RUNAWAY LOVER

TRUTH BE TOLD: A CLOSURE

DERICK'S POV:

I'm taken aback because I never expected these two to be so closely connected. Now, with Emily standing beside Dana, the resemblance is striking. "Luv, she looks just like you," I comment, and to my surprise, they exchange glances and burst into giggles. "What's so amusing?" I inquire curiously.

Dana glances at me and Devin, then Devin opens his mouth wide, eyes widened. "Don't tell me you're both siblings?!" What? Emily never mentioned anything like that, and I've seen her family portrait; she's clearly an only child.

"Half-siblings, actually. We discovered that our father had another woman pregnant while he was in a relationship with my mother a long time ago," Emily clarifies, using the term 'our father,' indicating that they share the same father.

"What? Luv, why didn't you tell me about this?" I express my surprise.

"We found out when we migrated abroad, so I never had the chance to share it with you," she explains with a smile, revealing her dimples once again. I move closer to her, pinching her cheeks. "I missed your dimples and your cuteness," I say with a laugh.

"Wait, luv, there's one more revelation," she continues. "This event was my idea. I didn't know how to approach or get close to you, so I orchestrated a plan to make you approach me." She flashes a peace sign. Devin and I are once again left in shock, finding it hard to believe.

"Just a moment ago, I thought it was just a coincidence when I met your sister. You both are unbelievable," I exclaim, realizing that so many things unfolded in just one year. "Is there anything else we should know?" I make sure to clarify.

"That's all of it, I promise," Emily reassures.

There's something I've been hesitant to ask, fearing the possible response.

"My parents are the ones who arranged my departure, and they are the only ones migrating. I've decided to stay here with you guys. I've already delegated the management of my business to someone, and she'll contact me for updates. Right, Dana?" Emily looks at me, then Devin, and finally, Dana.

I assume Dana will be the one handling Emily's restaurant. "Dana, are you moving there?" Devin inquires.

"No, because I live there. I'm just here to assist Milan," Dana replies. Her accent becomes more apparent as she mentions Emily's name, providing a possible explanation for her residence abroad.

"How was it accepting the fact that you have a half-sister?" Devin probes.

"At first, it was shocking. I felt anger for what my father did to my mom, but then I thought, 'Oh, that happened ages ago; let's move on and meet this half-sister of mine.' He apologized, so I forgave him," Dana explains, gesturing with her hands before shrugging.

"On the other side, I was stunned when a random number called me and revealed that I have a half-sister. Then all this revelation happened with my family, and we moved on too." It seems that forgiveness played a crucial role in their reconciliation.

Reflecting on today's events, I realize that if I hadn't chosen to forgive Emily, we might have ended our relationship, both of us suffering heartaches. It underscores the importance of maintaining a cool head, not letting anger cloud our judgment, and resolving conflicts through forgiveness.

Devin checks his pocket. "Uh, guys, I think I really need to get going," he says, still checking his phone. "My girlfriend's going to kill me with all the 10 missed calls and 20 text messages." Uh-oh.

"You are doomed, Clarke. Doomsday for you," I tease.

"Luv, stop scaring him," Emily laughs. "How are you going to get home? Do you have a car?"

"Yeah, thanks Emily, Dana. I really need to get going," Devin rushes towards the elevator across from us, almost tripping as he climbs the platform. Before pressing the down button, he looks back, "One more thing, Hey D, are you coming with me?" Oh, right, shoot, I didn’t use my car. "Uh, good thing you reminded me. Luv, I also have to go; I didn’t bring the jeep with me," even though I hesitate leaving her.

“Don’t you want to sleep over?” Dana asks.

"No thanks, I don’t like sleeping in a house that is not mine," I shake my head as I say that.

"Well, you can think of this as a hotel, though..." I was about to respond when Emily started talking.

“Don’t force him, Dana,” she taps her back. “You can use my car if you want to stay longer, luv,” woah.

“You own a car already? Woah luv, I’m proud,” I say.

“Uh, guys, no time for chitchats!” Devin shouts, Dana laughs.

“Sorry luv, have things to do at home,” even though it was hard to reject her offer because I want to spend more time with her now that we are reunited. “See you tomorrow?”

"Yeah, I will see you tomorrow. No more running away, okay?. I love you."

“I love you always and forever, myluv,” forever will do.

We kiss each other, and Dana in front of us is jealously pouting. Emily laughs at her, and I do too as I run to the elevator because it’s already closing, “Bye, girls!” I wave from my back.

As I hop in, I take a deep breath. A deep breath full of relief and happiness that even my smile reaches my eyes and ears.

“I’m happy for you, D. Congrats, man.” He taps my shoulder, and I grin.

Last year and today’s year were a lost and found. I lost her on New Year’s, and I found her on New Year’s, a lost and found for me. I can’t wait to spend all of my time with her. I can't wait to show her all the love she deserves.