I ruin everything. Everything happened all because I couldn't take my wife's side or show her my loyalty. The little things that tend to make a relationship, I failed to do. I promised her happiness, and now, she's sad. I can't help but thinking maybe I am not the man she deserves. But I love her, that's my truth, she's amazing. Everything about her is beautifully put, from her personality to her kind brown eyes. I am a fool, that's what it is. I don't want to lose her — a thought constantly running through my mind. But I hate to see her in any other state then happiness.

What's wrong with me? It's been a day since we had that argument, silence, quit stares and unsaid thoughts was all that was displayed. I am ashamed, I can't even look at her without my heart feeling heavy. She's disappointed in me I can tell, her eyes no longer sparkle. And if even if they did, I wouldn't be able to tell since eye contact is rarely made. I need to make things right. She's been spending most of her time at the balcony, reading. I walk up to the balcony doors every minute checking up on her, trying to look past my assumptions of what could happen. I have to be brave.

I approach her, and stand besides where she sat, indulged in her book. Not sure she's realized my presence. I look ahead and the waves now in sync with my thoughts. "I don't like being..." I started talking, and stopped. Rethinking my words again. "I am sorry." My heart apologized, finally speaking its truth after hours of torture without her smile. "I am so sorry Layla." My gaze fall to the floor, haunted by my speech. I hurt her.

"I know I hurt you and I am sorry. I truly am. I can't stand your absence, nor your prolonged silence," I said. Layla shut her book, and kept it on the glass table. She got up from her seat and took in a deep breath. Layla turned around to look at me and she limply smiled. Tears lingering on her eyelids. This was what I was afraid of.... her tears. The wind blew across her face, strands of her hair flew across her face.

"It hurt," She said, her voice brittle. "To have you not understand me."

"I let jealousy get the best of me, and that shouldn't be an excuse because I trust you," I replied, looking at her. I held her hand, warm. "I know better now."

"I forgive you," she said. I pulled her in for a hug — held her tightly and she laid her head on my chest and I stroked her hair. I started saying how much I loved her, repeatedly. Then I explained how much I missed her.

"I will always be on your team, my love. You mean everything to me," I told her. She looked up to me and smiled.

"I missed you the most you know," she shyly admits. "I love you, I hope you never forget," her tone becomes more sure.

"Oh I will never forget. You're all my hearts ever talks about."

Layla giggled and then smiled. "You are such..."

"Yes I know. I am a flirt," I cut her off and spoke. I kissed her and pulled her in close. She stopped kissing me to smile — her cheeks all flushed. "I wonder what I did to deserve you," I said, while looking into her eyes.

"I miss home," She said.

"I know, I do too. How about we return to California and give Imad a surprise?"

"That sounds like a great plan," She agrees.

...

I am glad Ahmed and I worked things out. To be honest I hated not being close to him or talking to him. I missed his full laughter, his affectionate stare, his eyes filled with vulnerability and love. I just love him, I thought to myself while smiling.

My phone started to vibrate. A miss call from an unknown number, and followed by a message.

Unknown number: Ahmed isn't who he pretends to be.

Me: Who are you? How did you get my number?

Unknown number: You're asking the wrong questions.

Me: I will block you.

Unknown number:

No it can't be. Ahmed would never...

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