Everything changed when I received an unexpected call from an unknown number. Since only a few people have my personal number, I couldn't help but wonder who could be calling me.
"Hello? Who is this?" I inquired.
"I am finally home," a voice replied—a voice so familiar that it made my heart fall in love all over again.
"Krystabella?" I asked, struggling to believe my ears.
"There's no one else. I've missed you so much," she said, her voice filled with emotion. I was stunned by what I heard.
On that same day, we met. The anger I should have felt transformed into longing. It was as if I suddenly remembered everything that transpired between us before.
She looked the same, the girl I had once loved. I was confused by her return. How should I feel now that she's here? What about my feelings for Krystal Miranda?
At this moment, confusion clouds my mind. All I know is that I'm happy she's here with me. We find ourselves at the back of the mansion, engaged in conversation. She smiles genuinely, exuding happiness.
"Why? Why did you leave all those days ago? Why did you depart without a word? We were supposed to go somewhere, to be away together," I questioned, desperately seeking answers.
She fell silent for a moment, and tears began to stream down her face. Sobbing, she expressed her guilt, and I couldn't help but feel guilty too.
I embraced her, wiping away her tears, waiting for her explanation. After she composed herself, she revealed her reasons.
"I'm deeply sorry for leaving you back then. I had no choice. My family discovered our plan to run away. They forced me to study abroad, but now everything is settled. I've proven something to them, and perhaps even to myself. I've been waiting years for this moment," she explained.
I nodded, suddenly overwhelmed by emotions. I couldn't avoid her, though I'm uncertain why. All I know is that I need her right now. I fear that I will break my promises to Krystal Miranda, but my heart is in turmoil.
Almost every day, I'm with Krystal, and there isn't a day without her. Spending time with her has become rare, and I feel guilty about it. I made so many promises to her, yet I've been avoiding her for weeks and months now.
But I'm happy that the woman I first loved has returned. She is staying in the mansion, despite Granny's disapproval. There's nothing she can do about it.
I recall one night when Granny warned me that I would regret everything and that I had chosen the wrong path. She spoke of the hardships I would face in seeking redemption. I couldn't comprehend her words.
Krystal Miranda is still young, and I'm sure she can find another man. Yet, as I imagine her with someone else, a strange and familiar feeling emerges. It's as if I want to be selfish and keep her for myself. But what about Krystabella? What about the girl who came back for me?
Although it's difficult, I try not to meet Krystal Miranda again.
Until one day, I realize I've stopped receiving text messages from her. She has stopped reaching out, and my heart feels a pang of tightness. I yearn to go and see her.
"Do you want us to go to the market together? I feel like cooking your favorite dish. I'm certain you'll love it," Krystabella suggests.
I force a smile, even though it's challenging. In recent days, my thoughts have been consumed by only one Krystal. I wonder how she is right now, who she is with. She will graduate soon, and I contemplate what would be a suitable gift for her. Do I still have the right to see her?
"You often seem preoccupied, Logan. Are you okay?" Rhaena Krystabella asks while driving.
"Yeah, I'm probably just stressed with work," I respond, though it's far from the truth. I miss Krystal. I yearn to hold her in my arms and smell her hair, just like before.
I want to choose what brings me happiness and where I can find it.
But I'm a coward. I fear hurting the girl sitting next to me. I fear making decisions for myself.
"If you have a problem, just tell me. I am your lover now, and we're together through thick and thin," she assures me.
I can't explain why the thought of her being the one doesn't sit right with me. It feels burdensome, knowing it's Rhaena Krystabella.
As we navigate the market, people begin to crowd around us. They have often seen us together here before. I used to carry the items she bought, and I cherish those memories. But deep down, I sense that much has changed.
And as we approach the meat vendor, I catch sight of Krystal Miranda.
It feels as if lightning strikes me. I freeze, my heart pounding rapidly.
Just by seeing her from a distance, I long to run towards her and hold her tight. I've missed her so much. As I approach her, I hope for a conversation that would make it seem like nothing has changed.
