STERLING

CHAPTER FOUR

"We are all a little weird and life's a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love." Dr. Seuss.

Sometime in the past....

As the sun set beautifully, painting warm colors across the sky, it made a scene that meant a lot to her. The beach became a special place where she could easily lose herself in its timeless beauty. It was like a safe haven, holding memories of a deep connection in her heart. The waves crashing against the shore reminded her of her beloved mama, who had taught her to appreciate the sea. Memories of running on the beach with her parents and laughing while building sandcastles flooded her mind. But this magical world fell apart when her mama left, disappearing like the sands they once walked together.

"I've brought your favorite chocolate, sunflower," he announced, a mischievous smile lighting up his face, interrupting her daydream. As he handed her the chocolate, he whispered as he sat beside her, "I thought it might sweeten your thoughts. A flush of warmth appears on her cheeks. "Thank you, " she said joyfully, unwrapping the chocolate and taking a big bite. Sensing his intense gaze, she couldn't help but feel a bit shy and nervous using her long black curly hair to avoided his stares.

"Do you know why I call you sunflower?" he inquired, gazing at the sea. Before she could respond, she focused on the ground, sketching in the sand. He explained, "Because, just like a sunflower turns to the sun, you light up my world when you're here. She laughed, "Stop with the cheeky lines," she said, amused. She turned to him, finding his face serious and sincere.

"When I say those words to you, Ada, I mean it sincerely". He continued. " I don't mind when or if you say you love me; I'll patiently wait for you to tell me." A pang of guilt swept over her as she questioned herself. Who was she kidding? He had reassured her many times of his genuine love. While she knew she loved him in return, the challenge of reciprocating those three words persisted, leaving her in a perplexing emotional state. She knew the answer.

"You're lost in thoughts again," he remarked, gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"No, I'm not."

"Yes, you are."

"No."

"Yes."

"Christian, you don't want to go down that road with me," she replied, raising an eyebrow with pride.

"Okay, ma, you're the boss," he said, winking and adding a playful grin to his response. She stared at him, curious about what he was thinking. His face was hard to read, and she couldn't figure out what he was feeling. They shared a moment of silent curiosity, leaving her intrigued and eager to know what was on his mind.

"You are beautiful," he declared.

"Oh, thank you."

"Hahahahahah" she laughed. Wanting to kill the conversation between and keep things less tense between them .He knew everything about her. The real her. Her past. knowing the love that he had for her and seeing The love in his eyes spoke volumes, and he had openly declared his affection for her. He possessed the qualities any girl would desire, the kind of guy one would want in their corner. However, she remained steadfast in setting clear boundaries. The stark reality persisted—she was a married woman, and despite the undeniable allure, the possibility of any romantic involvement between them was a distant, impractical dream."I mean it, sunflower. You are beautiful," She looked at him. He face became serious. She had never see him so serious like this. All those cheeky lines were gone. He took her hands at placed it over his chest. Wanting to remove her hand her brought it back and place there,his eyes holding a mix of love,admiration, and longing. Despite any attempt to divert her gaze, he gently held her face in place with his eyes . His eyes trailed down to her lips, and he leaned in, capturing them with a tender kiss that left her speechless.

His lips, both soft and firm, embraced hers with an intensity that spoke of profound passion. In that stolen moment, time appeared to pause, and the world around them dissolved into the sweet intimacy they shared. Aware of the wrongness of the situation, she found herself unable to resist, melting under the spell of his touch and the fervor of his kiss. Sliding her fingers into his hair, she urged him closer, deepening the kiss. It was a silent signal, and he obliged, sensing her desire. Slowly, tracing a path from her mouth to her neck and then her earlobe, each touch igniting a fire within her.

"Ada, I can't stop," he confessed, reclaiming her mouth. She felt the same longing. Distracted for a heartbeat by the crushing waves at their feet, she grappled with conflicting emotions. Love for him was entangled with the guilt of something that was far beyond what he knew about her. Did regret linger within her. The answer stared her in the face. Could she feign indifference to this tangled affair.A delicate image emerged right before her eyes. That word felt somewhat familiar, but it was undeniably true.

"What the hell.....!" an enraged voice echoed from a distance. Instantly recognizing it as someone she knew, panic surged through her. Hastily breaking the kiss, she turned toward him, feeling as though ice-cold water had been poured over her. His eyes blazed with fury as he stormed towards them, his intense aura signaling more than just anger.She watched in horror as he unleashed the first blow at Christian. Her scream pierced the air, grabbing the attention of the lifeguards who hurriedly intervened. Recognizing that the dispute was going nowhere ,Desperate to intervene, she was forcefully pushed aside by the escalating fight between the two. Her pleas for them to stop echoed against the crashing waves.

Amidst the chaos, seeing Christian delivering punches in a violent exchange,tears streamed down her face as she cried for the futile battle to cease.Finally, when the two lifeguards were able to calm the situation,The rage that once burned in his eyes shifted, focusing squarely on her.

"So, this is the piece of shit you've been with, huh?" he spat with contempt. Tearfully, she pleaded, "Please, I am sorry."

As he wrestled himself free from the grip of the lifeguard, the gravity of the situation tightening like a noose around them.She glanced at Christian, noting his confusion. His face, bruised and faced with a mix of emotions. No regrets for her actions, but she had to follow him. The secret she kept from him was out—she was married.The unspoken truth lingered, casting a cloud over what once felt simple and uncomplicated.

Thank you for reading. please like and comment.

love sharon.