Chapter # 5

'I wish we could have met. At least once. I am not great with words like you, but thank you for your notes. They have done more than you can imagine for me. But, it seems like we are not meant to be together. Not in this life. I am getting married.'

I put the note in my Hotel Management book. I know he only put it there so I put it here and left my classroom because I know that if I stay or watch from outside, he'll never come.

‘But, before I leave. Please show me who you are. I want to see you once, please. I want to know the person who encouraged me when I lost my own identity. Whoever you are, come to me.’

Since I don't have any friends, I decided to take a stroll around, praying that he will come.

I came back and was about to take a step inside the classroom but someone grabbed my arm and pulled me away.

“What-” I raised my gaze and saw the topper of our University and the ruler of the heart of most girls; Jayden Roseville.

Oh my God, I can’t believe it was him. The star.

His Raven hairs seemed so soft when flowing along with the wind. He took me to a corner and turned to me and looked at me with his enthralling blue orbs.

“Jayden Roseville?” His muscular form was emitting rage. My heart skipped a beat, I used to admire him from afar and used to hope that he'd never end up like me.

I can't believe he is in front of me, eyes narrowed and filled with fury. He is so beautiful from close up.

"What's the meaning of this, Rebecca?" He hissed.

"Are you the one who left notes in my book?" I asked hesitantly, taking a step back, still not believing he is before me.

"Yes. I did. What do you mean by getting married?" He asked sternly, refusing to believe this.

"What you heard. You are too late to reveal yourself. Nothing can be done now." I replied, looking away.

“You could have come once. I sought you but you were nowhere.” I whispered, wanting to say what I always wanted to say but it’s no longer the situation.

“I am still not. I was never near you, your worth is much superior in my eyes.” He whispered, eyes scanning my form.

“How can you talk in-depthly?” I asked, narrowing my eyes in dejection.

“They reach my lips without my will, the condition of my worthless heart perhaps?” He chuckled, but the sound was filled with pain and sadness.

“It’s too late now.” I said with difficulty.

"You are not happy with your marriage, aren't you? " He asked softly, taking a step closer.

"My happiness never mattered, Jayden." I replied in the same tone, averting my gaze.

"It does. To me at least. Please, Rebecca, I love you." He confessed as my heart began to beat louder than any echo. My eyes widened as I stiffened. I haven't heard this word from a guy for years.

“You have hexed my heart ever since I first saw you. An emotion I have never experienced before, your very presence became my solace.” He said desperately, blocking my way.

“Tell me, how am I supposed to leave your path when I offered it my everything?” His voice broke in between, putting his hand on the wall, narrowing his eyes in extreme woe.

“Then where were you all this time?” I asked as my lips began to quiver, I turned my head and looked at him. He was standing too close to me.

“I saw your smile. I was afraid that if I come, it won’t disappoint you. You smiled for me, by my words, that is all I ever desired.” He whispered, smiling exquisitely, locking his eyes with mine.

“If that’s what you wanted then why are you hurting?” I asked tenderly, unexpectedly, I felt terrible seeing him like this.

“Because I had no idea losing you would hurt this much. You were never mine, I am aware of it but you being someone else broke my heart. And… I know I have no right to stop you but…” He gulped, a tear glistening in the corner of his eyes, losing his breath.

"But, Rebecca, tell me, If you are happy, I'll leave you but forever but if you are not then we will run away. I will take you away. I promise I will hold your hand and never let it go." His words held deep feelings he used to express in his notes.

I closed my eyes as a tear threatened to fall but I didn't let it. Please, stop.

"Nothing… Can be done now, Jayden." I said, taking a deep breath and it emitted a tear which broke my heart.

"It can be. You just have to tell me and I'll take you away. I truly love you and am willing to do anything for you.” He said, leaning closer to my face.

“I know I have nothing but a petty job right now but I swear, I will marry you in his stead, I try my best to keep you happy." He pleaded and I felt a needle pricking to my chest.

My eyes widened in appall when tears brimmed in his eyes, by his suffering. He was devastated.

"What is stopping you, Rebecca?" He asked. I wish I could tell you...

"Jayden.. If you came before-"

"There's still time! We can fix this. I'll take you away from every pain, where no one can hurt you. Please trust me. There is still time." His words broke my demeanor.

“Please, Jayden!” They broke everything as I burst into tears. I held his shirt and put my head on his chest.

“Please, stop.” I whispered and he was taken aback at my display.

“Rebecca…” He put his hand on my back and began to rub it. I let out soft sobs to show my agony. The ravage that is killing me from inside.

“Please, Please, Please.” I repeated my words because if he continued I might agree.

And if I marry him or run away, Marianne will be forced to marry Ryan and that bastard known as our Father will ruin her life.

I don't have a choice.

He cupped my cheek with his other hand and I lifted my face as my teary gaze met his affectionate one, holding the love I haven’t seen in ages.

"We can still do this. " He tried to assure me.

"I can't. " I whispered in a croaked voice.

"Why? What is stopping you when you feel the same?" He also whispered in the same tone.

"I have shackles around my feet." I said, He wiped my tears and leaned in, pressing his forehead against mine.

"I will remove them, I promise." He said sternly, refusing to let go of this final chance.

"If I don't get married Marianne's secrets will be revealed, she'll be forced to quit her work. She doesn't want to marry. He won’t let it happen, please understand my state." I lowered my gaze in shame, impotent to tell him.

What he will think, what kind of toxic family is this.

"Marianne, the supermodel? Your sister?" He asked as I nodded.

"You are sacrificing yourself for her?" He asked with pity glistening in his beautiful eyes.

"I have no choice. Papa will reveal her scars.." I said in a barely audible tone, holding his shirt, looking up at him, feeling defeated.

"Is that a Father or a monster?" He asked in disgust, pulled away a little.

"Both.. " I lowered my head, feeling ashamed.

He pulled me close as my lower body met his as a gasp escaped my lips. He held my chin and forced me to look at him dead in the eyes as he asked direly.

"Rebecca, before our departure. Answer my one question.”

“What?” I asked with a gulp.

“Do you feel anything for me?"

"Immense fondness I never felt for anyone. After Marianne, you were my only source of salvation" I replied honestly, staring deep into his eyes, lost in them for the second.

"Then for that sake... can you kiss me?"