ROY

I frowned as the phone disconnected while I stared at it confused. Freya has never spoken to me like this before or hung up on me.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair as I stared at my phone. I tried to call her back but her number wasn't connecting.

I knew Freya would be upset with me but I hadn't expected her to react like this. I'd hoped she would understand that ever since I became Raina’s only friend and family I would always show up for her.

Raina and I have been through so much for me to just cast her aside. We grew up together and if her father hadn't denied me five years ago maybe we would have had our first kid by now.

But I was done regretting that because it gave me a chance to meet Freya and propose to her. I guess I should have handled things better and I should have called Freya. Maybe I should have asked for her opinion before canceling the wedding.

I grabbed my phone again and frowned when I saw a series of messages and pictures. The group was flowing with messages and there were various comments on the pictures.

“Shit!” I mumbled when I saw a picture of me looking at Raina with concern.

I'm sure Freya must have seen these pictures and that's why she's acting like this. Why did Raina have to post these pictures?

I ran a hand through my hair again and sighed as I stared at Raina who was sleeping. I was sitting outside her ward but I could see her through the transparent glass.

With these images and messages I've seen I knew I had to make things right with Freya. She's already threatening to end things with me but I couldn't let that happen, I love her too much to let her go.

“Hey, bro,” Ivan’s voice sounded before me, pulling me out of my thoughts.

I sighed and stared at Ivan as he sat beside me, “What’s up?”

“You look terrible,” Ivan said, laughing.

I shrugged, “Yeah, well, that's what happens when my wedding is interrupted by a call from the hospital.”

I had been heading to the wedding venue when Raina had managed to call me asking for help. The next call I received was from the ambulance team asking me to come to the hospital. That was how I reversed and headed to the hospital, terrified.

“How is she doing?” Ivan asked me.

I sighed, “The doctor says she’ll be alright after a day or two. She had a slight concussion thankfully and not brain damage.”

“That’s good. Why do you sound so sad?” Ivan asked.

“Because Freya is upset with me,” I sighed.

Ivan frowned, “Why? She ought to understand the type of relationship you have with Raina. You guys grew up together.”

“Yeah, but I canceled our wedding without consulting her,” I stated, “She has a right to be upset.”

“Well, yeah, but this is Raina we’re talking about. Everyone knows your history. If her father hadn't denied you five years ago I’m sure you'd both be happily married.”

“I don't want to marry Raina, Ivan. And saying that would only make Freya more furious and think I’m choosing Raina over her,” I warned him.

He nodded, “I know, bro. I'm just saying that Freya ought to have gotten used to these things by now.”

“This is different, Ivan, it was supposed to be our wedding,” I stressed.

Ivan shrugged, “It’s just a day or two late. I mean you guys have been together for five years. What's two more days to get hitched? Besides, you can't be in two places at the same time.”

“Remember, Raina’s father left you a note in his will asking you to take care of his only daughter after he died and the old man apologized,” Ivan added.

I nodded my mind finally at rest. I had been so worried before I had this conversation with Ivan.

“You’re right. I'm sure Freya would understand. I'll make it up to her,” I smiled.

Ivan nodded, “Yeah. It's your responsibility now, Roy. At least you owe it to the old man and the shares he transferred to your company.”

I chuckled, “This isn't about shares, but I do owe Raina for all her family did for us while we were growing up. Anyway, since you're here I need to go see Freya.”

Ivan nodded in agreement, “Go ahead. You don't have to worry about anything. Freya loves you and I'm sure she’d understand.”

“Thank you, Ivan, I feel so much better.”

Ivan smiled, “Anytime, bro.”

I walked out of the hospital and drove back to the apartment I shared with Freya.

“Baby, I'm home!” I called out.

I waited in the sitting room but there was no response. Everywhere was quiet – too quiet for my liking. I rushed into the bedroom and I was surprised to see the wardrobe was open. All of Freya’s clothes were gone. Freya had left me, I slumped to the floor in defeat.

FREYA

My heart broke into tiny pieces all over again as I stared at the empty closet. I had packed all my clothes into my box and now this room felt like a broken portrait of me and Roy.

