Chapter 4: Love’s Breaking Point

The tempest in Amma's heart was reflected in the storm outside. She and Jones were spending the weekend at a farmhouse near Gozo, where the windows were battered by the rain. The comfortable haven, which was supposed to deepen their relationship, had turned into a battlefield of unsaid hostilities and brewing animosity.

Amma's sketchpad was left on the table when she sat by the fireplace. Although the flames flickered and created shadows on the walls, the coldness that had descended between her and Jones was too strong for their warmth to break through. His silhouette was tight and unyielding as he stood at the window with his back to her.

At last, his voice pierced the quiet like a dagger and he said, "Amma." "We must speak."

Her gut churned as she tightened. "How about?"

Jones's expression hardened as he turned to her. "About whatever has been happening to you. You've been aloof and preoccupied. Additionally, don't assume that I haven't observed your gaze on him.

A beat skipped in Amma's heart. "Who?"

"Alex," Jones spit out, his tone brimming with contempt. "Your alleged friend from childhood." The one who is unable to avoid you.

Even though Amma's cheeks were burning, she made herself remain composed. "Alex is merely a companion. We were raised together. That's all.

Jones narrowed his gaze and took a step closer. "Is it? Because it appears that you are still infatuated with him from where I am standing.

Amma got to her feet, her hands shaking. "I've told you the truth, Jones. It's difficult, but I'm trying to make things work. I think I'm becoming less of myself.

Jones gave a sour laugh. "Are you losing yourself? You're going to be my wife, Amma. That's moving into the future, not losing who you are. But perhaps we should postpone this if you're not prepared for that.

His remarks were like a kick to the stomach. "Jones, I—"

"No," he cut in, his tone icy. "I have no time to make excuses. You are either fully committed or not. It really is that easy.

Amma's heart broke as she looked at him. Her goals, happiness, and sense of self had all been lost as a result of her arduous efforts to be the person everyone wanted her to be. And now that she was facing Jones, she knew she couldn't continue to act like that.

She said in a scarcely discernible murmur, "Maybe you're right." "Perhaps we should cancel."

Jones's eyes went wide with surprise, but he was unable to react before someone knocked on the door. Amma's heart thumping, she froze. In this storm, who could be outside?

Jones went over and wrenched open the door. Alex was standing there, shivering and soaked.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Jones demanded, with anger in his voice.

Ignoring him, Alex fixed his gaze on Amma's. "I needed to see you. My mind couldn't stay away."

Amma's throat tightened with breath. "You shouldn't have come, Alex."

He said, "I had to," and entered. "I couldn't allow you to proceed without understanding my feelings."

Jones, his face flushed with rage, moved between them. "You must go. Right now.

Alex refused to back down, keeping his eyes fixed on Amma's. "Not till she hears my side of the story."

The tension in the room approached a breaking point, and Amma's heart began to race. She had the impression that she was being torn apart by the forces pulling her in two different directions.

Alex said, "Amma," in a quiet but firm voice. "I cherish you. I've loved you forever. I am aware that you share my sentiments. Don't discard what we have in favour of a life you don't desire.

Jones's eyes blazed as he turned to face her. "Is this accurate? Are you in love with him?

Amma felt the weight of her feelings crush her as her chest constricted. She gazed at Jones and the life he embodied: comfort and stability without passion. Then she turned to face Alex, noticing the warmth and affection in his gaze as well as the bond they had always had.

"I…" she said, her voice faltering. "I'm not sure."

Jones's expression clouded. "You're not sure? You're going to marry me, Amma. You must be aware.

Her eyes welled up with tears as the truth came flooding out. "I apologise, Jones. I made an effort. Yes, I did. But I can't continue to act like this. When my heart belongs to someone else, I can't marry you.

The only sound in the room was the rain beating on the windows. Jones gazed at her, his face displaying a mixture of incredulity and rage. Then he turned and left without saying anything, slamming the door behind him.

Amma's legs buckled under her as she fell to the ground. Breathless, she felt the weight of her choice pressing down on her. Her parents' plans for her future had been dashed when she abruptly ended her engagement. She felt a ray of optimism, though, when Alex knelt next to her and put his arms around her.

His voice was firm and comforting as he whispered, "It's going to be okay." "You made the correct decision."

Amma soaked his shirt with her tears as she buried her face in his chest. "At this point, I'm not sure what to do. My folks will never comprehend.

Alex calmed her by stroking her hair. Together, we'll figure it out. I will not be leaving.

Amma was at ease for the first time in weeks. She experienced a calmness she hadn't experienced in months, even though the storm outside was still raging. She knew she had made the correct decision, even though the path ahead would be challenging.