Elara’s POV

“I Accept, Grandpa. I Am Coming Home.”

“Arghhh…”

A scream tore from my throat as I fell to my knees on the cold glass floor, hitting my palms on the ground to hold my broken body. “No…he didn't just leave,” 

My breath came out in short, shallow gasps. My heart felt like it was being ripped open from the inside. Tears streamed down my cheeks uncontrollably, clouding my eyes, but I didn’t bother wiping them. What was the point? My heart was broken and I didn't even know how to end it. How did I get here? Why did he treat me like this? Like I meant nothing. I didn’t deserve this.

I gave up everything for Adrian. Everything, including my grandfather, the only man who had raised me and cared for me, who had warned me and begged me not to do this. But I had been too blinded, too stupid, and too in love.

As I sat there crying, my heart was slowly piercing through the pain, memories I had tried so hard to suppress came flooding back… like a river that had been waiting for its dam to break.

******************************

It all started back in school…

Adrian was that guy. The one every girl whispered about in class, the one seniors admired, juniors adored, and lecturers respected. He walked like the world belonged to him, and to be honest, I never blamed him for it. He was brilliant, confident, handsome, and hot.

From the first week I saw him, something about him pulled me in. I had crushed on him quietly for years. I watched him from a distance, dreamt of his smile, imagined our wedding. Yeah, I know how silly that sounds. But it was real to me.

I waited. I hoped that maybe one day he’d notice me, maybe smile at me in the hallway, maybe even say my name.

But nothing ever happened.

Time flew, and we were close to graduation. I couldn’t take the silence anymore. I had nothing to lose. So on that fateful day, when I saw him about to drive out of his lodge, I took a bold step.

I waved at him. Awkwardly. He frowned at first, confused, but then he realized I wasn't any kind of threat to him, so he rolled down his window.

With my heart thudding in my chest, I approached him, trying to smile through my nervousness.

“Hi,” I began, slightly breathless. “I’m Elara. I can see you’re leaving already.”

He gave me a half smile but said nothing.

I tried again. “Sorry, about my manners. Like I said, I’m Elara. We’re in the same department and the same set. I’ve actually noticed you since my first year here and… okay, this might sound crazy but… I like you. Like, like you a lot. Maybe…I’m crushing on you or more, I don’t know. I just didn’t want to leave school without telling you. I was wondering if we could get to know each other… maybe become something?”

The silence that followed was louder than my pounding heart.

Adrian sighed deeply and gave an awkward, polite smile. “Thank you for… crushing. But I’m afraid that’s where it ends. Just a crush. We can’t be together. I have someone I love. Deeply.”

My heart dropped. I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me. How could he say no? Who says no to a pretty girl with a genuine heart? Like what? Who turns a pretty girl down? That's what my brain screamed, an illogical defense mechanism against the searing pain. 

My world tilted and my heart which had been soaring moments before, plummeted and shattered into a million pieces at my feet. The rejection was a physical blow. I wanted to cry. I wanted to curl up in a ball and disappear. But I couldn't. I couldn't let him see me like that, broken and humiliated. I nodded my head, and I managed a smile that felt like a grotesque of happiness, forcing my lips to move. “Of course… I understand.” I managed to croak out, in a raspy voice.

And then, in my panic to hold on to something, anything, I blurted, “Can we… at least be friends?”

I regretted it the second it left my mouth, but surprisingly, he offered a handshake, noticing the disappointment on my face. “Friends,” he agreed.

We exchanged numbers and went our separate ways.I told myself it was okay. At least now I could hear from him sometimes.

*****************************************

One year has passed.

I hadn’t heard from Adrian once. I had tried calling a few times, but it always ended in voicemail. I finally gave up and continued living my life. But the feeling I had for him never dies. 

Then one evening, out of nowhere, he called.

“Elara?” His voice alone sent butterflies through my stomach.

“Yes! Adrian? Wow, hi…”

“Can we meet tomorrow? At Albana’s restaurant. 2PM.” he wasted no time. 

“Of course. I’ll be there.” I didn't even care why he wanted to see me so urgently after almost two years. I was too excited to meet my crush again to even question him. 

I showed up in my finest outfit. My heart wouldn’t stop fluttering as I walked in. He was already seated, and dressed casually, looking… older somehow. More serious.

We greeted each other awkwardly, talked lightly, and ate quietly. He barely smiled. I could sense that he wasn't himself….like he wasn't happy to be here with me and I wondered why. He actually called me here. 

Then he said something that shook me to my bones.

“Elara… will you marry me?”

My fork dropped.

“What?” I whispered, staring at him like he’d grown two heads.

“I’m serious,” he said, voice steady. “Let’s get married.”

I blinked. Was this a joke? A dare? Or a dream? Didn't he reject me a year ago? What's the sudden change? But I didn't care. 

“Are you serious?” I asked again, my voice barely above a whisper.

He nodded. “Let’s do it.”

I didn’t even think twice. “Yes. Yes! Yes!!”

I was in love. I was finally chosen. But now… now I know better. Here I am, living in another woman’s shadow, broken and regretting my decision. He actually came back that day because things didn't go well with him and Celine. Why didn't I ask a question or follow my thoughts that day? I was just a fool. 

********************************

Sobbing quietly, I reached for my phone, my hand trembling slightly. I needed the one man I had hurt and disobeyed. the man who warned me this would happen. The man who loved me and actually wanted the best for me. If only he would forgive me. 

I dialed.

“Grandpa,” I whispered when he picked up.

He didn’t speak at first. I could hear the faint wheeze of his breathing.

“I want to come home,” I continued, hiccuping between my tears. “You were right. You were right all along. I’m sorry.”

He exhaled sharply. “Elara…”

“I’m so sorry, Grandpa.”

“You disobeyed me. You married that fool.”

“I know…”

“You brought shame to this family.”

“I know…”

“If you want to come home, if you want me to forgive you,” he said sternly, “then you must marry the man I had wanted you to marry from the beginning.”

My stomach turned. I froze.

“You mean…” I paused. “The man I ran away from three years ago?”

“Yes.”

“Grandpa…” I whispered, unsure if it was disbelief or heartbreak I was tasting on my tongue.

“It’s that or don’t come back at all.”

His words echoed in my ear long after the call ended.

I sat in silence, staring at the wall. My heart was beating fast, and my tears returned, this time it was light, slower… resigned.

Could I do this? Could I marry that man? Wasn’t this what I deserved?

Minutes passed.

And then, with a broken heart and a trembling voice, I picked up my phone and redialed.

“Grandpa…” I whispered.

“Yes?”

“…I accept.”

“You accept?”

“Yes, grandpa. I am coming home.”