𝘐'𝘷𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘢 𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘷𝘦, 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺.

♥️

A   N E W  S T A R T

S I X  M O N T H S  L A T E R

The barista, Logan, smiled the moment he saw me walk into the coffee shop, "the usual?"

I nodded politely and took a seat towards the window, patiently waiting for the coffee.

That's all that had been left of me anyways.

Being patient.

A few minutes later, Logan walked up to me and passed me two cups instead of one.

"Well, I've been planning on launching a new flavour, so I thought you could help a friend?" He asked, taking a seat next to me.

I smiled and picked up the cup with the new flavour and took a small sip, sighing at the wonder taste, "it's amazing, it really is, Logan." I exclaimed.

"I'm glad, my coffee making skills could please you. By the way, umm, I'll be closing the cafe tomorrow and giving the staff an off due to some work in the first half but would you like to ummm, come for dinner tomorrow night?" Logan asked making me still for a fleeting second.

It had been 6 months, I wanted to live like a normal person too.

6 days or 6 weeks or 6 months or 6 years, you think you'll ever be able to move on Scar?

I knew I wouldn't and I wasn't trying to. I just wanted normalcy, instead of crying my nights away and living in pain every god damn second.

It was so easy for him to say he had arranged everything, that it was better if I went away.

As though my thoughts never mattered, I did everything for him.

EVERYTHING.

And he did what he thought was the best, run away from me leave me alone when he knew I couldn't.

I fought for us and he decided he wasn't it, so let's just get rid of me all together.

As if giving me all his assets was going to make my life easy.

Stupid. Stupid, Stupid.

"Scar?" Logan called me again, making me loose my train of thought and look at him.

Logan's invitation to dinner caught me off guard. I appreciated his effort to make things normal, but normal was a foreign concept to me now.

Normal was never normal for me, he was always with me from the start.

Until he kicked you out.

I took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "Logan, I appreciate the offer, I really do. But I'm not ready for that yet. I'm still... figuring things out, you know?" I explained, my gaze fixated on the swirling patterns in my coffee cup.

His face fell, disappointment clouding his eyes. "Oh, I didn't mean to rush you or anything. I just thought it might be a good way to take your mind off things," he said, his voice tinged with understanding.

I managed a small smile, grateful for his consideration. "I know, Logan. And I appreciate it, truly. But right now, I need time for myself. It's all still a bit too raw, you know?"

Because my personal life was every leading magazines best gossip.

He nodded, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "I get it, Scar. Take all the time you need. If you ever change your mind, the offer stands."

"Thank you, Logan. I really mean it," I replied, hoping he could sense the sincerity in my words. The truth was, Logan had been really good to me.

He kept hinting but I never led him on.

My mind went back to the night of the accident just like it did, everyday.

I pulled out the divorce papers from Zack's blazer pocket and notice they were already signed.

The ink on the signature smudged in places. Small water droplets marked the page, evidence of tears that had fallen.

Why did he not fight.

Was I not worth it, was not more important than his fears?

Beside the divorce papers, I discovered a crumpled piece of paper folded hastily. My fingers delicately unfolded it, revealing a chaotic array of words, written and scratched out in frustration.

'I can risk everything, Scar but not you, never you'

'I wish it were easier but you went through all this shit, kept is hidden from me because my pain was greater to you than your suffering and all I did was cause further damage'

'A good partner should have stood besides you, helped you, god damn fixed things.

"I can't let you go and take the brunt of shit that happens to protect me Scar, that's not fair to you'

'Being with me will always cause you pain, unforgettable pain and loss just like it to everyone else around me until they left me forever.

I won't let you leave, I can't let you leave.

You did everything for me, it's my turn now, Scar.

As long as you're happy, I'll be just fine, dead or alive.

There was that day and then there's today. I packed up my bags, moved Zack back home and left.

Since that's what he wanted.

My solution to our problem did not work.

So maybe his will, even if it hurts so much more.

The next morning, it was reported that Harlow was found dead due to a fight he got into with his fellow prisoners.

I knew better than to believe those headlines.

I looked down at my watch to see it was 8.35am already, time to leave.

I stepped outside the coffee shop and made my way to the parking lot, the familiar jingle of my car keys breaking the silence.

Slipping into the driver's seat, I took a moment to collect myself before starting the engine.

The loud noises of horns honking were my only comfort.

Driving towards my workplace, I greeted the security guard at the entrance with a nod and a faint smile. The familiar faces of the staff, each absorbed in their tasks, offered a semblance of routine in a world that seemed to have lost its order.

