Forever My Love - 1. Chapter 1: The Paolas seem happy. What could go wrong?

Human beings continue to live as long as their hearts go on beating

If our hearts stop beating, we stop living as well… because the blood stops flowing in our bodies…

But I don’t really believe that… that’s not the only reason to die. There’s something else…

When the heart stops beating, life fails to go on… because it fails to continue to love.

Only the dead have no capacity to love, especially if that person has lost the capacity to love because of a past.

***

From the moment we were born, everything has been decided for us, from the name we have, our status in life and even our future. But sometimes, fate has its own tricks to play. It’s going to challenge everything we believe has been set for us and most of the time, it uses love as its weapon.

In all these trials, nothing is ever easy. Someone always gets hurt and sometimes, someone dies, but one thing is for certain, there’s nothing sweeter than a fated challenge overcome and a fate that was fought for…

*

The sound from the water in the shower made the noise in the bathroom as it hit the floor with fog from the warmth making it look like clouds.

And here he was, a very handsome man standing in the shower with his hand on the wall, leaning and his head facing the floor. The water strode down his back, making him feel so warm and free, almost like it was taking away all the troubles that he knew.

It took time, he didn’t wanna leave but he knew he had taken so much time. He switched off the shower and picked a towel that begin wiping himself. He left the shower and went to a mirror that was covered with fog. He used his hand to wipe it, revealing his gorgeous self.

His pitch-black hair was wet but one could tell it was beautiful with his piercing blue eyes and well shaven beards and a smooth skin. He was muscular and had the body of a model. He got lost into the mirror once again and didn’t know how long it took but the next thing he felt were arms wrapping tightly around his waist from behind right before he felt a kiss on his back.

“Hey!” He chuckled, slightly turning his head. “I am wet, you know. You don’t wanna get wet.”

“You’re also naked.” A sweet voice spoke from behind followed by another kiss. “I don’t mind whether you’re wet or dry as long as I get to hold you while you’re naked.”

He laughed and slowly turned to find a captivating smile waiting for him, his husband. He looked at him with so much love, so much admiration. He couldn’t help but return the same. His husband was a gorgeous, handsome guy. He had medium length beach waves that was into frosted blonde balayage, a sexy hairless face with gorgeous big lips and a body to die for. He was just so perfect.

“You took so long in the shower, baby.”

“Did I?” He laughed, his arms wrapping tightly around his husband. “I didn’t notice.”

“Oh, maybe you did it on purpose so that I could follow you here.” He said, sexily circling his husband’s chest. “And then, we could spend the rest of our day here. Wouldn’t you like that?”

He laughed. “Come on, Jim, I would love to spend the rest of my day with you.” He sighed as he took a deep breath. “But I gotta work. If I don’t work, we’re gonna starve.”

“Even if we didn’t go to work for the next decade, we’d never go broke.” Jim said with a raised eyebrow. “Besides, last time I checked, my husband is the boss. All he needs to do is snap his finger and it will be done. No one will question why you didn’t go for work.”

“Yeah!” David nodded. “But as a leader, I need to lead by example. Besides, we have all the time in the world to be together.”

Jim smiled as his arms found themselves locked around his husband.

“You’re so cute.” He moaned. “Makes me wanna kiss you so bad and moan your name all over this place.”

Without wasting any time, he pulled the man’s head downwards and locked his lips with him. God! The kiss was explosive, hungry and passionate as usual. The feel of the man’s lips dancing on his, the scent emanating from him and the heat coming from him was just too much for Jim. He couldn’t help but moan.

Jim was happy, very happy. 5 years had passed already, five years of enjoying his marriage, five years of enjoying his peace with the love of his life. A lot had changed in those five years. He was married to the man of his dreams and they were a family.

Jim had graduated from the university and was now working in his father’s company and was part of the board. His love for David had grown so much that he couldn’t imagine life without him. The man had changed so much, had accepted their marriage and they were living happily.

For the last five years, no one had threatened his marriage since the pest that had wanted to destroy him was now dead, perhaps nothing but soil. The news of the death of Ben had come at the right time. He had gotten rid of his enemy and gotten his prize. David now loved him more than ever and he wished for nothing more than their happiness forever.

***

Jim and David were coming down the stairs, arm in arm looking like the perfect couple. David wore a black designer suit that fit on him so perfectly, showing his muscular body with his dark made into curtain bangs. Jim on the other hand was just simple as he was escorting his lovely husband.

