“SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE”

"So, come clean now. What happened? Weren't you supposed to go shopping for the baby? Where are all your purchases? Why is there not even a pair of socks or a toy for MJ?"

That evening, after Marius had left, I had already finished showering when Calum posed that curious question to me.

I was in my room at the time, having fun with MJ, wishing he would fall napping shortly so Calum and I could have some time to talk while he was still awake.

I let out a deep sigh, the importance of the circumstances occupying heavily on my shoulders. Memories flooded my mind, coloring my cheeks with a telltale blush as I recalled what had transpired. It was a moment of realization, comprehending that my response to Calum's probing question was perhaps more revealing than I had intended.

"I had a feeling," he remarked, a playful smile dancing in his eyes.

I countered with a teasing grin, trying to lighten the mood. "You should already be well-versed in this, shouldn't you?" I quipped, shooting him a knowing glance that hinted at the complexities of the situation.

A soft exhale escaped Calum's lips, his gaze unwavering as he locked eyes with me, silently urging me to speak my truth.

"Samantha Scott, how long will you keep doing this?" Calum's voice carried a mix of concern and frustration, his gaze searching mine for answers.

My eyebrows arched a mix of surprise and defensiveness in my expression. "Are you implying that I need to come clean to Marius?" I responded, my tone reflecting a blend of curiosity and apprehension.

"Sam, what you're doing isn't right," he reiterated, his voice dropping almost to a whisper as if trying to drive home the gravity of his words.

A subtle sigh escaped me as I shrugged my shoulders, a gesture of resignation tinged with a touch of defiance. "I know it's not ideal to act like a married couple when we're not even married. But he's not opening up to me either. I can't be the first one to profess my love, can I? Can you see where I'm coming from?" I explained, my words carrying the weight of unspoken emotions and tangled feelings.

Calum's eyes held a mix of understanding and concern as he absorbed my words. There was a moment of silence between us, a pregnant pause filled with unspoken thoughts and unsaid questions.

Calum then moved and picked up MJ from his crib, cradling him gently. "What if you get pregnant?" he asked me.

The question filled me with a sudden rush of excitement upon hearing it. Unable to contain my joy, a smile spread across my face.

"Well, then MJ will have a sibling," I replied, my voice filled with unconcealed delight and happiness.

"So, you're okay with this?" he pressed on, seeking confirmation.

"Marius loves me," I replied with a slight tremor in my voice, revealing a mix of vulnerability and certainty that lingered in the air between us.

Calum's eyebrows raised inquisitively, his eyes searching mine for the depth of my conviction. "How did you come to that conclusion?" he prodded gently, his voice carrying a note of curiosity mingled with concern.

A sigh escaped my lips, a fleeting moment where the weight of emotions seemed palpable. "It's in the way he looks at me, Calum. The tenderness in his eyes, the way his voice softens when he speaks to me. It's in the little things he does, the thoughtful gestures that speak volumes even in silence," I explained, a wistful smile playing on my lips as memories of moments shared with Marius flooded my mind.

"But how certain are you?" Calum pressed on, his genuine concern evident in his tone as he leaned in slightly, awaiting my response.

I paused, contemplating his question before replying, "I'm as certain as one can be in matters of the heart, Calum. Love isn't always about logic or rationale; sometimes, it's about trusting your instincts and embracing the feelings that stir within you."

"Sam," Calum began softly, his eyes reflecting understanding and empathy. "I just want what's best for you, you know that."

A fleeting warmth spread through my chest at Calum's words, a reminder of the unwavering support he always offered. "I know, Calum. And I appreciate it more than you know," I replied sincerely, a hint of gratitude coloring my tone.

"You know what," I continued, shifting the conversation slightly. "Marius confided in me about something that happened between him and Lena," I revealed, watching Calum closely for his reaction.

As my eyes locked onto the chiseled features of my friend, I couldn't help but notice the sheer astonishment that swept across his face like a sudden storm on a calm sea. "Seriously?" he uttered in a tone that resonated with disbelief, his brows furrowed in bewilderment.

With each nod of confirmation I offered, Calum's expression seemed to deepen in incredulity. Yet, sensing the gravity of his next question, I didn't hesitate to continue unraveling the surprising tale. "I didn't press him on the details of when, why, or how it all unfolded. He simply confessed earlier. And, to add to the intrigue, I happened to spot Lena at the mall while Marius and I were sharing a meal," I disclosed, watching for Calum's reaction with a mixture of anticipation and curiosity.