But my heart shatters when she walks past us without acknowledging my presence. I laugh at myself—a joyless, emotionless laugh. Deep down, I know this is right. It's my karma for what I've done.
I can't fathom the pain I caused her. I hope she can still find it in her heart to forgive me.
I thought we had no chance of seeing each other again until I caught sight of her in the place where we first met. I can't believe we have this opportunity once more.
We play in the water, enjoying every moment. I realize that I haven't laughed this much in the past few months, moments when Krystal Miranda wasn't by my side. I don't know why, but I suggest that maybe we can meet here again. It's as if I have something to say. I know she won't immediately accept it. I need to work hard to regain her trust.
I don't want to be unfair to Rhaena Krystabella. Yes, she was my first love, but she was loved before. It's a kind of love I can't give her again. Reality has slapped me in the face. I love someone else now, and I can't give my heart to her.
Yes, I don't want to be unfair. But I also don't want to be unfair to myself. I want to give myself a chance now that I have awakened to the truth. When I return to the mansion, I find Rhaena Krystabella in my room.
She is wearing a bathrobe, but as soon as she spots me, she removes it, revealing her naked body. She wants to seduce me. She kisses me, but she realizes that I'm not reciprocating.
"Do you have a problem?" she asks, releasing herself from my embrace.
I hand her the robe and ask her to put it back on. I shake my head, feeling increasingly uncomfortable. This isn't the person she used to be. She was once modest, but now she's revealing this new side of herself. I can't comprehend why it bothers me.
"We can't do this," I tell her, lighting a cigarette—an old habit I had given up since Krystal Miranda disliked the smell of smoke.
"Why? Don't you love me? I love you so much, Logan... I don't see anything wrong with us being intimate. Come on, be a man! We're both adults!" she exclaims, her frustration evident.
She appears equally frustrated.
"We can't do this because I love someone else," I confess, my words striking her with surprise and confusion.
"What did you say?" she asks, seeming lost and scared.
"I don't love you anymore. I love someone else now. Please, I know it's wrong that I entertained you. Someone else came into my life, and it left me confused. I know I've been an asshole, but I can't let her go," I explain.
She approaches me and delivers a resounding slap. I deserve that slap.
"Take back what you said! I'm the only one you love," she insists.
I shake my head, avoiding her. I leave the room and find solace in another.
The next day, Rhaena Krystabella is gone, but she left a letter declaring her intention to return. She states that she won't give up until I realize that she's still the one.
Yet, I'm determined now. Krystal Miranda is the one I love.
So, I hastily arrange everything. Since morning, I've been preparing food for Krystal at the falls. I trust that she will come. She smiled at the idea, even though she didn't explicitly confirm her attendance. Nevertheless, I believe she will be there.
And I don't want to go there right away. I can't face her at this moment, especially not her brother. I broke my promise, and yes, I'm a coward, but I'm too afraid to face them now.
Now, all my courage is focused on Krystal.
I ordered flowers and prepared an abundance of food. I also asked her friends if they could assist me, but they claimed I didn't deserve Krystal's forgiveness.
I understand where their animosity stems from. I hurt their friend, committing one of the worst acts in my life, one I may regret forever.
Several hours pass, but there's no sign of Krystal. I grow worried, and as late afternoon arrives, I muster the courage to seek her out.
Yet, her brother intercepts me at the rendezvous point. Claude throws a punch at me upon seeing me. I don't fight back. When I fall, I promptly rise to my feet, wiping the blood from my lip.
"You bastard! How dare you come here? Are you an idiot or just plain stupid?" he curses at me.
Never before have I received such degrading words from someone, but I swallow my pride. Deep down, I know I'm in the wrong, and uttering another word might cost me the woman I love forever.
"I just want to see her, to apologize and make amends. Please, give me another chance. I'll prove that I made a mistake and I'm ready to make things right with her," I plead.
"My sister is still young. When I saw her happy with you, I didn't complain. But when I witnessed her pain, I'm not foolish enough to allow you to make her life miserable. Her heart is not a toy. Face the consequences, for you will never see her again."