Chapter 5

CALEB

“Since we returned to California, your attitude towards me changed. Yesterday, I didn’t even understand why you looked moody when you returned from the meeting. You refused to have your meal.” Laura stood akimbo throwing words at me. “Do you even think it is easy to cook?”

“It is just some personal stuff, you don’t have to be worried,” I replied indifferently.

“Can we have some fun together when you return from work?” She asked seductively and I wondered if everything revolves around sex.

“Sorry, that won’t be possible. I have a lot to attend to. When I return home, I know I will be exhausted.” I said with a tightened face.

“But you always create time for me. Caleb, what has changed? Please talk to me.” She asked with a pitiful tone, trying to make me feel bad.

She continued, “Caleb, don’t treat me this way. Don’t you care about my feelings? We are together yet I miss you like we are living in different worlds.” She paused and added, “Hope it is not what I am thinking?”

“Keep your thoughts to yourself,” I said coldly. Please, I am not ready for all this. We will talk later.” I waved her off and left for the office.

Since Sarah left my life, nothing has brought me joy not even Laura whom I chose over her. Seeing her yesterday only complicated my feelings. However, I wasn’t going to look weak and broken before her.

I could barely concentrate when I got to the office. I couldn’t forget my conversation with her.

What did Sarah mean by ‘you have no idea of what I have become since you betrayed me.

Was I a terrible husband? She knew how long we had come. I didn’t know what prompted me to ask for a divorce. I understand that she is shattered and heartbroken but I am in a worse situation. A dialogue could have saved the marriage.

Nevertheless, I admire her courage and outspokenness. The Sarah I knew would never talk back at me or look me right in the eyes when talking.

Indeed, a lot has changed about her!

My mind drifted to my door which slowly creaked open. I knew that only Silas could enter my office without knocking.

“Caleb, what is wrong? You ignored my greeting earlier.” Silas uttered with concern visible in his voice as he walked into my office. “You look unhappy.”

He added, “Is something bothering you? Talk me, brother.”

“I can’t even explain but I feel sick,” I said, hitting my fingers against the table.

“Let’s visit the hospital now.”

“Visiting the hospital is not the solution to my sickness.” I let out a low sigh. Lowering my voice, I muttered. “I saw her yesterday.”

“Who?” He asked with widened eyes.

“Sarah!”

“Hmm, this is the best time to tell you my mind, man. You were away from the country and we didn’t talk about this. Yet, you pretended like nothing happened. What made you feel Laura was better?” With each of his words, guilt ran through my veins.

Silas wasn’t just my business partner but my best friend. We’ve come a long way and I’m not amazed that he could point out my flaws to me. How do I make him understand that Laura was my mistake and I’ll choose Sarah over and over again?

How do I admit that I regret my actions towards her? How do I admit that I want to have her back? How do I sort it out?

I couldn’t admit it to him at least not yet.

“Forget it, Silas. It is nothing serious.” I lied but he didn’t buy my words.

“Admit your mistakes, you have been a shadow of yourself since the divorce. You should discuss it with her, she should have a soft spot for you but I know a lot must have changed.” Silas explained and I placed my head on my table.

After some seconds, I raised my head and glanced at him. Was it until I screamed before he would understand that I wasn’t ready for this?

“I need some time to think.” I rubbed my temples.

“Think about what? How she hope for you to return that night to celebrate your birthday with you? How she went out of her comfort zone to organize a surprise party for you. In the end, it was just a waste.”

“Just let it slide, please,” I begged.

“If I have the opportunity to have someone like her or even her, just know I will grab her with my full arms and love. I won’t her off my reach” Silas replied and winked.

I stood up abruptly. “Don’t you dare! If you try that, I won’t mind chopping your fingers off. I would have harmed you before remembering we are friends. Sarah is mine, she belongs to me and she will remain mine forever.”

“Finally, you have admitted.” He smiled.

He pushed me to my limit to make his point clear and he was successful.

“When will our goods arrive, we need them for production next week. How is the new branch thriving? Any feedback from the manager?” I quickly diverted the discussion.

Silas cleared his throat, “Everything is going well so far. No cause for alarm.”

‘There is a huge cause for alarm, I hope my personal life does not affect my business and career.’ I thought.

He added. “Any plan for tonight?”

“No!” I replied indifferently, glancing at him.

“Okay! There is this event that has been the talk of the town, it is within the fashion industry, ST Atelier. I know you are a lover of the latest designs. You could even get some collections for me, what are friends for? He laughed and continued. “Let’s feed our eyes tonight.”

“But…” I was unable to talk as he interrupted me.

“I won’t take no for an answer.” He said as he left my office.

I just returned to the country, hanging out with Silas and driving around the area isn’t a bad idea. It is far better than returning to Laura who is always nagging.

I don’t know why but I felt the night holds something unusual.