Past Lovers

A False Sense Of Comfort

"What's wrong?" he asked.

Megan took a deep breath and sat down on the couch. She looked at Michael and tried to find the words to tell him what she had just learned.

"I got a call from a detective today," she said finally. "He told me that you're under investigation for money laundering, and that there's evidence that you were involved in other illegal activities."

Michael's face fell as he listened to her words. He looked down at his hands and took a deep breath.

"I was hoping that wouldn't come out," he said. "I wanted to tell you myself."

Megan felt a wave of anger wash over her as she listened to him. She couldn't believe that he had kept this from her. Had they not just had a conversation about being honest with one another. Megan felt betrayed. 

"Why didn't you tell me?" she asked, her voice shaking.

Michael looked up at her with tears in his eyes.

"I was afraid that you wouldn't love me if you knew," he said. "I was afraid that you would see me as a criminal, and that you would never be able to forgive me."

Megan felt her anger begin to subside slightly as she listened to Michael. She knew that he was telling her the truth or at least that's what she told herself.

"I love you, Michael," she said finally. "But we need to talk about this completely. No more secrets or I am out." Michael listened whole heartedly. 

Megan was proud of herself for putting her foot down, but she couldn't help but feel like there was still not everything out on the table. But could she blame him? For him, her past was still a mystery too. To be honest, she was sure he didn't even know who she truly was. Her past, her trauma, her true self. 

Over the next few weeks, Megan and Michael talked extensively about his past. Michael told her everything he could remember about the illegal activities he had been involved in, and Megan listened without judgment.

But Megan also knew that they couldn't ignore what Michael had done in the past. They needed to figure out what the consequences of his actions would be, and how they would move forward.

One day, while they were out on a walk, Michael took Megan's hand and looked into her eyes.

"I want to make things right," he said. "I know that I made some mistakes in the past, but I'm not that person anymore. I want to do whatever it takes to make things right."

Megan felt a wave of compassion wash over her as she looked at Michael. She felt that she knew that he was sincere in his words, and that he was truly sorry for what he had done.

"We'll figure it out," she said, taking his hand in hers. "Together."

Over the next few months, Michael worked with a lawyer to try and clear his name. He cooperated fully with the authorities, and he did everything he could to make amends for his past mistakes.

Megan stood by his side the entire time, offering her support and love. She knew that Michael was a good man at heart, and that he deserved a second chance.

Finally, after months of waiting, Michael received some good news. The charges against him were dropped, and he was free to go.

Megan was overjoyed at the news. She knew that Michael had worked hard to make things right, and she was proud of him for doing so.

As they walked out of the courthouse, hand in hand, Megan knew that they had overcome a great obstacle in their relationship. They had faced Michael's past together, and they had come out stronger for it.

They walked back to their car, and as they drove home, Megan felt a sense of peace settle over her. She knew that they still had a lot of work to do, but she felt confident that they could face any challenge that came their way.

When they got home, Michael surprised her by leading her out onto their balcony. He had set up a romantic dinner for the two of them, complete with candles and their favorite meal.

As they ate, Michael looked at Megan with love in his eyes. It was what she always wanted. Not the fancy Michelin star dinners, but the one's with just the two of them together. Although, with all the love that now surrounded the two, the moment couldn't help but remind Megan of Alex. 

But as they ate, Michael looked at Megan with love in his eyes.

"I never thought that I would find someone who could love me for who I am," he said. "But you've shown me that it's possible. I love you more than anything, Megan."

Megan felt tears spring to her eyes as she looked at Michael. She knew that they had been through a lot, but she also knew that their love was stronger than any obstacle.

"I love you too, Michael," she said, taking his hand in hers. "I always will."

While she meant every word she said, a small part of her didn't feel fully invested, but as they finished their meal, and as they cleared the dishes, Michael took Megan into his arms.

"I want to spend the rest of my life making it up to you," he said. "I want to show you every day how much I love you."

Megan looked up at him with a smile on her face.

"I know you will," she said. "And I'll be right here with you every step of the way."

From that day forward, Megan and Michael worked together to build a life together. They faced many challenges, but they always worked through them together.

Megan continued to work at the fashion magazine, and Michael continued to run his successful business. They grew closer every day, and their love for each other only grew stronger. Megan began to forget about Alex. He was just a name in the book of her past. She was happy now. Engaged to a successful man that could show her the world.

By time their wedding came around, they danced together at their wedding reception, Megan felt grateful for everything that had brought them to that moment. She knew that they had been through a lot, but she also knew that they were stronger for it.

Michael had taught her that love was about forgiveness, and that it was possible to overcome even the biggest obstacles when two people were committed to each other.

And as they swayed together on the dance floor, Megan knew that she would love Michael forever. He was the love of her life, and she was grateful for every moment they spent together. But was she the only love of her life was the question that sat deep within her.