RUNAWAY LOVER

LIGHTS BACK ON

DERICK'S POV

Devin and I decided to split up, hoping to expedite our search for Emily. My journey led me to a series of corridors surrounding a lush garden and a captivating fountain. As I ventured further, my steps came to an abrupt halt as I glimpsed Emily leaning on the railings across from me, tears streaming down her face while she gazed at the fountain. She seemed unaware of my presence, allowing me to quietly observe her turmoil.

In a moment of decision, she closed her eyes. Seizing the opportunity, I moved towards the hallway opposite her, aligning myself with her position. This strategic distance allowed for communication, should she choose, in the midst of the moonlit ambiance that bathed the area. Although the power had been restored recently, the absence of lights made the moonlight filtering through the glass ceiling the sole illuminating force. Against this nocturnal backdrop, the fireworks resumed, offering a visual spectacle visible from our vantage point.

She blinked, opened her teary eyes, and locked gazes with me. No words were exchanged; instead, we engaged in a silent dialogue, both yearning for a connection from a distance. It was as though we were attempting to discern if our souls still intertwined, if our hearts continued to echo each other's names through the simple act of staring.

"I missed you, Em," I confessed, a tear escaping from my eye. In response, she smiled, revealing the dimples that had always captivated me.

"I'm sorry," she sobbed, tears streaming down her face once more.

The floodgates of emotion opened as I posed the questions that lingered in my heart, "Are you still in love with me? Why did you decide to leave?" My plea echoed through the quiet space, my desperate longing for answers palpable in the air.

"I never stopped loving you, Derick. I’m sorry I left; everything could have been better."

Her words echoed in my mind, creating a dissonance between the love she professed and the abandonment she enacted. The questions swirled in my head, a storm of confusion demanding answers. Why did she, if she loved me, choose to leave, leaving me in the void of unanswered questions?

Acknowledging the turmoil within me, she assured, "I know you have a lot on your mind, and I promise to give you answers." As she walked towards me, an air of uncertainty hung around us. "I just want to know if you can forgive me after what happened. I ran away because I was afraid; I might see you furious at me."

In response, I pleaded with her to look into my eyes. "Look at me, Emily. I never hated you for leaving me. I don't want another; I only want you, Em. I waited for you to return." Each word left my lips deliberately, carrying the weight of my emotions. I wanted her to hear the sincerity in my voice, to understand the depth of my feelings.

"Thank you," she whispered, tears once again marking her cheeks.

As I started walking towards her, she was already ahead, navigating the distance between us. I confessed my attempts to contact her, sharing the frustration of encountering a switched-off phone and the fruitless visits to her now-empty home. The journey of searching for her had been arduous, almost pushing me to the brink of giving up. Yet, here we were, converging in the same space, and now, I yearned for the answers that had eluded me for so long.

"I'd like to know the real reason you left," I implored, my eyes locked onto hers, seeking honesty and transparency.

“I figured you would ask me that,” she replied, her gaze meeting mine as we continued walking. “We were struggling financially, so I had to leave with my family. We had enough money to migrate, and what’s worse is they almost got me married to some man their.” Her voice faltered, and she cast her eyes downward, the weight of her past decisions evident in her demeanor.

“I swear to God, nothing was wrong in our relationship. Nothing failed in every aspect. My parents like you, Derick. It’s just that they want me to get married to an even richer family.” The weight of her words struck me like a heavy blow, leaving a lingering ache in my heart.

Desperation filled my gaze as I halted, turning to face her. “Then why didn’t you inform me? We could have done something.” I sought another explanation, a plea for understanding in my eyes.

“I know that you won’t let me go. I know you wouldn’t want to break up with me, and I didn’t want that too. I had a choice to tell you about it, but it would be more complicated. I was already dealing with some family affair, and I did not want to drag you into my mess, so I made the dumbest decision ever, leaving you confused.” Her admission painted a picture of internal struggles and tough choices, revealing the depth of the conflicts she faced.

She was right. Even if she had told me, the thought of letting her go would be unfathomable. I couldn’t imagine her marrying someone else, especially not richer than me. Yet, the truth remained obscured, and I couldn't shake off the feeling of betrayal and confusion that lingered between us.

As my tears began to fall, I mustered the courage to ask the one question that haunted my thoughts. “A-are you...” My voice cracked with the pain that gripped my heart. “...married?”

The air was thick with anticipation as she chuckled slightly. The path curved ahead, and I quickened my pace to catch up with her. A few more steps, and I would be able to face her, to confront the truth that had eluded me.

“Em, answer me,” I pleaded, my teary eyes reflecting the fear of an answer I might not be prepared to hear.

“No luv. I’m not married,” she assured me with a gentle smile, offering a glimmer of hope and assurance amid the tumult of emotions.

“I ripped the papers off instead of signing it, can you believe it?” She chuckled, a mixture of disbelief and amusement in her voice. “I don’t even have a boyfriend. I focused more on finishing my studies and getting a job, and here I am now, with a restaurant and a full-time writer-” My overwhelming joy cut her off as I sprinted towards her, embracing her tightly.

“I missed you so much, Em,” my voice trembled with the weight of emotions, and tears streamed down my face uncontrollably. “Did you know I cried every single night when you left? I don’t think I’d ever make it if you didn’t come back. I love you, luv.”

Her tears mirrored mine as she spoke softly, “I know, I know, shh luv. I’m so sorry.” Her comforting words held the warmth of a mother consoling her distressed child. “Like I said, I love you always and forever, luv.”

Together, we filled the room with our shared sobs, finding solace in each other's arms. Holding her again brought immeasurable happiness, yet a lingering part of me wrestled with self-blame for not being there when she needed it the most. I questioned myself for not having enough resources to assist her, despite my sincere promises to help her every time.

Money, in its essence, serves as the means to fulfill our basic needs—to acquire food, shelter, and healthcare. The inadequacy of financial resources not only affects our personal well-being but also takes a toll on the community. Regrettably, that was the harsh reality they faced.

The struggle of not having sufficient assets to address life's challenges weighed heavily on us. It illuminated the harsh truth that financial limitations can hinder our ability to support ourselves and those we care about during times of crisis.