Chapter 6: Guilt
Nora stood alone at the grand steps of the luxurious hotel, bathed in the warm glow of the chandeliers that lined the entrance. Thankfully, she had been able to slip away from the taunting show of sympathies to the sly enjoyment of her misery. As she waited for her ride, she couldn't help but shudder. How innocent and naive had she been to strive for 'love'?
"Let them party tonight and enjoy her misery," she thought, her resolve hardening. "They assume that tonight was the end of me, but they are unaware that tonight is just the beginning of a new me."
Inside the foyer, Antonio stared at Nora with guilt in his eyes. Even though he had chosen Sara as his life partner, Nora would always hold a special place in his heart. After all, she would forever remain his first love.
He wanted to apologize to her for humiliating her today. He'd never planned to abandon her at the altar. All night he had tried to escape everyone's attention for a chance to speak to her. He wanted to tell her that even though they were not in a relationship anymore, he would always remain her friend. Not for a moment did he doubt that she would not forgive him. He knew that Nora loved him deeply and was willing to do anything for those she cared about. So, he believed she would be happy to accept his friendship and free him of the guilt.
As the cool breeze ruffled Nora's hair, she hugged herself, her simple dress not enough to protect her. Antonio caught her profile with that faint smile she had worn all evening and strengthened his resolve. He would speak to her right away.
Marching forward, he took off his suit jacket and draped it over her shoulders, a gesture he'd often done in the past because Nora had a habit of never bringing anything warm with her. Nora stiffened as she felt the familiar warmth of his jacket on her.
In the next instant, however, she quickly took off the jacket and pushed it towards him. "I don't need this. Thank you."
Antonio shook his head and caught Nora's hand, "Don't be stubborn. You'll catch a cold. Don't forget I know you. You have no tolerance for a drop in temperature."
But Nora stubbornly stepped back and shook her head, "You do not have the right anymore, Antonio."
Even though the words were softly spoken, Antonio felt his heartache at her tone, "Nora, we can still be friends. We are brother-in-law and sister-in-law now. So, we are family."