Returning back to bed, i find Marianne still perfectly asleep. I set an alarm for 6am and join in on her peaceful slumber.

As I curl my arm over the warm skin of her torso, I think about my resolve. Yes, i will tell her everything in the morning.

My stomach turns at the thought of her reaction. I can't imagine a time when I will ever find peace in this bed without her again.

Later, after I wake up, leaving her still in bed, i give myself about forty five minuties of an intense workout in the gym, pushing myself as far as I can go, almost as if to punish myself. That's until she taps me on the shoulder and i hastily turn around to look at her a little too aggressively from the shock of her coming at me out of the blue.

She steps back and away from me defensively.

"Hey sorry.....thought you were sleeping" I say, pulling out my ear phones from my ears and taking off my boxing wraps to tag her back to me.

"What did that punching bag ever do to you." She sneers, leaning back away from me some more.

"Am sorry, did I frighten you?" I smile apologetically.

She shakes her head, wrapping her arms around my back while looking up at me, her chin on my chest, surprisely not bothered with my sweaty body.

I smile, kissing her forehead.

"'You ok?" She asks.

"I am now that you are here" I smile, repeating our mantra, and kissing the cheeks and forehead of her still sleepy face repeatedly.

She giggles.

"What are you doing up so early?" I ask, still catching my breath from the work out.

"Dad's memorial remember..... I have to get going" she says softly.

"Oh.....I forgot to tell you, i made some arrangements, Eli will drive you to the airport and come with you......but don't worry, he will stay out of your way, unless you need him.....the flight will only take about thirty minutes, so you have some time to spare now"

"Oh ok, thank you" she murmurs softly.

"I am sorry I can't come with you this time... there is just...."

"...some things you need to take care of, I know" she frowns, completing my sentence and untangling herself from me, then she goes to stand by the window looking outside.

"I am sorry, but it won't always be this way, I promise" I say, going to standing next to her.

" Don't make promises you can't keep" she says lightly, without looking at me, and I realise how much my busyness and perpetual absence is begining to bother her.

"Hey, i keep my promises" I turn her head to look at me.

She smiles "Are you done here?"

" Yeah, but if you really plan on doing the marathon, you need to start joining me in here"

"I would love too actually...you know, I walked on the treadmill every evening in your absence" she says proudly.

"Oh yeah?"

"Yep, next time, wake me up"

"Ok" I will hold her to it.

"Anyway.....I was going to go take a shower but then thought that maybe you would like to take one together" She says, steadily, but the look on her face let's me know how shy she really feels about asking me.

I smile at the thought.

"Yeah, let's go" I throw my arm over her shoulders as we walk to the bedroom together.

"You are really committed to your workouts huh?" She comments out of observation.

"Yeah, it helps me to blow off some steam or clear my mind and work out my thoughts when I have a lot on my mind." I respond.

"What's on your mind then, that made you beat the crap out of the punching bag?" She asks, taking my iPod and ear phones from me.

I think about telling her. I decided I would do it first thing this morning. I take a deep breath and open my mouth to speak.

"Marianne...." I swallow

"What are you listening to?" She asks abruptly, placing one ear phone in one of her ears, as we enter the bedroom.

I welcome the interruption, not feeling brave enough to speak.

I let her listen for a while, then she smiles at me.

"You were listening to this? Working out to this?" She chuckles.

"What?" I raise an eye brow, feeling judged.

"I didn't expect that honestly" she laughs.

I start to feel offended now.

"What's wrong with my music" I scowl.

"Nothing...it's just, I don't know what I was expecting, but definitely not that" She laughs some more.

"Oh really, so what do you listen to, Tell me your favorite song"

" I have a lot, but I have been obsessed with this one all week"

She tells me her song, and I command the voice activated music system to play 'Woman you got' by

I walk to the shower before her and stand under the water to let it wash off my sweat, then I turn just in time to watch her enter, her arm across her chest in a subtle attempt to apply a little modesty.

