𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭'𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐱𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.

32 | Encounter: Part 1

Italy Harris:

It's Saturday, and I couldn't be happier or more relaxed. It's my time away from Roman, my hell, and I managed to change my locks. However, my time at school is becoming diabolical and stressful. Roman is the biggest thorn in my neck, and I'm forced to endure it.

I'm bundled up on my couch, curled in my blanket, waiting for Keagan's call. I sighed, ignoring the TV for the past hour as my cellphone sat on the coffee table.

Keagan's call will determine my fate with Roman. I want to be patient and not bother him while he works hard to free me from the Haines. I managed to break free from Roman's clutches the other day, or was saved by the bell.

There was no way I planned to fornicate with Roman that day, and he's insane if he thinks he's going to try. Roman does tend to continue with his lewd texting, and I make sure to delete each one before Jace looks or takes a peek.

I ignore them all, and I'm sure he's irritated because of it. I'll pay for it later, I'm sure.

Before Monday, I plan to confront Jace about the bank transcripts, and I'm sick of living in deniel. I'm stressed enough as it is, and I don't want to enter a new marriage with treachery. I'm pretty sure I have hair starting to fall from my head!

"Italy! I'm off!" Jace hollered from the other room. I knit my eyebrows in confusion because he leaves in the next twenty minutes. I hop off the couch, rushing towards him before he could leave.

"You still have time before you leave," I mentioned at the front door. We stop there, staring at each other calmly.

"I know I wanted to grab a few office supplies before work," He smiled.

I sighed heavily, crossing my arms. "I want to talk to you about something, Jace."

He glanced at his watch. "Can this wait, honey?"

"It's Saturday, Jace, and we haven't seen each other or had a real conversation since you started your new job! And since then, I feel we're drifting apart... I miss you, Jace," I say sincerely but with a firm tone.

He formed into concern and confusion. "I'm working hard so we can have a future, Italy. I'm working hard to pay for this wedding!-"

"But it's Saturday! What could be more important at that damn job then me? Or maybe this will help answer your question!" I argued, tossing papers of the bank transcripts at his chest.

Confusion fills him as he looks at the papers. He remains quiet, continuing to read, and he finally looks me in the eyes. Jace looked troubled and more perplexed.

"You think I purchased this? You think I'm cheating on you?" Jace inquired in a hard tone.

I scoffed, "You tell me, Jace... Because every time you head to work, it all becomes shady."

Jace hardens his jaw. "I love you, Italy, and I work hard every day for you and this wedding, and you accuse me of this!"

"Answer my question, Jace!" I demand.

"NO! I don't know where these bank statements came from, Italy!!" He raised his voice at me, and my bottom lip trembled. My stomach twists in sickness, I didn't know what to believe anymore.

I can't even trust my fiancé, and I hated it.

"And yet you're leaving for work on a Saturday, Jace... SATURDAY!!" I pointed out in anger

Jace grunts in frustration. "This is ridiculous! I love you, Italy, and you're the only woman I want. I swear to god, I don't know where those bank statements came from, I never went to a hotel, There's no other woman, Italy."

I sniffed, biting back my tears. "I don't know what to believe, Jace."

He took a step forward while I took a step back.

"Believe me, Italy, I love you!" He told deeply, and his eyes held so much seriousness and alarm. He didn't like it when I pried away from him.

Abruptly, I grabbed the doorknob and swung open the front door. "Get out," I ordered

He furrowed his eyebrows, seeing his Adam's apple bob. "W-What?"

"I said, get out!"

His eyes kept glancing between the two. "You're kicking me out?"

"Go to work, Jace... Go to the place you'd rather be than with me. I hope she's worth it," I said with bitterness. Jace's late nights were shady, and it doesn't add up. And who else would buy such things? Someone who had free time at such late hours.

Jace kept silent and picked up the papers from the floor. "Okay, I'll go... I'll give you time to think, and I'll do my best to prove you wrong, Italy."

He left the house, but before I could close the door, we looked at each other.

"Just know relationships don't last longer than a week if there are no hitches... Consider this our hitch, I love you, Italy," Jace calmly said, then left.

My chest ached as my tears finally broke down, and I closed the door, feeling myself break. I still loved him, and I wanted so hard to say it back.

I pray he's telling the truth, and if he isn't... Then my world will truly crumble and break into two.

Suddenly, I heard my phone ringing in the background as I hurried into the living room. I snatched my phone, seeing the name I've been waiting for,

"Keagan!" I answered, eager to hear any news...

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Until next time (Next Friday)!

Hope you enjoyed the new update! I've decided to break this chapter into two parts for you readers <3 Thanks for reading and voting. Much love 2 you.