33 The Lioness Is Raging
Taking a deep breath, trying to maintain my composure, I take a sip of my juice. Yes , I'm not planning on drinking alcohol in front of all these people. It's safe to say that the way they will react to my presence will determine whether I need wine or not.
Richard clears his throat and the room falls silent as he begins his speech to honor his wife on her birthday.
"My dearest friends and family, thank you all for being here today to celebrate the life and light of my incredible wife. When I look around this room at the loved ones who have gathered, I'm reminded of just how blessed we are."
He smiles lovingly at his wife, but there's a sadness and vulnerability in his eyes that catches me off guard. Is everything okay between them?
"35 years ago, I met a young woman whose kindness, grace and spirit quite simply took my breath away. From that day forward, she has been the unwavering force that grounds me, inspires me to be a better man."
Richard pauses, seeming to struggle to maintain his composure. I realize this milestone birthday must be bittersweet - a reminder of the years they've cherished but also the limited time they have left together.
"We've built a life filled with adventure, with challenges overcome, and boundless love. Through it all, her devotion has been my guiding light, her comforting embrace, my safe harbor in the storm."
Tears start to well up in my eyes as I watch Zayn reach over to take Becky's hand in his own, their fingers intertwining. A tender gesture of solidarity as they reflect on their parents' profound connection.
"So today, I want to honor my true partner in life - the woman who made me a husband, a father, a better human being. The woman whose unconditional love and support gave me the courage to chase my dreams."
Richard lets the weight of those words linger as he walks over to pull his wife into a lingering embrace, the epitome of two souls intertwined. I feel Zayn squeezing my hand tighter, and I give it a reassuring squeeze back, newfound appreciation blossoming for the depths of commitment it takes to nurture a love like that for decades.
As the room erupts into cheers celebrating the remarkable love story before us, I'm struck by the realization that this union is The real love story we should all aspire to - one defined by selflessness, devotion and two hearts beating as one through all of life's ebbs and flows. In this moment, I understand that families aren't bound solely by blood, but by the everlasting ties forged through a lifetime of moments like these.
"...And of course, we have to welcome back a very special guest - Trisha! Zayn's oldest and dearest friend from childhood. Why, I remember the days when you two were inseparable love birds running around this very house!"
My heart sinks as Richard beams at Trisha, this gorgeous, exotic-looking woman. The way Zayn's eyes linger on her, I can't help but feel threatened and invisible. Is she the one he truly wants to be with?
As Richard regales the audience with tales of Zayn and Trisha's undying bond, hot tears start to well up in my eyes. Was I merely a phase for him all along while he waited for his first love to return?
"...So let's all raise a glass to young love rekindled! To Zayn and Trisha!"
The room erupts into cheers and applause, but it all blurs into white noise ringing in my ears. Zayn exchanges an intense look with Trisha that speaks volumes. At this moment, I feel more alone than I ever have before, an outsider at what should have been a celebration of our love.
Trisha catches my eye and flashes me a smile that could be interpreted as warm welcome or smug triumph. My vision blurs with tears as turmoil rages within me. Did she really come all this way solely to reconnect with her childhood friend? Or was her plan all along to sabotage my relationship with Zayn and take back the man she thinks belongs to her?
I quickly get up from my seat, tears stinging my eyes as I try to discreetly make my exit. Richard's speech has left me feeling like an outsider, unloved and unaccepted by Zayn's family. As I shuffle towards the hallway bathroom, my vision blurs and I nearly lose my footing, tripping over my own feet.
"Whoa, easy there!"
Zayn's comforting voice calls out as his strong arms catch me before I can fall. He steadies me gently, his eyes filled with concern.
"Babe, what's wrong? Why are you crying?"
I open my mouth to respond but the words catch in my throat, a fresh wave of tears streaming down my face. How can I begin to explain the maelstrom of hurt, insecurity and rejection swirling within me? Zayn ushers me into the bathroom, closing the door behind us to give us privacy.
"I...I'm so sorry."
I manage to choke out between sobs.
"It's just...your dad's speech about you and Trisha. The way he glowed talking about your history together. And he acts like I don't even exist!"
Zayn's face falls as my words hang heavy in the air. He pulls me into a tight embrace, cradling my head against his chest as my tears soak through his dress shirt.
"Shh, it's okay, let it all out."