I smile at the hopeless of this girl.

"I wrap my arm across her shoulders as we both stand under the water in the silence, the music and water the only sound in the room.

I should tell her right now, I need to, I can't keep pushing it.

I clear my throat.

"Marianne....." I try again.

She grabs my hand, interlacing our fingers.

"I never thought I would enjoy sharing a shower with someone this much....I like having you close. It's comforting" she says faintly.

I don't reply, just squeeze her fingers in response.

" I was so nervous about today's program, but surprisely, with you back, I feel more excited than nervous. You make me feel like I can do anything. Like everything will be alright as long as you are around" she murmurs.

I kiss the back of her head.

Maybe it can wait till after her Dad's memorial. It wouldn't be right to ruin her current mood under the circumstances. I decide with finality and allow myself to relax

"You can do anything now, I am in your corner, I got you" I say rather cockily and it receives it's intended effect.

She scoffs but eventually chuckles at my arrogance. The little laugh lightening up the atmosphere.

" I like the song" I murmur against her ear.

She turns to face me, grabbing the soap, she start to wash me. I give her a small encouraging smile.

" My turn" I say, after a few minutes, returning the favor.

Afterwards, I wrap her in a towel and we walk out together.

We dress up together, and as we walk around the closet picking out our clothes, we deliberately brush against each other every now and then.

I finish first and watch her get her hair ready from my position on the bed.

"Do you need someone to help you with that? You need someone right? I forgot about that, I should..." I say, noticing how much time it is taking her. My sister's have people to help them get ready, why didn't I think of it with Marianne.

" No....I don't need help..I love to do my own hair.....I promise, if I need anything else, I will let you know.........Right now I have everything I need." She looks at me through the mirror and I stand up and follow her, sitting on the edge of the dressing table with my back to the mirror facing her.

" 'Promise' is a big word miss Wright"

"Back at you Morreli" she winks.

"So, is this some kind of message or dedication to me..this song?" I ask about the song that is now on repeat, which she is also quietly singing along to as she does her hair.

My question just makes her sing louder.

"If the shoe fits Morelli..... wear it" she grins and I laugh.

I like her like this. I like Marianne as an offcial girlfriend alot, she is a lot more bold, carefree and affectionate.

Sudennly, i remember my teenage years and having a real girlfriend for the first time, the butterflies, the giddiness and how I felt like I was on top of the world everytime I would look at her.....well right now, I am soaring pretty high and loving the view.

*

After breakfast, Angelo and I go down to the carpark with Elijah and linger by the door to say goodbye.

"I will see you tonight" he murmurs, brushing my cheek with the back of his fingers.

"Actually, tomorrow" I respond.

"Why? I booked your flight back for tonight" he mutters.

"Mom asked me stay.....and I want to spend a bit more time there, maybe try and work things out with Jaden" I reply.

He frowns, but i can see he understands.

"I spent over a week without you here, I think you can handle one night." I glare.

He scoffs and looks back at Elijah over my shoulder.

"Take care of her" he says seriously .

Always so extra.

He turns back to me and kisses me, making sure to bite my bottom lip hard enough to make me whimper in discomfort at the end.

"Call me" he whispers, shutting the door for me.

*

As i watch Marianne drive off, i regret not being able to have accompanied her. I am usually busy, but I have to admit, the past few months have been the worst it has ever been and I hate that our relationship started out at such a time, at the same time glad as well, because she is the only good thing about my life right now and the only thing keeping me grounded.

I head back into the house and to my office and increase the volume on the songs she was playing, my only way to feel close to her for now. I expect to meet Nick and Ben later, but in the mean time, I have some other work to do.

*

After we take off from the airport, we reach Milford just over thirty minutes later. I am surprised that Eli has a car waiting for us, which he takes over driving. I quickly realise that there is no need to offer directions because he clearly already knows exactly where he is taking me and soon enough, he parks right outside the driveway of my family home.

