Chapter 11

The ride home was equally quiet, making Kimberly’s thoughts drift back to her conversation with Mr. Gareth.

She could tell, he still felt guilty and remorseful for his past choices. She feels very sorry for him because the hands of time can’t be turned back to change one’s decisions made in the past, so one has to make the most of every opportunity that presents itself in the present.

With that final thought, Kimberly knew what her decision was. She took a glance at Ian, whose full concentration was on the road. His facial features looked stressed, which made him look a little older than he was.

She couldn’t blame him for looking exhausted, his mom made him greet all the guests, who had many questions to ask.

She turned her eyes back to her side of the window, so he doesn’t catch her staring.

They finally got home. Ian wasted no time in getting out of the car, not even caring about her, his fiancée. She guessed he was trying to be polite earlier that night.

Kimberly reluctantly climbed out of the car, her feet were hurting from standing too much on heels. She took off her heels as soon as she stepped into the living room before heading upstairs.

She walked into the bedroom and noticed Ian was already taking off his clothes, his blazer and tie were off and he’s currently taking off his shoes, pretending to not notice her presence.

How long was he going to keep up with this act? Kimberly wondered as she sat at the edge of the bed as she was already tired of standing.

She quietly stared at Ian, who at the moment was unbuttoning his shirt still ignoring her presence, making her feel slightly irritated.

“Can we just stop this.” Kimberly finally said, breaking the silence.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Ian replied with a straight face as he took off his pants.

“You know, you’re acting like a dickhead right now.” Kimberly continued, already sick of his attitude.

Ian was shocked at Kimberly’s choice of words. This is the first time she has ever addressed him in such a manner and he didn’t like it one bit.

Kimberly noticed how Ian’s body went stiff from her statement. She certainly went out of line, but right now she didn’t care. She needed to get that out as payback for the hurt and loneliness he made her feel for the most part of the day.

Ian angrily walked into the closet, Kimberly could tell, he was trying really hard to control his anger. He came out of the closet a few minutes later with a White t-shirt and pajamas pants in his hand. Kimberly knew that was her cue to get straight to the point, if she wanted to have any conversation with him tonight.

She stood up from the bed and took careful steps towards Ian, who was now fully clothed and looked like he didn’t want to be anywhere near her.

“You’ve been ignoring me all day. You know I’m not the only one in the wrong here. You’re as guilty as I am.”

Ian just glared at her as he still ignored her.

“I know your dislikes and you know mine, still, you try to bring up such issues to get me upset… you know how I feel about the woods..” she said her arms wrapped around her fiancé's neck.

“We are not having this conversation.” Ian angrily said, removing her arms from its current position and angrily made his way to the door.

“What the hell is wrong with you, Ian! Can you for Pete’s sake stop acting like a brat!” She irritably yelled.

“I’m sick and tired of your stupid sermons about the woods, okay!” he yelled back.

“Fine. I’ll come with you, if that’s what you want.” She calmly said this time, as she was already exhausted from the day’s event.

“I just want us to go back to how we used to be… that’s all I want.” Kimberly explained, saying the last part in a whisper.

She could see the guilt and remorse in Ian’s eyes after she said those words. She turned her eyes away from him, not wanting to maintain eye contact, in case she gets disappointed in the end.

Kimberly was now staring at the floor, tears threatening to fall, when she felt hands cupping her cheeks.

Ian gently lifted her face, so she would look at him. He still had that look of remorse.

“I’m sorry for the hurtful things I said. I’m so sorry.” He apologized in a cracked voice, as he held her in a warm embrace.

Kimberly returned the hug as he continued whispering apologies to her.

She was beyond happy that they’re good now because she couldn’t imagine herself going to bed that night without reconciling with Ian.

“I made muffins.” She murmured into his chest, making him chuckle.

“Can we have some over a movie?” Kimberly pleaded with puppy eyes, hoping it would work.

She didn’t feel tired anymore and wanted to be in his arms while watching a movie.

“I’d love that.” Ian replied with a bright smile.

“Okay. Give me a minute to change into something more comfortable.” She excitedly said.

“That won’t be necessary.”

Ian had a smirk on his face as he slowly undid her zipper, making Kimberly furrow her brows. As soon as her dress hit the floor, Ian took off his t-shirt, handing it over to her.

“Here, this is comfortable.” He said, still smirking.

“Thanks.” Kimberly blushed scarlet at his action and took the t-shirt to wear.

They went downstairs, Kimberly went into the kitchen to get drinks, muffins and some popcorn, while Ian searched for movies they would watch.

She returned to the living room with snacks and drinks, placing them on the coffee table before making herself comfortable beside Ian, who instinctively wrapped his arms around her as she cuddled up with him.