Chapter 7

APRIL

I got up, trying to make as little noise as possible. I am still very confused. I really like this man—no, what am I saying, I am fascinated by him. I felt much more in one day by his side than in all those years with David. What is wrong with me?

Despite all these crazy feelings, I won't give in; I won't fall into the traps they set for me again. They can give you romance, fake affection, even take you to heaven in one night. Just like Ryan did repeatedly since yesterday. But then what? Then comes the cruel disappointment, where only one question haunts your mind: How could I be so stupid? And that is something I will never do again.

I take one last look at the beautiful man sleeping in the bed and unhurriedly leave the room.

I see the dress mocking me on the sofa and grab it. Putting it on isn't easy, and I manage to fasten five buttons at most before giving up and putting one of Ryan's jackets over it, which I promise to return as soon as possible.

With that same slowness, I walk out of the house, ready to get a taxi. I don't have the slightest idea where I am.

Shortly after, I manage to flag one down. As I give him the address, I remember several moments from the day before.

After my recklessness in the living room, we had sex again. That second time was even better: skin against skin, the delicious friction.

I don't remember how long I slept after that, but I do remember waking up with Ryan's lips on my skin. He knew exactly where to kiss to drive me crazy. I could still remember the tingling in my arms and legs, and how long it took for my heartbeat to return to normal.

I couldn't stop thinking about everything I had lost over the years in a relationship that went down the drain when I least expected it.

"Miss? Miss?" I raise my head and look at the driver, who apparently has been talking to me for a while.

"I'm sorry, I was lost in thought." God, how embarrassing.

"I understand, I just wanted to let you know we have arrived." I glance outside, and it is true.

"Wait for me here just a moment." I get out and hurry to the entrance. Three rings later, my father opens the door. "Not now, Dad, I need to pay the taxi driver first." I know his intention is to interrogate me; it is only fair. I spent my wedding night and all of yesterday away from home.

After handing the money to the man, I go inside to be interrogated by the great lawyer, Anthony Glass.

"Where are you supposed to have been?" I walk over to him, where he is sitting next to my mother.

"I was trying to escape from David."

"We noticed." The coldness in his voice isn't normal in the way he treats me. "Do you understand the embarrassment you've put us through?" Okay, I wasn't expecting this. They were embarrassed?

"What are you talking about? Did David tell you?"

"Of course he told us what happened. The poor thing was inconsolable," this time it is my mother who answers. "How could you do something like that? We thought we raised you with morals."

"Did you expect me to get married after what I saw?" This is unbelievable. My parents, my own parents, wanted to condemn me to a miserable life.

"Look, April, we don't know what you saw, but you need to go apologize for what you have done. David didn't deserve for you to betray him."

"Mom, what are you talking about? The only one betrayed here was me. I was the one who..." But I can't keep talking because her hand was faster. I can't believe she slapped me; she is my mother.

"I don't know how, but you will fix this. David is willing to forgive your cheating; that boy is in love with you." I look at my parents and start laughing. I am sure they are going to hit me again at any moment.

"I didn't cheat on him, and I will never marry that bastard." My father tries to speak, but this time I'll be the one talking. "I can't believe my own parents believed those lies about me. I never did anything against your rules. Do you know why I didn't marry David? I didn't because he is gay!" I am screaming now, while they look at me like I am crazy. "I caught them having sex, you know? Him and Chad. I am the one hurting here. I at least thought you would support me, but I see I was wrong. I don't know what the hell that idiot told you, but I am going over there and clearing this up." I turn to go up to my room, but first I look over my shoulder at my still-shocked parents. "Great lawyer Glass, what do you think about a lawsuit for emotional distress and slander? Though it is more than clear that you are against me, so I guess I'll have to find another lawyer."

Once in my room, I tear off this damn dress and head to the bathroom.

When I finish showering, I grab the first thing I find in the closet and put it on. I brush my hair, pulling it into a messy bun. And now it is time to talk to David.

When I go downstairs, my parents are in the exact same spot I left them.

"Sweetheart... are you sure you didn't see it wrong?" I look at my mother, who is wringing her hands.

"No, Mom. Unfortunately, I saw it all too clearly. But luckily for me, it was before I said 'I do'."

"April, David's family has been close to us for many years. This is a scandal that I forbid you to cause. His parents are older; this could be dangerous." I look at my father and I know he is right, but the only thing I want right now is to punch his face.

"I understand, Dad, but I can't just leave it like this. Right now, everyone thinks I was the one who cheated. Well, even if I don't out his true preferences, I will tell everyone that he cheated on me." And without giving him time to respond, I quickly leave the house.

All the way there, I kept thinking about what I would say to him, playing out so many scenarios in my head that by the time I arrived, I was even angrier than when I left my house.

I press the doorbell over and over until Mrs. Lane appears in front of me.

"What are you doing here? Wasn't it enough for you to play with my son's feelings?" I still can't believe he made me out to be the cheater.

"Look, Mrs. Lane, that is nothing but a lie from your son, and I am here to make him repeat it to my face. So if you don't want the whole neighborhood to find out how promiscuous your son is, I suggest you let me in." Much to her dismay, she steps aside.

In the living room, I find my ex-father-in-law and my ex-fiancé, who loses all color in his face the moment he sees me.

"How do you have the nerve to show your face here? Have you no shame, girl?"

"Look, Mr. Lane, if I came here it's because besides shame, I have dignity—something your son lacks." With that, I turn to David. "So now I was the one who betrayed you? Why don't you tell your parents the truth, David? Have the balls you didn't have to do it with me."

"April, maybe we should talk about this in private," he mutters nervously, only making me laugh.

"Not going to happen. You told everyone that I cheated on you, when the one I caught having sex in the chapel was you." At this, it is his mother who jumps to his defense.

"Do you have proof of that, April? The only one who disappeared was you."

"April." I turn to see that David has walked closer to me. "That was a small mistake, we could have talked about it. It meant nothing. What did you expect me to tell the guests?" Now I am absolutely furious.

"The truth! For once in your life, you could have been honest."

"The truth is that you were inconsiderate for leaving me in that situation. I forgave you for so many mistakes, and you couldn't do the same this time. I am very disappointed in you." This completely crosses the line, and before I realize what I'm doing, my fist slams into his face. I don't care about the pain in my hand; I will never regret breaking his nose.