Almost Falling Again

I didn't move, I couldn't. Liza’s voice rang in my ears, even after she turned and pointed out. "My husband is right there." It echoed like a punchline in a dream I hadn’t realize I was having.

Then, that very moment, I slightly turned my head towards Samantha and locked eyes with her. Her face went slack with disbelief. Her wide eyes flicked toward Liza, then back to me. She was clearly shaken—like the word wife had struck a nerve deeper than I was ready to face.

My blood drained. Heat rushed to my ears. My stomach knotted, twisting hard like it was bracing for impact. What is she doing here?

Just minutes ago, Stanley had nudged me toward giving her a chance. Samantha was supposed to be my date tonight. And now… she’d just found out I had a wife?

I looked down, inhaled sharply, then turned toward Liza. She was standing nearby, her hair catching the golden light like a crown of fire, eyes locked on me—curious, guarded.

I waved, forcing a smile as I walked toward her. “Hey, my cherry blossom. I didn’t expect to see you here,” I said, wrapping her in a warm hug.

She hugged me back—but her body was tense, and her gaze spoke louder than words. Her expression wasn’t angry, just... searching. Confused. Like she was trying to make sense of a puzzle with missing pieces.

It had been weeks since the wedding—since the day I accidentally became her husband. I’d never even said a proper goodbye. I’d also never replied to her last message: We need to talk. And yet, here she was. Right in front of me.

I could feel the unspoken questions hanging in the air between us—dense and crackling like static. And as I held her in that awkward embrace, I realized something unsettling.

Just then, Shalom chimed in, her tone playfully probing. “By the way, how do you two know each other? I mean, Samantha and Liza. You never told me you knew anyone else here besides me and your sister. Come on—spill the story.”

Liza quietly turned toward the register and paid for her items, her fingers moving methodically, face unreadable. Samantha answered before the silence could stretch. “Oh, we were classmates,” she said lightly. “And not just that—roommates too. Can you believe it?”

She smiled as if the tension hadn’t fractured the air just moments ago. As if she hadn’t just discovered her date was someone else’s husband. Her voice was smooth, too smooth—like she’d slipped into autopilot to steady herself.

My stomach clenched and let out a low, audible growl. I knew I was in trouble. Deep trouble. Stanley crossed the room and gently tapped my shoulder—a silent gesture of brotherhood, like saying, I’ve got your back, without having to speak it aloud.

Then Samantha turned to Liza, her smile tightening. “Oh, so the famous story about a young woman marrying into money… that was you and Ethan? How did I not see that? How didn’t I realize it?”

She tapped her foot against the tiled floor, not fast, but pointed—each tap brimming with frustration she was trying to play off.

Then, with a brittle laugh, she added, “Liza, may I please borrow your man for just this afternoon? I was really looking forward to this date… and now I feel like I’ve accidentally stolen a friend’s husband.”

Liza finally looked up. Her gaze landed on me before she answered. I quickly looked away, eyes darting down to my shoes, heat rising in my cheeks.

Then she said, calmly, “It’s okay… as long as you don’t get emotionally attached to my husband. I mean—my husband on paper.”

And with that, she turned and walked out of the store. No dramatic exit. No parting glance. Just Liza disappearing into the crowd, like she was used to leaving without answers.

I stood frozen, one foot instinctively shifting forward, like I might chase her. But I didn’t. I hesitated—long enough for the moment to pass, long enough for the guilt to root itself in my chest. Stanley’s eyes caught mine, reading every word I couldn’t say.

That very moment, the words Stanley and I had shared earlier came flooding back: I don’t want to be the reason someone else is unhappy. But what was I supposed to do?

I’d let Liza walk out of the store—again—without even saying goodbye. Without answers.

And yet, right here beside me, was Samantha. A spark I hadn’t expected. Someone I was genuinely excited to spend time with.

Now my heart felt torn in two—one part lingering at the door Liza disappeared through, the other stubbornly pulled toward what could be with Samantha.

Before I could untangle the storm inside, Stanley nudged me gently with his elbow, voice calm and knowing.

“Brother,” he said, “why don’t we take these girls ice skating? You love it. My girl loves it. And I know it'll help shake off whatever emotional fog you’re walking through.”

I gave a slow nod, wordless but grateful. Then, after the ladies paid for their things, we stepped back into the street—light breeze brushing against our jackets, tension fading into motion.

We headed toward the rink. Not to forget.

But maybe… just to breathe again. The moment we stepped onto the ice, something in me shifted. My heart felt lighter, my limbs loosened, and my thoughts momentarily unknotted. The rink sparkled beneath strings of fairy lights, casting golden reflections across the surface.

What I didn’t know—Samantha couldn’t skate. Not even a little. But she was eager. Brave. And absolutely thrilled to learn. So, I spent the afternoon guiding her hands, catching her when she stumbled, and laughing when we both fell.

We twirled in awkward circles, cracked jokes, hugged to keep balance—each moment wrapped in breathless laughter. It became the perfect date. Honest. Human. Beautiful enough to make me forget, even for a while, that I had another date tonight.

Then I glanced at my watch. 5:30. The spell broke. We glided off the rink, cheeks flushed, and found Stanley and Shalom waiting near the benches. I smiled, trying to mask the sudden rush of guilt.

“Well,” I said, catching my breath, “it’s time I head home. Dad’s waiting for me.” I turned to the group. “You two want a lift back? I can drop you off on the way.”

They agreed, and within minutes, I was back at my place—rushing to change into something sharper, more formal. The warmth from the rink clung to me like a fading perfume.

Soon, I arrived at my parents’ house. The moment I stepped through the door, everyone was already gathering at the table. It felt like they’d been waiting for me to arrive before beginning the meal.

I took my seat—and that’s when I saw her. Across the table sat a young woman. Elegant. Poised. Her skin glowed under the chandelier light, and her outfit whispered wealth in every thread. She didn’t speak yet—she didn’t have to. Everything about her presence said she belongs in a different world.

But somehow… she was still exactly my type. My heart gave a traitorous skip. How did Dad know the kind of girl I’m drawn to? And what if I fall for her—just like he wants?

And more importantly:

What would that mean… for Liza?

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***