You Were My Only Once

I felt the sourness I'd been feeling suddenly evaporate, only to be replaced by a jolt of unease when I noticed the person standing behind Amanda.

Her clothes were disheveled, and Russell, who was trailing behind her, wasn't much better. If I wasn't mistaken, there was a hint of lipstick smudged on his collar.

"Michael, are you so desperate to see me that you'd risk your own life?" Amanda's voice was icy. "When did you become someone who resorts to such underhanded tactics?"

The joy I'd felt at her appearance plummeted instantly. My voice came out dry, "Is that how you see me? Besides, shouldn't you explain why you're here with him?"

She wasn't here to check on me; she came to confront me! Is she blaming me for interrupting their little rendezvous?

Amanda, visibly frustrated, snapped back, "Stop overthinking! It's just a coincidence that Russell and I ran into each other today. When he heard about your accident, he insisted on coming to see you. Don't be so petty!"

I managed a self-deprecating smile, "Well, now that you've seen him, can he leave? I need to talk with my wife."

Russell, looking somewhat awkward and apologetic, addressed Amanda, "It seems your husband doesn't want me here. I'll take my leave. Amanda, don't let my presence cause any tension between you and Mr. Pierce."

"Wait, you don't need to leave," Amanda interrupted, pulling him back. She turned to me with an edge in her voice, "If you have something to say, just say it. There's no need to take it out on others."

Unable to hold back, I shot back, "Do you prefer him over me? If so, I can step aside anytime."

Amanda's impatience was evident. "Michael, why are you acting like a jealous woman? Who I choose to talk to or be with is none of your business. Don't think this will scare me into submission. Maybe you should reflect on where you went wrong first!"

With that, Amanda led Russell out. If I wasn't mistaken, Russell's smug look as they left was almost blinding.

I was left fuming, the sight making me both laugh and seethe with anger.