The Other Woman (Won't Have His Love To Keep): Cont'd

He brushed his hand against my cheek, and for a split second, I felt that warmth again, the tender promise of last night. But his hand dropped just as quickly.

“I can’t change my situation,” he said. “I can give you my time, but I need you to understand the limits.”

The walls I had so carefully built were threatening to crumble, but I held them firmly.

“So that’s it?” I said in a hardly loud voice. “This is all you have to offer?”

He gave an apologetic nod.

“Yes. But I don’t want you to misunderstand me. Last night wasn’t meaningless. I leave for Spain in an hour, and I shall return in two days; I just wanted to have the meeting first.”

As I turned to leave, his words resounded in my mind while the painful truth sank in—he would never be mine. I was a part of him he’d keep hidden, bound by rules that served only him.

Walking back to my desk, I knew I had a decision to make. I could either let this man continue to wield power over me and allow my heart to do his bidding, or I could break free and get back the part of me I had lost in his arms.

As the day carried on, I found myself torn between desire and self-preservation. With each moment, he dominated my thoughts; the idea of taking a step back seemed more appealing. I couldn’t deny my feelings, but I also couldn’t let him dictate my worth.

The fire of passion that ignited last night still burned inside me, but I refused to be a transient fantasy. I was deserving of much more than just intimate moments and empty promises.

Perhaps, I could play his game, but also show him that I was not just a chapter in his story… I could write my own.

“I’m leaving now, Leslie. Please try not to contact me.” He said, smiling at me.

“I’ve made a decision.” I started, “I’ve decided to continue with this, and I will no longer worry about your life or how it affects me. I’ll simply live in the moment whenever we’re together," I said.

He stood speechless, examining my face, wondering what I could be up to.

“Wow! I must say that I’m impressed by your choice. What motivated it? I mean, you seemed almost determined to cut me off given your attitude.” 

“Let’s just say that I was being insensitive and I let my emotions cloud my judgment, but I’m over it now. I’d like to keep doing this.”

He continued to smile, plus I could tell how hard it was for him to shake off my determination.

“And when you return, I’d like to lay a few limits down for you as well. Have an amazing trip, boss.” I finished with a notorious smirk while turning to continue working on the computer.

He turned his back and walked out of the office. My courage was suddenly substituted by anxiety. I wasn’t so sure about how to feel, but I knew I had to do whatever it took to show that he didn’t have any effect on me. Even if it meant pretending…