It's been a month since I returned home. Haden's parents were hesitant at first to let me stay with him at the house but they eventually gave in. Haden insisted that him and I share his room because he didn't want an incident like that to happen again. I had gained weight and the colour returned to my face. I was looking noticeably better.

It was awkward at first but we eventually managed to work it out. Haden slept on the window bed whilst I slept on his bed.

Vincent visited me atleast 5 times a week or whenever Haden couldn't be there for me. I enjoyed his company and our bond grew stronger. He was a really fun person to be with.

But there is that thing that looms over me. A feeling that I can't shake. The fact that everyone is being nice to me because I almost ended my life is just a complete turnoff. They weren't treating me this way before. How long will it last?

I was currently sitting in the study reading a romance novel. If only reality worked like this things would be so much easier.

I was growing bored of the book so I decided to take a trip downtown and grab some snacks.

I wore a cream coloured top with a cardigan, denim shorts and a pair of Vans. I tied my hair into a ponytail grabbed the keys and was about to go outside.

"Mrs Vanderbilt you can't go without someone." Lucia spoke sternly.

"You can call me Aubrey and I need time alone I want my life back too you know."

"But Mr Vanderbilt said not to leave." She reasoned.

"Look, I know you all care about me but I will need some time alone. Tell you what, I'm just gonna go downtown to grab some snacks. I can't stay in this house all day at some point I have to start going out on my own."

"Fine but please don't stay out too late."

"I'll be back shortly." I smiled and left.

I reached into town in a few minutes and went into Starbucks for some coffee. I placed my order and sat at a nearby table. A couple seconds later a guy sat down opposite me. I recognised him as Caleb , one of Haden's friends.

"Hey Aubrey." He smiled warmly.

"Hi Caleb." I smiled back. He had a nice vibe. Strangely enough I felt safe around him. He just looks soo familiar. I feel like I've known him my whole life.

"How have you been? Considering you know...." He trailed off a bit as he was referring to my incident.

"I've been good. I'm getting through it all."

"That's great. I hope Haden is treating you well."

"He is, but..."

"But what?"He inquired.

"But I think he is just doing it because he felt like it was his fault. I don't want him to be stuck in this. I know he isn't happy. He just feels like he is to blame."

"Haden is trying Aubrey but I can understand what you're saying. Maybe he is doing it because he feels guilty. Just try not to worry about it too much. Things will work out accordingly." He smiled.

We were chatting for over an hour when a woman came to our table and approached Caleb. Her hands were folded over her chest and she glared at him.

"Mom, what are you doing here?" Caleb yelped when he noticed her.

"Looking for you. You can't keep skipping these business meetings Caleb your father will find it hard to give you the company." She spoke sternly.

"Mom I just came to grab some coffee. I would have been over there shortly." Caleb retorted.

His mom had dark brown hair and deep green eyes. Her hair was short and framed her face beautifully. She wore a neat black dress that met her knees and black heels that weren't too tall.

She was about to scold him further until she stopped dead in her tracks and looked at me. Her jaw hung open for a bit then she quickly composed herself.

"And who might you be dear?" She questioned politely.

"I'm Aubrey, a friend of Caleb's."

"I'm Melissa, Caleb's mom as you might have noticed." She shook my hand as she glared at Caleb.

"Nice to meet you." I smiled.

"Nice to meet you aswell."

"Well, Caleb we have to run. Something has come to my attention and I have to get it sorted out immediately. I wish we could chat more Aubrey. Maybe you can come by the house Saturday. We are having a small gathering." She said.

"Yes, I will be there."

"Perfect." She smiled.

"Come on Caleb, your father is waiting on us."

"I'll see you around Aubrey. I'll come pick you up Saturday." Caleb hugged me as he left.

I bought some stuff, a couple books, some dresses and snacks. I was thinking about watching a movie after my therapy session later on today.

"Hi Aubrey." I heard a voice say.

Turning around I came face to face with Kelly and her daughter Amanda.

"Hi, it's so nice to see you again." I smiled.

"How have you been Aubrey? Amanda missed you."

"I've been good. I missed her aswell." I giggled as I poked Amanda's nose causing her to laugh .

"Hey baby. What's the hold up?" Emerging from behind Kelly was Anthony, my ex boyfriend.

Did he just say baby?

"Oh , Aubrey this is my boyfriend, Anthony. Anthony this is my friend, Aubrey." Kelly introduced us but we both knew we didn't need an introduction.

"Nice to meet you Aubrey." He smirked putting emphasis on my name.

"Likewise. How did you guys meet?"

"We met at a party I went to a couple weeks ago and kind of hit it off." Anthony smirked.

"Yeah that's pretty much how it happened." Kelly blushed.

"Why don't you pack the rest of stuff in my car? I have something else to buy." Anthony stated and Kelly nodded.

"It was nice seeing you again." She smiled as she left.

