Okay, first offf. I'm so happy you updated. I love this story so much.
Second; WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK, BRANDON!?!
I an inkling but at the same time, I'm still shocked.
I'm trying to sort my thoughts out cause this was alot. This def does explain why Marisol is all up in Brandon's space and completely disrespectful to his relationship with Diya. I'm not exactly sure why Brandon kept that from Diya, he probably thought it wasn't a big deal, I guess. He's in love with Diya and Marisol is in the past but shiiit, he knew Diya's insecurities with his relationship with Marisol. He should have told her. He should know better. And how he's making Diya question her feelings for him and guilting her for bringing up his past and 'rehashing shit'...tf? whether, that was his intention of not, that is manipulation, in a similar way Diya's dad manipulates her cause even though I love Diya, she is a door mat to the people she loves.
tbh, I don't believe Brandon loves Marisol romantically at all, I believe he meant it when he said that chapters ago but, maybe unconsiously, he idealizes Marisol as others idolize their first love. maybe? idk, idk. It's the kids as well, of course, Brandon loves her kids.
I'm trying to imagine myself in Diya's situation and although it kills me to say this cause I love them together, I'd walk or at the very least go on a break. I think Diya needs to work on herself (hell, Brandon needs to work on himself), create distance from her family and develop a very sturdy backbone.
He can't be Diya's partner but also be on the beck and call to Marisol, like it doesn't compute. No woman would stand for that, Diya has the patience of a saint. Like what is Marisol's secret that Brandon has an absolute knock out like Diya but still remains loyal to Marisol?
Anyway, my incoherant rant means I love this story.
Pleeease for the love of God, update this story.
Author's Response: Lol! I'm working on it. I promise.
Brandon has his reasons for feeling and the doing the things he has/does, including his involvement with Marisol and not telling Diya about it. The kids definitely play a part in ways even he might not realize. Whether Diya and Brandon's relationship will survive the reveal is a big IF. Their only hope is for him to create some hard boundaries for Marisol, if he can. But even that might not be enough at this point. We'll soon see.
Thanks for reading and sharing your insight, carmen90!!! It's spot-on.