When Love is Gone

Chapter 5

"Ram..."

Sarah whispered my name as we stepped into our apartment.

I tossed my coat onto the couch and headed straight for the bar. Pouring myself a drink, I downed it in silence.

"Ram, I'm..."

"What is it? Speak up," I interrupted, my tone sharp.

My words caused her to fall silent.

"Do we have to be embarrassed for you to understand our place? In their eyes, we're nothing but trash, Sarah. We shouldn't have to show off to prove our worth," I spat out angrily.

She hung her head, finally grasping the gravity of her actions at the party.

"Ram, I didn't mean for things to turn out this way," she said after a pause. "I just wanted Grachelle to see how happy we are. She ruined our lives once, Ram..."

"And she paid the price for it, Sarah. She suffered more than she ever owed us, and that's the truth," I cut her off.

"Now that she's back, I'll give back what she gave me. Regardless of your opinion, regardless of how much we enjoy it, we don't deserve this luxury."

Her eyes widened, and she began to protest.

"Ram, no! This is rightfully ours! Yours! Why would you even...?!"

I silenced her with a glare.

"Enough, Sarah! Your decisions have only brought us shame. I'll be the one making the choices now! If you don't agree, then don't. I don't care! Despite your objections, I will have the final say. Now, leave me be or leave this apartment and never return, since you've never respected my words," I harshly declared, ignoring the hurt in her eyes.

I was lost in my thoughts, drowning in the memories of Grachelle and the embarrassment of the party. Sarah's exit was like a storm, leaving me in a whirlwind of emotions.

Pouring another drink, I hoped the wine would wash away the shame that clung to me. The judgmental stares from the party guests still lingered in my mind, a constant reminder of my past with Grachelle. I was used to the looks, the whispers, the disdain. But this time, it cut deeper.

With a glass of scotch in one hand and the bottle in the other, I sank onto the couch, replaying the day I first met Grachelle five years ago. She was the boss's daughter, a bubbly teenager who always brightened up our office. Her admiration for me was obvious, making me feel proud and flattered.

Despite her bratty behavior, I couldn't help but be drawn to her. Her presence was different, her gaze like no other. From that day on, she made it a point to visit me at my desk, sharing stories that I pretended to be interested in. Her beauty was undeniable, her features captivating. I knew she had the power to captivate any man, and she did. Even at the office, young employees vied for her attention, hoping to win her over. I can't blame them. To have her as their own would be a dream come true.

I'm not like those other guys. Sure, I can see that Grachelle finds me attractive, but I know I won't develop feelings for her. I have Sara, my childhood sweetheart, who has been by my side through thick and thin, especially when I was struggling to finish my architecture degree.

Now that I've landed a job at a top company, it's my turn to repay her for all the sacrifices she made to support me financially while I was in school. When Grachelle started giving me gifts, I realized she saw me in a different light. My coworkers had been pointing it out, but I didn't want to believe it. I didn't want to misinterpret her actions, as I only saw her as a younger sister, the same age as my own sister.

"Stop giving me gifts, Grachelle," I said firmly one day.

"But why?" She seemed hurt by my words. It was the first time I had been so direct with her. Her eyes welled up with tears, silently questioning what she had done wrong.

"It's not appropriate. And stop staring at me. Show some respect. You're the boss's daughter, and people are talking. Don't spend your money on gifts for me." I pushed the box back towards her. She took it back with shaking hands, giving me a pained expression.

"I saved up my allowance to buy you some new ties. Yours were looking worn out."

I knew she didn't mean to insult me since she said the words so innocently, but I felt like she punched me in the throat. Her jaw fell upon hearing the last statement.

"You... You have a girlfriend?" Her voice was trembling, and I couldn't help but pity her. I know she's feeling hurt and disappointed but if I won't stop her, the situation may get worse.

"Please leave. I don't want us fighting because of you." I almost beg her. I don't want to see her crying. And I don't want other employees to see that, too. But what I've said we're thrown away when she asked again. "Is she pretty?"

I saw that she was just controlling herself but I ignored how she was affecting me.

"She is." I saw her bit her lower lip before her eyes strayed away from me. I thought that she was already discouraged because she was quiet for a long time but then I was mistaken.

"You're not married yet," she said almost a whisper.

"Yes," I replied without really thinking because I was busy ignoring the pity I was feeling towards her. I watched her wipe her tears and was shocked to see her smiling sweetly at me.

"Then I can still steal you from her."

At that time, it was my jaw that fell on the floor.