Love Is More Than A Contract

“EVERYONE TAKE COVER!” I heard Ryan scream as the light fixtures started to fall. Glass explodes on the floor, cutting my skin. I looked in front of me to see Brian dive to protect Laurel.

I would have felt my heart break again but the next thing I felt was a light fixture fall right next to me. The glass from it sliced my legs, “AHHH!” I screamed, falling to the ground clutching my leg.

Bringing my hands to my face, I saw blood covering them, making me nauseous.

The shaking stopped and Brian looked up at me, “Oh my god, Angela?” He said, stumbling over to me. My eyes weren’t focusing on him; my vision was glassy. I felt weak, tired. I felt his arms support me but it meant nothing as my consciousness slipped away.

“You left me…” I said before falling unconscious.

-- --

I woke up to bright lights and the beeping noises of monitors. My legs felt like they were in a cast. Groaning, I opened my eyes, squinting at the bright lights.

“Angela,” Brian said, “Thank God you’re awake.” He sounded worried, which confused me. I thought I didn’t mean much to him anymore.

My throat and lips felt dry. Brian put a straw to my lips, “Sip.” He said, and I did. The water quenching the dryness I felt.

“Thank you,” I croaked out, “Why are you here?”

“I would never leave you,” He said, holding my hand, “Despite what you said at your party.”

I stared at him in disbelief. I almost died and he was still lying? “Why are you lying to me?”

He looked hurt, like I actually offended him, “I was never going to leave you, Angela.”

“But you were going to make me look like a fool.” I said, “You were going to marry me but keep Laurel at your side.”

The silence that followed hurt. “Ryan’s already paying for telling you.” Brian said. My head snapped to his direction, “What did you do to him?” I asked, scared.

“What needed to be done.” He answered, “He deserved it.”

“…He’s your best friend.” I said in a whisper.

“But he betrayed me,” He said coldly, “He needed to be punished. If I didn’t, I would be seen as weak.”

“No one thinks you’re weak,” I said hurriedly, “It’s not too late –“

“It is.” He cut me off, “He’s gone.”

I looked at him, shocked. I knew what his family was, I knew how he was raised. But Ryan was his best friend. They grew up together; I can’t believe he killed him.

“And you better know it’s all your fault.” Brian said, taking me back.

“What?!”

“If you weren’t so obvious, I wouldn’t have known he told you.”

“No one told me! I heard it in the car! I pretended to be asleep.”

His look hardened, “How dare you,” he growled, making me wince, “You lied to me?”

I looked away, not answering him.

“You answer me, now or else –“

I cut him off this time, “You won’t marry me?”

He looked so angry at this point, “I am still going to marry you because you are mine. If I have someone to break the routine from time to time, that’s my business and not yours.”

Tears started to fill my eyes and spill over. I heard Brian sigh. The side of my bed dipped with his body as he sat down. His hand comes to my chin and forces me to look at him.

“Sweetheart,” he said, his voice thick with love and understanding. I can’t comprehend how he could sound like this, “You know I love you, right?”

I tried to look away but his grip was steady, “Angela.” He said, “Look at me so you know I’m telling the truth.”

I shook my head and closed my eyes, refusing with all my might.

“Angela Duncan.” He said, his other hand digging to my injured leg. Pain made my eyes open and I saw him so clearly. I looked at him and his eyes did show he looked heartbroken it was almost unbearable.

My eyes squint, “You’re telling the truth?”

“Yes, of course.” He said, caressing my cheek and letting go of my leg. I was able to breathe normally after, “I know we were brought together through a contract between my family and your parents. But I came to know and love you. And I know you feel the same way too.”

I leaned into his touch and he kissed my forehead, “Okay,” I said, “I believe you.”

I could feel his lips curl into a smile, “But Brian,” I said, pulling away, “Will you stop seeing her then? My best friend? For me?”

He looked me straight in the eyes, his look surprised, “No, I may love you but you aren’t enough.”