When Love is Gone

Chapter 4

"How are you, Mommy?"

I mustered a weak smile at the endearment Theo used. His concern was evident in his eyes.

I let out a heavy sigh, feeling as though I had just emerged from a battlefield, exhausted beyond measure. The sight of the man who had left me shattered and pleading years ago was a pain I had to bear alone.

"It's nothing, Theo. I'll be fine."

I forced a smile, raising my voice slightly to conceal the emotions that threatened to overwhelm me in his presence.

"Charlie takes after him," he murmured softly.

Another pang of sorrow pierced my heart, prompting me to sigh once more and blink back the tears that threatened to spill.

"I know."

His hand gently squeezed mine, silently offering his support. I gratefully returned his smile before turning my gaze to the two individuals who had caused me so much anguish in the past and continued to do so in the present.

Ram and Sarah.

Their names still left a bitter taste in my mouth.

Despite the passage of five years, they had aged gracefully. Ram still possessed that rugged, serious demeanor that had once captivated me. He exuded intelligence, charisma, and the maturity I had always sought in a partner. I had been so blinded by those qualities that I had done everything in my power to make him mine.

And Sarah. The woman he loved remained stunning, despite her somewhat ostentatious appearance. She carried herself with an air of royalty, as though she alone held the right to do so.

As she turned towards me, I swiftly shifted my gaze away, refusing to make eye contact with her.

I had wronged her, and now I regret it deeply. I should not have stooped to her level, but I couldn't resist, especially knowing that she harbored ill intentions towards me. She had tried to undermine me before, but I will not allow it to happen in my domain. Never again.

"Your father is quite charming," I overheard, prompting me to glance at him before turning my attention to where my father stood. Lost in my thoughts, I hadn't realized that my father had already been called up to speak.

"He truly is," I replied proudly to Theo, my eyes filled with admiration as they rested on my father. Despite the shame and pain I had brought upon our family, my father still loved and cherished me.

We listened attentively to my father's speech, sharing laughter with the guests at his jokes. However, as he began recounting his and my mother's love story, my smile faded.

His words struck a chord within me. They resonated deeply, especially when he expressed his belief that my mother and I would both find love with men of different social standing, who would love us equally in return.

I bit my lip to stifle the urge to scream out my inner turmoil.

You're mistaken, father. You are exceptional. You never treated Mom like he treated me. You loved her genuinely. He never reciprocated my love, despite all I gave him. He never will, but I was too blind to see the truth.

"Grachelle, are you okay?"

"Theo, I think I need some fresh air," I whispered, my voice strained from holding back tears. Memories of the past flooded my mind, threatening to overwhelm me.

"Grachelle, calm down. Inhale, exhale, my dear. You are stronger than this. Think of Charlie. Think of your parents. Think of me."

I locked eyes with him, seeing the reassurance in his gaze, and took his advice. I concentrated on my breathing, gradually calming my pounding heart and erratic breaths.

"Shh, it's okay. It's okay, Mommy. You did really well."

I stepped back and arched an eyebrow.

"Are you serious? I almost..."

"But you didn't. And that's what matters." He interrupted.

"Come on, Grachelle. Confronting the people who caused you so much pain in the past wasn't easy. Seeing them together is even worse, but you face them with confidence. They still have their heads attached to their bodies. You didn't lose your composure. Promise," he playfully added, making me laugh and he smiled broadly. But after a few minutes, he became serious.

"Forget about their unpleasant faces, Grachelle. They're not worth your time. They're not worth anything to you. It took you years to rebuild yourself. Don't let them destroy it in just a few minutes. They don't deserve to be in your life or in your thoughts anymore. Show them, especially that man, that you're better off without him."

I squeezed his hand tighter, grateful for bringing me back to reality.

"Theo, how can I ever thank you for being here with me today? For coming here with me despite your busy schedule?"

"I promised your dad I'd help you, right? Besides, we're business partners now. I don't want those awful people affecting you because it will surely affect our business. I don't want to go bankrupt anytime soon."

I burst into laughter at his joke. I knew he was just exaggerating, but the way he said it was so funny.

"People are watching, Grachelle. They might think you're already crazy. Crazy in love with me," he added, winking at me.

I can't believe I blushed at his words and actions. It's crazy that I still have the ability to blush at my age.

"Am I right? You're already in love with me," he said confidently, puffing out his chest.

"Of course, I love you, Theo. You're my best friend," I replied with a smile.

He frowned at my response, causing me to laugh once more.

"I appreciate that you love me as your best friend, Grachelle. But I'd love it even more if you admitted that you're in love with me."

I felt a lump in my throat. Theo had been my childhood best friend, and we had recently reconnected after 15 years apart. Despite my feelings for him, I couldn't bring myself to confess my love.

"I can't use you as a rebound, Theo. I can't do that to you, I'm sorry," I said, feeling embarrassed.

"I am not a rebound, Grachelle. Remember that. Anyway, your dad is calling us over. Shall we join them?" he asked, changing the subject.

I looked at him, knowing he didn't want me to avoid discussing our relationship. With a sigh, I nodded.

"Let's go."

...

I couldn't help but stare at Theo as he drove the car he brought for his stay. It's impossible to deny that he's an attractive man - elegant when serious, adorable when trying to be funny. His regal demeanor, a product of his family's wealth and influence, draws women to him like a magnet. But maybe it's because I see him as a brother figure that I never fell for his charms.

"Stop staring," he playfully warned me, a smile playing on his lips.

"Just curious how many hearts you've broken," I teased.

He chuckled. "Hmm, a hundred and one?"

"You're such a player!" I laughed.

Our banter filled the car, and I was grateful my parents weren't around to witness it.

"Why the sudden interest, Grachelle? Falling for me already?" he joked once we calmed down.

"Not a chance," I replied with a smirk.

"Why don't my charms work on you?" he teased.

I just shrugged.

"Focus on driving," I instructed, reclining in my seat and gazing out the window.

"Just a little more time, Theo. Just a little more time," I whispered, making sure he couldn't hear.