The sight brings to me the feeling of nostalgia.

I haven't been here in so so long. I look outside at our house where i grew up, the lawn and small backyard, the houses next door and many memories come flooding back.

Elijah sits quietly and does not interrupt or speak to me during my small trip down memory lane, which I appreciate very much.

"Thank you" I finally say, snapping out of my thoughts and reaching for the door.

"Do you need me to get the door?" he asks and i immediately open it.

"No, thank you, i got it. I will let you know if I need anything." I say, exiting the car.

In the house, i find a few more people than just my mom and brother, such as a few long time friends of my family and my brother's friends. Jaden by the way, is actually acting quite polite towards me, contrary to what I expected and was ready for.

We leave for the church service at noon and mom suggests I catch a ride with Jaden, which I suppose is her way of wanting us to spend some alone time together.

The drive is quite and a little awkward, but eventually, we get talking and we ease up on each other.

The rest of the day goes on well too, with a pretty good turn out of people. I am surprised to see just how many people still live here, it being such a small town. I expected that most people would have moved away like they always said they would.

After getting home, Jaden and I linger in the garage on our way into the house to talk over current 'situation'. He admits to not hating me for causing the accident and that he just needed someone to lash out on and unfortunately, I got the short end of the stick, and he apologized for it and promised to try to be better going forward.

*

Sometime later in the evening, Jaden and his friend offer to take me for a tour at my former high school.

We are currently sitting on the football field when my phone rings.

'Hey small town girl' Angelo drawls.

'Hey you' i laugh.

'Aren't the school grounds off limits at this time of the night?' he utters.

I look around, wondering where Elijah is spying on us from. I see Angelo really meant what he said about someone always being close to me.

"This is down right crepy you know. Stop spying me" I scoff.

"How can I be spying when i am all the way over there" he murmurs.

" You know what I mean"

"It's late and you didn't call me all day, I needed to know you were ok" he says finally in defence.

"Oh, Sorry, I just got really carried away" I grin.

"Forgotten about me already? I guess everything is going on pretty well?" he jests.

"More than great.....fishing for compliments I see, well i can never forget you" I smile happily at the thought.

"I am grateful for the assurance"

" How's everything going with you?" I ask, watching the boys tackle each other on the field.

" It could be better with you here"

I blush.

"Ok, well, I got to go. I was just thinking about you and wanted to hear your voice." He murmurs.

" Thank you my love"

"My love??" He echoes.

"Bye" I laugh, cutting the line.

My cheeks heat up with embarrassment, and I am grateful he is not here to see. This is the first time i have used a pet name on him and it feels so strange.

My phone beeps with a new text message.

It reads.

'I can't wait to hear you say that to me in person'

*

Sunday morning, I wake up feeling on top of the world. I can't think of a way my life could possibly be any more perfect than it is right now.

I have my family, friends, and the love of the man i ridiculously love with every ounce of my being and then some.

I am beyond happy and grateful for how blessed I am right now. I don't want anything more in life, but just for things to stay exactly the same, the way they are right now.

My flight back to Hartford is later this afternoon, which gives me some more time to spend with my family.

*

With Nick, Ben and a few other people, we sit down in the living room at my apartment and discuss the current court case that started on Friday and will continue trial tomorrow.

All cards are on the table, all the information pertaining to Meraki and his businesses are public knowledge now, except for some information the court deems confidential.

All I have to do now is sit tight for the next three months and hopefully this chapter of my life will be over without causing any real or permanent damage to my life. That's all I wish for.

But it didn't take long for me to realise that if wishes were horses, even beggars would ride them.

Because my wish just about blows up in my face immediately.

"Uhhmm, Angelo, you need to see this" Ben murmurs, turning up the volume on the TV.

Everyone one in the room pays their full attention to the news report.

