Forver Mine

Season 01, Chapter 05

Season 01, Chapter 05

Chloé continues to look at me with a gentle and sincere curiosity.

Chloé: Ethan, may I ask you a personal question? Do you think I’m too old for you?

I am caught off guard by her question, not expecting it at all. I feel a slight embarrassment rising in me, but I shake my head, trying to show her that it is not the case.

Ethan: No, Chloé, not at all. Age has never been an important factor for me. What matters is the connection, the mutual understanding.

Chloé: Thank you, Ethan. And what kind of love life would you like to have? Tell me about your dream of love.

I take a deep breath, feeling the nervousness subside a bit as I ponder her questions. I dive into my thoughts, searching for the right words to express what I feel.

Ethan: Well, I guess my dream of love is quite simple. I’d like to be with someone who truly understands me, someone with whom I can share my joys and sorrows, my dreams and fears. Someone who is there for me, and for whom I am there in return.

I pause, thinking about what I want to add.

Ethan: I want a relationship where there is mutual respect, honesty, and a genuine emotional connection. I’d like to build a life together, with moments of simple happiness, shared adventures, and unwavering support in difficult times. I want each day to be a new opportunity to love and be loved, to grow together, and to create precious memories… I must add, you perfectly describe my vision of love.

Chloé: That’s beautiful, Ethan. Really. You have a very pure and authentic vision of love. I believe you deserve to find someone who shares these same values and aspirations. (She smiles at me and says) I would have loved to experience that with you, to have known you earlier.

Ethan: Thank you, Chloé. That means a lot to me. Ah, let’s say that destiny unites us now. And you, Chloé, what makes you dream in love? What kind of love life would you like to have?

She takes a deep breath, and I sense she’s a bit embarrassed but determined to be honest.

Chloé: My dream of love… I’m not sure. But I think… I’d like a relationship where we understand each other without having to say everything. I want to be with someone with whom I can share everything, from our simplest moments to our most exciting adventures. Someone who respects me and whom I respect in return. I desire each day to be a new opportunity to love and be loved, to create precious memories and to overcome life together… Ethan, I believe love is a journey, and I’d like to find someone with whom I can travel hand in hand, with honesty, respect, and a genuine emotional connection.

Chloé spoke to me with a smile, a peace of heart, and joy. She expresses herself without looking me in the eyes, I think she avoids my eyes so as not to let me read in her eyes. But in her voice, I could feel all the love and the sensation of a dream more than a life. A glimmer of emotion in her eyes lets a tear fall from her eyes.

Ethan: Even though I pray it’s someone like me. I…

We remain silent for a moment, lost in our thoughts. Suddenly, the door opens, and Lily, the secretary, enters with an envelope in her hand.

Lily: Chloé, a courier just dropped this off for you.

Chloé takes the envelope, visibly surprised, and opens it. Inside, she finds an invitation card. She begins to read aloud.

Chloé: It’s an invitation from Ryan for us to attend a charity event together…

She continues to read, but I can no longer hear the rest. A wave of conflicting emotions washes over me: discomfort, envy, and a twinge of jealousy. I stand up abruptly, grab my bag, and prepare to leave.

Ethan: I’m going back to work to finish my day, Chloé. Have a good day.

Chloé: Ethan, wait…

But before she can stop me, I’m already downstairs, pacing back and forth, trying to calm my inner turmoil. A few moments later, Chloé joins me outside, her gaze betraying a hint of guilt.

Chloé: Ethan, I’m sorry if that made you uncomfortable. I didn’t mean for you to feel that way.

I shake my head, trying to mask my feelings, but she perceives them easily.

Ethan: It’s nothing, Chloé. I’m just running late, I have other deliveries waiting, and I’ve lost too much time with you… It’s just… I don’t know. It caught me by surprise.

She looks at me with a mix of regret and sweetness, almost like a child seeking forgiveness.

Chloé: Would you like to spend the weekend with me? Just you and me. I want to show you how much you mean to me.

I look at her, surprised by her proposal. Her gaze is sincere, full of hope and longing.

Ethan: Chloé, you don’t have to feel guilty. It’s normal for Ryan to invite you. It’s your life.

Chloé: I know, but I care about you, Ethan. I want us to spend time together, away from all this, just for us.

Her offer is tempting, and I feel my resolve waver. I take a deep breath, trying to understand what I truly feel.

Ethan: Okay, Chloé. Let’s spend the weekend together. It might be good to get away from all this.

She smiles, relieved and happy with my response.

Chloé: Thank you, Ethan. I’ll come pick you up.

After my conversation with Chloé, I return to the café. The rest of the day passes quickly, and once my shift is over, I head to the campus for my evening classes. After class, as I walk towards the exit to find a taxi, I run into Mia and her friends.