It was like a shadow of what we had, a reminder that Roy would never value me as much as he valued Raina. I let out a small sigh and stared around the room. Who knew packing and leaving would be so hard?

Wiping off my tears, I grabbed my box and walked out of the house without a second glance. As I strolled downstairs to meet the Uber driver, my phone rang.

I frowned when I saw it was Ivan. It seems he still had a lot to say after the last time he called me.

“Don’t hang up, Freya,” he said the moment I picked up the call.

I sighed and sat down on the stairs, “What do you want?”

“I know you're upset but Roy is busy, he’ll be with you soon. Don't be angry,” Ivan said.

I scoffed, “I shouldn’t be angry. He canceled our wedding without even asking me! He didn't consider how I would feel.”

“I know you're upset, Freya, but I promise Roy will make it up to you. He's just very busy and he’ll soon come to you.”

“I don't need him to make it up to me any longer, Ivan, he can go ahead and keep taking care of Raina,” I snapped.

“Why do you sound like that, Freya?” Ivan asked, “Don’t do anything stupid, alright? Roy will be with you soon.”

“I’m done waiting around, Ivan, it’s time for me to love myself and always choose me since that's what Roy can't do.”

I hung up the phone without giving him any chance to reply then I walked out of the house. I dragged my box toward the car as the Uber driver helped me load it up.

My heart was heavy as the car drove off from the neighborhood but I bit back my cheeks to keep the tears at bay.

I know I should call Sarah and inform her that I've left her grandson but I was too weak to do that right now. All the memories I shared with Roy for the past five years flashed before my eyes and I let out a bitter smile.

The car pulled up in front of my old studio apartment and I dragged my box inside. My box felt lighter than the sadness in my mind.

I let out a sigh as I sat down in my old apartment. I had lived here before Roy asked me to move in with him. I could still recall how happy I had been when he asked me.

He had helped me pack and a few months after that he proposed to me. I had looked forward to a wonderful wedding. But Raina had to ruin it.

I could still remember how great my life had been with Roy before Raina entered the picture six months ago. She had used her father’s death as an excuse to get Roy to come to her aid every time. Especially when she asked him to marry her and he refused.

Despite Roy’s refusal, he couldn't refuse her request. For six months I have shared Roy with Raina as he was always traveling to assist her in the business, at home, when she had a minor accident abroad and now she's had another one coming to my wedding!

I had hoped that I would have just a day with Roy without Raina ruining and interrupting things but she's always around, sneaking and manipulating everything.

My phone beeped and a text message from Roy popped up.

‘We need to see.’

I scoffed, if he thinks a single message would solve what he's ruined then he's got another thing coming.

My phone rang immediately and I sighed when I saw it was Roy. I ignored it until it rang for the third time.

I picked it up, “What do you want?”

“Baby, we need to talk. I know you're angry but I’m sorry, I’ll make it up to you,” Roy’s voice filtered into the phone.

I sighed, I longed to hear him say these words but I knew he would always run back to Raina at the slightest worry so I was done.

“Never mind, Roy, you can focus on Raina,” I said with a resigned sigh.

“Why are you sounding like this, Freya? I thought you understood. Especially since you were with me when Raina’s family lawyer delivered the letter,” Roy sounded exasperated.

“A letter! That's what has been controlling our lives for the past six months. Raina is more important to you than I am. Haven't you found it weird that she's always hurt or needs you when we have something important going on?”

“What do you mean, Freya? Are you trying to say Raina is faking all these things? You know that's not possible. You know my history with Raina and she –”

“Right, your history!” I scoffed, interrupting him, “That’s why I’m the odd one out.”

“I didn't mean it like that, Freya, I'm sorry. Let me make things right,” he sighed.

“That’s what you keep saying and yet you don't do it!” I snapped.

“What do you want me to do, Freya? Disregard a dead man’s wishes after everything he's done for my family? You know I'm more honorable than that.”

I scoffed, “Right. Because your responsibilities and honor are more important than our relationship. I understand but it doesn't stop me from feeling neglected.”

“I’m sorry, baby. You know I love you, just give me a chance to make it up to you. We can fix this.”

I sighed, “I don't know anything anymore, Roy. I just want my peace of mind and I’m not getting it with Raina hanging around you.”