After ridding the elevator, I headed to my cabin and noticed Darya was at work, already.

She immediately greeted me with a warm smile. "Good morning, ma'am. Ready for the day?" she asked.

I returned the smile, appreciating her upbeat energy. "Absolutely, Darya. What's on the agenda today?"

Her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "Today is the day we finally kick off the Starvos project. The meeting is scheduled at 3 pm in La Opal. The team has been preparing for this, and I'm sure it will be a great success."

My heartbeat immediately picked up.

Was I ready for this project?

A sense of purpose dawned upon me. The Starvos project had been a significant undertaking for our company, even though Zack has been a part of it.

"Excellent, Darya. Let's make sure everything is in order."

I quickly entered my cabin and opened my laptop, going over the design I wanted to propose for the orphanage.

The best thing about this project was that, a group of multi national companies were sponsoring it together to showcase it as their 'social responsibility' contribution on paper and while whatever goals they might have, the end result was going to be fruitful.

Since the funding was big, the companies wanted the place to look immaculate so that they could if off in their general board meetings and get public support for future projects.

I continued working on other project until the clock struck 2.15 and Darya knocked reminding me it was time to leave.

Arriving at La Opal, in the designated meeting room, I found my team already immersed in preparations. The large conference table was holding multiple documents and laptops.

As the clock approached 3 pm, the room gradually filled with team members, each bringing their expertise to the table along with the other investors and supporting outsourced teams.

Darya stood by my side, keeping me in check "The clients are eager to get started, Scar. I believe this project will be a turning point for us."

I nodded, appreciating her optimism. "Let's make it happen, Darya. This is our chance to shine."

Just then, the door opened once again and my breath got caught before I saw who entered.

I just knew.

I could feel it.

The air in the room seemed to shift as Zack entered, his presence commanding attention.

Zack walked in wearing a crisp grey three piece suit set along with his secretary and team of three, greeting everyone.

What?

Everyone immediately stood up to greet him as I stayed still until Darya pulled my arm up making me stand.

He was in this project ?

Zack nodded acknowledging everyone's greeting and took a seat towards the other end of the table, once he was seated, his eyes came in direct contact with mine making jolts of electricity hit me.

Why was he here, after everything?

The meeting commenced, and the agenda took center stage, momentarily overshadowing the emotional undercurrents in the room. The discussion flowed, voices overlapping as ideas were presented and decisions were made.

My team presented while I sat back, overlooking them.

The burning sensation of being stared at let me know exactly what was happening on the other end of the table.

"Thank you so much for being an active listener to our idea so far, if there are any questions, I'd like to take them up now." Jane, my Senior manager announced once the presentation was finished.

People threw multiple questions her way and she answered them all with finesse, finally concluding her speech, "that was all from our side, these designs will now be sent to all the people in this meeting individually for intensive study. The next step would be, approval from Mr. William's team, since we only have development right over the property."

Development rights.

That explained it.

"I will get back to you personally, Ms. Jane. From an overview, the design seems very promising. Great work, Ms. Charlotte." Zack acknowledged, looking my way towards the end of his statement.

What was he playing at?

"Always a pleasure." I smiled, keeping my calm. I could feel the collective curiosity of those around us, their eyes like silent spectators waiting for the curtains to rise on a drama that had once played out intimately.

Once the meeting ended, everyone got up ready to leave. My team gracefully exited the room, leaving me to navigate the aftermath alone.

A few investors came up to me making Inquiries and discussions, though related to the project at hand, keeping me away from Zack.

I stole a glance at Zack, observing him engaged in separate conversations with other attendees. His demeanor, too, reflected a practiced composure, as if both of us were skilled actors on a stage.

Finally, once everyone took a leave one by one, Zack walked up to me with a god damn smile on his face.

Red.

All I saw was red.

But you wanted HIM to come to YOU.

I remained quiet and looked at Zack, waiting for him to speak.

I couldn't help but notice a weariness in Zack's appearance, a subtle exhaustion that clung to the edges of his eyes and the lines etched on his face.

Had he been overworking?

Stop.

He's not yours to worry about.

"Scar, I must say, your project proposal is impressive. The innovative approach and the potential for market impact are quite compelling. Well done," he remarked, his tone genuine and focused solely on the professional aspect of our encounter.

So the project is what matters?

Right.

"Thank you, I appreciate the feedback." I replied, politely and to the point.

"Since I already knew that there was no way you'd miss the mark, here's something for you." Zack said, pulling out a chocolate bar from his jacket, wrapped in silver foil paper.