Then they look at me empathetically, knowing full well my stance on this matter.

*

Over lunch, my phone rings insistently, and I try to put off picking it up, until after the meal we are sharing is over.

"Will you just pick it up" Jaden snorts out of irritation.

"Might be something important" Mom nods at me.

I stand up and walk to the living room where I left it.

It's Rachel calling.

"Hello" I murmur.

"Uhhmm, Mary, have you seen the news?" She asks.

"No, why, what's there?" She has never asked me that before.

"Where are you, are you with Angelo right now?"

"No, I am at home, why? what's going on?" I ask, getting anxious.

My heart skips a beat, did something happen to him?

"Then just turn on the TV, channel Six"

My phone buzzes, indictating an incoming call while my call with Rachel is still ongoing and I look at my phone briefly to find it's Luke calling.

I walk to the TV and switch on to channel Six, my phone still pressed to my ear.

I sit down to watch some more as the channel covers the entertainment news on their 'Trending Today' programming.

"Mary? Mary? are you still there?" Rachel asks after a few minutes of silence.

"Yeah" I whisper.

" OK, I....I will call you later then, ok?" She says softly.

"Ok" I respond absentmindedly.

Luke calls again but I ignore his call, knowing exactly why he is calling now.

I watch in amazement, feeling like this is some kind of joke or mistake.

My phone rings as Luke continues to call, then Rita.

"Hey, are you coming back? You've been gone a long..... what's wrong" mom asks, looking at my face with concern.

I don't even know how to explain this to her.

Yesterday I told her Angelo and I were better than ever and extremely happy.

She looks at the TV for a while and gives me an apologetic expression after listening to the presenters offering their two cents on the subject matter.

"Hello" I finally answer Luke's call when it rings again.

"Uuhhmm...have you seen....." He asks, not beating about the bush with pleasantries.

"Yeah, just seen it, but I don't think...." I quickly say but he cuts me off.

"It's true...my contact at the registry office just confirmed it. The marriage certificate is valid and was signed last Wednesday" he says quickly.

I nod, as if he can actually see me.

My mouth goes dry.

How can Angelo be married to Claire Denning, i was with him just yesterday and everything was just fine, normal.

The presenters on the TV go on to adulate how the two ex fiance's rekindled their romance recently when Claire returned to the country and decided to secretly tie the knot in an intimate ceremony in the presence of close family and friends.

"Are you still in Milford? Do you want me to come and get you" Luke asks, reminding me i am still on the call.

"No. I will see you later. I am with my mom right now"

"Ohh, ok, call me later then, ok?"

"Sure, bye" I reply.

"Well?" Mom asks, looking at me hopefully.

"It's true.....uhhmm, ok, let's go eat" I mutter.

"Honey..are you sure you want to go back in there, maybe you should...."

" I am ok...and hungry.." I smile, rubbing my stomach slightly and walking ahead of her back into the kitchen.

I can feel her glace at me every now and then during the meal, but I try my best to smile and join the conversation, meanwhile everything inside me feels like it just died, my mind full of confusion

*

The drive to the airport is extra stiff with Elijah. He is usually quiet, but the atmosphere is clearly awkward, for me at least.

Back home, I don't know whether to go home or Angelo's place. He hasn't called or texted, even though it's been a couple of hours since the news broke out.

I wonder if he doesn't know, but then again, he is so we'll connected, of course he knows. Not that it matters anyway, if it's true then....if it's true.......it can't be, it doesn't make any sense.

Luke said it's true...but I want to hear from Angelo. I want him to look me in the eye and tell me it's not true, that it's some kind of mistake or lie, and i will believe him, I trust him.

We go up the building in silence, Elijah looking straight ahead at the closed doors.

The lift opens and my mouth and throat go dry, I feel like I am about to receive a sentence or court ruling on how I am going to spend the rest of my life.

The door to the apartment opens before i reach it, Angelo steps into view and i stop walking.