Forver Mine

Season 01, Chapter 09

Season 01, Chapter 09

One afternoon, while I’m at the café, I get a call from Chloé. She urgently asks me to meet her at her office.

Ethan: Chloé, what’s going on?

Chloé: Ethan, I just received another letter from Ryan. It seems he’s hired a lawyer to contest the divorce and has found some flaws in our case.

Ethan: Oh no, that’s terrible. What can we do?

Chloé: I’m not sure yet. I need to discuss it with my lawyer. And I’m exhausted, on the verge of breaking down. I can’t handle all this on my own anymore.

Ethan: You were never alone, Chloé. I’m here for you. But I also have my own responsibilities. Maybe we need to talk calmly and figure out how to handle this without tearing ourselves apart.

Chloé: Yes, you’re right. But I can’t help feeling frustrated. Everything seems to be going wrong all at once.

As time passes, and with the weight of her responsibilities, Chloé is often preoccupied and distant. Meanwhile, I start to feel left out. Our relationship becomes increasingly fragile as Chloé focuses intensely on her problems.

At the same time, Mia begins to play a more significant role in my life. One evening, after a long day at work, I receive a message from Mia inviting me to dinner. We meet later in a lively part of the city and

Mia: Ethan, I wanted to talk to you about something. I feel like you’re going through a tough time right now.

Ethan: Yeah, it’s been complicated. Chloé is going through a lot, and I’m doing my best to help her, but it’s starting to become overwhelming.

Mia: Who’s Chloé?

Ethan: A friend I care about. No one special.

Mia: I’m sorry to hear that. You know I’m here for you, and I want you to feel supported. You need someone to listen and share your thoughts too.

Ethan: Thanks, Mia. It’s nice to know someone cares about me. And I have to admit, our friendship has become very important to me as well.

Mia: I’m glad you feel that way. And I appreciate the time we spend together. It helps me forget some things too.

Over the weeks, Mia and I start meeting more frequently, sharing enjoyable moments and mutual support. Mia begins to express her feelings more openly, and I feel a growing connection with her.

One evening, after a pleasant night of conversation and laughter, Mia turns to me with a sincere look.

Mia: Ethan, I need to tell you something. You’ve been a shoulder I can lean on, and I appreciate it a lot…

Ethan: Me too, Mia. I think about you often, and I’m glad we’re close.

Mia: There’s something I feel, and I can’t keep it to myself any longer. I think I’ve developed deeper feelings for you.

Ethan: Mia, I… I don’t know what to say. You’re an incredible person, and I care about you a lot. But right now, I’m still in a complicated situation. And I’m really not in the right headspace to…

Mia: I understand. I don’t want to put you in an uncomfortable position. I just wanted you to know how I feel.

One day, without my knowing, Chloé notices the change in my behavior and expresses her concerns.

Chloé: Ethan, I feel like something has changed between us. Are you sure everything’s okay?

Ethan: I’m exhausted, Chloé. I’m trying to manage everything, but I often feel caught between your stress and my own feelings.

Chloé: I’m sorry if I’ve put you in this position. I know I’ve been very absorbed in my problems, but I never wanted that to affect our relationship.

Ethan: I know, and I understand. But I realize that I also need to step back and think about what I really want.

Chloé: Ethan, I don’t want to lose you. I’m willing to make an effort to fix things, but I understand if you need time.

Ethan: We both need time to refocus. Maybe a little distance will help us clarify our feelings and expectations.

Over time, and with Chloé, I take the necessary distance to evaluate my feelings and our relationship. Meanwhile, what’s developing between Mia and me grows stronger.

Chloé decides to focus on her personal and professional issues, putting strategies in place to move forward with her divorce proceedings. She consults her lawyer regularly and tries to find solutions to improve her situation. Meanwhile, while I try to support her, I also take time for myself and reflect on what I want for my future.

One morning, as I’m getting ready for the campus, I receive a call from Chloé.

Chloé: Ethan, I wanted to talk to you about something important.

Ethan: Of course, Chloé. What’s going on?

Chloé: I’ve taken some time to think. I now realize that I need to focus on myself and solving my problems before I can truly be available for a relationship. I think it’s important that we take some time apart to find ourselves again.

Ethan: What do you mean? I understand, but…

Chloé: I don’t want you to think it’s because of you. It’s just that I need to find myself and sort out my affairs before I can consider something more serious.

Ethan: I want to respect your decision, but can we at least meet to talk about it?

Chloé: No, Ethan.