"You too, take care." I replied as I waved.

As soon as she was out of earshot he looked at me.

"Haven't seen you in a while. You look different. Much prettier." He smirked.

"I hope you're treating her well Anthony, I know the jerk you can be."

"I am treating her well. But I'd rather be treating you even better." He winked as he touched a strand of my hair.

"Don't touch me. And don't give me that kind of talk. I'm married and you're suppose to be devoted to Kelly." I glared at him.

"You'll fall for me Aubrey. I promise you will." He winked as he left.

I don't know if he was serious or playing around but I didn't like the way he said it.

~

I reached home a few minutes later but Haden still wasn't there yet.

I prepared for my session with my therapist, Mia. We usually have a session every Tuesday and Thursday for an hour and thirty minutes. I can gladly say that the therapy helped alot. I was now able to talk to someone about everything.

"Today I want you to tell me about the people in your life. Let's start with your husband, Haden. What can you tell me about him?" She smiled warmly.

"Well, I love him. I appreciate him alot and he means alot to me but he would never reciprocate my love and I know that but it's hard."

"I see. Have you thought about the fact that you are simply infatuated by him and it's not actually love?" She questioned.

"I'm sure I want to spend my life with him. I loved him since high school." I confessed.

"Alright but the things that we love might not always be good for us. How do you feel when you're with Haden?"

"I feel happy when I'm with him. At the same time I also feel scared that I would never get close to him like I want to. He doesn't speak to me like he use to. He's a lot more calm and approachable now."

"Okay, does Haden have any other women in his life?"

"Yes, Ivory. She's his 'girlfriend' as he says. She is pregnant with his child. He is in love with her."

"And she is in love with him?" She questioned.

"Yes, as far as I can see, she is."

"Are you happy being stuck in a loveless marriage Aubrey? I can't tell you who to love but you have to do what's best for yourself."

"I know but that's what my heart wants. I want him." I whispered and she looked at me with sympathy.

"Okay hun. Tell me about Vincent."

"Vincent?"

"Yes Vincent. You and him are close right."

"Yes we are close. He is good to me. I love how we can talk all the time. We could literally talk about anything. He keeps me company when Haden is away. He cheers me up and he always has time for me , it doesn't matter whether he is busy or not he always manages to come through for me." I smiled.

"There you go. Those are the qualities of a good friend and a good person in general. He is having a positive impact on your life."

"You wanna know something Aubrey?"

"What?"

"Most of the time the thing we are searching for is right infront of our eyes. But we are blinded by what we think is love. You'll know when you find love. It doesn't hurt this bad."

And for once I listened and I didn't have a response.

After my session, Vincent came over to spend the night because Haden was busy at work and wouldn't be coming home.

"I'm telling you thats my favourite part." He laughed as we watched the movie. I stared at him for a moment.

"Vincent, thank you."

"For what ?"

"For being here. For doing this."

" I want to be here and I want to do this Aubrey. It makes me happy." He answered and I smiled.

"Hey, why don't we go to the beach tomorrow? Just you and I. It would be fun." He suggested.

"Yes, sounds good!"

" I'll teach you how to surf." He winked.

"Oh really? You don't look like much of the surfing type."

"Believe me. There's more to me than you know." He smirked.

"Like what." I cocked my head to side.

"Like this!" He yelled as tackled me to the floor and started tickling me.

"Pl...ease.... St-op." I laughed as he saddled my hips but he wasn't putting his weight on me.

"I- give u..p." I laughed as he began to slow down.

I began to regain my breath but Vincent didn't get off me. If anything he leaned in closer. I closed my eyes and felt his lips on my forehead.

"So beautiful." He whispered.

Then I felt a warmth spread through my body. His lips were on mine. They were soft and our lips moved together in sync. But I had to pull away.

When I opened my eyes he looked at me confused.

"I can't Vincent. I just can't. Haden is my-

I was cut off by his lips on mine again. This time I didn't break the kiss. A couple seconds later he pulled away and lifted me off the ground.

"Aubrey, I know you and Haden are married but when I kiss you I feel something indescribable. Something I need. I don't wanna put you in a difficult position so I'll stop if you want me to." He smiled.

"I don't know what I want anymore. I'm confused. "

"I'm sure you'll figure it out." He rubbed my head.

I couldn't remember when I fell asleep I felt someone carrying me. I opened my eyes to see Vincent holding me and walking upstairs to my room, well actually the room Haden and I shared. He placed me on the bed and was about to sit on the chair.

"Stay." I spoke and he chuckled.

"I am staying sweetheart. I'm sitting here."

"No , I mean stay here with me on the bed. The chair is uncomfortable." I blushed.

Vincent raised his brows but didn't complain. He climbed into the bed with me and I put my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes.

Vincent is just a friend right? But recalling the words of my therapist, maybe this can be something more.