Brazen Ultimatum
Its all your fault! You! You! You!
The womans furious shouts echoed down the street, her voice cracking into a shrill wail. Tears streamed in lines down her flushed cheeks, but she seemed obliviouswholly consumed by her rage. She suddenly lunged at the young man, hands trembling as she reached out, as if desperate to grab his jacket and give him a good shake. Her fingers clenched and unclenched with agitation, and the pain in her eyes was so raw that, for a brief moment, Nick felt unnerved.
He deftly sidestepped her outburst, casting a small circle near his temple as if astounded by such a wild, hostile attack. Inside, a sharp irritation simmeredhow could she pin every bit of responsibility on him like this?
If it werent for you, my daughter would still be well the woman sobbed, her shoulders shaking violently. Each word emerged trembling and strained, as if it cost her everything. Youve ruined her life! You!
Thats just your view, Nick replied coldly, his face growing dark. Now he finally recognised herKarinas mother. But these accusations seemed utterly unfair to him! Anger tightened in his chest. He certainly didnt deserve this barrage. I never forced her into anything. Everything was her choice, do you understand? Karina wanted attentionthat was her aim. She just couldnt manage it.
Dont you dare speak badly of her! Youre the one to blame! the woman flared up again and flung herself at him once more.
But this time her sontall, worn-lookingcaught her, holding her arm tightly. His pale face and the dark bags under his eyes made it clear he hadnt slept for days. He all but dragged his mother aside, intent on calming her and getting her away from the scene.
Mum, thats enough, please, he said softly, gripping her elbow firmly. His voice was exhausted but steadyclearly familiar with such situations. Lets go. No need to do this, really.
Your sisters in hospital, and you say nothing to the one responsible! she retorted, still struggling in his grip. Her tone was shaking, loaded with despair and real hurt. He deserves a broken bone or two at least! How could he do that to Karina?
How is it my business? the young man muttered, turning away with a bitter half-smile, sick of these accusations. Maybe you shouldve raised Karina better! Then no one wouldve had to suffer!
Suddenly, a bright, slightly mocking voice cut in from the side:
Whats happened? Im dying to know!
Nick groaned inwardly. Of all witnesses, why did it have to be Chloe? She was the universitys best-known gossipknew everything about everyone, plus half the old stories that the rest had long forgotten. Even lecturers hesitated to cross her, fearing shed recall some old blunder.
Chloe stood just a few steps away, her eyes sparkling mischievously, lips curved in anticipation. Her fingers impatiently drummed on her bag strapplainly she wasnt leaving without some answers.
No, really, tell me! Chloe stepped closer, inclining her head with a crafty smile. Otherwise Ill just imagine the whole thing myselfand you know how wild my imagination can get
Nick sighed, ran a hand through his hair, and threw a glance in the direction of the mother and son, who had moved a little aside and were still quietly debating. He knew Chloe wouldnt let this go easily.
You wont drop it, will you? he asked tiredly, meeting her gaze.
She shook her head, eyes even more intent, practically greedy, as if she already delighted in the thought of retelling this episode.
All right, listen, Nick finally agreed, lowering his voice. But promise me this goes no further. Its not a flattering story, and Id rather not have it all over the uni. Promise?
~~~~~~~~~~~
It all started a couple of weeks ago. Nick had known for a while his relationship with Karina wasnt heading anywhere good. The feeling only grew day by daymore and more he felt he was talking not to a real person, but a bottomless pit of need, constantly craving proof of his love, as if words and gestures were never enough.
Frankly, he was tiredfed up with endless tantrums and constant complaints. The slightest hiccup and it was drama again: Karina would announce she couldnt stand this life any longer, that nothing made sense anymore. But what wore him down most of all were her constant threats to harm herself. At first, Nick took those seriously, was frightened, tried to help calm her down. But soon it became clearthis was just pressure. With every episode something inside him quietly broke: maybe his patience, his faith in her sincerity, maybe even his capacity for sympathy. More and more, he realised the warmth and care he used to feel for her were simply gone.
Lately the threats had escalated. Karina would find a new reason to argue every daymaybe Nick had replied to a message a little late, maybe hed looked at the wrong girl, maybe hed forgotten to say love you before bed. And then shed spell out, in graphic detail, exactly what shed do if he left heras if rehearsing some tragic play. Nick knew the script by heart: first the tears and wails, then threats, then pleading for forgiveness and promises to change, and finally silence as she waited for his reaction. Hed grown exhausted by this cycle, driven to breaking point by the constant tension and sense of being held on a leash.