Reaching down the stairs, Jim wrapped his arms around his husband’s neck and smiled while staring deep into those shining eyes.

“I will miss you so much, baby.” He moaned, biting his lips sensually.

“I will miss you too, but I will be back and we’ll be together.” He smiled.

Jim nodded and then pulled David’s head downwards until their lips met. God, five years and it still felt like a dream. His life had just become too perfect and he couldn’t believe he was kissing the man that happily kissed him back.

“There they are, my two lovely sons.” A voice interrupted them, right before they heard the sound of heels.

It was Claudia and she looked so sexy, so young with her dark hair made into long layers parted in the middle. She wore a beautiful black dress that stuck on her like a second skin, showing off her gorgeous curves and black high heels. She could easily pass for a 30-year-old.

“Hey, mom!” Jim chuckled, slowly turning to look at her. “How are you doing?”

“Good, even better now that I have seen my two favorite people.” She teased, winking at the both of them. They burst into laughter. “Don’t you two look lovely? And how are my two sons this morning?”

“We’re fine.” David replied, smiling at her. “And you look lovely too.”

The three of them were having an amazing time just talking. It didn’t take time before they heard footsteps and there emerged Amber, looking gorgeous in a black pants suit with black heels that made her look like a princess. Her hair was made into a loose updo and the smile on her face did her justice when she saw her brother.

“Good morning, mi amor!” She said happily with her arms open. “Hope you had a goodnight sleep.”

“It was perfect!” David replied as he kissed her head and pulled her into a hug. “And don’t you look beautiful today? Are you going on a date?”

Amber chuckled, pulling away from the hug. “Of course, not!” She winked. “I just love looking good. After all, who knows whom we meet?” She laughed, still holding his hand. “Are you ready to go for work?”

“Well, I…”

“You haven’t had your breakfast.” Jim chimed in, resting his hand on her shoulder. “The food is very delicious and I inspected it myself. I am pretty sure you’ll love it.”

Amber looked beside her shoulder and shrugged it off, losing the smile on her face.

“I am not hungry, especially not for the food that you personally inspected.” She said harshly, watching as he lost the smile on her face. “I will get something on the way to the office. And I will appreciate it if next time you keep your mouth shut and not talk to me. Am I understood?”

To say Claudia and David were shocked would be an understatement.

“Amber?” Claudia gasped, shaking her head. “Why would you speak to Jim like that? Have you lost your senses? Have you forgotten that he’s the son in law of this house, your brother’s husband?”

“Well then, I don’t wanna stress the point anymore.” She shrugged. “Tell him to stay out of my way. This good guy thing doesn’t fool me at all because I can see right through him. I only ask for one thing and that is for him to leave me alone. He can do anything he wants but he should stay away from me.”

Jim felt tears in his eyes.

“You’re impossible!” Claudia shook her head. “Apologize to him right now.” She demanded.

Amber laughed. “Over my dead body, mom, will I waste my breath apologizing to this guy. You can do that for me, after all, you’ve been doing it all these years.” She looked at David who stood there looking like a robot. “I will be outside.”

Without any words, she left. David took a deep breath and took Jim’s hand, slowly kissing it. He could tell that his husband was very much hurt. He had just been trying to be nice and Amber had started the trouble as usual.

“I am so sorry, baby.” He apologized. “Forgive her, I am sure she’s just frustrated from all the work she’s been doing recently. I’ll talk to her and she’ll come around. I promise.”

Jim gave a fake smile, nodding.

“I will see you later.”

He kissed him quickly and rushed outside. When he reached there, he found Amber waiting for him. She had a smile on her face as though nothing had happened. David crossed his arms on his chest and raised his eyebrow as he stared at her.

“What?” She shrugged.

“What was the meaning of that, Amber?” David’s voice was a little high. “Why would you speak to him like that? What has this boy done that you hate him so much? Let me remind you that Jim and I are married.” He emphasized. “He deserves to be respected as my spouse as well as your brother-in-law.”

“I don’t wanna talk about this.” She said with a sigh. “If you want someone to tell you what’s going on then why don’t you ask your husband? That’s if he’s got the guts to even tell you what it is.”

“You’re the one that always starts these fights, Amber.” David defended. “Jim has had fights with you, yes, but most of the time you’re the one that provokes him. I am getting tired of seeing this hatred that you have for him.”

