Yearning for Love

*CAROLINE POV* “I do not want to know anything! All I want is for this torture to end!” Caroline shouted. She clocked her gun and gazed up at the wall clock counting every seconds that passed. She was in the expensive Russian seater. Her eyes were focused at the entrance door and her heart hated what she was about to do. She couldn’t flee from her son’s vengeance. Just as she expected, her enemy was forced into the room. She watched het worst enemy fall to his face and felt deep hatred at his sight. She placed her finger on the trigger. "Do it, Caroline!" One of the mafias hailed. She nodded in agreement. “Yes I will do it! I will pull this damn trigg…." She stopped at the sight of a child who walked in with a toy. The young child looked confused and clueless on what was going on. He was in his uniform looking tired and worn out. Her heart melted for him. “They brought the child?” She asked with surprise. She lowered the gun instantly and turned to the other mafias. “Why did you bring the child? Do you know how much trouble you are causing him?” “He is the child of the other woman. You can kill them both,” Herron said, walking in. “A child?” She questioned. “I do not want to. I only had an issue with his father. Why drag his son into it?” Herron frowned. “Do not drag your emotions into this, Caroline. Do as I say.” Caroline pointed the gun at unconscious Andrew and the young child who gazed into her eyes helplessly. For some reason she felt drawn to the child and couldn’t get herself to pull the trigger. “I can’t…” *5 Years Ago* Caroline Halls gazed fondly at her childhood photograph, holding it against her chest as if to reclaim her dreams. The image depicted her in an oversized lab coat, a reflection of her hopes and aspirations. She imagined herself as a successful doctor, her younger self radiating optimism. "Caroline, come down this instant!" Her mother's voice echoed impatiently from downstairs. "Yes, coming, Mum!" She hastily returned the photograph to its place, reluctantly detaching herself from the memories. Rushing to the door, a fleeting thought prompted her to kiss the frame. "Caroline!" Her mother's urgency persisted. "Oops, we're running late." She berated herself before racing out of her room. "Can't you see that pink is superior to purple? Who told you such nonsense?" Her mother's voice was tinged with playful exasperation, engaging in one of their routine debates. "Are we really doing this now?" Caroline sighed, irritated that no one else seemed to respect punctuality. She had believed they were behind schedule, but apparently not everyone shared her urgency. "I'm not getting involved." She turned to retreat up the stairs. "Caroline, I never claimed pink was superior to purple. I just stated that it's overrated compared to purple..." Laura, her sister, defended her stance. "Enough with this argument, we need to head out," Caroline implored, exasperated by the unnecessary delay. "But you do agree that pink holds a certain charm, don't you, Caroline?" Her mother eventually roped her into the discussion. "Fine, I'll concede that pink has its merits. Can we go now?" Caroline implored, eager to put an end to the debate. "Alright, alright. My apologies for the delay." Her mother acquiesced, and the three finally embarked on their outing. Laura, radiating confidence in her gray shirt and pink trousers, looked poised and unbothered by their tardiness. The spirited discussion about colors eventually gave way to the trip to the mall. "Remember, Dad is bringing guests home," Laura whispered, her tone implying secrecy. "Guests? What guests?" Caroline was taken aback. Her mother hadn't mentioned anything about visitors, let alone important ones. "It's a family, and they're apparently quite influential. Their son is a literal prodigy," Laura shared with a hint of excitement. "An 18-year-old genius, huh? I hope you're not already swooning over him," Caroline teased, her amused tone betraying her skepticism. "He's incredibly handsome, you know. I've heard people talk about him, and he's quite cool. I hope we get along or something," Laura's tone was light, though her excitement was palpable. Caroline focused on her work, managing the mini-mart during the sale. Frustration bubbled within her as she encountered customers who appeared more interested in complaining about prices than making actual purchases. Her internal monologue questioned the logic of visiting a store if they had no intention of buying anything. "Dad is home with guests!" Laura's excited voice whispered in Caroline's ear. "Who?" Caroline was genuinely surprised. "Mum didn't mention anything