One evening, Karina turned up uninvited at Nicks flat. Hed been at his computer when the shrill doorbell rang. Peering through the spyglass, he saw her: trembling, clearly wound up from the message hed sent suggesting they end things. Her face was aflame, her eyes feverishly bright, her hands shaking.
Nick! You cant do this to me! she screamed, banging her fists against the door. Her voice was hoarse, almost torn. If you leave me, Ill do something to myself! Do you hear? Im not joking!
He stood on the other side, jaw clenched so tightly the muscles jumped at his temples. Inside, a real battle ragedpart of him wanted to open the door, comfort Karina, tell her it would all be all right. He could see she was devastated and her voice stabbed at his conscience. But he knew too wellif he let her in, it would be hours of accusations, tears, and fresh threats all over again. Hed lived this too often.
You need help, he said through the door, his tone sharper than he intendeda hint of exasperation slipping through he could no longer hide. You need to see someone. I mean it. And I wont be held responsible for your antics, all right? This is over!
Nick! You cant do this to me! Karina shouted in despair. In a fit of anger, she kicked the door, instantly regretting it as a sharp pain shot through her foot. She whimpered, clenched her fists, took a shaky breath, and tried to collect herself. Nick, please, open up! Just talk to me! Even for a minute!
At that moment slow footsteps sounded up the stairs. An elderly neighbour appeared, making her way carefully, leaning on the banister. Her silver hair was pinned up neat, glasses perched on her nose, and in her eyes was a look of stern disapproval.
You should head home, young lady, the old woman said firmly, pausing at a safe distance. Its unseemly to pester a lad like this. Has no one taught you how a respectable girl behaves?
Oh, I didnt realise I needed your permission! Karina shot back, chin up in defiance. But something flickered inside her: the old ladys words stung more than shed admit. She felt a twinge of shamemaybe she really was behaving badly? But pride held her posture firm. With forced nonchalance, she threw a couple of sharp words over her shoulder, though she felt far less certain than before.
Karina huffed, spun on her heel, and stomped down the stairs, footsteps echoing off the walls. Her cheeks burned with fury and embarrassmentfrom the neighbours chastising, and from Nicks lock-out. Yet deep down, a plan was forming. No, she wouldnt let this go. Nick couldnt just abandon herhe simply had no right! Flickers of fantasy filled her mind, images she often replayed: the two of them at the registry office, her in the white lace dress shed eyed in the boutique a fortnight ago, the fabric trailing across the floor. And of coursethe delicate engagement ring, with its tiny diamond glittering in the light. Karina remembered just how long shed stood staring at it.
Hes not getting rid of me that easily, Karina resolved as she hurried down the steps. Ill prove to him how serious I am.
A couple of hours later, Nicks phone buzzed with a rather strange text. He was sat at the kitchen table, sipping cold tea and trying not to dwell on the days events, when his screen lit up. Sighing, he unlocked it and read the message.
Karina wrote that she couldnt go on any longer, but insisted she blamed no onenot even Nick. Then came a long, rambling message about how much she loved him and couldnt imagine life without him. The text was chaotic, full of repetition and exclamation marks, as if written in a panic. Nick knew for a fact Karina never drank, so it wasnt down to alcohol.
The final line pleaded for him to come over, saying she was scared to be alone. Nick reread the message, then leaned back, letting out a heavy sigh, fingers raking through his hair. Inside, he wrestled with conflicted feelings: was Karina really in trouble, or was this just another act of manipulation? He knew her tricks all too well by now.
If I cave now, Nick thought, Ill never be free. Shell know she can control me with this, every time, and shell keep doing it.
After a minute, staring into space, Nick resolutely opened his contacts and found Karinas mothers number. He briefly explained, then forwarded her the last messages. Within minutes she replied, worried, promising to get to Karina as soon as possible. Nick breathed a little easierat least now someone else could take charge.
With a sense of relief, Nick got back to prepping for his upcoming exam. He knew time was short, with plenty left to revise. Before burying himself in textbooks, he switched off the phonefar easier to concentrate without the endless stream of alerts and calls. At that point, he had no idea what was happening beyond his room.
Minutes turned to hours. Nick read through notes, wrote out key facts, recited dates and definitions. Utterly absorbed, he tried to squeeze every drop from his remaining study time. Weariness threatened, but he forced himself to persistthis exam was too important to let exhaustion win.
It was late when he finally finisheda time when most people were long since asleep. Leaning back in his chair, stretching aching shoulders, Nick switched his phone back on. Immediately, dozens of alerts popped up: a stream of unread texts and several missed callsmostly from Karinas mother.
