Chapter 25: Chapter 25

Nathan planned a two weeks trip for Michelle, Sandra and himself. He wanted them to bond as a family, so he decided they should go on a vacation in Hawaii. They were already getting ready to leave for the airport, the maids were taking their suitcases downstairs.

“Honey, is everything ready?” he asked Michelle.

“Yeah. We’re good to go.” She replied.

Sandra was in Nathan’s arms when his phone suddenly rang.

“Here, hold her.” He said, handing Sandra over to Michelle as he went outside to receive the call.

Michelle waited for Nathan to be done with the call, but she noticed the call was taking too long. She peeked through the window and noticed he wasn’t looking happy while talking on the phone. She wondered what was wrong.

The call ended and Nathan walked back inside the house.

“Is everything okay?” Michelle asked as Nathan didn’t hide the sad look on his face.

“I’m sorry Michelle, you’ll have to go without me. I’ll join you two later.”

“Why? Did something happen?”

“I need to take care of something important at the office… I’m really sorry. I promise to join you guys as soon as I’m done.”

Michelle didn’t like this news at all. She never wanted to go for the vacation in the first place, but Nathan convinced her otherwise and now this?

“We can postpone the trip.”

“No love, I’ve already made preparations for this trip. I won’t take long. I’ll be with you in three days, I promise.”

“Are you sure?” she asked, doubting if he was ever going to be done with those paperwork in his office.

“Hmmn. Fine.” She then said, not waiting for his reply.

Nathan kissed Sandra and Michelle goodbye after driving them to the airport. He waited for them to get on the private jet and take off before leaving.

Michelle and her baby Sandra arrived at the airport in Hawaii. There was a ride already waiting to take them to the hotel. When they got to the hotel, Michelle gave Nathan a call as soon as she got settled in, letting him know that they just arrived. He kept apologizing and promised to show up when he was done. She decided to sleep in that day and take a tour around Hawaii the following day.

Michelle have spent five days in Hawaii and still, no sign of Nathan. He hasn’t even given her a call. She wondered why he wasn’t here yet and even if he was busy, he should’ve at least called to let her know that he was going to be taking a little longer in coming.

She was really worried but tried not to let it get to her. He would eventually show up when he was done with whatever work he was taking care of. He made that promise to her himself.

It was a bright and sunny day, Michelle decided to go to the beach. She got dressed in a white spaghetti strap lace waist skater dress. She didn’t want to wear a bikini because Nathan wasn’t the there for her to show off her body. So, she went to the beach with Sandra in her arms. She was enjoying the lovely view of the ocean and also the warm breeze on her face.

“It’s a lovely view, isn’t it?”

Michelle heard the voice she couldn’t mistake for anything in the world. She turned around and saw Derek, he had a smile on his face. He barely smiles, but whenever he did smile, it looked perfect to her.

“Derek?... What are you doing here?” she asked surprised.

“Dad has some investments here, so I came to check on some of them.” He replied.

“Oh!” she exclaimed with the realization that even the hotel she was lounging belonged to his dad.

“What are you doing out here?... I mean, in Hawaii?” he asked.

“We’re on a vacation. Nathan will be joining us pretty soon.. He just had some work to take care of.”

“Mmm.”

“May I join you guys?” he asked wanting to keep them company.

“Sure.”

“Hello beautiful.” He cooed at Sandra who was in Michelle’s arms. He took her from her mother’s arms as they walked on the beach.

He was pretty good with Sandra. Michelle wondered how that was even possible.

The baby fell asleep in Derek’s arms, so they decided to call it a day and head back to the hotel.

Derek placed Sandra in the crib that was made available to her in the hotel room and went back to the living room where Michelle was.

Michelle stood up from the couch when she saw Derek come out of the bedroom.

“Thanks.” She said.

“I love her so much, I can’t help but want to hold her every time I see her.” Derek said. Michelle smiled at his confession.

“She has your eyes.” Derek said in barely a whisper as he approached Michelle.

He stopped right before Michelle. She couldn’t help but feel intoxicated by his cologne, she has missed that scent so much.

Derek slowly leaned in and connected their lips. Michelle felt like melting at the contact. She had missed his kisses.

Derek kissed Michelle passionately that she could feel her knees go weak. He slowly ended the kiss, placing his forehead against hers.

“I miss you so much, Michelle.” He confessed.

“We can’t do this. I’m with Nathan… I’m sorry Derek.” Michelle said, pulling away from him.

Michelle felt so much hurt saying those words but it was the truth. She is with Nathan and doesn’t want to betray him. It would be unfair if she did something as horrible as this to him.

Derek nodded in understanding and began making his way to the door. Michelle didn’t want him to leave but she knew if she let him stay, she would betray Nathan.

“Derek?” she called. He turned to look at her.

“Thank you for all the years we were together. I loved every second of it, but… I’m sorry, we can’t be seeing each other like this. I won’t stop you from coming to see Sandra but nothing can happen between us.” She was on the verge of crying as she said those words.

She knew she felt something for Nathan but it wasn’t as strong as what she felt for Derek, but she needed to be faithful to Nathan no matter what.

Derek was hurt by Michelle’s words. He left without saying a single word to her.

Michelle could see the hurt in his eyes before he left. She broke down in tears, sobbing all through the night. She didn’t even know why she was crying, if it was because of what she said to Derek or the fact that Nathan didn’t show up.

Nathan was in his office when he received a call.

“Hello babe.” He greeted the person at the other end of the phone.

“I missed you too and can’t wait to see you again.” He said as he stood up from his seat, staring out the window.

Michelle, Sandra and Derek spent the rest of the vacation together. Derek used the time as an opportunity to bond with his niece and he did a great job at that.

Nathan, on the other hand never showed up.