Falling For The Man I Married

Chapter 34: When did you stop loving me?

Madi's POV:

"God, Sissy. You made me cry." Nancy said while sniffing, right after I finished the song.

I just smiled at her and glanced in Gabriel's direction. I also smiled at him and he did the same.

"Do you know why it was my favorite song?"

"No, why?" I asked her confused.

She held my hands and lad me back to our seats.

"Because I have a friend in high school who fell in love with her best friend, although her best friend didn't notice her effort. But she continued to love him even when she knew deep inside, the guy will never notice her effort because he's in love with someone else. And that song was her team song for her best friend. Catch me I'm falling for you."

"Ohh.." why does it hurt to hear her story?

"But anyway, let's enjoy for this night. For your ever after with Gabriel and for your upcoming babies!"

We raised our glass as we both laughed. When I glanced back at Gabriel, I saw him frowning while talking to Phillip. But then I looked away when I know he was about to look at me.

Mr Wilsons was really enjoying his song which was obviously dedicated to his wife. And when he finished singing, he passed the microphone to his son. I looked at Nancy when she nudged my arm.

"What?" I asked her.

"Is he going to sing?" she asked with wide eyes while referring to her brother.

"And so?" I couldn't help but ask.

"He stopped singing after his break up with---ohh, I'm sorry." and she immediately covered her mouth as if mentioning Stacey's name was a huge sin.

"Why do you always say sorry every time you mention Stacey's name?" I asked, frowning.

"Because she was his ex and you are his present," she answered awkwardly.

I sighed before taking her hand.

"Nancy, like what you said, she's in the past and I am his present. And it's nothing to me if you talk about her." I hope my eyes can show the same emotion with my lips.

"Can I also choose a song for you, Gab?" that was Justine, taking the song lists from Gabriel's hands. They were already in the middle and choosing the song for Gabriel. He didn't complain, he just let him choose a song for him.

"Okay, here it is," Justine said grinning.

Nancy and I leaned back on our seats and watched Gabriel frown and looked at the grinning Justine on the couch. He just shook his head and to my surprise, he walked over to me and kissed my forehead. All eyes were watching us. And I hitched my breath when he lowered his head to my ear.

"Love, I didn't choose this song. The bastard Justine put it on the screen."

I smiled at him. Asking him silently through his eyes. Actually, he didn't even need to tell me.

"I just want you to know." he smiled and cupped my left cheek while his other hand held the microphone. Then he started singing.

I straightened my seat when I heard the first lyrics.

~~~When did you stop loving me? How long have I been a memory? I've gotta know for my own sanity. Tell me when did you stop loving me?~~~

Although I know that song was not chosen by him, but by the way he sings each of its lyrics, it felt like an arrow piercing my heart.

~~~Was it that night that you stayed out until dawn? You know that night has hunted me for so long. Or was your love already cold? Tell me please, I've gotta know. Darling, when did you stop loving me?~~~

It seemed to me, it's like his personal question for her. When did she stop loving him?

~~~There was a time when you worshipped where I stood. Heaven knows I'd bring it back if I could. Now I can tell when we make love, It ain't me you're thinking of. Tell me when did you stop loving me? Darling, when did you stop loving me?~~~

The time he finished his song, none of them clapped their hands, except me. I looked at them one by one, but their eyes were focused only to him. It's really an awkward situation. He walked over to me, made me stand and sit in my place before pulling me and made me sit on his lap. He then encircled his both arms around my waist and dipped his head into the crook of my neck.

I was left confused and a little shock. What's going on? All of them suddenly stopped talking and just looking at him. And because he was hiding his head on my neck, I can also feel the stares of each of them.

"Madi, can I talk to you outside, dear?" Aunt Cindy asked me, but before I could answer, Gabriel asked her back.

"Why do you want to talk to her?" his face was serious and cold.

"Because I asked her to talk to Madi." but it was his Mom who answered his question.

"And why do you want Aunt Cindy to talk to Madi?"

"Because your Dad and I have something to ask you!"

His hands tightened his grip around my waist.

"Madi, is it okay with you, honey?" she asked me suddenly.

I looked at Gabriel's face and my eyes asked for an answer.

And he nodded.

"Relax, I'll follow you later," he whispered slowly in my ear and gave me a peck on my lips and my forehead.

Me, Nancy, Aunt Morgan and Aunt Cindy headed towards the veranda. We all sat outside on the long mahogany bench.

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Gabriel's POV:

"What's this Ma? Why do you have to pull me in the kitchen? Aunt Cindy already pulled Madi outside!" I asked a little annoyed.

"What is this---- you're asking me what is this? Shouldn't I be the one asking that question to you, Gabriel?"

"Ma, what are you talking about?"

"What am I talking about? What was that? What's with your song earlier?"

"So, is this just all about my song? Come on, Ma, it was just a song! What's the matter with that?"

"It wasn't just a song, Gabriel! That was your heartbreak song? It's like your personal question to your ex, asking her when she stopped loving you? What was that?"

"Ma, I told you it was just a song! And it wasn't me who chose that, it's Justine!"

"Gabriel, whether you chose it or not, the way you decided to sing that song in front of your girlfriend, that was a big foul!"

"Ma..." I chuckled. "You're exaggerating. That was just nothing to Madi."

"Who told you it was just nothing to her? Have you seen her face while you sing?"

I didn't answer her as I got curious about what she would say next. And I know Madi was just pretending.

"You're hurting her, Gab." I looked directly into her eyes when she lifted my chin. "Can I ask you a serious question, son? But I also want an honest answer." she paused and stared at me. "Have you really moved on from your past relationship?"

I was taken aback by my Mom's question, I didn't expect her to ask me that question. It's been over a year since my breakup with Stacey, but I've never been asked this question.

"Ma, it's been a year-----"

"Just answer my question, Gabriel. Yes or no, have you really gotten over with your last relationship?"

"Yes, Ma. I'm over with it. It's in the past, why do we have to talk about this over and over again?"

"Because, I can see your true feelings in your eyes, Gabriel. Your actions may lie, but your eyes say otherwise."

I chuckled at her again. "Ma, are you now a fortune-teller?"

She became more serious. "Why, do you want me to read what you have in mind right now?" ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

I didn't say anything. She cupped my cheek.

"Gab, I want you to treasure what you have right now. You already have Madi." I just remained quiet. "If you keep picking a scab, it will bleed and it will never heal. If you keep dragging the pain of the past, it will never heal. Let it go and move on."

Thay was her last sentence before returning to the living room. And there I was left thinking about the past, my pain, Madi and my game.

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Hi, lovelies... please see also my other book...

'TAMING MY ARROGANT HUSBAND'