A chill crept down his spine as he opened the first message. The words were brief but stopped him in his tracks: Karinas in hospital. The doctors got to her in time. Shes no longer in danger.
Nick froze, unable to move. It dawned on himKarina hadnt simply been bluffing or trying to frighten him this time. She had actually gone through with it. Images flashed in his mindthe last time he saw her, sobbing on his doorstep, wiping away tears with shaking hands, shouting through her cries. And particularly, the way her eyes had changedso lively once, but growing more vacant lately as she drifted further from reality.
Clenching his fists to steady his hands, Nick sat with a surge of complex emotionguilt, despair, disbelief. His thoughts tangled: one moment blaming himself for being too cold, the next recalling all her endless scenes and threats hed ceased to believe.
While Nick tried to process it all, his phone vibrated again. Another message, sharper than the rest: This is your fault! She did this because of you! His fists tightened around the phone, chest constricting further. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself, but the words rang in his mind, making his heart race.
Nick pressed the mothers number, feeling tense as he waited for her to answer. His fingers shook as he listened to the ringing.
Come to the hospital. Get down on your knees and apologise! the woman demanded, her voice loud and almost cracking. The pain and desperation in her tone made Nick briefly pity hera fragile figure, probably stranded in some sterile hospital corridor, red-eyed from crying. But he steeled himself quicklyher accusations were anything but fair.
Is there anything else? Nick shot back, stunned by the sheer nerve and certainty in her voice. His anger was barely under control now. Im not going to apologise for something I havent done. I suggested she see a professional, after allher behaviour is clearly unhealthy. She refused to listen. Why should I ruin my life to appease a spoilt and unreasonable girl?
You have to! Its your fault shes thereyou drove her to this! the woman pressed, her voice rising.
I dont want to have this conversation, Nick said sharply. Karina has gone too far, dont you see? If shed really meant to do something, she wouldnt have sent me all those messagesshed just have done it. Goodbye. Please dont call me again! He hung up, breathing fast, leaning against the wall and closing his eyes, counting slowly to ten in an effort to steady himself.
Listen to me! the woman persisted, voice tinny and desperate in the speaker. If you dont marry her itll be terrible, do you understand? Marry her and things will get better. Shell go back to how she was, I know it! You must do this. For her. For us all. Otherwise shell never recover. Shes suffering for youcant you see?
Nick stared, incredulous. The proposal was so outlandish he was left speechless. Fury mixed with despair inside himhow could anyone try to settle huge issues with ultimatums and such force? He gripped the phone so tightly his knuckles whitened, the plastic casing threatening to crack. He felt corneredthe weight of responsibility for something he couldnt control pressed in.
Youre serious? he muttered, barely louder than a whisper, but his anger was mounting fast. You want me to marry your daughter because shes threatened to hurt herself? Thats blackmail. Pure and simple!
Dont call it that! the woman screeched, hysteria sharp in her tone. I just want to save my girl, cant you see? You broke her, you have to fix it! Imagine seeing your child fade before your eyes each day, losing weight, losing her smile, staring into space She cant live without you! Youre her whole world!
And do you think shell be able to with me? Nick cut in, louder than intended, anger rising but still fighting for restraint. Do you really believe marriage will solve all this? That a wedding certificate will stop her manipulating and threatening? This isnt loveits an addiction, an illness. Im not willing to be part of some sick game where Im trapped by guilt and fear.
You just dont get it! the mothers voice wobbled with tears. Shell change, really she will. I know my daughtershe just needs some support, someone to depend on. You must be that support. Without you shes lost, completely! If you walk away now and leave her like thiseverything that happens next is your fault. Youll carry that guilt forever!
Nick closed his eyes, trying to quell the trembling in his hands. He drew a deep breath, held it a moment, then let it out slowly. Her words hit hardhed cared for Karina once, after all. But he knew full well: if he gave in now, hed be signing up for years of misery, for both of them. Thered be no happiness, no peace.
I wont marry your daughter, Nick replied firmly, pausing on each word, staring straight ahead although she couldnt see him. Not now, not ever. Thats final. Im not about to ruin my life for some misguided sense of rescue. Karina needs to deal with her own problems, or get professional help. I cant be her therapist and saviour. Thats not my job, and Im not willing to play that part.
Youre heartless! the woman screamed, her voice shrinking with rage and pain. Youve destroyed my girl and now you refuse to take responsibility! You dont understand what youre doing Shell never recover without you. Youre taking away her last chance!