Mia: Ethan! Wait!

Ethan: Mia, have you ever had any dealings with a gang? Or is a gang hitting on you right now?

Mia seems surprised by my question and shakes her head.

Mia: No, I’ve never had that kind of relationship nor friends in a gang. Why are you asking?

I sense the honesty in her voice, which reassures me a bit, but I don’t want to worry her further.

Ethan: It’s nothing, don’t worry about it.

At that moment, a taxi stops in front of me. I quickly get in, hoping to end the conversation, but Mia follows, insisting on knowing why I’m asking these questions.

Mia: Ethan, tell me what’s going on. The bruises on your face… I’m worried.

The taxi ride is silent; I say nothing and Mia keeps staring at me, trying to guess or pry the answer out of me. Mia looks at my injuries with palpable concern. Once we arrive at the building where I live, I try to reassure her.

Ethan: Mia, please go home. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine…

But she refuses to leave and follows me up to my room. Once inside, she looks at me with fierce determination.

Mia: Ethan, tell me what happened last night after you dropped me off.

I sigh, realizing she won’t let it go. Finally, I decide to show her. I remove my shirt, revealing the bruises and contusions on my body.

Ethan: The gangs beat me up last night.

Mia: What? Why didn’t you tell me this earlier?

She steps closer, examining my injuries with a mix of anger and sadness.

Mia: Why didn’t you tell me earlier? It’s all my fault (she says sadly) if I hadn’t wanted to spend time with you… If I hadn’t made you go out, none of this would have happened.

Ethan: I didn’t want to worry you. I thought it was related to you, but you say it’s not… so I guess it’s just a coincidence.

Mia: Ethan, no matter the reason, you shouldn’t have to go through this. It’s unfair.

She places a gentle hand on my arm, and I feel a mixture of relief and gratitude.

Ethan: Thank you, Mia.

Mia: You don’t have to face all this alone. I’m here for you, my beloved.

Ethan: Mia, thank you for being here. Really. But I can handle this. You can go home.

Mia: Don’t worry, Ethan. I’m not leaving. Where’s the kitchen? And your wardrobe? I need one of your shirts.

She moves closer, placing a gentle hand on my arm. I feel her warmth and compassion. Then she goes to my wardrobe and takes one of my shirts, putting it on after removing her clothes.

Mia: You should rest now. Your body needs to recover.

Ethan: You’re right. But before that, I want to thank you for your support. But you don’t have to stay here. I know how to take care of myself. Seriously.

Mia: It’s normal, Ethan. That’s what friends do. Especially lovers. I know you take care of yourself, I don’t doubt it. But you’re my baby love, and it’s my duty to be here.

I return her smile, appreciating her presence. We stay silent for a moment, enjoying each other’s company. Finally, Mia stands up to leave.

Mia: Since you want me to go home, I’ll leave, but I’ll be back tomorrow, okay? I’ll let you rest for now. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call me, alright? Otherwise, I’ll show up with my bags.

Ethan: Okay. Thanks, Mia.

She gives me one last smile before leaving my room. Once alone, I lie down on my bed, letting the fatigue and emotions of the day wash over me.

The next morning, I wake up with lingering aches but determined not to let this situation define me. I get ready and head to the café, ready to face a new day. Lucas greets me with a smirk.

Lucas: Well, you look better this morning. How are you?

Ethan: Better, thanks. I’ll be fine.

Lucas: Glad to hear it. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.

I nod gratefully and start my workday. Later in the morning, a new order arrives, this time from Ms. Chloé. I take the order and head to her office. When I arrive, Lily greets me with a smile.

Lily: Hi Ethan. Ms. Chloé is expecting you in her office.

I nod and enter. Chloé is engrossed in her files, but she looks up and smiles when she sees me.

Chloé: Ethan, good morning. How are you this morning?

Ethan: I’m better, thank you. And you?

Chloé: I’m well. Have a seat, I have something to tell you.

I sit down, curious about what she wants to share.

Chloé: Yesterday, after you left, I thought a lot. I felt guilty about what happened, and I want to make sure you feel supported. So, as we agreed to do something this weekend, we’re going to do something special, just you and me. But I want to choose the place, is that okay with you?

Ethan: That’s fine with me.

Chloé: Perfect. Now, let’s talk about something lighter. Tell me, what would you like to do this weekend?

Later in the day, while I’m working at the café, my phone vibrates. It’s a message from Mia.

Mia: How are you today? Need to talk?

I reply quickly, appreciating her constant concern.

Ethan: I’m better, thanks. Maybe later, after work.

I finish my day at the café, tired but determined to keep moving forward. When I get home, I find another message from Mia.

Mia: I’m here if you need anything. Take care.

To be continued…

Forever mine, Author Saint Daniel.