"Umm, Demi made it. It has cranberries, just the way you like it." Zack explained.

As if it ever mattered what I liked or wanted.

Keep your distance Scar, keep your distance .

"Thank you so much, Mr. Williams. That's very kind of you, however, I don't think I can eat anymore chocolate for the day. I've been on a sugar high today." I announced and picked up my bag, getting ready to leave.

"Let me walk you to the parking, just a minute." Zack exclaimed.

What the actual hell was he trying to do?

"I'll be fine-" I started but Zack cut me off, holding the door of the meeting room open for me.

I huffed but kept my demeanour in check as we silently rode the elevator down stairs, to the basement parking. As we descended to the basement parking, my mind raced with questions, wondering what Zack was trying to achieve with this unexpected extension of our interaction.

Once we reached the parking, we walked up to my car until I heard someone call my name.

"Charlotte!"

I turned around and to my surprise saw Logan walking towards me.

"Hi, what are you doing here?" I asked, feeling confused.

"Oh, my cafe has a tie up with this hotel. We supply coffee beans and other items for the rooms and the guests here" Logan explained with a big smile and kept looking behind me.

Right, Zack.

Why did I always have to be the one to be stuck in difficult situations?

"Uhh, Logan this is Zack and Zack this is Logan." I introduced both the men, keeping my relationship to them to myself since I wasn't sure about any of it anyways.

Go on fool yourself.

Both of them introduced themselves to each other and Logan held out a packet of freshly baked cookies packed beautifully out to me.

"Enjoy." He said making me laugh at his antics as walked away to his car on the other end of the parking lot.

"So....Who is he?" Zack asked me, opening the gate of my car.

."Why do you ask, Mr. Williams?" I responded with a tight-lipped smile, my emotions conflicting within.

First you throw me away and now you ask questions.

Great way to make me feel like some dang experimental project.

"Because if it's about you, then I need to know," Zack said, prompting frustration to rise within me.

Ok, thats it.

"I'm not sure what you're trying to do right now," I began, emotions simmering beneath the surface. "First, you make me yours and then you leave me because you don't trust yourself with me, which is some bullshit excuse. Then, you come up to me, thank me, act like everything is completely fine and normal. Now, you're implying something I don't want to try and understand. So make up your god damn mind, Zack. Actually, I've decided I don't care about your decision anymore. I'm not here for you to throw your feelings around with."

Deep breath.

I turned to get inside my car but a tight grip caught my wrist, I turned around and looked at Zack with anger.

"If you think this is about me treating you like shit, I'm the one in wrong. Ive failed to prove myself to you. I've given you everything last thing I have, my heart included. You needed a break, you needed time, and I gave you that. Sure, it was shitty the way it came out, but it happened. I want to start fresh, Charlotte, because while you're this amazing and perfect woman any man would die to make his, I can only become yours. If it's not you, then I'm alone, and everything is dark; you're my only shine. You're perfect, and I tend to ruin perfection, but I'll love you regardless. Always. Goodbye."

With a gentle push, Zack guided me inside the car, kissed my forehead, and walked away, leaving me grappling with a storm of conflicting emotions in the dimly lit parking lot.

I slowly drove out of the parking lot and went back home instead of the office.

Once I reached, I quickly changed and sat on the bed, looking outside the window. Letting the loneliness seep in, just like it had in the past few months.

I looked down to my ring where the engagement ring lay, still untouched exactly where it always was.

Why did the suffering never end?

The buzzing of my phone got my attention, upon unlocking it, I saw a text from Zack apologising.

Why was he contacting me now, suddenly after six months.

He always had my number, he could've been on time and stopped this mess of a situation from happening.

I put the phone down without replying back and pulled open my side drawer looking for my sleeping pills.

When Zack said he gave me everything he had he meant it, he went out of his way to purchase a hospital incase I had any health issue moving forward.

As if sleeping without him and constantly fighting my nightmares would go away from a visit to a doctor.

I don't know why he failed to understand me, I didn't need all this.

All I ever needed was him.

Only him.

Now, with this project starting I knew I'd have to meet him time and time again. Maybe I needed time, he could've explained that to me why did he leave me?

He was the only person who was ever mine and he left me exactly where i started.

Alone.

♥️

Please don't forget to vote and share!

I hope you all understand where both the characters are coming from at this point of the story. They've done everything for each other in their lives and they continue to do so.

Zack may seem stupid to some people, but he's just a man trying to protect his wife, even if they don't make sense to us, it does to him. Him protecting her in his own ways and that's all the matters. The fact that both of them love each other so much and would go to any lengths for each other.