A Shattered Heart

CHAPTER 2

Along the line, I remember the loan I applied for. So, I quickly rushed down to the loan office. “Your loan request has been denied, Miss Adams.”

The words hit me hard. I begged the woman softly, explaining that my mother needed surgery, but the bank refused because of my father’s debts. Yet she insisted.

Fighting back tears, I thanked her and left the office quietly. Once the elevator doors closed, I leaned against the wall, feeling completely hopeless.

Downstairs, the elevator made a quiet ding. I entered the packed banking hall. People were moving freely about me, chatting, laughing, and going about their daily lives.

Mine, meanwhile, was crumbling. Inside my backpack, my phone began to vibrate. Calling investors. I instantly disregarded it. Another call came in two seconds later.

Then one more. My chest constricted. Before the tears could return, I hurriedly hung up the phone and left the building. The midday sun's rays did not warm me.

I stared at the list in my palm as I stood beside the road. Today, the five banks I went to for a loan all turned me down. This week, the family friends I visited for help are seven and they all turned me down.

I chuckled coldly to myself. Individuals who used to grin when they were around my father now pretended not to know us.

The same men who came to our house for dinner. My mother was referred to as "sister" by the same folks. They didn't even answer my calls anymore.

I took a trembling breath and glanced at the final address on my list. Greg Lawson, Mr. Dad's best friend. He used to refer to himself as such, at least. Perhaps... This one might be different.

I quickly rushed down to his office. I explained everything that's happening, hoping to get help from him, but I made a mistake.

- "No, Amelia ." Instantly, the words came out. Without hesitation. No compassion. Nothing. Mr. Lawson entirely avoided my gaze as I sat motionless on the pricey couch in his office.

"Sir..." My voice broke. "Please. Even if it's only a portion of the funds—" "I am unable to assist you." I gazed at him. In that exact manner.

Carefully, he folded his hands on the table. Before he passed away, your father owed too many people.

Associating myself with this circumstance at this time could be detrimental to my business. harm his business. I nearly burst out laughing.

"Please, my mom might pass away." Quiet. At last, he turned to face me, but his expression was still icy. "I apologize." I apologize. That term once more.

I felt so disappointed and just as I was about to leave “wait Amelia.” He said and I turned, “You ought to save your mom, but considering Andrew's offer you have to be more careful, he's dangerous."

"He's dangerous." I was followed by his last remarks and my heart skipped as I left the building. My vision was fuzzy once more by the time I got to the street.

"He's dangerous." I was followed by his last remarks, and my heart skipped as I left the building. My vision was fuzzy once more by the time I got to the street.

Nevertheless, I continued to walk. Just one step. Then one more. Then one more. Until all of a sudden I was having trouble breathing. I hurried into the closest eatery and made my way directly to the bathroom.

I broke as soon as the door locked behind me. Before I could stop myself, a sob sprang out of my throat.

Slowly, I slid against the wall. Everything is painful. My chest. My brain. My heart. I was worn out. I'm exhausted.

Inside the empty bathroom, I buried my face in my knees and sobbed in silence. Why were we experiencing this? Dad had left. Mom is dying.

Daniel was still too young to comprehend half of what was going on. And me? I was in danger of drowning. totally drowning. Once more, my phone rang.

Before I noticed Michael's name on the screen, I was on the verge of ignoring it.

My eyes welled up with new tears. I responded right away. "Hello?" "Amelia ?" I felt a sharp tightness in my chest as soon as I heard his voice.

"Hey," I muttered. He fell silent for a moment. "You've been in tears." It wasn't a query. Even though he couldn't see me, I immediately wiped my face. "No, I'm alright."

"Amelia ." Once more, that one word destroyed my heart. I shakily muttered, "I don't know what to do anymore." "Where are you?” he asked

"In a dining establishment." "Remain there. I'll be there.

"Michael—" "I'm on my way already." The call came to an end. I stayed on the bathroom floor for a couple more minutes before making myself get up.

I looked at my reflection after properly cleaning my face. I hardly knew myself anymore. My eyes appeared weary. Without hope. Broken.

I took a deep breath and turned to leave. When I got there, Michael was waiting outside the eatery. His face clenched with concern the moment he spotted me.

He drew me into his arms without saying anything. And in some way... Everything stung much more after that simple embrace.

Tears began to fall silently down my face once again as I gripped his shirt tightly. He said softly into my hair, "It's okay." "I am present." I brokely murmured, "No one wants to help us." "No one."

Michael withdrew gently and gave me a close inspection. "You've been asking people for help while you're by yourself?" I gave a feeble nod.

Angrily, his jaw clenched.

"I ought to have accompanied you." "You have a job, Michael." "At this moment, I don't care about work." I turned to face him at that. He moved my hair gently off of my face.

"Amelia , you shouldn't handle all of this by yourself." I hastily averted my gaze before starting to cry once more.

After placing our coffee orders, we sat silently inside the café without touching each other. Michael grasped my hand from across the table.

"We'll make it through this." I smiled weakly at him. "How?" "We'll figure something out." "You seem so confident." "Because I am." I discreetly gazed at him.

Michael reclined a little. "Do you recall our first meeting?" I let out a little laugh in spite of everything. "You spilled coffee on me."

"You entered me first."

"That is untrue.”

Instantly, my facial expression changed as I remembered Andrew's offer, but I never mentioned that to Michael, because I didn't want to hurt his feelings.

I quickly smile at him before he could notice me

He gave a gentle smile. "There," he muttered. "That grin. I've been missing it. Painfully, my chest warmed. "Michael, I'm afraid." "I am aware."

"What happens if I lose her?"

"You won't." "But what if I do?" He tightened his hold on my hand. "After that, I'll keep you upright until you can stand once more." In an instant, my eyes burned.

"Why do you treat me so well?" He gave me a long look before responding quietly. "Because I adore you." The words took root inside of me. cozy. secure. Actual. I thought I might still be able to breathe for the first time in days.

Michael gave me a soft smile. "One day, we'll have our own family."

I silently glanced at him. "A modest home," he added. "Perhaps two children." I chuckled quietly as I sobbed. "Two?" "All right. Three." I shook my head, now grinning appropriately.

"You're incredible." "And you still love me." Yes, I did.

God, I did. Michael gave me another squeeze on my hand. "Amelia, I have a promise for you." "What?" "I'll figure something out tomorrow. In any case.

“Tomorrow is the last day, Michael. I will wait for you, please.” I said this as tears rolled down my chin “Sure my love, trust me.” he hugged me tightly.

I looked directly into his eyes. And after many agonizing days, for the first time... I had faith in someone.

We separated a few minutes later.

Suddenly, my phone rang loudl

y in my handbag.

When I saw the caller ID, the smile gradually vanished from my face and fear gripped me once.