Loving You Too Long

Haisley blinked and saw Gilbert’s figure standing towering in front of her. The man’s knee seemed to be touching Haisley’s knee again, dangling from the bed onto the thick carpeted floor.

“Sleeping ugly, wake up! Quickly change clothes. It’s time to eat.” He said and chose to sit on the sofa in the room. “Looks like Nathan came home late, so your longing won’t be conveyed yet.” He said casually and chose to turn on the TV. Search for exciting channels.

Haisley looked for her suitcase, which she had only opened to look for underwear and a change of clothes. But the suitcase seemed to disappear. “I asked Aunt Jody to put your clothes away.” Gilbert pointed to the cupboard on the other side of the bed. Not a cupboard, to be exact, but an overhanging wall fitted with a wooden door. Haisley opened it and saw that her clothes, which weren’t much, were neatly arranged along with shoes and so on.

“Thanks.” She said and then took something back from the cupboard and walked to the bathroom. She came out wearing knee-length jeans and an oversized short t-shirt. “What are we eating?” She asked while tying her long hair into a ponytail.

“Not a salad because you’re not a goat.” He teased because he knew that Haisley didn’t like salad. It’s not that she doesn’t like eating vegetables. It’s just that the thought of eating food dominated by vegetables makes her feel…

They went downstairs, not to the dining table, because it felt too formal. Gilbert prefers to sit and serve food at the bar table. “I deliberately bought a new rice cooker and rice, especially for you.” He pointed at the mini rice cooker, which was near the double-door refrigerator.

Haisley snorted. “Don’t say it’s specifically for me. I know you like rice, too!” She said as she opened the drawer and took out a plate. The two ate happily while occasionally joking and discussing what they would do tomorrow.

Because her initial intention to see Nathaniel’s reaction had yet to be carried out. So, like it or not, tomorrow’s event must be replaced by getting to know the city she will live in for the next four years. Or maybe more if Haisley chooses to continue her master’s degree there. Or if she married Nathan? A hopeful smile spread across her chubby face.

The next day, Haisley was shown around by Gilbert. Around the city where she will live. Visiting the campus where she will study. Relax in the city park with ice cream in hand. And many other things.

Haisley knew that Nathan had come home last night. It’s just that she didn’t realize when the man came back and when the man left. She only knew that the man had come home from the basket of dirty laundry Aunt Jody had brought while she and Gilbert were sitting enjoying breakfast, which was already late.

Of course, Nathan wouldn’t bother waiting for her to wake up and greet her. The impression of avoidance was unmistakable without Gilbert needing to comment on it.

They spent the afternoon eating at a shop on the side of the road. A jumbo hot dog and a glass of cola became their companions for conversation before finally returning home. And when she saw a black car parked in the garage, Haisley knew. This is it.

With her heart pounding, she walked after Gilbert. Haisley is a girl full of optimism. She believes that as long as she struggles, nothing is impossible, even though she knows God’s hand plays an active role in every struggle and prayer. However, her optimism disappears when it comes to one name. Nathaniel.

With Nathaniel, Haisley always thought of the worst side. Cold Nathaniel. Nathaniel, who doesn’t love her. Nathaniel, who doesn’t care about her. But despite this, Nathaniel was still the man she adored. After all these years, that feeling never changed. Instead, it grew bigger until it became suffocating in her chest.

“Hi, G.” A lilting voice greeted them as Gilbert and Haisley opened the door. A beautiful woman with a sharp nose, white skin, and thick brown hair waved at them. Her slender body was clad in a black dress that looked clingy, forming a beautiful body that looked like a Spanish guitar. That’s the term that men always use to judge the beauty of a woman’s body, right?Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

“Loretta, how are you?” Gilbert greeted her kindly and kissed the girl on one cheek. Loretta. One name is her rival. Yes, Gilbert once mentioned that woman’s name. The woman who is currently close to Nathan. A woman who is physically the opposite of Haisley. But that wasn’t something that made Haisley give up. “Meet Haisley Smith.” He said, grabbing Haisley’s shoulder and bringing her in front of the beautiful girl.

“She’s beautiful.” Compliment the girl sincerely. “You’re girlfriend?” she asked enthusiastically.

“Almost be,” Haisley answered flatly. “On process.” She answered with a wide smile. She didn’t want the girl to know that she was chasing the man she was currently close to, right? Loretta looked at Gilbert questioningly, and Gilbert just casually shrugged.

“Just trust her.” The answer was flat. “Where’s Nathan? Do you guys have an event?” He asked searchingly.

“He was in the study, contacting someone. He said there was an invitation from his colleague so we would have dinner there.” She said without exaggerating. “Do you live together?” The girl was curious about Haisley’s presence.

“Yes, of course. H lives here with us. Considering Nathan is rarely home, her presence means a lot.” Gilbert rubbed her shoulders and hugged her tighter, following Haisley’s game.

“Very nice, I hope we meet often.” The girl said enthusiastically.

“Come visit often, you can become close friends. Coincidentally, H doesn’t have any friends here.”

“Then,” the girl stretched out her fingers, decorated with beautiful pink nail polish and sprinkled with decorations. “I will be happy to be your first friend in this city. Don’t hesitate to ask me for help. As long as I can, I will always help you.” Haisley’s hand, which was smaller in size, welcomed Loretta’s hand. Loretta was not her enemy. She wrote to herself. She is a beautiful and sweet girl with a unique position in the heart of the man she loves.

And the man he mentioned was finally seen. He was wearing a black tuxedo with a bow tie neatly tied around his neck. The outfit accentuated his broad shoulders and broad chest. His slim waist and long legs were clad in matching trousers. Haisley looked up, examining the man again. His thick black hair was combed neatly. His sideburns and thin mustache further emphasize his jawline. Thick and beautifully curved eyebrows frame his eyes, which have a sharp gaze with dark blue pupils.