Chapter 3. Two-way Direction 2

Garrett decided not to argue about it. He did not want to reveal facts that could be an indication that his words were true. That during those eight years, it had not been all misfortune for the woman. He was certain, even though he did not know, he was sure.

“But, even if during these eight years it wasn't only misfortune I experienced, it seems that it's not worth it compared to what I'm going through now. All the happiness I once felt is gone. Disappeared without a trace.”

“That bad?”

Elice let out a long sigh and then turned her head, looking at Garrett with an empty gaze. She seemed to smile, but it lacked any emotion.

Once, Elice nodded, with an assumption in her mind. That the man before her was nothing more than a stranger. A stranger she would never meet again. And at that moment, Elice realized it. That what she needed right now was just one thing. A place where she could vent all the pain, anger, and disappointment that almost drove her crazy.

“That bad,” Elice answered bitterly. “To the point where I sometimes want to end my life.”

Garrett's expression changed suddenly. There was no trace of amusement in his face anymore. It disappeared instantly when he heard that sentence slip so effortlessly from the lips painted with red lipstick. It was smooth, as if there were no burdens or considerations from the owner.

“You?”

Elice bit her lower lip, her face immediately lowered as she looked at her fingers. It was just a diversion. She tried to hide her eyes that were starting to well up again.

“I'm really worthless now. I've become a woman with no value at all.”

Though not entirely sure, Garrett seemed to guess the source of Elice's problem. No woman would be this desperate if it were not related to a man and... her honor.

“He told me he loved me. I believed it. And for some reason, even after all these years, I still truly feel it.”

Elice closed her eyes, trying to push away the memories that immediately surfaced in her mind. The beginning of her encounter with Ariel. How they fell in love and entered a relationship that made other women envy her.

Then, their love deepened over time. And it was not strange that eventually, Elice completely surrendered her life to Ariel. Not just her heart and love, but everything about herself.

“I got pregnant.”

Garrett held his breath. His guess did not miss the mark. It hit its target precisely.

“Then? He didn't want to take responsibility?”

“Hahaha.”

A faint laugh escaped from Elice's throat. Her face lifted, looking at Garrett with teary eyes. Her smile seemed poignant.

“Worse than that,” Elice replied, taking a deep breath. “He forced me to abort our baby. Even though a week before that, he promised to marry me.”

Garrett would not be surprised if Elice was contemplating ending her life. Truly. He never expected that this would be the reason why a beautiful woman like Elice was crying alone in a club, accompanied by alcoholic drinks.

His eyes widened suddenly. “You drank.”

Elice snorted with amusement. She looked at Garrett with her hand resting on her stomach, and the painful expression became evident. It was something Garrett had never seen before.

Elice nodded once. “Sorry. I mean, I was pregnant. Now, my baby is gone,” she whispered softly. “He's gone. I couldn't keep him. Ah! I still often feel like he's still inside my stomach.”

There was a visible lump in Elice's throat as she tried to hold back her sobs. Her beautiful face appeared hardened in the effort to suppress her tears.

“I thought I could be strong. I could keep him. But all the reality overwhelmed me, and in the end...”

Garrett reached out and grabbed Elice's hand, holding it tightly, then letting her take control of the grip. He willingly allowed her to squeeze his hand with all her might.

“But you know what makes me even more devastated?”

“Please, tell me.”

Elice needed a moment. She took a deep breath, trying to strengthen herself. Because when she decided to answer that question honestly, it meant reopening old wounds.

“He was grateful. He thanked me. And he even laughed so happily in front of me.”

Elice would never forget that. No. The image of Ariel being so joyful while she was in despair on the hospital bed flashed in her mind. It made her feel nauseous instantly.

Garrett raised his hand, signaling the bartender for a glass of water. He handed the cold drink to Elice.

Of course, it would take more than a glass of water to ease the tightness in Elice's chest. But, at least, she could breathe a little easier now.

“But, if you think everything ended there, you're clearly mistaken.”

Elice looked at the empty glass in her hand, realizing that her life was no different from that glass. There was nothing inside it anymore. Now she was exactly like a person with nothing left.

“You konw? A few days later, Ariel's family came to my house.”

Garrett noticed how Elice's fingers tightened around the glass again. Her body tensed. And he knew that this was the point where Elice was truly shattered. Which... was true.

“They said many things that made me unable to look at my mother's face again. Th-they...”

Elice's eyes suddenly closed. The memory was vivid in her mind. How Ariel's parents came and offered her money as compensation for leaving their son alone.

Then they said other things she had never imagined before. Doubts about herself, as if she had been involved with several men before finally ending up with Ariel. Their only son, who was adored by many.

Elice was truly broken. She might have endured losing her child and her dignity. Being abandoned by the man she loved. But when she saw her mother crying, she knew. She had loved the wrong man.

*