about visitors. We hardly ever have guests." "It's a family, and the son is brilliant. They're wealthy and quite famous. He's even been featured in Forbes Magazine," Laura shared. Caroline suppressed a twinge of jealousy at Laura's description. Her sister's education and achievements had always been a source of pride for the family, but sometimes they highlighted her own insecurities. She brushed off the feeling and focused on her work. "Smart choice, Laura. You're lucky," Caroline complimented, her hand brushing against Laura's cheek in a tender gesture. During the lull in customer activity, Laura addressed Caroline once again. "Can I be a lawyer? I want to use my gavel to punish the bad people!" "Actually, lawyers don't use gavels, Laura. Judges do," Caroline corrected gently, harkening back to an amusing conversation they'd had when Laura was just three. "In that case, I'll be a judge and use my gavel," Laura determinedly declared, her youthful enthusiasm shining through. Caroline couldn't help but smile at the memory. Laura's growth had been a journey, transforming the two-year-old who struggled with basic tasks into a determined young woman. "Caroline, customers are waiting. Daydream later," her mother chided, snapping her back to reality. As the day came to an end, the words Laura had spoken earlier continued to echo in Caroline's mind. She lay on her bed, her thoughts drifting back to that conversation. Gazing at her childhood photograph, she sighed and picked it up, contemplating the innocence and ambition she once possessed. "This is all pointless. I shouldn't indulge in false hopes," she murmured, setting the photograph aside. "Caroline, the guests are here. Aren't you coming down?" Her mother's voice interrupted her thoughts as she entered the room. "I'm not feeling well," Caroline feigned, her excuse ready. "Don't be ridiculous. Your father expects everyone downstairs. You can't back out," her mother countered. "Mum , I really don't want to..." Caroline's resistance was met with her mother's unwavering resolve. "You don't have a choice. Your father wants to introduce you to the guests. Don't let your insecurities hold you back," her mother urged, her tone infused with both frustration and concern. Reluctantly, Caroline picked up her blouse and stood up. "Fine, I'll come." *** Walking down the corridor toward the living room, Caroline's heart raced with nervous anticipation. The sound of indistinct voices reached her ears, intensifying her apprehension. She knew that making a good impression was crucial; after all, this was her family's chance to showcase their potential connections. She discreetly lingered beside the door, peeking into the room to gauge the situation. Inside, a couple stood conversing with her father, and a young man sat a short distance away. Caroline's gaze was immediately drawn to him, and her heartbeat quickened. Dressed in a meticulously tailored suit, he exuded an air of elegance and refinement. His lush, silky hair fell gracefully, his lips were enticingly plump, and his piercing light blue eyes captured her attention. She felt her cheeks flush as her imagination painted a romantic scenario in her mind—him sweeping her off her feet with an enchanting kiss. Amid her reverie, their eyes unexpectedly met. Caught off guard, Caroline stumbled over a small stool, creating an unforeseen disturbance. The sudden noise drew the attention of everyone in the room, and her sister Laura's mouth hung open in astonishment. "Caroline?" Her father's voice echoed with a mix of surprise and confusion. Emerging from her makeshift hiding spot, Caroline found herself under the scrutiny of everyone in the room. An embarrassed smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she awkwardly greeted the guests. "Hello," she managed, feeling self-conscious under their curious gazes. The young man's eyes never left hers, intensifying her blush. The weight of his gaze made her feel as if she were under a spotlight, and she fought to maintain her composure. "Caroline!" Her father's tone conveyed a mixture of astonishment and concern. She'd surprised him, and it was evident in his voice. Summoning her confidence, Caroline mustered a small smile, attempting to project an image of poise despite her flustered state. "Hi, everyone," she greeted, her voice trembling slightly, though she hoped it went unnoticed. The encounter left her heart racing, her cheeks flushed, and her imagination running wild with romantic possibilities. Little did she know that this seemingly insignificant meeting would set in motion a series of events that would alter her life's trajectory forever.