"Did she approach you?"

I shook my head, a chill running down my spine as the pieces of the puzzle started to fit together in my mind. Calum's eyes widened in disbelief, his expression a mix of shock and confusion. "Are you serious?" he exclaimed, his voice barely above a whisper as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing.

I nodded slowly, my gaze fixed on Calum's stunned face, waiting for his next question. Sensing his shock, I decided to continue, providing more context to the situation. "I didn't ask him when, why, or how it happened. He just confessed earlier. And, I saw Lena at the mall earlier when Marius and I were having lunch," I explained.

"Did she approach you guys?" Calum asked, his voice betraying his astonishment.

I shook my head again, a somber expression crossing my features. "No, she didn't. I was the only one who noticed her. She was heading down the escalator at the time," I recounted, lowering my tone to avoid waking MJ.

Calum's eyes widened even further, his mind seemingly racing with thoughts and questions. "So, Marius told you about what happened between them after you mentioned seeing Lena? Am I understanding this correctly? Wait, where did you two go before that?" he pressed on, his shock evident in every word he spoke.

Calum's questions came one after another, each one delivered with an intensity that hinted at his determination to uncover the truth. He seemed like an investigator on a mission, probing into every detail with keen interest. I couldn't help but chuckle at his persistence, finding his demeanor both amusing and admirable.

"We came from my house," I responded, meeting his gaze meaningfully. I could see that Marius understood what I was implying, so he didn't ask further. That's why I chose to continue answering his inquiries.

"And then, yes, we had already... intimate moments after he admitted to me about what happened between him and Lena. And yes, that's my answer to your question about whether he confessed to me after I mentioned seeing Lena. Okay? Yes, that's the answer to all your questions," I almost whispered, followed by a soft laugh.

"Samantha!" Calum's voice was low but emphatic, causing my eyebrows to furrow in response.

"What?"

"Didn't it ever cross your mind that Marius might not have revealed all that if you hadn't mentioned seeing Lena?" Calum's voice carried a tinge of concern, his brow furrowed as he leaned forward, searching for answers in my eyes.

His words hung in the air like a lingering mist, casting a veil of doubt over the room. I felt a subtle chill creeping up my spine, prompting me to question the completeness of Marius' disclosures. Was there more beneath the surface, hidden in the depths of his silence?

A fleeting moment of uncertainty passed between us, punctuated by the ticking of the clock in the background. Calum's gaze was intense, probing as if trying to unravel a mystery that even I hadn't fully grasped.

"I suppose he'll eventually bring it up. He's likely just waiting for the right moment," I replied, my voice tinged with a mixture of assurance and hesitation. It was a delicate balance, navigating the unknown territories of Marius' intentions while grappling with my own doubts.

Calum's exhale carried a weight, his brows knitting in a mixture of disbelief and concern as his gaze bore into mine. "You're seriously swept away by that man," he remarked, his tone a blend of caution and incredulity.

A small shrug lifted my shoulders. "Let's just say some things are set in stone. That includes my feelings for Marius. But one thing I can assure you of is that I'll be smarter this time. We can indulge in passion whenever we desire, but the words 'I love you' will never cross my lips. I'll keep him guessing. That way, I can guard my heart," I elucidated, offering Calum a reassuring smile, hoping to convey my resolve.

Whether Calum chose not to engage in a debate or silently agreed with my stance, his silence after my explanation spoke volumes. After a contemplative pause, he bid me goodnight, signaling the end of our conversation for the evening.

As Calum exited the room, casting a lingering glance my way, my phone illuminated with a message from Marius.

"Good night, Sam. I wish I were beside you right now, feeling your lips against mine, our bodies intertwined in passion. Tomorrow, let's meet again. I adore your home, and let's fill it with the scorching heat of our love, reminiscent of our fiery moments in your Baguio abode."

Reading Marius's message, a wave of longing swept over me, igniting a blazing desire that mirrored the flush on my cheeks. Driven by this intense sensation, I couldn't resist typing a reply to him.

"Yes, tomorrow can't come soon enough. I ache for your touch, Marius. Your presence fills me with anticipation and a craving for more of your masculine essence. I yearn to be wrapped in your arms, lost in the depths of our shared passion."

These were the words I yearned to express, capturing the raw sensuality and longing that Marius stirred within me. Though I could share these desires with him, my true feelings remained guarded, a secret kept from even the most intimate moments we shared.