Without waiting for him to reply, I hung up the call. He called twice and I refused to pick him up. Instead, I switched off my phone.

Today I was choosing my sanity over everything else. I may love Roy but I wasn't going to let that love consume me and make me a shadow of myself.

ROY

It’s been a few days since I saw Freya and I've not tried to call her because I needed her to take some time off and get herself after what happened between us.

I knew she was upset but I also knew giving her time would help her understand what I've been trying to do for Raina.

Today, however, I got Ivan to help me bring Freya outside. I wanted to surprise her and apologize to her. I arrived at the venue and I was surprised to see Raina there.

“Rain, what are you doing here?” I asked, looking around in surprise.

Raina let out a small chuckle, “You’ve caught me. I was going to help prepare a surprise for you and Freya as an apology for ruining your wedding.”

“But how did you know about this?” I asked, curious.

“Ivan tipped me off. I was hoping to be done before you guys arrived but my busted leg has other plans,” Raina answered with a frown.

I walked toward her and helped her sit down. I released a sigh as I saw how swollen her legs looked.

“You shouldn't have bothered. You've applied too much pressure on the leg now it’s swollen,” I said.

Raina shrugged, “It doesn't matter. It’s the least I can do, especially since I’m the reason you're doing an apology dinner.”

I frowned and Raina sighed, “Yeah, Ivan told me you and Freya aren't exactly good right now.”

I sighed, “That’s not true. Freya is just slightly upset but she understands. We’ll reschedule the wedding and pick another date.”

Raina nodded, “I’m so glad you guys aren't broken up over me. It's such a relief, I've been beating myself up.”

I shook my head, “You couldn't have known you'd have that accident.”

Raina stood up, “Yeah, well I gotta handle things in the kitchen before Freya arrives.”

As Raina limped away from me I felt the urge to stand up and help her. I knew her legs were in bad shape and she was only trying to help me.

“Wait… Raina,” I called out to her.

She stopped and turned around, wincing slightly, “What’s wrong, Roy?”

“Let me help you,” I volunteered.

I joined her in the kitchen and I began helping her pick out the shells in the crabs. She wanted to prepare seafood.

“I hope you like it, Roy,” she said, smiling.

I shrugged, “You’ve always been my favorite seafood chef.”

Raina laughed, “Don’t say that. Your bride will get offended.”

Someone cleared their throat behind us and I turned around to see Freya standing before us with her arms on her waist.

“Why did you bring me here, Ivan?” Freya’s cold voice rang out, ignoring me and Raina.

Ivan appeared behind her, smiling sheepishly, “Uhm… it’s meant to be a surprise dinner apology between you and Roy.”

Freya looked around, her eyes cold like icicles, “I don't see how this is a surprise dinner, Ivan. It’s more like Raina’s ploy.”

I frowned, “Don’t say that, Freya, Raina’s leg is busted and she's here cooking for you to make it up to you.”

Freya scoffed, “I don't give a fuck! Besides, if she's cooking for me then she’d know that I’m allergic to seafood.”

I sighed, I had been worried about Raina’s leg. It had slipped my mind that Freya doesn't eat seafood.

“I’m sorry, Freya, I had no idea. I just wanted to apologize to you. I guess it was wrong of me,” Raina apologized, bowing her head in sadness.

I saw the way she leaned heavily against the kitchen cabinet and I knew she was feeling tired.

“Freya, Raina made a mistake. It doesn't mean you scold her like that, especially with her condition,” I said.

Freya scoffed and ignored me as she turned to Ivan, “Stay the hell away from me with your petty tricks.”

Then she turned and walked away leaving us stunned in silence. Freya has never spoken to us like that before and it got me worked up.

“What has gotten into her?” I asked, confused.

Raina began sobbing beside me, “I’m so sorry, Roy, it seems I made it worse. I only wanted to do what’s right and now I've ruined everything.”

I sighed and let her rest on my chest as she cried. I caressed her hair.

“That’s enough, Raina, I’ll call Freya and get things sorted out. You didn't do anything,” I consoled her.

I texted Freya but the message wouldn't go. I tried three times and the same thing. Then I tried calling her and I realized she had blocked me!