A gay story: Forever My Love Ch. 03
Ben was completely stunned. He couldn’t believe he was face to face with the man he had been dreaming about for years. His mind was racing, trying to process the sudden encounter and the overwhelming emotions that came with it.
“I’m David,” the man said excitedly, extending his hand towards Ben. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
But Ben was lost in his thoughts, replaying the voice that echoed in his head and the promise that came with it.
“I love you so much,” Leah’s voice rang in his mind, causing him to tremble.
“Ben!” Carlos’ voice broke him out of his trance, bringing him back to reality. He turned to see Carlos smiling at him, a concerned look on his face. “Are you alright? The man is waiting.”
Ben struggled to regain his composure, his mind still reeling. He moved his hand mechanically, reaching out to shake David’s hand. As their hands met, he felt an indescribable sensation, a mix of familiarity and pain, all a reminder of his past with Leah.
David too felt something when their hands touched. It was like a spark of connection, but it also felt wrong. He was overwhelmed by emotions he couldn’t explain, and it was evident to those around them.
“You’re beautiful,” David whispered, unable to contain his grin. Ben felt a shiver run down his spine at those words, and he quickly pulled his hand away.
“You two seem to know each other,” David observed, his eyes still fixed on Ben. “Have we met before?”
Ben was at a loss for words, his mind still trying to piece everything together.
“No,” Jim interjected, quickly moving to stand by his husband’s side. “You must be mistaken. We’ve never met before.” He added, his gaze directed at Ben with a hint of warning.
Ben’s body didn’t know how to react, it just shut down. He froze to the point where he was hardly breathing.
‘What’s going on?’ He thought. ‘How’s it possible that he’s asking me these questions? How could he not know who I am?’
“By the way, I am Jim, his husband.” He said with a stern face. He was no longer scared. “We’ve been happily married for the last five years, so in case you’re wondering if he’s single, he’s not.”
Ben diverted his eyes to Jim and when he saw that mock in his eyes, he knew what the guy was trying to do. Instead of letting him intimidate him, he smiled and chuckled.
“Is that so? Congratulations to the both of you.” He said simply. “Excuse me!”
With those words, he quickly turned and started going out of there. He felt so suffocated by the painful memories that were flooding his little head. He couldn’t deal with all that, not with everyone in one place. He was rushing when he suddenly heard a voice behind him…
“Ben!”
Ben stopped in his tracks and froze where he stood, that voice bringing so many memories to him. He didn’t even bother to turn.
“I am sorry.”
Ben felt his heart jump in his chest. He slowly turned and found David staring at him with an apologetic.
“I would love to apologize on behalf of my husband.” HE continued. “He shouldn’t have talked to you that way. That was very rude of him.”
Ben smiled sheepishly. “It’s okay. I don’t find offense in what he said. Some people are just like that and they don’t like to feel threatened. But you should reassure your husband that he has nothing to worry about. As long as your love is pure and true, it can never break. Excuse me!”
Without getting an answer, he rushed out of there and went into the bathroom. David remained standing there, watching as the boy left. He felt so lonely, so empty and he couldn’t get why he had a yearning in his heart.
Meanwhile, Ben reached the bathroom and closed the door behind him. Misery, pain and hurt took him like lightning. He slowly walked to the mirror as sorrowful tears streamed down his face as he sobbed softly, his shoulders trembling.
The light didn’t seem to shine as it used to for him. Nothing seemed to brighten his world and he felt like he was surrounded by a darkness with no way out. He had just launched a brand in his daughter’s name. He didn’t need to cry that much.
“Damn you, David!” He sobbed, trying to rub his tears. “Damn you! Why are you here to hurt me again? Isn’t what you did to me five years ago enough? Why did you have to be here again?”
There was nothing left of Ben’s happiness. Everything was gone. It wasn’t anger that took it. He did not feel anything at all, but his face said otherwise. He could hardly keep himself together. He was shaking.
After what felt like hours, he raised his face to stare into the mirror and saw his reflection. His face was so wet that it reminded him of the times when he used to spend his days wailing.
“No!” He shook his head. “Not today, Ben. You cannot be defeated today, even if it’s for your daughter. You need to be strong because she wouldn’t want to see you this way. You promised that you were gonna try to be happy for her. You’re not a coward and you’re not scared of anyone.”
With a deep breath, he washed his face and took some towel to clean himself. In no time, he was back to himself, looking confident as ever. He took a deep breath and got out of the bathroom, wearing a smile that was obviously fake.
As he got out…
“Why are you back?” He heard a voice behind him, a very familiar voice.
Ben stood still and heard the footsteps get near him. In no time, Jim came in full view and he had a mocking smile on his face. Ben knew what was gonna go down. But he promised not to be weak in front of him.
“You know, coming back here was not necessary.” He continued, shrugging. “Nobody needed you here and nobody actually missed you.” He got closer and crossed his arms. “I know your scheme, Ben. Coming back here, inviting all of us here and then trying to play victim so that you can lure my husband into your trap again. We’ve played this game before and I don’t need to remind you that…” He raised his ring finger, flaunting his gorgeous ring. “…I am the one that David put a ring on. I am the one he chose and he doesn’t even remember you. He doesn’t even wanna remember you.”
Ben chuckled bitterly, taking a deep breath. “Good for you!”
He started going but Jim blocked his path. Ben stood, his fists clenched by his sides and rolled his shoulders back.
“Truth hurts, doesn’t it? A man that you’ve always wanted, someone you stole suddenly leaves you in your dying moment. Oops!” He gasped, his mock astonishment, chirping at Ben. “Must have hurt and I am actually surprised you survived.” Then he lost the smile on his face on his face. “I don’t know how you managed to enter this chocolate company and honestly, I don’t care about it. But stay away from my husband. You may fool everybody, but you cannot fool me.
David left you for me and just like a vengeful bitter bitch, you are trying to seduce him again.”
Ben burst into laughter and then got a stern look.
“Wow, looks like someone is scared. Afraid your husband is gonna come back running into my arms?” He raised an eyebrow, wearing an evil grin. “You know, for someone who’s really confident, you’re so insecure. What are you really afraid of? Is it that David will stop loving you and come back to me or that I am too sexy for him to resist?”