Rising Pheonix

Matt's POV

As I stood at the airport, the bright fluorescent lights overhead seemed to hum in sync with my racing heart. I felt a mix of emotions: excitement to see Dave after a year, and nervousness about surprising him. I wore a beautiful dress, its silky fabric hugging my body in all the right places, and the soft rustle of the material as I moved sent shivers down my spine. My heart pounded in my chest like a drumbeat, and my palms felt clammy with anticipation. The sound of announcements and chatter filled the air, a cacophony of noise that seemed to fade into the background as I focused on the task at hand. The smell of freshly brewed coffee wafted from a nearby café, enticing me with its rich aroma, but I resisted the temptation, my mind fixed on the surprise ahead.

Oh gosh, look at the time, I thought, my eyes darting to the clock on the wall. I have to rush and get there. Since I requested a day's leave today, I didn't have to worry about work. I got a beautiful dress to wear, as today was also our four-year anniversary, ever since we became a couple. The memories of our time together flooded my mind, and I couldn't help but smile.

I hailed a taxi and hopped in, the cool air-conditioning enveloping me like a cocoon. As we drove, the sounds of the city blurred together – car horns, chatter, and the wail of sirens in the distance. My mind wandered, imagining the look on Dave's face when he saw me.

Upon reaching the entrance, I saw him hugging and kissing someone. My mind went blank. I felt like I'd been punched in the gut, my breath knocked out of me. My eyes widened in shock, and my heart sank. I tried to process what I was seeing, but my brain felt foggy. Who is he kissing? I thought, my mind reeling. The lady shifted a little, and then I realized who she was – Zenneth, my close friend.

I stood there in shock, petrified at what I was seeing. No, this can't be, I thought, my mind denying the reality before me. I must be seeing things wrongly. Hahaha, yes, I am seeing things wrong. Let's go meet him. I brushed off the reality before me, my eyes deceiving me, because I couldn't accept the truth.

I gathered up courage and strength, my legs feeling like lead, and my voice trembling. "Hey Dave, welcome back...how was your..." I stopped, my words trailing off as Dave looked at me coldly. His eyes seemed to bore into mine, and I felt a chill run down my spine. The sounds of the airport faded into the background, and all I could focus on was the awkwardness between us.

His eyes, once warm and loving, now seemed harsh and distant, like a cold winter morning. I felt a chill run down my spine as he ignored me and smiled at Zenneth, his lips curling up into a charming smile that made my heart sink. "Let's get out of here, My Queen," he said, his voice dripping with affection, the same pet name he used to call me. The sound of his voice was like a knife to my heart, twisting and turning, causing me unbearable pain.

My heart sunk, and my eyes widened in shock, tears threatening to break free. The pain I was feeling was too much to bear, like a heavy weight crushing me. I felt like I was drowning in a sea of despair, unable to breathe. My tears broke free, streaming down my face like rain, and I couldn't wail since I was in a public place. The sounds of the airport - the announcements, the chatter, the luggage carts rolling by - faded into the background as I stood there, frozen in disbelief.

Was all the sweet words he said to me lies? I thought, my mind reeling with questions. The memories of our time together flooded my mind, and I felt like I was reliving the pain all over again. I stood there, frozen in time, as they walked past me, hand in hand, their fingers intertwined like the branches of a tree.

The airport buzzed around me, the fluorescent lights humming overhead, but I felt like I was in a daze, disconnected from reality. My mind raced with questions, and my heart felt like it was breaking, shattered into a million pieces. What's going on? How could Dave do this to me? We've been lovers for years, and I thought we shared a bond that couldn't be broken.

As I sat on a nearby bench, trying to process what I'd just seen, I felt a tap on my shoulder. The concerned airport staff member's voice brought me back to reality, his voice warm and gentle, like a summer breeze. "Hey, are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost." I tried to compose myself, but my voice cracked, like the sound of glass shattering. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little shocked, that's all." I forced a smile, but my eyes welled up with tears, like a dam breaking.

The staff member nodded sympathetically, his eyes filled with kindness. "Do you need a moment? You can sit down over there and collect yourself." I nodded, grateful for the kindness, and made my way to a nearby bench. I sat down, trying to process what I'd just seen, the sounds of the airport fading into the background. Dave and Zenneth's betrayal stung, and I felt like I'd been punched in the gut, the wind knocked out of me.

As I sat there, trying to make sense of it all, I realized that I needed to confront Dave. I needed answers, and I needed them now. I took a deep breath, the air filling my lungs, and gathered my courage. I stood up, my legs trembling beneath me, and began to walk, my feet carrying me towards a destination unknown.

I scan the airport, my eyes searching for Dave and Zenneth. The fluorescent lights overhead seem to hum in sync with my racing heart. I finally spot them at the baggage claim, collecting their luggage. The sound of the conveyor belt rumbling and the chatter of the crowd fade into the background as I focus on the couple.

When I confront Dave and Zenneth, I feel a surge of anger and hurt. My palms grow sweaty, and my heart pounds in my chest like a drumbeat. Dave's words cut deep, like a knife twisting in my heart. I feel a wave of nausea wash over me, my mind reeling with shock and pain. The airport's air-conditioning seems to grow colder, the chill seeping into my bones.

I take a deep breath, the air filling my lungs, and gather my courage. My heart racing with anticipation and anxiety, I approach them, my footsteps echoing in the silent airport. The sound of my shoes clicking on the tile floor seems to grow louder, echoing off the walls.

"Dave," I say, my voice firm but shaking with emotion. My voice cracks, like the sound of glass shattering.

Dave's expression turns cold, his eyes gleaming with a harsh light. His gaze feels like a slap in the face, leaving me reeling.

"Well, I need to tell you something anyway," he says, his voice devoid of emotion. His words hang in the air, like a challenge.

I brace myself, sensing what's coming. My muscles tense, my fists clenched at my sides.

"I never loved you, Matt," Dave says, his voice dripping with malice. "I never cared about you. I only stayed with you because I felt you would be a good money-making machine." He says in a mocking tone, his words cutting deep.

His words feel like a physical blow, knocking the wind out of me. I stumble backward, my eyes wide with shock.

"You...you used me?" I stammer, my voice barely audible. My lips feel numb, my words slurred.

Dave shrugs, his eyes mocking me. "Yeah, I guess you could say that. I mean, you were always so needy. It was almost...amusing." His voice is like a rusty gate, grating on my nerves.

Zenneth giggles, her eyes gleaming with cruel delight. "Yeah, Matt, you were like a little puppy, following Dave around everywhere. It was pathetic." Her laughter is like a knife twisting in my heart.

The airport's sounds fade into the background, replaced by the pounding of my heart and the rush of blood in my ears. I feel like I'm drowning in a sea of pain, unable to escape.