Amber’s mouth opened but no word came out of it. She got offended when her brother said that to her.

“Are you saying that I am the problem?”

“I didn’t say that.” David raised his hands like he was surrendering. “All I said is…”

“It’s okay, I got you.” She nodded, taking a step behind. “I will stay away from your husband, David. But one day, you’ll realize that I am not the problem.”

With those words, she made a quick turn and started rushing out of there.

“Hey!” David hollered. “Where are you going?”

“To the office!”

“But I thought…”

“Yeah, I have changed my mind.” She said without even looking behind her. “I’ll go with my car and you go with yours. I need some air.”

“Amber?” David called. “Hey!”

But she just drove out of the compound with her car, leaving him there confused. He was shaking his head.

***

“Are you serious?” Isaac laughed, looking at the man that was staring at him with a stern face. “Another one this morning? Oh wow, your house should be called the house of drama.” He continued laughing.

“This isn’t funny, Isaac.” David sighed, running his fingers through his hair.

David and Isaac were in David’s office talking while having their lunch. Isaac, still handsome as ever had travelled all the way from the hospital to come and have lunch with his friend. He was a neurosurgeon, one of the youngest doctors in the country.

“I literally cannot take it.” He continued. “This isn’t like Amber. You know she is not the type to be causing trouble. My sister loves everyone except for my husband and I don’t know how I can explain that.”

“Well…” Isaac shrugged. “…tension is bound to rise between a sister-in-law and a brother-in-law. I guess, they’re competing for your love and attention.”

“Yeah, but it’s more than that.” He took a deep breath, leaning closer to the table. “Maybe you know why these two are always in each other’s hairs. Has Amber told you anything about why she gets irritated whenever she sees him?”

Isaac stared at his friend for a few minutes without saying a word. He knew what he wanted to say but there was a voice at the back of his mind telling him to keep quiet. Then like a flash, he burst into laughter and patted on his friend’s shoulder.

“I don’t know, man, you know Amber. She only tells you something when she wants. Even if I asked her, she wouldn’t tell me. I am as blank as you.”

“Shit!” He said under his breath.

“What about you?” He asked. “How do you feel about all this?”

David gave a gloomy sigh, rubbing the sides of his head. “I don’t know how to feel, honestly. On one hand is my sister who’s always been by my side for as long as I can remember. On the other is my husband who has shown me nothing but love the last five years. It’s tough, honestly, and I know I cannot choose to side with either without hurting the other. But just this morning, I think I might have hurt my sister with the way I spoke to her.”

“It’s that bad, huh?”

“Yeah!” He nodded. “But you know, sometimes I feel like there’s a missing piece. It’s like I need to find something but I don’t know what that is. I have felt this way the last few years and no matter what I do, I cannot fill that void. And with the whole feud, I just feel confused.”

Isaac smiled sheepishly. “One day, you’ll understand what you need to do. Right now, I think you and Amber should talk. I can imagine that she’s just as miserable as you. You guys are like two twins that cannot be separated. You need to go and see her.”

David smiled and nodded. “You’re right.” He rose from the chair. “I will go right now.”

He didn’t waste any time. He rushed out of his office and went to see her.

***

“That stupid bitch!” Jim yelled, angrily throwing his bag on the table.

The woman that was seated on the other end with her legs on the table couldn’t mask the surprise on her face. She looked beautiful, classy and sexy. She wore a blue dress that stuck on her like a second skin, showing off her curves with blue heels. Her shoulder length chocolate brown hair with blonde highlights were made into curly fringe, making her look like a seductress. One could mistake her for a college student.

“Hey, baby, what seems to be the problem?” Elena asked, a frown appearing on her face. “On such an occasion I was expecting you to be happy.”

“How could I, mommy?” He snarled, clenching his fist. “I am sick and tired of that stupid bitch called Amber. She’s becoming a thorn in my relationship and here I was thinking I got rid of the only thorn in my life.”

Elena chuckled, seductively rising from the chair. She walked to her son and cupped his cheeks, smiling at him.

“You’re a very handsome boy, my love.” She caressed him. “You don’t need to wear a frown on your face. It makes you look old. Smile, chill and enjoy yourself. Amber has always been bitter and jealous. Do you know why?” She asked. “Because she knows she’s no longer the attention of that house. You’ve got Claudia and David on your side. She feels threatened and that’s why she’s acting like that.”

