Scars of Time

Chapter 65: "Tired"

Jo's POV

It's absolutely unbelievable how he managed to surprise me with a hot air balloon ride! Going on one has been a lifelong dream of mine, and the view from up above was simply mesmerizing. I couldn't help but be captivated by the breathtaking scenery.

As I shivered slightly, he instinctively pulled me closer and wrapped his arms around me, so we could both enjoy the ride together.

Lost in the mesmerizing scenery, with his warm embrace around me, I couldn't help but realize that this is the most incredible birthday present I've ever been given.

I placed a kiss on the line that formed on the side of his cheek and after that it became even more evident.

In movies and books, I've often come across the idea of cherishing moments so much that you wish they could last forever. It's only now that I truly understand the depth of that sentiment. If time were to freeze at this very moment, I would enjoy looking at that line for eternity. And in this very moment, I couldn't deny the possibility that I might have fallen for him.

The thought was scary, but it was not something I could shake off easily. Even when he drove me home, I couldn't stop looking at him.

He is the same Time that I hated so much when we first crossed paths at the company. The one whose stare frightened me and made me uncomfortable at that restaurant. The one who kidnapped me even. Yet, here I am, inexplicably falling for that same Time who has so many scars in his body. I want to know every part of his story. I want to fight everything that ever hurt him.

I must be crazy.

After the ride, we were both tired and decided to get some sleep. But as we both laid beside each other, staring at the ceiling was the only thing I was able to do, because I couldn't bring myself to sleep with him beside me. I couldn't help but feel awkward. We were just lying there, side by side, and I didn't know what to say or do, and I was afraid to make a single move.

I tried to focus on my breathing, but it was hard when I could feel him so close to me. I could smell his perfume, and it was making my heart race faster.

This is all new to me. I never expected this to happen. I never expected I would like him. If it was any other day, sleeping in the same bed with him would feel normal. But not today. Because today I'm supposed to reflect on myself and get a scolding for being this dumb. Especially from Maya. She'd kill me if she knew.

As the night wore on, sleep continued to elude me, and just as I was about to drift off, I suddenly heard him let out a deep sigh and begin to stir, causing me to freeze in place.

Is this it? Is he going to make a move? But no, he simply rolled over to the other side, which brought me a sense of relief. I'm not sure if I was ready for something more with him. And the fact that he didn't even try anything, made me admire him a little bit more.

Focus Josephine. You're not supposed to make it obvious.

Eventually, I drifted off to sleep too.

................

Time's POV

I woke up at around 5 p.m, and I realised Jo was still sound asleep. She was curled up in the corner of the bed, trying to occupy as little space as possible, leaving the cozy blanket all to me. Maybe I should have gone home instead. It's clear that she isn't completely at ease with my presence, and I can't help but acknowledge that it's my own doing.

I opted to leave her undisturbed for a while so she could catch up on her sleep. Yet, the instant I made the slightest motion, she jolted awake without delay.

"Where are you going?"

"Home."

"Can't you stay for dinner?"

With a hint of uncertainty, I questioned, "Do you want me to stay for dinner?" The reason behind my inquiry was my genuine confusion. I thought she was uncomfortable around me!

To my surprise, she nodded and gracefully rose from the bed, gesturing for me to take a seat instead.

"Stay here. I'll call you when it's ready."

"Can't I come with you? I can help."

"Noo. You have to stay here. I want to do something for you too."

"Oh, Okay. I'll wait."

While she took her own sweet time, I displayed an impressive level of patience, waiting calmly and without complaint. Although the delectable scent of food being cooked filled the air, and my stomach growled in anticipation, eager to discover what she had prepared.

Finally, she called me over to join her in the kitchen, her eyes filled with anticipation as she eagerly awaited my response to the magnificent feast laid out before me. A perfectly cooked steak, accompanied by roasted vegetables and velvety mashed potatoes, adorned the plate. Its appearance was nothing short of inspiring. Taking my seat, I could feel her gaze fixed upon me, her excitement palpable, until I finally indulged in that first mouthwatering bite.

"And?" she questioned, her impatience evident.

"It's incredibly tasty!"

She let out a sigh and only after that did she begin to eat as well.

While we enjoyed our meal, she eagerly shared her dreams for the future. I attentively listened, relishing the melodious cadence of her voice. Her enthusiasm for her work and personal life was infectious. Once we finished our dinner, we cleared the table and settled on the balcony, which boasted a magnificent view.

Engrossed in conversation, we whiled away the hours, savoring each other's company beneath the shimmering moonlight. Although the pesky bugs were determined to be a part of our moment, which was quite hilarious!

I was feeling sleepy once again, and she went to grab some more drinks from the fridge. So, I thought it would be a good idea to rest my eyes for a little while. But when she returned, I was too worn out to muster the energy to get up. I overheard her bringing me a blanket and quietly tidying the table before settling down in her seat.

The moment I woke up, I realized she had had snuggled up against me, and I had my arms wrapped around her while we were both sheltered under the blanket. I'm pretty sure she fell asleep on the other seat, but I can't blame her considering how cold it was.

However, she didn't have to sleep on the balcony too!

I can't quite figure out what I did to deserve her in my life, but whatever it was, it must have been something really great.

I pressed my lips gently against her forehead and slowly got up, knowing that I had to start my day at work. I tried to be as quiet as possible, but my phone suddenly began to ring, causing me to rush over to grab it. Unfortunately, it was already too late, and she had woken up.

It was Ben. There was an issue at work that needed my immediate attention, so I had to leave right away. I quickly filled Jo in on the situation as she was already awake, and then I dashed out of the house as fast as I could. I headed straight to the company and found Ben waiting for me at the door. We were dealing with a huge problem regarding schedules, everything was in complete chaos.

I'm not sure if I was just being overly suspicious, or if someone intentionally caused this. It's hard to believe that such a major confusion could happen by chance, where all the important events are jumbled up together. We were extremely delayed in sending our product to one of our partners, to the extent that they had warned us multiple times before considering legal action against us. How could I have missed all of them? Was I too busy dating? I know I've been distracted lately, but not to this point. I never ignore an important email, but strangely they were all there at the junk pile. Why did I not check?

I spent a good two days fixing everything and trying to make amends with the other company, but unfortunately, the damage had already been done. They weren't willing to let it go, and the lawsuit was still ongoing. I owe them a hefty amount of money, which I can't pay off right away, even if I wanted to.

Yet, despite everything, I had to head back home to grab a quick shower. While approaching the driveway, I noticed Alex peacefully sleeping in the car. Although I was worn out, I didn't want to let it show. However, it seemed like this day was cursed or something, as I now found myself facing a much bigger problem. And this problem was not something I could fix with money.

Hope's voice trembled with rage as she repeated her question, "Answer me now, is Evan Astor alive?"

"Hope, just listen to me."

"Get out of my sight."

"Hope, please I can explain."

"I said get out of my sight. Both of you."

"You are hurt" Alex attempted to inspect her injury, but she didn't even bother to acknowledge his concern.

"Liars"

"Hope, please listen to me" this time I couldn't hold back my tears and Alex abruptly positioned himself between us, obstructing my path.

"We should let her be, at least for now."

With a firm push, I managed to clear my path and settled down on the solid ground. I covered my face with my hands, surrendering to the overwhelming emotions that welled up inside me.

I was tired of pretending. Tired of constantly trying to fix everything.

Why does nothing ever go my way?

Why?

While everyone else is progressing and living their lives, I feel like I'm the only one trapped in one place. Even when I try to move on, I get pulled right back to square one.

Isn't this just too much? I'm human too, after all.