I am tired of being told what to wear

Kenneth's POV

I am finally on the plane back to London, but something does not feel right. I have developed a strong emotional connection with someone I only met a few days ago. As the plane lifted off the ground, I sat by the window and kept looking in the direction I left Becky.

This must be infatuation. Even though I spent so long chasing Sonia for a date, I never felt anything like this. I closed my eyes, trying not to think about the emotions rushing through me. The truth is harsh, and there is nothing I can do to change it. Becky is my brother's girlfriend, and that fact cannot be ignored. If I had simply been another guest at the anniversary or just a friend invited for the occasion, maybe I would have followed this feeling to the end.

I was alarmed when Sebastian mentioned that he had asked one of his friends to watch Becky. This morning, when I went into his room and he said he needed to speak with me, I feared he had discovered what happened between Becky and me. That would have been disastrous. How could I possibly explain it? I was meant to be the one looking out for her, keeping her safe from other men, yet I became the very person I was meant to protect her from. I slept with her last night. How could I tell Sebastian or even my parents that it was not planned? It would destroy the already fragile relationship I have with my brother.

I saw Becky’s call, but I do not know how to tell her that I am leaving the country, for good, so soon. Since we slept together, I cannot stop imagining her with Sebastian. I fear I might lose control and say something I should not. I do not want that to happen. How would I cope with seeing them kiss or hold hands in front of me? I know she is with Sebastian, but something deep inside me cannot accept it. To keep the peace, I chose to leave early. That is why I first turned down being his best man. And now, I will have to stand by while they exchange vows. Nothing could hurt more than that. I only hope that by then, these feelings will have passed.

If I had seen her this morning, I know the first thing I would have done was kiss her. Her beauty takes my breath away. From the moment she danced playfully in front of me to the final kiss on her forehead before I left her room, everything is still clear in my mind. I know it was wrong to sleep with my brother’s girlfriend, but a part of me believes he does not deserve someone so special. For all his pride and arrogance, Sebastian managed to win the heart of the most beautiful and remarkable woman I have ever met.

***************

Sebastian’s POV

Becky’s behaviour has changed completely since the day she showed me that red gown. She no longer speaks in a calm tone, and she meets my eyes directly when we talk. This is not the Becky I know. Something is clearly wrong.

I have been sitting in my car for about thirty minutes, waiting outside the hotel. She said she would come out and drive me home, but there is still no sign of her. Looking back, going to the gym just to build muscle and compete with Kenneth was a foolish choice. What did I gain by showing off my abs? Nothing. In the end, I broke my leg, and ever since then, Becky has stopped holding back when she speaks to me.

Is she seeing someone? Is that why her attitude has changed so much? Let me call Tony. He is a close friend, I need to speak to someone about this.

After dialling Tony’s number, I put the phone on loudspeaker since I was alone in the car.

“Hi Tony, how are you doing?”

“I am fine. I am sorry I could not make it to your parents’ anniversary.”

“That is not why I am calling,” I cut in.

“What is going on? Why are you calling?” Tony asked.

“I need to see you tomorrow. Can you come to my house? Just let me know what time.”

“What is the matter?” Tony asked, picking up on the urgency in my voice. Just as I was about to explain, Becky opened the car door.

“Tony, I will call you back,” I said quickly before ending the call.

Becky got into the car silently, started the engine, and we began driving home. I stared at her for a moment. Was this really the same Becky? The woman beside me now felt like someone else entirely. She used to listen to everything I said, used to care about what I thought. If my brother lived in this city, I would have blamed him for her change, maybe thought he had turned her against me for what I did to him in the past. But Kenneth is far away. And this shift in Becky started before she even went to pick him up from the airport. They had never met until then.

Should I just accept this new side of her to keep the peace? Her change in attitude, the way she dresses now, it is hard to ignore. Should I bring it up before it gets worse? How do I tell her that the way she dresses makes me uncomfortable? I am scared of losing her. That much is clear. But keeping quiet might make things worse. I need to talk to Tony. I really need his advice.

It had been almost an hour, and neither of us had said a word. The silence between us felt heavy. This is not how relationships should be. I needed to say something.

“Hi Becky, how is your stomach?” I finally broke the silence.

“I am fine,” she said without emotion.

“I did not realise it was that serious. Should we stop by the doctor tomorrow? Or maybe later today, after we get home?”

“I said I am fine. I do not need a doctor,” she answered, still not looking at me. It felt like we were strangers sitting side by side.

I paused for a moment before trying again.

“I know you are angry, but I do not know why. Can you tell me what is really going on?”

“You really want to know?” she asked, slowing the car and glancing at me.

“I have been thinking. Maybe I did something wrong, but I am not sure what.”

“Then say it. You are always claiming you know me so well,” she replied.

“Is it because I introduced you to my parents? I just wanted to show them how much you mean to me. I did not think that was a bad thing. I am proud of you. Is that what upset you?”

“No, it is not that,” she said sharply. “Can I please drive in peace? Or do you not like the way I am driving too? Everything always has to go your way. If it is not your way, then it is wrong.”

“Becky, I think you are misunderstanding...”

“Please, can we just get home? I need to focus.”

Silence filled the car again. I leaned my head back against the seat, exhausted. Something in Becky has changed, and I cannot pretend I have not noticed. The more I try to be patient, the more it feels like she is trying to take control of everything. I cannot allow that. I will not be pushed aside.

We finally arrived home at around 2 p.m. She helped me inside, although it was clear she did not want to.

“I want to go see my mum,” she said.

“All right, when will you be back? You have been driving for hours. Maybe you should rest first.”

“I am not coming back today. My mum needs me.”

“And what about me? Do I not need your attention too?”

“I am tired of being told what to wear.”

“So that is what this is about?” I asked, interrupting her. Just then, her phone rang. She glanced at the screen, and I noticed her face shift. I expected her to answer it, but she declined the call and looked at me.

“Who was that?” I asked, leaning forward slightly. To my surprise, she stepped back.

“Who just called you?” I asked again, needing to know.

“My colleague from work,” she replied.

“Can I see the number?” I asked.

“Why?” Her tone took me by surprise.

“Are you cheating on me?” I raised my voice without meaning to. Was she really going to another man’s house while pretending to visit her mother? Then her phone beeped, a message.

I could not stop myself. I tried to grab her phone, reaching out with one of my crutches, but she stepped away. This broken leg has been nothing but a curse.

“Becky! Becky!” I called out, but she walked straight out of the house without looking back.

I stood there, feeling crushed.

“I cannot believe this is happening,” I said to myself, overwhelmed and broken.