“No, mom…” He breathed harshly, shaking his head. “…it is more than that. You should hear her whenever it is just the two of us. She keeps threatening me and I am scared that one of these days, she might do something that may hurt me.”

Elena burst into laughter. She found what her son had said very funny.

“And what makes you think that I will allow that?” She shrugged, sitting back on the table. “You don’t know what I can do when my life is threatened. Amber is like a speck of dust in my hands, nothing compared to that problem we had over five years ago. If she doesn’t behave, let’s just say that something unfortunate might happen.”

Jim’s mouth pulled into a silent O, getting ever larger as he processed the news. His hands flailed before he drove in for a hug.

“Really, mom?” He asked excitedly.

“Of course.” Elena had an evil grin on her face. “Anything for you, my love.”

Jim pulled away from the hug staring at his mother. “This makes me so happy, but right now, I think I can handle Amber.”

“Sure!” She shrugged. “Whenever you need me, I am only a call away. Anyways,” She took her son’s hands and pulled him closer. “How’s my handsome son-in-law? And how are you guys doing?”

Jim’s face flushed with excitement. “He’s actually very good. I called him a few minutes ago and he said he’ll be home by 7.” But then he lost the smile on his face. “But… although… I still have one problem mom. I think David doesn’t pay much attention to me, the way he should, especially at night.” He sighed, feeling some anger taking ahold of him. “It makes so mad, it’s like I am not even there. He just pays attention to him.”

Elena smiled, wrapping her arms around him.

“I understand but you know what they say, when you love someone, you gotta love everything that they love too.” She said confidently. “And besides, that’s a tiny problem that you can easily get rid of.”

“I know.” He sighed, running his fingers through his hair. “I only agreed to this because I wanted David to forget about that bitch and focus on our life together. But this is becoming a problem.”

“And I trust you’ll think of a permanent solution to it.” She reassured. “Now, how are the preparations for tonight?”

Hearing his mother’s question, Jim’s face lit up with a very big smile. “Everything is going as planned and I know he’s gonna love it. He’s got no idea.”

“Really?” Elena raised an eyebrow. “Tell me all about it.”

Jim started explaining to his mother how everything was going…

***

David, Amber and Isaac entered the big mansion happily. They were laughing as they talked about their trip from long ago, one they wanted to go on, just the three of them. They were so happy but then suddenly…

“Baby, welcome home!”

David quickly looked in front of him and saw his husband rushing to him with a stern face. He looked gorgeous in a black skinny jean with a white shirt. As soon as he reached him, he coiled his arm with him.

“Hey, I need you to come with me.” He said abruptly. “There’s something I wanna talk to you about.” He seemed so nervous that it made David nervous too.

“Hey, is everything okay?” David sounded worried. “Why do you look like that?”

Jim looked at his husband and took a deep breath. “Well, mom was walking outside near the pool when she tripped and fell. I think she might have twisted her ankle.”

“What?” He gasped, his eyes widening. “Where’s she?”

“Still at the back.”

Without wasting any time, David began rushing outside like the hounds of hell were after him. The others followed him. He was really worried. But when he reached the back, he couldn’t see anything. It was really dark.

“Mom?” He hollered. “Are you here?”

But there was no answer.

“Mom, where are you? Mo…”

Suddenly, the lights went on and…

“Surprise!” Everyone screamed.

To say David was surprised would be an understatement. His eyes widened and he felt his heart began to race. He was standing there like he was frozen. There were a few people near the pool area all dressed for the occasion that he didn’t know. His mother was there and also his in-laws. The place was decorated beautifully with flowers and everyone was dressed for an occasion.

“Surprise, baby!” Jim said happily, wrapping an arm around him right before he pulled him down and kissed him.

Everyone started cheering.

“What’s going on?” David whispered when he pulled away from his husband.

“Happy Anniversary, baby.” He said with a wide smile. “Did you forget?”

That was when it had hit him. “Oh God, I am so sorry, Jim, I had completely forgotten. I got caught up in so much work and…” He stopped and hit his head. “…I promise I will make it up to you.”

“It’s okay, baby.” Jim said with a smile.

“But…” He paused and looked at everyone. “…you know…”

“I know you hate parties and that is why I didn’t organize any.” He said with a nervous smile. “It’s only a few people that we love and some workmates.”

Before David could answer the question, he heard a voice calling him.

“Happy Anniversary, baby.” Claudia rushed to him and wrapped her arms, kissing his cheek. “can’t believe my two babies are celebrating another year of being together. God bless the both of you and may no evil eye be cast on you both.”