He soothes, gently rubbing circles on my back.
"I had no idea Trisha was coming today. I swear, this was as much a shock to me as it was to you."
I want so desperately to believe his words, to trust in the sincerity behind those warm brown eyes. But the sliver of doubt caused by Trisha's sudden reappearance and my in-laws' seeming dismissal of our relationship makes my heart ache.
"But what if..."
I start, my voice small and trembling.
"What if they want to break us up so you can be with her instead? What if they never really accepted me as your partner?"
Zayn pulls back, cupping my face in his hands as he looks at me with fierce determination.
"Listen to me very carefully."
He states in a low, intense tone.
"I love YOU. Only you. Trisha was a childhood fantasy, but you are the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with. I don't care what my parents think or who they want me to be with. You're stuck with me."
A faint smile ghosts across my lips at his words, the cloud of doubts slowly starting to part. Zayn leans in, resting his forehead against mine as his thumbs gently brush away the tear streaks on my cheeks.
"We're a team, you and I."
He murmurs huskily.
"Against anything the world throws our way. Don't let anyone make you feel like you don't belong by my side. Because that's exactly where you belong - today, tomorrow, and always."
A renewed sense of calm and reassurance washes over me as I gaze into the endless depths of Zayn's eyes. His unwavering words and touch are the lifeline anchoring me against the crashing waves of self-doubt. I know at this moment that no matter what reservations his family may harbor, our love will help us weather any storm.
I pull him into a searing kiss, trying to convey the gratitude and wholehearted devotion that mere words can't capture. When we finally part, I feel restored, emboldened and ready to face his family - or the world - side by side with the man I love.
My heart still racing from Zayn's reassurances, I start to feel a semblance of calm and strength returning. But then, without any warning, the bathroom door swings open and Trisha breezes in uninvited. My breath catches in my throat as I watch her purposefully sidle up to Zayn and throw her arms around him in an overly familiar embrace.
"There you are, Zaynie! I've been looking everywhere for you."
Trisha purrs in a sickly sweet tone, pressing herself flush against him.
The blood drains from my face as I see the stunned look on Zayn's face morph into one of discomfort and panic. He gently but firmly tries to disengage himself from her grasp.
"Trisha...what are you doing?"
But she ignores his question, reaching up to playfully tousle his hair in a way that makes my skin crawl.
"Don't be mad, babe. I just got so nostalgic being back here in your childhood home. It brought back such amazing memories of our time together."
That's the final straw that shatters my restraint into a million pieces. My body begins trembling with a potent mix of rage, disgust, and primal jealousy watching this woman's shameless attempts at seducing my man right in front of me. I can't be rational, I can't be calm - everything in me is screaming to protect what's mine.
"Get your hands off him!"
I snarl, the sound almost unrecognizable as my own voice. I roughly shove Trisha away from Zayn, putting myself between the two of them like a lioness shielding her mate.
Trisha staggers back, raising an eyebrow in mock innocence.
"Oh? And who might you be, honey?"
"I'm his girlfriend, you delusional snake!"
I hiss through gritted teeth, squaring my shoulders as waves of fury crash over me.
"And if you think you can just waltz in here and try to steal my man with your desperate moves, you've got another thing coming!"
Zayn's eyes go wide, but I can't stop - every fear, every insecurity, and intimidation I felt over this woman's arrival comes bubbling forth in a scalding hot torrent of anger.
"Let's get one thing straight."
I spit out venomously.
"Zayn is MY partner now. Whatever little high school fantasy romance you two had is ancient history. He's a grown man who has built a life with me now - a life you weren't even a part of until today when you just decided to show up out of the blue!"
Trisha opens her mouth to protest, but I cut her off, feeling reckless and unstoppable in my tirade.
"I don't know what kind of delusions you're clinging to, thinking he still wants you or that he's just going to leave me for you. Well let me break it to you loud and clear - that's NEVER going to happen!"
My chest heaves from the exertion as I stand with my hands on hips, chin raised defiantly. I can practically see the shockwaves my outburst has sent rippling through Trisha as she regards me with a look hovering between anger and disbelief.
This woman has dared to make me feel insignificant and threatened in my own relationship. But not anymore - the gloves are off now. If she wants to try to take what is most precious to me, she's going to have to go through hell itself first. Because I'm not going down without what is sure to be an earthshaking, bloody battle.
