Chapter 22: 
As Kaylee's health deteriorated once again, Rico's attention was fully consumed by her well-being. He spent countless hours by her side, attending to her needs, and supporting her through her illness. As her husband, he felt a deep sense of responsibility and love for Kaylee, and he couldn't bear to see her suffer.
During this time, Sam felt a sense of loneliness and neglect. She understood that Kaylee needed Rico's undivided attention, but she couldn't help feeling a pang of jealousy and longing for the affection and care she used to receive from him. As days turned into weeks, Sam's feelings of isolation grew, and she found herself yearning for even just a simple call or message from Rico to let her know he was thinking of her.
One evening, unable to contain her emotions any longer, Sam decided to call Rico. As the phone rang, her heart raced, hoping for a glimmer of reassurance from him. But when the call went to voicemail, disappointment washed over her.
"Hey, it's me," Sam started, trying to keep her voice steady. "I hope everything's okay with Kaylee. I understand that she needs you right now, but I can't help feeling left out and forgotten. I miss you, and I wish I could talk to you, even for just a moment. Take care, Rico."
Sam sighed as she ended the call, her feelings of neglect becoming more apparent. She knew that Rico was devoted to Kaylee's well-being, but she couldn't shake the sense of abandonment she felt. In the midst of her own emotional turmoil, she tried to remind herself that Rico's focus was where it needed to be at the moment.
Days passed, and Rico's communication with Sam remained minimal. He was preoccupied with Kaylee's medical treatments and the uncertainty surrounding her health. Meanwhile, Sam tried to distract herself by immersing in her studies and modeling work. She also sought solace in the friendships she had formed in the university and with her fellow models.
Yet, despite her efforts to keep busy, the void left by Rico's absence continued to linger. Sam longed for the connection they once shared, where they would talk about everything and anything, supporting each other through both joys and challenges.
The moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow in Sam's bedroom. The silence of the night enveloped her as she found herself alone with her thoughts and emotions. She sank onto her bed, feeling the weight of the day's events crashing down upon her.
As tears welled up in her eyes, Sam couldn't hold back the flood of emotions any longer. She allowed herself to cry, the tears streaming down her cheeks and onto the pillow beneath her. Each tear carried the weight of her love, her longing, and her pain—a poignant expression of the complexities of her heart.
Memories of her time with Rico flashed before her eyes—the laughter, the stolen glances, and the tender moments that they had shared together. She clung to those memories, seeking comfort in the love they had once experienced. But in the midst of her tears, a tinge of sorrow gnawed at her, knowing that those moments were in the past, and the present reality was different.
Sam's heart ached with the knowledge that Rico's focus was on his ailing wife, Kaylee. She understood the gravity of the situation and the significance of his commitment to her during this difficult time. But it didn't make the pain any less real for Sam. She felt a mix of emotions—love, sympathy, and longing—all intertwined, creating a tumultuous storm within her.
"Why does it have to be so complicated?" Sam whispered into the darkness, her voice tinged with sadness. She longed for a simple love, one where their hearts could be freely given to each other without any barriers or obligations. But life had dealt them a different hand, and Sam grappled with the complexities of love and the sacrifices it demanded.
With each tear that fell, Sam allowed herself to grieve the love she wished to have—the love that could freely intertwine with Rico's without fear or reservations. She yearned for a future where they could openly be together, but she knew that such a path was uncertain and filled with challenges.
As the night wore on, Sam's tears began to subside, leaving her feeling emotionally drained but somewhat relieved. She knew that crying was a cathartic release, a way for her heart to unburden itself from the weight it carried. She wiped her tears with the back of her hand, taking a deep breath to steady herself.
In the stillness of her room, Sam made a silent vow to herself—to find strength in her love, to cherish the moments they had shared, and to remain patient in the face of uncertainty. She knew that her feelings for Rico were genuine, and that kind of love was worth the wait.
With renewed determination, Sam resolved to focus on her own growth and happiness, finding fulfillment in her studies, modeling, and the friendships she cherished. She understood that her life held meaning and purpose beyond her relationship with Rico, and she wouldn't let the circumstances dictate her worth.
As the night drew to a close, Sam closed her eyes, finding solace in the knowledge that love, though complex and sometimes painful, was a powerful force that transcended time and distance. She knew that her love for Rico would continue to burn brightly, even in the darkness of uncertainty, guiding her through the challenges that lay ahead.
With a newfound sense of peace in her heart, Sam drifted off to sleep, hopeful for the possibilities that tomorrow would bring. She knew that the journey of love was unpredictable, but she was ready to face it with courage and an unwavering belief in the power of their connection.
____
Sam and Roseanna sat together in a cozy café, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. Sam took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her secret pressing down on her. She knew that she needed to confide in someone, and Roseanna's friendship had become a ray of light in the midst of her emotional turmoil.
"Roseanna, there's something I need to talk to you about," Sam began hesitantly, her eyes searching Roseanna's face for any sign of judgment.
Roseanna smiled warmly, her eyes filled with compassion. "Of course, Sam. You can tell me anything. I'm here for you."
Taking a deep breath, Sam decided to lay it all out. "I'm in a complicated relationship, Roseanna. I'm in love with someone, but he's married. His wife is sick, and he's chosen to be by her side to support her during this difficult time."
Roseanna's expression softened as she listened attentively. "That sounds really tough, Sam. I can't imagine how hard it must be for you."
"It is," Sam continued, her voice trembling slightly. "I've chosen to be with him even though I know it's wrong. I know he has a duty to his wife, but my feelings for him won't go away."
Roseanna reached out and gently squeezed Sam's hand, offering her comfort. "It's okay, Sam. Sometimes, matters of the heart are not as straightforward as we'd like them to be. Love can be messy and complicated."
Sam nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. "I just can't help but feel neglected and forgotten. I understand his wife's condition is critical, but it hurts to know that he doesn't have time for me, even just a call or a message."
"I can see how difficult that must be for you," Roseanna replied, her voice filled with empathy. "But remember, he's going through a tough time too, trying to balance his emotions and responsibilities."
"I know, and that's why I've kept this a secret from everyone," Sam confessed. "I don't want to be judged or seen as the other woman."
Roseanna took a moment to process everything Sam had shared. "Sam, I won't judge you. It's not my place to do so. What matters is how you feel and what you choose to do. Just remember to take care of yourself and protect your heart."
Sam appreciated Roseanna's understanding and support. "Thank you, Roseanna. It means a lot to have someone to confide in. I feel so torn, but I can't seem to let go of my feelings for him."
"Feelings are complex, and it's okay to be conflicted," Roseanna reassured her. "Just make sure you're making choices that align with your values and what you want for your own happiness."
As the conversation continued, Sam felt a sense of relief in opening up to Roseanna. Though her situation remained challenging, having someone to share her burden with offered a glimmer of comfort. She knew that navigating love and relationships could be a tumultuous journey, but she was determined to find her own path, one that would lead her to happiness and fulfillment, regardless of the obstacles that lay ahead.