and now its edges were dry and withering, with a faint hint of death creeping in.
The pain in my body was unbearable, and I suddenly wished for my mother.
As a child, she would hold me close and tell me stories until I fell asleep in her arms, and I wished she could do the same now.
I messaged my mother and asked if I could come home for a few days.
I did not want to stay at Beckham’s place any longer.
Her response arrived quickly, and I eagerly began the conversation, reading slowly in the dim light that filtered through the curtain.
But my excitement turned to disappointment, and the smile on my lips faded.
She advised me to be sensible.
She claimed Beckham was attractive, had a good job, and treated me well.
She urged me not to be stubborn and to care for my home.
She told me not to throw a tantrum and that if there were any disagreements, I should speak with Beckham.
After all, every couple would have an argument.
She went on to say that if Beckham upset me, I should forgive him because no man is perfect.
But my mum had forgotten.
She had forgotten that when I married, she held my hand and told me that if I ever felt wronged, I should tell her, and she would defend me.
My mother had no idea how badly I was hurting right now…
Being magnanimous and forgiving Beckham for his mistakes was just too difficult.
I wrapped my arms around myself and fell into a restless sleep.
When I awoke again, it was dark.
The living room was completely dark, with no light coming from anywhere.
Suddenly, my best friend Claire Walton called.
I blinked several times, disoriented, before responding.
“Hello, Athena. Where are you now?”
Claire’s cheerful voice greeted me as soon as I picked up the phone.
“I’m at home,” I answered softly.
“Is Beckham not present with you?”
“Mm.”
Claire’s voice suddenly rose in pitch: “Do you know who I just saw?””
I didn’t respond, and she said, “I saw Beckham!”
“He was with another woman, a much younger one. And get this: he was showering her with gifts and spending money like it was nothing! Do you think he is cheating on you?”
Spending money was nothing…
It dawned on me that Beckham hadn’t bought me anything in a long time.
“Mm.” My voice was barely audible.
Claire exclaimed in surprise, “What!” That jerk! How long have you been married and is he already cheating on you? Just watch me, I’ll rip that woman apart!”
My entire body ached.
I collapsed onto the sofa and curled up tightly.
My gaze shifted to the small green plant on the coffee table.
Beckham bought it to cheer me up.
He had previously stated: “Succulent is resilient, just like you, who grew up so strong.”
But it hadn’t been watered in days, and now its edges were dry and withering, with a faint hint of death creeping in.
The pain in my body was unbearable, and I suddenly wished for my mother.
As a child, she would hold me close and tell me stories until I fell asleep in her arms, and I wished she could do the same now.
I messaged my mother and asked if I could come home for a few days.
I did not want to stay at Beckham’s place any longer.
Her response arrived quickly, and I eagerly began the conversation, reading slowly in the dim light that filtered through the curtain.
But my excitement turned to disappointment, and the smile on my lips faded.
She advised me to be sensible.
She claimed Beckham was attractive, had a good job, and treated me well.
She urged me not to be stubborn and to care for my home.
She told me not to throw a tantrum and that if there were any disagreements, I should speak with Beckham.
After all, every couple would have an argument.
She went on to say that if Beckham upset me, I should forgive him because no man is perfect.
But my mum had forgotten.
She had forgotten that when I married, she held my hand and told me that if I ever felt wronged, I should tell her, and she would defend me.
My mother had no idea how badly I was hurting right now…
Being magnanimous and forgiving Beckham for his mistakes was just too difficult.
I wrapped my arms around myself and fell into a restless sleep.
When I awoke again, it was dark.
The living room was completely dark, with no light coming from anywhere.
Suddenly, my best friend Claire Walton called.
I blinked several times, disoriented, before responding.
“Hello, Athena. Where are you now?”
Claire’s cheerful voice greeted me as soon as I picked up the phone.
“I’m at home,” I answered softly.
“Is Beckham not present with you?”
“Mm.”
Claire’s voice suddenly rose in pitch: “Do you know who I just saw?””
I didn’t respond, and she said, “I saw Beckham!”
“He was with another woman, a much younger one. And get this: he was showering her with gifts and spending money like it was nothing! Do you think he is cheating on you?”
Spending money was nothing…
It dawned on me that Beckham hadn’t bought me anything in a long time.
“Mm.” My voice was barely audible.
Claire exclaimed in surprise, “What!” That jerk! How long have you been married and is he already cheating on you? Just watch me, I’ll rip that woman apart!”