The Royal Contract

Chapter 1302: Why should I stay?

He drove on the light to moderate late-night traffic, determined to arrive at his destination in time. He still had a few hours before his flight but wanted to arrive early at the airport.

He knew this was another one of his impulsive moves, barely thinking it through. But he had been acting irrationally since meeting the person that turned his life upside down.

"I am sorry." He practiced voicing the words he intended to tell her once he saw her. However, it did not feel right.

Something did not seem right to him. Or something was missing. Maybe because, technically, he never intended to cheat. It was a mistake that should not have happened.

"I have a confession to tell you." He tried another approach. Still, he felt lost for words. He could not think of the right thing to say to her.

He guessed nothing he would say would make his action right. He had to live with his misdeed and the consequences.

But how could he accept it if she decided she could not be with him anymore? What if making out with another girl, even if he thought it was her, was unforgivable?

"Damn it!" He could only curse himself for putting himself in such a position.

Nevertheless, he had to find a way to make her understand that none of this was his intention. But he guessed it would not be easy.

He continued on the path, reading the signage pointing to the airport. He guessed he better come up with a better way to tell her sooner. Or he might lose her forever.

"David is right. I have no business being with Serena." Adam suddenly pulled over on the side of the road, debating whether to continue on his path.

What if that was a sign that he would only hurt Serena, if not now, in the future? Could he honestly believe he could make a woman like her happy?

He believed she was the star that shone brightly in the sky. On the other hand, he was nothing but an ordinary man. She was special. He was not.

"No, he is not." He took his words back. He could not think of a life without Serena.

He knew David only wished to protect his sister, but it did not mean his friend was right about him. He would die before hurting her.

He tried to fight off his insecurity and guilt, but could he fix the problem by running to her side to confess? Was that the right thing to do?

"This is insane." Shaking his head before he revved his car back into life. He looked at the incoming traffic and made his way into the street.

After a few minutes, he parked his car in the parking space and quickly exited his vehicle. He avoided the passersby, making his way to the entrance of the building.

Soon, he entered the room, shocked to see that it was not the same as when he had left it that morning. He was home, but it did not look like it.

"Is anybody here?" He asked, cautious to find a stranger lurking in his apartment.

Instead of driving straight to the airport, he thought

"No. I don't want you to leave." He quickly stepped closer to her, enveloping her in his embrace. He still could not believe that she finally came back.

"I swear I am overwhelmed with joy to have you back." He hugged her tighter, wanting to feel that she was real. "I am just surprised." He reasoned, looking down at her face. "That is all."

His fingers moved to her hair, enjoying the softness of their strands as they glided along his fingers with ease. Then his other hand touched her face, loving the tenderness of her skin against his firm hand.

However, he felt her stiffness against his body. It was as if she was not as excited as he was to see him. But he set it aside, believing she must have been waiting for him for hours.

"Surprise!" She announced, lacking the enthusiasm he expected from her.

He saw that her eyes avoided looking directly at him. She seemed to be looking everywhere except him. But he only attributed that to tiredness. She just came from a long flight.

Then, his eyes moved toward the adjoining kitchen, finally seeing the arrangement on the table she had prepared.

'That was it!' He thought, concluding that explained everything.

He realized she had planned something special. She probably cooked all that and even brought flowers and candles. And he just ruined it.

"I am so sorry." He apologized profusely, thinking that he had messed up her surprise. "I did not know you were coming, so I worked late." Explaining himself. "Did you do all that?"

He could not help but feel like the luckiest man in the world for loving such an incredible and thoughtful woman. He never felt more blessed to have her in his life.

However, his guilty conscience returned with a vengeance, nagging at him to confess. He could not continue to pretend that there was nothing wrong. He had to tell everything.

"Well, the food is cold now." She declared, sounding disheartened. "And I think I should be going home. It is getting late." She coldly said.

She slowly extricated herself from his hold, pulling herself away from him. Then, she moved across the room to get her things.

Again, he could only watch, surprised by her uncharacteristic behavior. Suddenly, he wondered if David had the chance to talk to her.

What did David say to her? What did she know? Several questions crossed his mind as he watched her walk away.

At the same time, he debated whether he had the right to stop her or to ask for her forgiveness. At that moment, he knew he was fucked up.

"Please, Serena, don't go." He wanted her to stay so he could have a chance to explain his side.

Finally, he felt his legs, forcing them to move until he stopped behind her. "Please stay." He whispered behind her as his arms crept around her waist, pulling her back into his arms.

"Why?" She sounded hurt. He could hear it in her voice and feel it in her body as she trembled against him.

He knew right then that he had caused her pain. The last thing he promised never to do to her. Damn! He was stupid, an idiot, and a complete douchebag.

"Why should I stay?"