“Thank you so much.” Jim blushed, slowly resting his head on his husband’s shoulder. “With your blessings, my husband and I will be together forever.”

“And that is true.” A familiar voice was heard right before Elena emerged, looking like a goddess with Jerome. “Happy anniversary to you both.”

David slightly smiled, putting his hands together before he slowly bowed.

“Thank you so much,” He nodded.

They talked for a few minutes before they began greeting the guests. There were lots of people, some he could remember and others he couldn’t. He talked to a few although he felt the situation was awkward for him. He remembered loving parties but he felt out of place and hence the reason why he didn’t like them.

After what felt like hours, he finally got the chance and just sat on a table. He felt tired and sleepy but he knew damn well that party was far from over. Sitting on a chair, he took a glass full of water and emptied it all in his mouth. Then he began searching the whole place to see if he could spot his sister and friend but couldn’t see them.

“Great!” He sighed, combing his hair with his fingers. “Guess I am stuck here.”

He took a bottle of wine and was about to pour it in a glass when he felt someone pulling on his trouser. He put the bottle down and leaned to see. When he raised the table cloth, he found a little boy staring into his face with a cute smile. He was holding a big brown teddy bear.

The little boy had short, curly chocolate brown hair, a cute round face and a smile that melted David’s heart. His mood instantly changed and he felt happiness like a wave take ahold of him. It was something that he couldn’t explain.

“Hey, bud, what are you doing there?”

“Playing and hiding from a monster.” The little boy answered in his cute voice.

“A monster?” He raised an eyebrow. “But there are no monsters here. Why don’t you come out and…”

“No!” He shook his head. “I wanna stay here and play. Come play with me, daddy, please.”

David laughed when he heard his son plead.

“Please!”

“Alright, baby, I guess I could use some company.”

He got under the table and weirdly enough, it was very big to accommodate him. He took the child on his lap and held him tightly, enjoying the warmth and love he felt. No one had ever made him feel as content as his son made him feel and it was something he appreciated.

“So, tell me, baby, how was school today?”

“It was okay, but I want ice cream and chocolate.”

David burst into laughter. “Alright, Michael, why don’t you tell daddy all about school and there after, we’re gonna get ice cream.”

“Yeah!” The boy danced on David’s lap and started telling him about how school had gone.

David enjoyed every bit of it and he couldn’t stop smiling. He couldn’t imagine how life would be without his bundle of joy.

***

The night was cold, the wind a little harsh, blowing the leaves that were on the ground with a rustling sound.

The moon was so high in the sky, lighting up every place like it wasn’t night. It was a cold night but the weather was favorable, perfect to brighten every mood. But here he was, standing in the cold, his eyes fixed on the stone that had the name “LEAH” written there.

He was filled with so much sorrow, almost like someone was slowly cutting him with a hot knife. He wore a black shirt with a black designer trouser with his hair covered with a black cloth. Even from afar, someone could tell he was in so much pain.

His watery eyes closed as he stared at the inscription on the stone and tears, clear as spring water flowed down his cheeks. He felt lonely as he stood there, trying to gather himself while silent tears silently ran down his cheeks from sorrow.

He dropped to his knees and robotically moved his hand to touch the stone. As soon as he did, flashing images began playing in his mind.

“My child! Save my baby. She’s not breathing.”

He let out a gut-wrenching wail, feeling weak.

“Leah!” His voice sounded like I was made of gravel. His clear tone was undercut with a choking heaviness. “Leah, dad is here. Dad is back and… and the pain still feels the same, maybe even worse. Forgive daddy for going away so long, baby, I had no choice. I didn’t wanna stay away from you for so long but now I am back and I promise I won’t leave you ever, my love. Daddy will be with you.”

He slowly lay on the grave of his daughter and just let the pain and sadness take control of his life. He was once bright, bubbly, and ambitious, even. He had dreams. His smile would brighten up the room and he was so much in love, he loved so much and, in the end, got so much hurt and lost his hope for happiness.

Now there wasn’t any shine in his eyes even when he smiled. It was like a plastic doll, eyes in a daze, distant. His heart and soul had been in with his daughter even when he had been abroad. Now that he was back, so did all the pain and the memories, memories he had thought he’d left behind.

“I love you so much, Leah!”

He let out a strangled sob, his shoulders shaking as he cried.

To be continued…