2 weeks later...

Mariana snuggled inside her bed as she switched on her laptop. She was in a good mood to start another article for a news website. Today she was going to write about bitcoins.

She began to research some resources and links to form her article. Once she got everything prepared, she started typing up the paragraphs, along with pictures. She also made sure it was neatly arranged before sending it off to the editor so that it gets approved and published.

A few hours later, she was finished with all the articles she wrote and slid her laptop off her legs, feeling satisfied for the day. She placed it on the side and then decided to take a little nap to let her brain rest.

1 hour later...

When her eyelids slowly peeked open, they were met with a fuzzy glow from the laptop which was the only light in her bedroom that had darkened throughout her nap.

She let out a little groan while she propped herself with her elbow and brought the laptop closer to her. She rubbed her eyes and she saw a message written with big, bold letters at the very top.

Her head laid against her pillow as she opened the email without a second thought. However, her eyes shot open once she had a glimpse of the first line.

Hello, sweetie.
Did you forget about me?

Mariana slowly shook her head. Admittedly, she had forgotten about this person for quite some time, but seeing this message now brought back the memories of her previous warnings.

Well, I certainly didn't forget about you, little treasure of Micah :)

Or are you?

Haha, it's so sad how much you think you matter to him when in reality you don't.

You're just some temporary fun until he returns back to me.

Her mouth fell into a hard frown as her eyes narrowed at the mocking tone of the 'haha'. She didn't like it and wanted to prove the person wrong that she wasn't just "temporary" and that Micah loved her no matter what.

However, the next few lines shocked her as if her mind had just been read.

Don't believe me? See for yourself.

She saw a mere outline of what was next. Her fingers shook hesitantly just above the touchpad. Her cheeks burned up as her brown eyes began to sting as they stared at the screen, contemplating whether she should go forward or not.

She wanted to delete the message, but at the same time, she wanted to find out what it was, as a curious flame was burning inside of her, desperate to be extinguished. She didn't want to see something she'll regret, but not knowing the unknown scared her more.

She sighed and felt her chest tighten with worry as she slowly slid her finger cautiously. Gradually the image started to reveal itself bit by bit. Mariana couldn't help but start to cry as she didn't want to find out what laid ahead.

When the image came to full, her worst fear became true as her insides began to burn with anger and sadness, and around her eyes stung with pain and sorrow.

On the screen, as bright and clear as daylight, was a gray picture that was partially blurred but she could paint out what looked like Micah's face as a woman was on top of him and their lips barely an inch apart. Their affectionate smiles made her feel sick as her hand tensed up.

The picture itself was bad enough, but what was written under, just added insult to the injury.

💕It has been years since💕
I've been reunited with you, my love.

I've missed your soft fingers that caressed me so gently, your sweet kisses against my tender skin, the way you would murmur your sugar-coated words into meine ear.

💕My love I've missed it all💕
but it's so good to have you in my arms again.

Mariana felt like she had seen enough and slammed her laptop shut. She felt pained and betrayed as she angrily pushed it to one side, not wanting to face the screen anymore.

She laid down on her pillow, letting her tears stain the fabric while she texted Leilani to come over because she needed a shoulder to cry on right now.

Luckily, she got back saying that she'll be there as soon as she can. Mariana threw her phone somewhere and got out her keyboard and started playing a melancholy tune.

Isn't something missing?
Isn't someone missing me?

She croaked at the words with her heart weighed down as tears trickled down her damp cheeks.

You won't cry for my absence, I know.
You forgot me long ago.
Am I that unimportant?
Am I so insignificant?

She cried out the last line at the top of her voice like it was her last dying breath, and thumped down on her bed. She cried into the pillow until she heard loud knocking downstairs.

She sat up and dried her tears before forcing herself out and dragging her body down the steps.

She opened the door and Leilani was there with Mateo.

Mariana cracked a smile but it didn't last until her eyes started filling up with tears again.

Leilani had a concerned expression on her face as she observed Mariana's change in state. "Mariana? Pourquoi pleures-tu?" (Why are you crying?).

She stared at Mariana's unresponsive, sunken face before silently walking in as the door closed behind her.

They sat in the living room with them on a gray couch, resting on some cushions.

"So what happened?" Leilani asked while gently rocking Mateo on her shoulder.

"Um... I will tell you but can I-I just hold Mateo for a bit?"

"Um... sure, but don't squeeze him too tight." She handed him over to Mariana carefully while he squirmed in her arms.

"I won't." Mariana hugged him and kissed his forehead.

"So, are you going to finally tell me what's wrong?"

A/N: Hey I hope u enjoyed the chapter! (Lmao y do I even say this at these types XD)

Lemme know your thoughts! 👀