Chapter 22
“You know, the first time we met wasn’t actually at the bar It was a month before that, at a dinner party. You showed up with Emery, but halfway through, he left you to go dance with another woman. You sat alone on the couch, nursing your drink while everyone around whispered about the two of you
But only really remembered your name when you, completely drunk, smashed a bottle over Emery’s shoulder. The way you swung–so sharp, so decisive–and the words you used to curse him were even sharper. The whole room was stunned into silence. You, though, acted as if nothing happened. You gathered your dress and let, calm, graceful, utterly unbathered. I couldn’t get that image out of my head
After that, I started piecing together bits of your story with Emery I kept wondering if you’re such a bold, fearless woman, why trap yourself in such a rotten marriage? Why couldn’t you just let go?
I’ve always been a curious person, and for some reason, fate kept throwing us together, Who could ve guessed we’d run into each other again at the bar? That night. you mistook me for Emery, wrapped your arms around me, and just cried, letting out all your pain and frustration
The strange thing is, I thought you deserved it—but I still couldn’t help holding you back, comforting you through the night. That’s where our story really began. You were mortified when you realized you’d mistaken me for someone else and insisted you owed me something for my trouble. I refused, but you chased me down at school, practically forcing cash into my hands.
After that, rumors spread everywhere that I was some nich woman’s kept man. People wouldn’t stop gossiping, so I had to find you to return the money. But when I did, you’d just had another fight with Emery and were hopelessly drink. As soon as you saw me, you said you wanted to keep me. I wanted to say no, honestly, but the look in your eyes was so fragile, and I’ve never been good at tuming away from people in pain. I agreed before I even realized what I was doing. Later, I kept wondering was it just because I felt sorry for you?
The truth is part of me was hoping. Hoping I’d see you pull yourself out of that mess, hoping you’d find your freedom. But every choice you made after that kept letting me down. I couldn’t understand why you clung so desperately to Emery, or why you thought ‘keeping me was the best way to get back at him. He’s just an empty, heartless man–hurting him wouldn’t for anything. You’re the only one who ever got hurt
But I have to admit whenever you’re near me, I can’t help but watch you. As long as it isn’t about Emery, you’re always so calm, so rational, so quietly strong. I love that side of you. Maybe that’s why I was willing to play the role of the pathetic, lovesick follower–just to stay by your side.
Then came the accident. When I saw you in that hospital bed, covered in blood, eyes closed, for the first time I wanted to steal you away and keep you safe. If before I wanted you to leave Emery out of pity, after that moment, I finally understood: I love you. I can’t lie to myself anymore. Im done waiting for you to find your way out. Even if you wouldn’t agree to a divorce, I was ready to take you away anyway
But when you woke up, you finally broke free of that prison you’d built around yourself. When you promised you’d give me a real place in your life, that you’d leave Emery, I wished a ring would just fall from the sky so I could put it on your finger right then and there just to make sure you’d never change your mind Thank God you never did“]
By the end, relief and a quiet fear flickered across Pearson’s face–a mixture of gratitudo, release, and a trace of panic
Arlene watched him, her heart a whirlwind of emotions.
Sho’d never imagined that, from Pearson’s side, their tangled story would seem so deep, so inexpressible!
Two people, both hiding their true feelings, never honest with each other–yet somehow, they’d still found their way together
No misunderstandings. No suspicions. No fights X
Everything had fallen into place as if it was always meant to bel
It was as if fate itself had sent someone to show her the way forward.
Now, at last, she would never lose herself in the fog again!
