Stuck in The Marriage Pact
Chapter 45: Confusion

Chapter 45: Confusion

Seattle, 7 a.m.

Joe ran across a moderately busy pedestrian area, filled with people heading to work or doing their morning runs, just like him. His eyes were cold as he ran, clenching his sweaty hands, and his entire body was drenched in sweat, making his blue sleeveless workout shirt damp.

"Joe..."

Joe stopped when he heard someone calling him. He sighed and then gave a faint smile when he realized it was Kate, who was also out for a morning run.

"So, you’re into exercising now?" she asked, glancing at Kate, who looked petite in her white tank top and shorts, her hair tied back.

"Yeah... I want to get stronger," Kate replied, wiping her neck and brushing away some messy hair from her forehead. "But it’s tough for me... I feel like I’m running out of breath," she added with a small smile.

"Well, let’s take a break over there, I brought drinks," Joe suggested, pointing to a bench in a small park by the road.

Kate nodded and walked alongside Joe until they reached the bench and sat down. She immediately took a drink after Joe handed her a bottle.

Joe stared ahead, squinting, his smile fading as if deep in thought.

"How are you?" Kate asked, closing her bottle.

"Not bad," Joe replied without looking at her. "I can’t stop thinking about her," he continued.

"But you didn’t tell her you knew her husband isn’t paralyzed, right?"

"Of course not!" Joe turned to Kate with a faint smile. "I would never say that... It could get you in trouble, and besides, it doesn’t matter because I’d rather she told me herself... I want her to be honest, but she still isn’t." He explained, turning his gaze back ahead.

"I don’t know why she won’t be honest... Even last night, her behavior disappointed me," he added.

"Disappointed?" Kate asked, narrowing her eyes.

"I asked her to meet next week, but she said she couldn’t because she was worried her husband’s people would be watching her. She doesn’t seem to want to make an effort to spend time with me... It’s like she doesn’t care about our meetings," Joe responded anxiously, glancing at his hands. "I keep thinking, maybe it’s because she’s grown comfortable with her husband... She’s probably caught up in his wealth, his looks, and even his kindness... He seems perfect, and I’m sure he might be falling for her... She’s beautiful," he said, his head lowering in defeat.

"I think so. Loraine did the same. He chose to stay there instead of coming back to me here... he got caught up in the comfort of living there."

"That’s sad..." Joe gave a small, tight smile, then took a deep breath, feeling his heart pound at the thought of Isabella being with Hunter all the time. "I can’t imagine what’s happening between them..."

"What do you mean?"

"Well... maybe... maybe things that are natural between a husband and wife," Joe said awkwardly, glancing at Kate. "They’re all good-looking people, in a beautiful, luxurious, private space filled with freedom... They’re husband and wife. And with Hunter being so kind to Loraine, I think maybe he’s doing all this to win Isabella, or maybe he’s already started to seduce her... or force her to... to serve him as a wife since he’s given her money," Joe continued, shaking his head.

"I really can’t think straight... I can’t stop feeling anxious and jealous!" he exclaimed, leaning back against the bench and tilting his head up, brushing aside his sweat-dampened hair. "I’m so confused, but I can’t do anything... I understand that she deserves better because I’ve never been any good for her!"

"Joe..." Kate reached out to touch Joe’s arm, looking at him sympathetically. "You can’t blame yourself for what’s happening. Everyone deserves the best, but not with lies... Not by giving someone false hope."

Joe remained silent, turning his face away.

"If she is with him as husband and wife without the contract agreement, she should be honest with you so that you’re not left confused like this," Kate added.

"I’m not sure!" Joe snapped, standing up and putting his hands on his hips, staring at the street. "Sometimes I think Isabella is like this because she still hopes for me... I trust her love... And I could never truly accept her being with someone else... Who knows... maybe she’s under pressure... maybe she’s not being honest because she doesn’t want me to worry," he turned back to look at Kate.

"There are so many speculations... I’m confused!" he said, frustrated.

"Alright... You need to think about this calmly," Kate said, standing up. "You’re still stuck between believing and doubting. Maybe you need to investigate to make sure if she’s planning to leave you for him, or if she’s not being honest because she’s under pressure. I can help you if you want," she continued.

Joe furrowed his brows, considering her suggestion.

"How about it?" Kate asked.

"No..." Joe shook his head. "You don’t need to get involved in this. I’ll handle it myself." He quickly grabbed his water bottle and put it back into his crossbody bag.

Kate stayed silent, watching Joe with a concerned look. ’He loves Isabella too much. Foolish! He doesn’t realize Isabella is probably having fun with Hunter. If he takes her back, it’ll be like accepting a trash... That’s crazy, he doesn’t deserve that!’

"I’m going home now," Joe said.

"Okay... Take care," Kate replied, nodding as Joe quickly left towards the pedestrian path again.

...

Brooklyn, New York, 10:30 a.m.

Isabella was busy sketching a dress while Estella sat beside her, watching intently.

"I don’t want too many beads on the dress," Estella said casually, dressed in a gray outfit, her brown hair flowing beautifully.

"Don’t worry, I won’t make you look tacky," Isabella replied, focused on her drawing. "If you don’t like this design, I’ll make another one. I might even sketch more tonight so you can choose the best one," she added.

Estella smiled, glancing at Isabella’s beautiful face. "You’re kind and talented."

Isabella smiled back at Estella. "I’ll do my best for you. I don’t want you looking bad on your big day. But if you cry and ruin your makeup, that’s not my fault, that’s something I can’t control," she said, laughing as she looked back at her sketchbook.

"I don’t know... whether I’ll cry or laugh with joy."

"Maybe both."

"And what about you? Did you cry with emotion when you married Hunter?" Estella asked.

Isabella paused, glancing around as memories of her wedding with Hunter came flooding back, until suddenly, her attention was diverted by the figure entering the living room.

"Aunt Juliana," Estella said, seeing Juliana Brown, who gave her a faint smile.

"Estella, you’re here," Juliana greeted, briefly glancing at Isabella, who seemed nervous at her presence.