Chapter 151: I Am In A Very Unconventional Relationship
Amelia translated the entire opera for me because they didn’t have celebrities like the ones here. Can you imagine a stranger whispering words of love and tragedy into your ear for three months? Not only that, but he had champagne and strawberries lined up. I was a hot mess when it was over, and he apparently was affected by it because he invited me to his house for dinner. We talked until dawn, and then he took me home to the little room I was renting for the summer and kissed the heck out of me. He begged for another date, and of course, I said yes.” Amila said, a tear rolling down her face as she spoke. This must have been the most emotional thing for her.
He was with me when I found out about my mother’s illness, and he flew me home on his private jet. After work, we kissed and shared a bed, but we never had sex during those months. He made sure I was okay. We spent every day together before I was confused; all that, but no sex. That was so different from what I was used to hearing.
“What happened?” I asked, bracing myself for the blow I knew was coming in this too-good-to-be-true story.
I told him it was time for me to go back to school, which he tried to pay for, but I refused. He created this wonderful dinner and even arranged a private opera performance right in his house, and it was the most romantic thing. When all the festivities were over, he told me why we were physical to the point of sex. He was a married man.” Her voice cracked on those words; my mouth dropped open, and I was lost for words.
“He was on his knees in front of me. He told me he came from a very rich family and it was required of him to marry the woman of his father’s choosing to strengthen the family business. He was married as soon as he turned twenty and graduated from the university. He was in tears, and even though my heart broke, it broke me even more to see him like that. He told me his brother had deserted the family to go to Spain, but he had to stay or it would break his parents’ hearts. After twenty years of marriage, he was used to it. He didn’t hold any animosity or anger; she had become his friend, they didn’t have any children though, and he started spending his time away, working because things had become rocky at home. He picked Ogume for the summer and met me.” She paused, taking a deep breath.
“He told me he fell in love with me and was selfish and wanted every minute with the girl he knew he could never have. He begged for forgiveness, but he knew he wouldn’t be able to live with himself if he had sex with me knowing his body belonged to another.” She stood again, letting her tears flow freely.
Hearing her, I was like listening to a woman who had years of life and pain, so much pain. To find love so young and then not be able to actually keep it must be heartbreaking. It made me want to go to my men; I had been so stupid for all the ways I had acted. I had them, and they freely wanted me. I wanted them, and no one was keeping us apart or stood in our way. I handed her a tissue to wipe her eyes, my eyes beginning to water. This was the saddest story I have ever heard.
“He isn’t married now,” I blurted out, remembering Justin telling me his wife passed away two years ago.
“His wife passed away,” I said in a whisper, her eyes brightened and then dimmed.
“I feel so stupid for that hope that just passed through me. It has been almost five years; even if we could have something again, I doubt it would happen. He was a rich man who took advantage of an inexperienced eighteen-year-old girl in the most fucked-up way ever.” She said, trying to sound convincing.
Age-gap relationships stigma is different in other countries. What he did wasn’t right, but at least he had the decency to be respectful about it. Not having sex must have been extremely hard, especially from the connection I felt in your words,” I said, and she bit her lip and then smiled.
Of all the men I have ever met, he has never left my mind, and I have never let another man have my heart or my body for that matter. I just felt so guilty that I left him crying into his hands on his knees as I left and never looked back. I made sure I was on the first flight back home and blocked all his contact, but I never stopped loving him.” She said, and I smiled.
“Now is the right time; there is nothing stopping you both from reconnecting. I could see the connection you had even before I knew your story,” I said, moving closer and gently taking her hand. I’m in a very unconventional relationship myself, but as long as you approach it with care, it’s okay to do things differently. As long as you both agree, respect each other, and love unconditionally.” She nodded and hugged me.
I couldn’t wait to hear the rest of their story. I knew it would be hard because both their hearts have been scorched, but I knew with time, they would be able to be whole again. They would find their happiness again; who knows, that is why the Almighty made their paths cross again. They were destined to be together, and I am looking forward to that.