Chapter Twenty-Four #3
My vacant expression gives him no sign of what is going through my mind, so he continues, “Yes, she was someone I saw for a while although it wasn’t serious.
I literally bumped into her as I was leaving.
We spoke for less than five minutes and when I went to kiss her goodbye, she turned and kissed me on the lips.
I didn’t expect it and I certainly did not encourage it.
I explained I had a girlfriend. She apologised and blamed it on the alcohol.
I walked her to her car. That was it. The papers are making something out of nothing.
I swear to you, Hannah. It’s the truth, and this is the exact reason I don’t go to these places anymore.
Every time I do, the press get hold of it and stuff like this happens.
” Daniel screws up the article in his fist. He is really pissed off.
“I don’t want to be splashed all over the gossip columns and I don’t particularly wish to bump into anyone from my past. There is nobody else for me, but you. You know that.”
Tears spill over my cheeks. I promised myself I would never let anyone hurt me again.
I thought I was strong enough to deal with ex-partners, or whatever they were to Daniel.
When reality bites, it leaves a nasty wound.
That article has hurt me more than I imagined possible.
The likes of Candy I could handle, someone who wanted him, but the feeling was never mutual.
She could never accept the truth, but that wasn’t his fault.
Then there was Maddie’s friend who moved away because of him and Freya, who never stood a chance.
She loved him anyway and has been bitter and twisted ever since.
Now another girl appears, who I know nothing about.
She is evidently hoping to rekindle what they had from their body language on the photograph.
Where did she fit into all of this? How many other scorned girls are out there.
“Please don’t cry, Han. I hate seeing you cry.”
I look up. “Then don’t upset me.” His shoulders slump as if in defeat.
“After Rob, I promised myself I’d never let another man hurt me and here I am.”
“Han, please. I haven’t cheated on you. I’m not him, I’m not Rob.
I swear to you I’ve done nothing wrong. It’s the typical perfect picture from the paparazzi.
They destroy people’s lives and cause so much damage.
Please, don’t let them damage us. You said you trusted me, and I would never betray that trust. I would never hurt you. Please believe me.”
I sigh, rubbing my fingers over my forehead and realise my headache has lifted. It’s probably because of the adrenaline rush this situation has caused and my frustration with being in this position again. I inhale a deep breath.
“Daniel, I can’t give you the answer you want. Not right now. Maybe you didn’t kiss that girl—”
“I didn’t Hannah.”
“Well, then I have to take your word for it. What I can’t do now, is decide if this continual uncertainty is what I want.”
I push myself up from the bed and go towards the wardrobe. I pull my suitcase from the bottom shelf when Daniel walks over towards me, gently taking my arm.
“Please don’t go, baby.”
God, I feel sick. This time, it’s Daniel and not drink induced. My eyes fill with tears. I don’t want to leave. I am completely and desperately in love with this man, but I can’t do this anymore. “I have to, Daniel. I can’t be with someone I don’t trust.”
“You said you trusted me yet I’ve told you the truth and you refuse to believe it. ”
“I want to. I really do, but that photograph says more to me than a kiss goodbye.”
He throws his arms to the sky in frustration, “Hannah—”
“And what were you doing at a club? You normally avoid them like the plague. Now you’re away with your work buddies, it’s suddenly okay?”
“It was Melbourne! I was sure I’d go unnoticed! I was wrong, I’m sorry!”
Uncontrollable tears spill down my face while Daniel takes the case from my hand and pushes it back in the wardrobe.
“Don’t go. I’ll give you some time if that’s what you need.
I’ll give you whatever you bloody want.” He sighs heavily, “I can stay at the farm for a few days. Please think about what you’re doing to us.
We fit together. You were made for me, the one I’ve waited my whole life for.
I kept searching, and all I came up with were poor imitations.
If I’d known you were half a world away, I would have stopped searching.
I would have stopped picking the wrong women and waited for the right one. For you.”
He takes my hands in his and holds them tight. My heart is melting with his every word.
“It was a split second. That’s exactly what it was.
They captured it on camera, there’s no getting away from that, but I did not meet up with Tabitha before they took the photograph.
I’ve explained to you she was drunk and took advantage of the situation.
I don’t deny she kissed me. What you have to realise is, I didn’t kiss her back.
If that photographer had taken a picture just one second later, it would have told a different story.
It would have shown how angry I was with her, how I took her arm and escorted her to a waiting car. ”
I sob the words, “How many more chances do I have to give you?” My throat burns as I try to swallow the enormous lump wedged inside .
His thumb brushes gently across my cheek and he replies, “No more. I just need you to trust me and the rest will go away.”
Daniel packs a small bag and makes his way to the door.
He hesitates, “I understand you’re hurt and I know I’m the cause.
It doesn’t have to be like this. All you have to do is believe me.
The photo you saw wasn’t real. I wouldn’t do that to you, Hannah because I’ve fallen in love with you and if I have to spend the rest of my life proving it, I will.
We were meant to be together. End of. I love you, Hannah May.
I love you more than I can put into words. ”
I glance up and meet his broken eyes and a second later, he’s gone.