THE FORGOTTEN HEIRESS

Author’s Note:

As we are all aware, this is purely a work of fiction, although I try most times to make my plot as original and real as possible.

So, for this Chapter, I would love to apologize in advance to the professional boxers among us who would want to critique this Chapter.

Because in a real boxing match, it is very unlikely for the combatants to exchange words in the midst of a fierce battle since they need to conserve energy and focus more on their strategies and moves.

The side-talks in between the fight in this Chapter has been added to enhance and add a special element to the plot.

Hope I am forgiven. Thanks for your unquantifiable understanding. Love youuuu.

*****

The ringmaster, equally dressed in dark attire like the bartenders stood at the edge, overseeing the imminent duel.

Since it was not a professional boxing match, there were no rules, and as there were no spectators, there was no need for a microphone; however, his voice still boomed without the speakers, amplifying the anticipation in the air.

An artificial scent of sweat and anticipation mingled with the fog of smoke machines, lended an electric atmosphere to the already charged atmosphere.

The lights overhead illuminated the ring, casting a stark spotlight on the two friends whose future fate was about to be decided.

At the ringmaster’s signal for them to take position, Shawn and Steffan circled each other. They raised their fist and as they moved around, one can still see the hesitation in their eyes.

The bell rang, signaling the start of the match and both men lunged forward.

"How about giving me an answer? Or are you too weak to admit that you have fallen for your best friend’s wife?" Shawn spat out after Stefan blocked the first jab that he threw out and made no attempt to fight back.

"I never planned for this to hap.... " Steffan winced helplessly, unable to complete his words as a result of the effect of Shawn’s second punch which landed heavily on his face.

Instantly, he saw stars. He never expected Shawn’s anger towards him to be this fierce.

"I guess you also never planned on telling me that while comforting me, you were also busy using that opportunity to chase after my wife."

The thought of that alone fueled his anger and he launched another devastating attack which could be likened to the one Steffan had just dealt him emotionally.

But this time around Steffan managed to dodge and used a quick pivot to escape the punch combination that Shawn had thrown.

They’ve been friends for years and watched each other fight so they knew each other’s tactics.

"What a clever move you made, dear friend," Shawn spat out with a ferocious sneer.

Steffan knew he was referring to his actions and not the fight and a sense of guilt engulfed him again.

Amidst his guilt, he also felt a sense of being wronged.

There was nothing wrong with what he did. All he did was fall in love, but unfortunately it happened to be with his best friend’s wife.

How was it his fault? Besides, the heart is not something one can easily control anyway.

With that thought in mind Steffan dropped all inhibitions and engaged Shawn head on.

Their fists flew in a blur of rapid punches, each blow resonating with the weight of their unresolved emotions.

It was a tumultuous clash, a clash not of fists, but of emotions, regrets, and the unraveling of a friendship tested by betrayal and hurt.

Their movements were precise and was filled with a deep need for release.

Shawn’s punches were fueled by a fire of betrayal, each strike aimed to vent the frustration and pain he felt at the hands of his once-trusted friend.

Steffan, though conflicted, fought with a sense of penance, each punch carried the weight of an unspoken apology, a plea for forgiveness buried beneath the surface of the duel.

As the rounds progressed, fatigue began to wear on both combatants. Sweat glistened on their brows, their breaths labored, yet the they made up their mind to settle all the scores today.

As the final bell rang, both men flopped down, battered and exhausted, at the center of the ring.

They sat opposite each other in the quiet aftermath of their emotional duel and a heavy silence settled around them.

Shawn’s bewildered gaze was fixed on Steffan as he said slowly in between short gasps of air.

"Steffan...., Why? Why... Did you... betray me like that?"

The fight, coupled with the anguish in Shawn’s tone seemed to have helped in clearing Steffan’s mind.

He lowered his gaze, his expression full of regret. He took a moment, collecting his thoughts before meeting Shawn’s eyes.

"I don’t have any excuses, Shawn. I was selfish. I got caught up in my feelings for Kathleen, and I lost sight of what truly mattered; our friendship."

Shawn buried his face in his hands, as if trying to shield himself from the truth glaring him in the face and without looking up, said,

"We’ve been friends for so long and I trusted you with everything. I never keep anything from you. You knew how much Kathleen meant to me. You witnessed each breakdown I had, the sorrows, trauma and even the psychological wreck I turned into after I thought I lost her."

He slowly looked up, his eyes normally vibrant and lively, now reflected a weariness that went beyond physical tiredness.

A gaunt smile that would best be described as a smiling corpse hung on his face as he continued.

"You were even there for me most of the time and I never thought I’d be sitting here, feeling so betrayed... by you."

"Why would you suddenly turn around and stab me in the back?" Shawn asked in a strained voice.

Steffan’s heart ached witnessing Shawn’s emotional breakdown.

"I know, and I’m sorry. I never intended for any of this to happen. It was a mistake, and I deeply regret hurting you."

"I fell in love with her without knowing who she was. You can attest to that yourself."

"When you knew who she was, what did you do?"