Melanie

"Does he make you happy?"

The question hangs in the air, freezing me in my tracks. It's the question I've been avoiding, even from myself, for the past few days. Slowly, I turn around, meeting Marcus's gaze. His eyes are filled with a raw vulnerability that tugs at my heart.

The sight of him, so sad and vulnerable, pulls at my emotions. The truth is, spending time with Marcus feels effortless, even now that the conversation was so awkward. He's kind and thoughtful, always making me feel good. Bringing hot chocolate to this secluded meeting spot? As I said, the guy is thoughtful.

My heart has been doing somersaults since the moment I saw him standing in the clearing, waiting for me. Somehow, I've managed to stay calm and say the things I needed to say. But now, all I want to do is run to him, run into the arms of the handsome man who looks at me like I'm his whole world.

Marcus takes a step forward, his eyes searching mine. "Does he make you happy?" he repeats, his voice filled with a plea.

I glance down at the ground, my mind racing to find the right words. "What kind of question is this?" I finally ask, avoiding a direct response.

"It's a question that will give me some peace of mind," Marcus replies, taking another step toward me.

"It's not that simple," I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

Marcus takes another step forward, closing the distance between us. "It is," he insists, his eyes pleading.

"You don't understand," I murmur, my gaze still fixed on the ground.

Marcus takes another step, his voice softening. "Then help me understand, Melanie. Please."

I meet his gaze, and there's a vulnerability in his eyes that mirrors my own. "It's not that simple, Marcus. You can't reduce it to a yes or no."

He takes another step forward, his eyes intense. "Melanie, please. I need to know. If Daniel makes you happy, I'll step back. I'll leave you alone."

"Marcus," I begin, searching for the right words. "It's not just about happiness. It's about so much more. Daniel and I have a history, a connection. It's not easy to explain."

Marcus looks at me, his expression a mix of frustration and desperation. "Melanie, I just want to understand. I need to know where I stand in all of this."

My heart aches for him, for the sincerity in his eyes. "You stand in a place where I care about you, Marcus. But things are complicated."

Marcus is now standing in front of me, his hands gently taking mine. I look into his eyes, the green depths darkened with sadness. I open my mouth to speak, but he looks at me with an intensity that stops me in my tracks.

"Melanie, things don't have to be complicated," he says, his voice gentle but determined.

I try to pull my hands back, a reflexive action born out of the internal struggle I'm facing. But he doesn't let go, and I begin, "Marcus, I—"

He interrupts me, a plea in his voice. "Just listen to me for a moment."

I relent, my gaze locking with his as he continues. "I know you made choices based on the belief that I was cheating. Now that you know the truth, take all the time you need to make up your mind. I know that deep down there's doubt in your heart, doubt about who you should be with. I'll wait for you, Melanie. As long as it takes. And when you finally come back to me, I'll make sure it will be very simple for you to answer whether I make you happy."

The next thing I know is an overwhelming surge of emotion, an irresistible force pulling me toward Marcus. Without a conscious thought, I rise on my tiptoes, closing the distance between us. In that moment, the forest, the doubts, and the complicated choices fade away, leaving only the magnetic pull drawing me to him.

Our lips meet in a collision that sends shockwaves through my entire being. It's an earth-shattering, mind-numbing kiss, a convergence of longing and passion. Marcus's lips are warm, inviting, and as they meld with mine, time seems to freeze. The world around us dissolves into a blur of sensations, leaving only the taste of desire on our lips.

His hands find their way to the small of my back, pulling me closer. The kiss deepens, a dance of fervor and vulnerability. Every brush of his lips against mine ignites a cascade of sensations, sending shivers down my spine. It's a kiss that speaks volumes, a connection that transcends words.

As our tongues continue to dance in the intoxicating rhythm of the kiss, Marcus's hands find their way into my hair, fingers weaving through the strands. His touch is both confident and gentle, fingers threading through the locks as if he's trying to anchor himself in the overwhelming intensity of the kiss.

My arms instinctively snake around Marcus's neck, pulling him closer, eliminating any remaining space between us. There's a hunger in the way Marcus holds me, an unbridled passion that matches the storm of emotions raging within.

When we finally break apart, we're left breathless, our chests rising and falling in unison. The air crackles with desire. Marcus, still holding me close, strokes my cheek as his gaze locks with mine, and I see a myriad of emotions reflected in his eyes — longing, vulnerability, and an unwavering determination.

Reality hits me like a cold wave, and as if suddenly sober, I push at Marcus's chest, taking a shaky step back. His grasp tightens around my hand, but I pull it back, shaking my head, and he lets it go.

"We shouldn't have done that," I mumble, my voice barely audible.

"Please, don't say that," Marcus pleads, his eyes searching mine.

I look at him, my lipstick now on his lips, and a pang of guilt courses through me. "I have to go," I tell him, my words tinged with regret.

Turning on my heels, I leave quickly, the forest path a blur as I navigate the way back. Marcus calls out behind me, his voice echoing through the trees, but I don't stop. The pace quickens until I find myself running to my car.

I quickly drive away from the forest, the road stretching out before me as I navigate the twists and turns of my racing thoughts. The echoes of Marcus's voice linger in my mind, the imprint of our shared kiss still burning on my lips. As I pull into the driveway of my house and park the car, I can't shake the feeling that everything is a blur.

The journey back feels like a dream, and by the time I'm parked, I can't recall the details of how I even got here. My mind is a whirlwind of confusion, replaying the impulsive moment with Marcus over and over. I can't believe I kissed him. It was me who initiated it, not him. He was respectful, giving me space, and I, in a moment of vulnerability, crossed a line. I fucking kissed him.

Guilt settles heavily in my chest as I sit in the car, hands trembling. How could I betray Daniel like this? The weight of my actions bears down on me, and I know I've crossed a line that can't be undone.

With shaky hands, I reach for my phone in my purse. There's a message from Evie, asking how it went with Marcus, and a couple of messages from Marcus himself. He's apologizing, pleading for me not to shut him out again. My heart tugs as I read his words, realizing the impact of my impulsive actions. I've messed up, and now, the consequences loom over me, casting a shadow on the fragile balance I've tried to maintain.

How could I do this? The weight of my actions bears down on me, and a sinking feeling settles in the pit of my stomach. I've given false hope to Marcus, allowed him to believe there might be a chance for us when the truth is far more complicated. And Daniel—I've betrayed him, shattered the trust we've built.

Tainted the relationship he worked so hard to build.