Cherreads

Chapter 5 - CUNNING GIRLFRIEND

After emerging from the glistening pool, John and Sasha found a quiet spot to sit side by side, their eyes locked in a silent conversation. As John noticed a small pimple on his fiancée's face, he playfully squeezed it, a tender gesture that illustrated his affection and care for her.

They soon slipped into a nostalgia-soaked conversation, reflecting on the winding path of their love story. John vividly remembered the early days of their relationship, the relentless pursuit filled with hope and determination as he tried to win Sasha over. After what felt like an eternity, she finally said yes, and since then, their love had blossomed through the ups and downs life threw their way.

But beneath the smiles, a few pressing issues loomed over them—topics they needed to tackle with delicacy. John felt the weight of one particular concern, a source of anxiety that he knew he had to approach with care, knowing it could stir the waters of their relationship.

With the sun beating down and exhaustion setting in, John wrapped his arms around Sasha in a warm embrace that lasted several heartbeats. Their hug was a cocoon of comfort, filled with sweet whispers and affection. Yet, underneath it all, John felt a sting from Sasha's teasing, especially her jabs about his less-than-stellar swimming skills. Although her playful banter cut a bit deep, he chose to mask his discomfort with a smile, determined not to let it ruin their day.

After retreating to their booked room, a sense of relief washed over them as they prepared to unwind. First, they needed a refresh, so John jumped into the shower, followed by Sasha. Once they were both invigorated, they settled on the couch, sipping juice as they tuned in to the news.

It was the moment of truth—time to discuss their relationship. John took a deep breath, mustering the courage to express his concerns about Sasha's recent behavior. Her heartless laughter following his near-drowning incident had stung deeply, and he believed it was crucial to address it. After all, love thrived on kindness.

But John wasn't done. He brought up something even more troubling—the incident of unfaithfulness he had witnessed just the day before. He laid bare his fears, explaining how such betrayals could corrode the foundation of their bond.

Sasha didn't shy away from the conversation; she had grievances of her own. She accused John of being careless and uncaring, demanding an apology for what felt like misconceptions on her part. Yet, true to his gentle nature, John took a step back, finding the calm within himself to apologize, even when her accusations felt unmerited.

The discussion unfolded like a delicate dance, requiring time and patience as they waded through their grievances. Yet, as the evening drew on, they gradually found their footing again, steering the conversation toward the more vital aspects of their love—a love that was worthy of fighting for.

John had a sparkle in his eye as he invited Sasha to close her eyes for a surprise, her heart racing with excitement. She couldn't help but imagine it was a sleek new smartphone or the latest must-have gadget. But when she opened her eyes, her breath caught in her throat—there he was, kneeling before her with a ring, boldly proposing marriage.

For a fleeting moment, joy washed over her, but it vanished just as quickly, replaced by a frown of confusion. "I'm too young for this," she thought, her mind racing. Still in her undergraduate studies, accepting his proposal felt like abandoning her dreams for a life she wasn't ready for. How could she turn him down without breaking his heart?

Tears prickled her eyes as she made a sudden retreat to the shower room, the weight of the moment crashing down on her. 

Meanwhile, John remained on one knee, his heart racing with a cocktail of emotions—hopeful anticipation mixed with disbelief. But as she walked away, his joy morphed into despair. Questions flooded his mind: Did Sasha really care for him? Had their time together been genuine, or was she simply keeping him around for his financial stability, waiting for someone "better" to come along?

Overwhelmed, he began to lose composure, his heart pounding in a way that felt like it might break free of his chest. As he gradually lost control, he slumped to the ground, unconscious.

Sasha, panicking, rushed back towards him. "Help! Help! Help!" she cried, desperation echoing in her voice as she knelt beside him, her heart pounding for reasons she couldn't quite comprehend. "Love! Love! Wake up, please!" 

When she realized he wasn't responding, a wave of fear crashed over her. In her frantic search, her fingers brushed against something unusual—bundles of money wrapped in a nylon bag. Her eyes widened; it was a significant amount, though she couldn't place its worth. Without a second thought, she grabbed the cash and stuffed it into her bag. She spotted a bank card but knew it would be useless without a PIN, deciding it wasn't worth the risk.

As adrenaline kicked in, she bolted through the main door, tiptoeing to avoid detection. Hearing voices nearby, she ducked into the shadows, determined to slip away unnoticed. 

Navigating the dimly lit corridors, she weighed her options, contemplating bribing the security official at the main gate. But the thought of potential consequences made her hesitate, and she quickly backed off. 

Hiding in the washroom, she was filled with dread and uncertainty. As she quelled her racing thoughts, her eyes fell upon a ladder propped against the wall. A spark of hope ignited within her; she climbed quickly to the top and jumped, only to feel a jarring pain as she landed awkwardly, her right leg twisting painfully beneath her weight.

Now on the ground, tears streamed down her face, mingling with the money she clutched tightly in her hand. 

Just then, a passing taxi driver, a bearded man with a heart of gold, spotted her distress. Without hesitation, he rushed over, lifting her gently and placing her in the back of his taxi. 

"Please, take me to a far hospital," she implored him, her voice shaking. She dangled the promise of a generous payment before him, and he, unable to refuse such an offer, sped off into the night.

After weeks of treatment in a distant facility, Sasha emerged ready to embrace her new life, the stolen money still tucked away. She made a solemn vow to steer clear of John forever, blocking him on all fronts, resolving that this chapter of her life was closed for good.

More Chapters