Loving You Too Long

A few years later, shouts were heard in the backyard of Chayton’s residence. A heavily pregnant woman sat on a chair, watching her children jumping on the four-meter-diameter round trampoline, laughing. Occasionally, she yelled, asking her kids to be careful and not to fall.

She felt the side of her seat compress and saw her mother-in-law sitting there, placing warm milk in front of her. “G said he’s going to fly straight to America,” the woman whispered.

Haisley turned to her mother-in-law and smiled. Since her brother-in-law made the startling announcement about his choice to convert, she knew her mother-in-law was disappointed. Although in the end, her mother-in-law accepted her son’s decision.

“Gilbert is an adult; he knows what he’s chosen,” said his father-in-law in support of his youngest son who chose to convert. “You must be confident in your choice, G. You’re not doing it just for a woman, right?” the father asked.

Gilbert looked at his family and shook his head. “G has made this decision carefully. I’m sorry if G’s choice disappoints you,” he said sincerely.

Both his mother and father shook their heads. “We accept you, whatever your choice, G.”

And that happened a year ago. “Do you think Abigail is the reason Gilbert decided to convert?” Mrs. Monica asked.

Haisley smiled and shook her head. “Haisley doesn’t know, Ma.”

Mrs. Monica lowered her head sadly. She then took a deep breath and exhaled sharply, staring at her two grandchildren who were still happily playing on the trampoline in front of them.

“Mom really likes your two friends, Haisley,” the woman said sincerely. “Flavia is a gentle and sincere girl. Abigail, she’s a more expressive and straightforward girl. Her personality is similar to Gilbert’s, and Mom has liked her since forever. Mom would be happy if they end up together someday. But if not? Didn’t you say your friend is already married? Do you think she would leave her husband for Gilbert?”

Haisley looked at her mother-in-law with a sad look. She knew the disappointment her mother-in-law was feeling now. She had told her mother-in-law about Abigail’s feelings for Gilbert since their youth, even though both were sure that Gilbert and Abigail wouldn’t be together due to trust issues. But a year ago, when they found out about Gilbert’s choice, their hopes began to change.

Haisley continued to keep an eye on Abigail, trying to gauge her feelings towards her brother-in-law. However, she hesitated to inform Abigail about what was happening with Gilbert because she wanted Gilbert to communicate it directly to Abigail. But some time ago, she received surprising news that her friend was going to marry a man who had been arranged for her.

“If Abigail doesn’t love the man her father chose, Mom hopes she still has feelings for Gilbert so that she can leave her husband and be with Gilbert, and they can live happily together,” her mother-in-law said hopefully.

Haisley reached out and touched her mother-in-law’s hand. “Haisley also hopes for the best for G, Ma,” she said sincerely.

The sound of footsteps made the two women from different generations turn. Nathan appeared in his work attire, still looking neat even though it was late in the day. Her husband of almost ten years smiled and approached.

“Good evening, dear,” he greeted before gently kissing Haisley’s forehead and the top of her head. “How’s the baby today? Any rebellions again?” he asked with concern.

Haisley smiled and shook her head. “Today, he’s calmer,” she replied to her husband.

Nathan sighed. “Because he always rebels at night. As if he doesn’t like seeing his parents enjoy a peaceful night,” he said with a frustrated expression, to which Haisley responded with a smile.

Haisley watched her husband walk away, calling out the names of their two children while waving and approaching the trampoline. He always demanded kisses from their two kids on many occasions. Although the eldest sometimes refused, Nathan always insisted, eventually making the eldest give in.

Yes, after years of living together, Nathan began to show his true character. A warm and caring man, just as Haisley wanted him to be. His gaze was always gentle and full of love, no longer cold as it was before they got married. Her husband’s face was always adorned with a smile, leaving fine lines at the corners of his eyes as evidence of the sincerity of that smile. He became an attentive man, always there when Haisley needed him.

Disagreements? Of course, they were always there, be it for small or big things. But they could always resolve everything well because, as it turned out, Nathan was extremely patient behind the cold demeanor he had shown for so long.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Yes, Nathan was the best husband for her. And also the best father for their children. Because he always prioritized the needs of their children over work. One thing they learned from the kidnapping ordeal was that children are a precious gift from God.

As for Loretta, years ago, after their wedding reception in Manhattan, they also held one in England, inviting Nathan’s colleagues, his father, and his college friends, including Gilbert, who had become his senior. At that time, she had asked if any of them knew about Loretta. However, none of them knew the whereabouts of that woman.

Until now, Loretta seemed to have disappeared off the face of the earth. Meanwhile, her adoptive father, her father-in-law, said that the man had decided to retire from his job and live in a residence far from the city. In her heart, Haisley prayed that the woman would no longer cause suffering to others.