Chapter 2
The first time I met Melvin Lane was during a wild adventure outdoors.
My friends and I were heading to our next pit stop when I noticed a man collapsed on a hill, half-buried in the swirling sands. Instinctively, I stopped the car and rallied a rescue team to help him out.
From that moment onward, Melvin pursued me with a fervent intensity. With little experience in relationships, his boldness and carefree spirit captivated me, and I soon found myself falling for him.
Both of us shared a passion for outdoor exploration, but while I preferred meticulous planning and sticking to safe routes, Melvin thrived on taking risks and embraced the unknown with nothing more than a simple backpack.
Worried that his impulsive adventures might land him in trouble, I laid down a few ground rules when he proposed. Any future trips had to be planned by me, and traveling solo was off the table. Melvin hesitated but eventually agreed.
I was sure our happiness would last, until...
At the wedding, I met Samara Hamilton. Her sun-bronzed skin contrasted with the wild strands of her sandy blonde hair tied carelessly atop her head. She dressed more casually than any guy at the table and challenged anyone to a shot-for-shot contest.
Melvin's gaze was soft and affectionate whenever he looked at her. I later learned they were childhood friends, having grown up together. Samara was a famous thrill-seeker, and it was through her that Melvin was introduced to the world of adventure.
When we met, Samara draped herself over Melvin and gave me a mocking sneer.
"I believe the type of woman you marry shapes the life you lead," she said. "The most stunning landscapes are where no one has tread before. It's a shame Melvin has all the skills I taught him, only to stick to safe routes."
"Might as well just walk around the block if you're going to be that timid!"
The room burst into laughter. Those closest to Samara shot me looks of disdain and scorn.
Feeling uneasy, I found a reason to leave, but Melvin stayed with them well into the night. He returned in the early hours, smelling of booze and sporting lipstick marks on his face.
He explained that it was just harmless peer pressure, drinking with Samara and unable to refuse the toast. As for the lipstick, they were just spontaneous kisses from Samara, nothing serious.
Melvin seemed oblivious to the fact that although he'd shared drinks with Samara, he hadn't shared a celebratory toast with me yet.
Despite feeling hurt, I couldn't hold on to anger. I had lost my parents at a young age and always yearned for a happy family, so the importance of this relationship outweighed my frustration. Remembering it was our first day as a married couple, I bit my tongue.
Even though I knew Melvin occasionally sneaked off to dangerous places with Samara's team, I pretended not to notice, hoping that having a child would bring him fully back to the family.
My joy knew no bounds when I found out I was pregnant. Melvin embraced me, showering me with kisses. We pored over dictionaries searching for baby names, planned the nursery, bought countless tiny outfits, and filled the storage room with baby supplies.
I was convinced that the arrival of a child would steer him away from his adventures. Yet when Samara landed in trouble, the safety of my child and me wasn't enough compared to his unwavering devotion to her.
Since Melvin has made his choice, from now on, my child and I no longer need him.