One evening, after having dinner together at a small Italian restaurant, Mia and I find ourselves in a park for a quiet walk.

Mia: Ethan, I’m so glad we have the chance to spend time together. It really means a lot to me to have you here, close to me. I like how you’re more than just someone I see—you’re someone I see deeply.

Ethan: Me too, Mia. Your presence has been comforting during this complicated time.

Mia: I want you to know that I care about you a lot. And I feel closer to you every day.

Ethan: I feel the same way. You’ve been an amazing person for me, and I appreciate everything we’ve shared.

Mia: I know this is complicated for you right now, but I wanted to say that I’d like to explore what we have together. I believe we have something special.

Ethan: I’m touched by your words, Mia. I have strong feelings for you too, but I want to be honest with you about my situation. I’ve just come out of a complicated relationship, and I don’t want you to feel overshadowed by that.

Mia: I understand. But I believe in us, and I think we can build something beautiful together. We can move at our own pace.

Meanwhile, Chloé continues to work on her personal issues and focuses on her professional goals. She finds new strength and direction in her life, allowing her to rebuild herself and prepare for the future.

Things move slowly for me and Mia, despite all the effort and care she puts into building a strong and sincere relationship. I appreciate how Mia helps me overcome my difficulties, and I give her my full attention when she speaks to me. For me, our relationship is a haven of peace, allowing me to find a balance and happiness that I had struggled to find before. When I occasionally deliver Chloé’s orders when Lucas is busy, given that she now specifically requests Lucas for deliveries, I drop the package at Lily’s place for her and leave, even if Lily insists that I should hand it over personally, saying it would do Chloé good to see me.

As time passes, Mia finds comfort and stability in me, and we build a healthy and promising relationship. But for me, Mia remains a refuge from sadness and boredom—a lifeline every time I remember Chloé, our story, and our moments together.

According to Lucas, Chloé is making progress with her divorce proceedings. She’s focusing on her career and discovering new passions in her work.

One day, while Mia is waiting for me in the living room as I finish getting dressed for university, I hear my phone ring on the bed—it’s Chloé calling.

Chloé: Ethan, I wanted to talk to you. I finally received confirmation that my divorce is almost finalized. It’s a huge relief.

Ethan: That’s great news for you, Chloé. I’m really happy for you.

Chloé: Thank you. It gives me a fresh start and allows me to focus on my goals. I also wanted to tell you that I sincerely appreciate… (I cut her off.)

Ethan: I’m glad I could help. And I’m happy to see you moving forward. Now, if you’ll excuse me…

Chloé: Yes, but I want you to know that I’ve thought a lot about what we shared. I sincerely wish you all the happiness in your life.

Ethan: Thank you, Chloé. I wish you all the best too.

With that, I end the call and move forward, haunted by my memories.

One evening, while dining at a small restaurant in town with Mia, she opens up about her feelings when I lift my head from my phone.

Mia: Ethan, I’ve been thinking a lot about us. I’m really happy with what we’ve built together. You’ve become an important part of my life.

Ethan: Me too, Mia. I find a lot of happiness in our relationship, and I’m grateful for everything we have.

Mia: I truly believe we have something special. And I’d like to build a future with you, if you agree.

Ethan: I completely agree. We’ve been through a lot, and I believe we have a solid foundation. I’m ready to move forward with you.

One weekend, Mia suggests we go on a getaway to a small coastal town. It reminds me of the weekend with Chloé, and I say no at first. But two minutes later, I apologize and say, “Yes, why not?” while kissing her on the forehead. We spend our days exploring picturesque beaches, enjoying local dishes, and simply being in each other’s company.

Ethan: Mia, this weekend is perfect. I never imagined I’d find someone to share such precious moments with. (I say without smiling.)

Mia: I feel exactly the same way, Ethan. It’s amazing to see how we’ve grown together.

One day, as I’m sitting and staring into space, I receive a message from Chloé inviting me to lunch, which I accept before realizing I wanted to say no. Later, we meet in a quiet café where Chloé expresses her feelings.

Chloé: Ethan, I wanted to tell you how happy I am to see you moving forward with your life. I also wanted to apologize for the difficult times we went through.

Ethan: Chloé, there’s no need to apologize. We both learned a lot from that experience. I’m happy to see you rebuilding and finding your path to happiness.

Chloé: Thank you for your understanding. I think we both need to turn the page and focus on the future.

Ethan: I agree. We shared some precious moments, and I wish you all the best.

To be continued…

Forever Mine, by Saint Daniel.