Chapter 3

"What's going on Harper," he asked

I stared at him, hatred, and rage-filled my inside, how could he sit here and pretend like everything was okay

"How could you Edward" I asked him, the pain in my voice.

"What are you talking about, babe" he tried to hold my hand, but I pulled away

"Don't you call me that" I simply told him

"If you are going to act this way, I think it better I leave, I have an appointment by 4," he said standing up to leave

"Appointment or Alice" I spoke out this time, I could see the confusion and shock on his face

"What-what are you talking about" he stuttered

I stared at my engagement ring, rolling and playing with it "I was faithful, I loved you, I supported you, all for what? I stare at him

"Harper" he called out my name slowly, still trying to decipher if I knew about him and Alice

But my stare said it all, he sat down, his hand now placed on his mouth. "Babe, please, let me explain"

"That's the problem, Edward, what exactly are you trying to explain" I asked my voice filled with anger and hurt.

Edward sighed, his eyes filled with guilt. "I made a mistake, Harper. I got caught up in a moment of weakness with Alice. It was never my intention to hurt you"

I scoffed, tears welling up in my eyes. "A moment of weakness? So that's how you justify it? How could you do this to me?"

Edward reached out for my hand again but I pulled away once more. " No, Edward. I can't just brush this off as a mistake, you slept with my sister, and you betrayed my trust, and our commitment to each other."

He looked down, unable to meet my gaze. "I know, and I'm sorry, Harper. I never wanted to hurt. I love you"

Tears streamed down my face as I shook my head. "Love isn't supposed to hurt like this, Edward. How can I believe anything you say"

He pleaded with me, his voice full of remorse. "I'm willing to do anything to try and fix this. I'll go to therapy, I'll do whatever it takes to regain your trust. Please, give me one more chance"

I looked at him, uncertainty clouding my thoughts. I loved him, that much was true, but could I ever trust him again? Could I move past this betrayal and rebuild what we once had?

Taking a deep breath, I finally spoke, my voice filled with pain and determination. "I need time, Edward. Time to process everything and figure out if I can ever forgive you, but right now, I want you to bed things with Alice"

"Harper," he said

"So much for trying to make things work, it's either that or I am calling off the wedding and returning your ring" I threatened

"Fine, fine, you win, I will call it off" he managed to say

I stood up and stared at him for some minutes, my heart broke just by looking at him, "You don't deserve good things Edward" I said, walking away.

I drove home exhausted from the stress of work and Well my problem. Ava has been kind enough to keep me company, tho she had work to do.

She was like a sister, better than the one I had. I struggled with my keys, unlocking my door, and I stepped in. Without doing much I dropped on my living room couch.

My eyes staring at the ceiling, my phone rang, who could this be at this time, I picked it up and stared at it, it was an unknown number, I hesitated before I pick

"Hello, who's this?" I asked

"Hello Harper," he said

His voice sounded familiar, I tried to recall where, and then it struck me. "Gideon"

"Whoa, you still remember my name, am honored," he teased

"I never forget it at first" I shyly said

"Sorry, I could have called sooner, but I have been busy," he said at the other end, his voice calm.

"Ohh, it's no big deal, we all have been busy" I assured him I wasn't angry.

We became silent for a minute before he spoke again.

"How about we meet up, for a friendly drink"

"A drink? right now?" I asked

"Yeah, why not? It's been so long since we last saw each other," Gideon replied

I hesitated for a moment, thinking about how exhausted I was and the incident that happened the last time we saw each other. But then again, meeting up with Gideon might be a good distraction, a chance to catch up and take things off my mind.

"Sure why not?" I finally agreed. "Where do you suggest we meet up"

Gideon thought for a moment before suggesting a nearby Bar, not far from where I lived. It was a cozy spot with dim lighting and a relaxed atmosphere.

"It a surprise you know that there's a bar not too far from where I stay" I managed to say

"G****e map and some help from a good friend made it easy to find something comfortable and close by for you" he added

"Isn't that sweet of you" I smiled

"Meet you there in 30 minutes," he asked

"Sure, let me freshen up, just got in from work," I told him

"Sure, take your time" he insisted, ending the call.

I stood up and hurried into the shower, took a quick bath, raided my wardrobe, and put on a turtleneck dress that hit around mid-shin. Pair it with some sheer black tights and a pair of heeled booties, the night was cold so I wore a long trench coat. My hair is tied in a bun, I look perfect.

I picked up my purse and stepped out, I felt excited, I hadn't felt this way since Edward proposed that night, in Minnesota, it was supposed to be a getaway vacation for us but it was more than I expected.

I wasn't in the mood to drive, so I stopped a taxi and got in.

"Branch Bar," I told him

The drive was calm, the cold wind of the night feeling my face as I stared out the window.

"Aren't you cold Miss," The Taxi guy asked

"Nope, I haven't felt this warm in a long time," I told him a smile beaming on my face as he stared at me confused

Gideon was the reason for this, who is Gideon and why do I suddenly feel light whenever I hear his voice? The taxi stopped at the front entrance, I got out, paying him his money as he drove off.

I stood there staring at the glowing and vibrant sign before stepping in, the place was a little crowded, and my eyes searched the crowd, where could he be

"You look beautiful," A voice said from behind me

I turned, and there stood Gideon, he looked different From the last time, he was too clean this time, his dark hair fell slightly to his face, his chiseled jawline beautifully sculpted, his grey eyes so sharp he could Pierce into your soul.

He was beautiful, the most beautiful man I have ever laid my eyes on.

"Are you okay" he touched my arm gently, and his eyes held mine as I tried to speak but words failed me

I nodded. Assuring him, he looked around, calling a young waiter over,

"I don't know if you could get me a good space," he asked him, giving him some cash

The young waiter smiled and asked him to follow him as he led the way, Gideon grabbed me by the hand, and we were led to an empty seat, close to a window.

"Is this okay?" he asked

"It's perfect" Gideon responded

I watched as the waiter smiled and walked away, he must have been so happy, making that huge sum of tips

"You are very good with that kind of stuff" I teased him

He smiled, pulling out a chair for me to sit on, and helping me take off my coat as I sat down.

"I grew up mostly around bars, I had to learn," he said taking a seat across from me

"Is this like those, from Grass to Grace storylines" I smiled, teasing him

He smiled, exposing his dimples, "Maybe, maybe not" he answered

He called for the waiter again, "what do you feel like drinking or eating" he asked

"Mash potatoes and steak with beans," I told the Walter

"Get us a bottle of wine along," Gideon told him

"Sure," he said walking away

"Aren't you eating?" I asked Curious

"Am fine" he replied, "so how's the revenge coming along?" he asked genuinely concerned

I shrugged

"He asked for a second chance, so…., I gave him an option, he has to break up with Alice" I managed to say

He stared at me, his expression cold, I felt uncomfortable like I had done something wrong

"Do you still love him" his tone thickened

Confused I stared at him, trying to find the right answer to his question.

"I don't know" I whispered