Unlove to Relove

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The setting sun casts a warm, golden glow across the sleek, modern lobby of the luxurious apartment building. Polished marble floors reflected the light, and a subtle fragrance of fresh flowers lingered in the air. The reception area, adorned with tasteful decor, featured a large desk manned by a poised receptionist.

A hush fell over the lobby as the automatic glass doors slid open, and all eyes turned toward the entrance. In walked a vision of elegance and grace—a beautiful lady with cascading waves of blonde hair that framed her face like a halo. She moved with confidence, her steps measured and purposeful but yet if one were to look closer, they would notice the melancholy that hung over her.

Approaching the reception desk, she flashed a warm smile at the receptionist, who couldn't help but be captivated by her presence. The receptionist, a young woman with a friendly demeanour, looked up from her computer screen, momentarily stunned by the guest's beauty.

"Hello there! Welcome to Willow Groves. How may I assist you today?" the receptionist greeted, her professional tone tinged with genuine warmth.

Serena returned the smile, her eyes sparkling with a hint of warmth. "Hi, I'm here to get the details of my new apartment. My name is Serena Briggs."

The receptionist swiftly located the information on her computer, her fingers dancing across the keyboard. "Ah, yes, Mrs Briggs. Welcome! We're thrilled to have you as part of our community. Your apartment is on the 15th floor, and I've prepared all the necessary documents for you."

As the receptionist handed over the documents, Serena's smile faltered momentarily. A subtle shift in her expression revealed a trace of realization. "It's Serena Clark now," she corrected with a quick, self-conscious laugh. Her eyes flickered with a hint of vulnerability, but she maintained her composure.

The receptionist, ever professional, smoothly updated the information on the paperwork. "Apologies for that oversight, Emily Clark. Is there anything else you need assistance with?"

Serena shook her head, gratitude in her eyes. "No, thank you. I appreciate your help."

She then headed for the elevator as she dragged her luggage with her and a soft smile played on her lips.

As he engaged in a phone call, his strong jawline accentuated the focus in his expression. The phone was clasped between his ear and shoulder, leaving his hands free to hold a file as he flipped through it. The ambient noise of the busy lobby seemed to fade away as he listened intently to the voice on the other end.

His green eyes, like shards of emerald, conveyed a mix of concentration and determination. A furrowed brow hinted at the gravity of the conversation. Strands of dark blonde hair fell casually across his forehead, adding a touch of dishevelled charm to his polished appearance.

"Alright," the man's deep baritone voice replied as he hung up the phone call.

"You dared to hurt my sister," he uttered, his voice low and filled with an ominous edge. His gaze, once neutral, now bore into the target with a steely intensity, promising repercussions. The air seemed to thicken as his words hung in the space, a quiet but potent warning of impending consequences.

"Seems like it's time to meet you again, dear sister," he said, a smirk playing on his lips. Anticipation gleamed in his eyes, waiting for her reaction to the unexpected visit.

"Achoo"

She sneezed as she felt a sudden tickle in her nose. "Is God thinking about what to do with me or something? I don't think there's anyone else remaining who would bother to think about me " she said to herself with a bitter laugh.

"YOU THINK WE'RE DEAD?"

The kitchen door swung open abruptly, startling her as she turned to see her only high school friend standing in the doorway, eyes widened in disbelief. "What on earth, Ren! You didn't bother to tell me this s**t?!" she exclaimed her tone a mix of astonishment, deep concern and mild scolding.

A tall woman with short brunette hair, pale skin, and multiple ear piercings stood at the entrance. She had been sitting in the living room for about half an hour lost in her thoughts when barged into her living room.

Serena was still processing what just happened when she saw the person drop sprinting towards her before giving her the tightest bone-crushing hug she had ever experienced.

"Didn't you have a show tonight?" she enquired amazed.

She felt her eyes tear up as she reciprocated the hug with equal strength, but with the comfort that she received from her presence, she could not help giving into her emotions as she cried for the first time in years on someone's shoulder while they console her.

"You have been strong enough all this while Ren, let it all out, I am here with you"her friend, Stacy consoled gently as a mother would do to her daughter. To feel a mother's love, she had not got the fortune. She did not have a maternal home to return to for she was an orphan and had barely made friends because all her prime years had been invested in her ex-husband thinking that she found her lifetime partner and who else would she need.

But now that she lost him, there was barely anyone she could go to and even if there was any, they were living far away and she would not want to bother them. And her brother? She did not have the courage to face him.

It touched her heart to see how her friend came for her when she needed someone to speak her mind, to console her, to say that it was going to be alright although she had been lying to herself that she was strong enough and it was no big deal.

It was a big deal, and there could be no debate on it.

"Is this what it is like to feel cared for?' she thought in her mind as a genuine smile formed on her face.