Her real last chance is to see a counsellor, Nick replied coldly, forcing himself to speak calmly while turmoil churned inside. Not to cling to someone whos said, clearly, I dont want to be with you. Its your job to help her accept that, not trap us both in a relationship that would only make us miserable. Marriage isnt the answerit only delays harder problems.
There was a silence on the line. Nick could hear the woman sniffling, struggling to calm herself, breathing hard as if about to speak, but falling quiet again.
You never loved her, she finally murmured, the bitterness so deep it made Nick feel queasy for a moment. You just used her and now youre tossing her aside now things are hard. To you shes just some plaything, isnt she?
I never used Karina, Nick said steadily and slowly, determined to get through. I did love her, truly. But love shouldnt turn into torture. For hertrying to keep me by force, even with threats. For meliving every day under pressure, waiting for the next crisis. Thats not right, or healthy. We both deserve better.
Youre a coward, the woman breathed with supreme disdain, and Nick unconsciously tightened his grip on the phone. Afraid to step up. Afraid to help when someone needs you most!
Im afraid of wrecking two lives instead of one, Nick shot back, voice rock-solid now. Marrying her wont save anyone. Shell never learn to manage her problems that way. And Ill end up living with her fears, her moods, not my own life. Thats just wrong. Goodbye. And pleasedont ever call with this again.
He pressed end call and put the phone down gently, as if it weighed a ton. His hands still shook, and his chest was a storm of emotion: anger at the pressure, resentment at the blame, pity for Karina and her mother, and guilt for not being able to give them what they wanted. He took a long breath, held it, let it outslower, steadier. Gradually his breathing calmed and his thoughts began to clear. Nick pressed his palms to his face, leaned back in his chair, and shut his eyes, willing himself to come back to himself after the taxing conversation
~~~~~~~~~~~~
So, thats the story, Nick finished, staring out the window where twilight had turned the sky to a deepening grey. His voice was dull, devoid of its usual spark, and his shoulders sagged, as if burdened with the weight of the past few days. Once more, he raked a hand through his hair, trying to shake off the heaviness of unwanted memories. And by the way, Karinas brother is on my side. He says he thinks the whole thing was calculatedjust a performance for attention. Apparently, Karinas been pulling these stunts for ages, albeit not so drastically. Now the dramas simply escalated
Chloe was quiet, idly twirling a strand of hair. Tilting her head, she studied Nick for a moment, then sighed. There was honest sympathy in her eyesunusual from someone notorious for turning gossip into legend. Yet here, curiosity gave way to understanding and genuine support.
Tough luck with a girlfriend like that, she said gently, her tone quieter. Her mums no better. Still, youre right: forced marriage is a dead enditll only make it all worse. Karina has to learn to live without manipulations, and her mother needs to accept that you cant solve things by sheer force. That leads nowhere, just more pain. Let me give you some adviceput her on your block list and end all contact. Otherwise shell keep wringing emotions out of you, playing for sympathy, always watching for weakness. Youll never get free if you keep respondingshell just feel entitled to your time, even when she hurts and scares you.
Thats exactly what I plan to do Nick replied quietly, feeling the burden slowly slip away. His back straightened, he drew a deep breath and released it, at last letting himself breathe freely for the first time in agesChloe smileda gentle, unexpected curve, softer than her typical sly grin. Good. Dont let them drag you back in, she said. You deserve a life thats your own, not one thats chained to someone elses misery.
For a rare moment, Nick felt heardnot judged, not treated as a villain or a coward, but simply understood. The tension that had knotted his muscles loosened a little. The street beyond the window faded into deeper blue, the city lighting up one window at a time, ordinary flats full of ordinary hopes and anxieties.
He stood there quietly as Chloe, sensing his exhaustion, just sat beside him in companionable silence. The shouts from earlier seemed distant now, like echoes in some closed-off room. Nick knew Karinas story wasnt over, not trulyshed have her own path to walk, her own battles to fight. But whatever happened next, it would be without his shadow looming over her choices.
Thanks, Chloe, he managed, his voice rough but honest.
Chloe just shrugged. Dont thank me. Just get some sleep. Tomorrows a new daylet her write her own drama for once, and maybe youll finally get to live your own story.
It struck Nick then: sometimes the bravest thing was to step away, to let the storm pass while you protected what little calm you had left. It wasnt easyor heroic, or dramatic. But it was the start of something real.
He slipped his phone into his pocket and walked into the cooling night, the world full of new possibilitieshis world, at last, no longer dictated by someone elses ultimatum.
And for the first time in months, the air felt just a little bit lighter.
