The Arrangement

CHAPTER 19

Johnathan was shocked when he finally returned to work a week later. She was packing up her stuff in boxes and clearing her desk. They briefly looked into each other's eyes when Savannah quickly turned away. Kyra did not like how Johnathan manipulated her friend in the beginning but she could see they both were struggling with the way they felt about each other. 

"He has been missing for weeks. Are you sure there is nothing left for you two?" Kyra said softly. "No, we are over," Savannah whispered back. Johnathan found out she had resigned from the company and left a check for him covering all the money he had spent on her bills. He was devastated. Johnathan did not want the money. He only wanted her. He got on the company intercom and poured his heart out. 

"Staff, I would like to make an announcement. I made a terrible mistake. I pushed away the only woman I have ever loved. I manipulated her into entering an agreement that would benefit me without considering how torn she was about it. I was wrong to come up with this arrangement. But I was not wrong to fall in love with her. My heart aches each time we are apart and I long to be close to her again. I am praying to God each day that she would forgive me so we can start over again. I now know a relationship and marriage are built on trust, honesty, faith, and love. God is the foundation. I am better with her and feel lost without her. I am trying to find myself again and build on a relationship with God. I truly wish I could share all of this with her. I publically take responsibility for the fake relationship, marriage, lies, and cover-ups with our friends and family. She hated doing it all along. I used her weakness and vulnerability when it came to taking care of the needs of those she loves," Johnathan explained.

"I am now more than ever ready to commit to her and love her as she deserves. I am not a perfect man and I have my flaws but I know the beauty, fire, kindness, and love for others I see in her are things I want for myself and want to experience. We may not have come together the conventional way but our ending could be great. Savannah Nottage, I am completely in love with you and I am asking you to allow me in your life on your terms, Johnathan continued. There was complete silence in the office. 

Savannah closed her eyes at that moment. Why did he decide to do this now? She was desperately trying hard for closure and then he would come into her thoughts she would get sad and want to see him again. She could not just forget all the lies and deception. The manipulation and the investigation. She forgave him but did not completely trust him. Kyra looked at her friend and held her hand. 

"I have to get out of here," Savannah confessed. She was not going to let him off that easy. All eyes looked on at her at that moment. Everyone wanted and hoped for a happy ending for Johnathan and Savannah. Kyra followed her friend out of the building praying for a better ending to this story.

When Johnathan realized she was gone he worked throughout the day frustrated and feeling defeated. His brother Elijah checked up on him. Elijah hated seeing his baby brother so down and hopeless. "Johnathan, you can't force it. Give her time to forgive you and want to be with you. The arrangement, investigating her, the money, and pretending you were a happy couple was a lot for her to handle. You can't expect her to come running into your arms that easily," Elijah explained. 

"Find you for a change. Clean up yourself and work on your relationship with God. When she comes back to you be a changed man and give her a reason to stay," Elijah suggested. Johnathan nodded and agreed. He did not want to be separated from her but he had to give her the space she needed. For six months he overwhelmed her with marriage, a contract, and a confession of love. Perhaps, they both needed time apart to reset but he was never going to give up hope on the love he had for her. 

Two months later

Pastor Matthew continued on and on about his accomplishments and duties in the church. Savannah was sorry she agreed to meet him for lunch. He had been so persistent and kind to her that she agreed. She had begun the process of finding a space for her studio, booking photography appointments, art classes, and interested buyers in her paintings. She wished she had Johnathan's input because he was so good at business. 

Savannah was not ready to start a new relationship and the Pastor seemed to develop a keen interest in her. Savannah hated to admit it but she still had feelings for Johnathan. Going on dates with other guys did not diminish those feelings. She had heard from Kyra that he was doing more charity work and got baptized recently. Furthermore, he had given his life to God. Savannah was beyond intrigued by the changes in his life. When they went out on dates he would listen to her so attentively. She missed him so much. 

"Are we going out to the movies?" Pastor Matthew asked. Savannah did not want to do this but there was no denying it anymore, her heart was with someone else. "Matthew, you are a great man but I think we are better off as friends," Savannah said gently. Pastor Matthew looked at her disappointed thinking they had something special. 

He nodded knowing when not to push for something that could never be. He realized her heart was somewhere else. Savannah felt bad for having to let him down. Suddenly, a message came across her phone. Johnathan was in a terrible car accident and was headed to the hospital.

"No, please be okay," Savannah prayed. She got up. "I have to go," she said heading to the hospital to see him.