4 Moving On

Sarah****

"Sarah… Will you do me a favor and turn our fake relationship into a real one?"

What? My heart skipped a beat as I processed his unexpected request. I had never anticipated that their pretend romance would evolve into something genuine. The air crackled with anticipation as I searched for the right words to respond.

Who could have thought that a day like this would come into my life? As I looked into his eyes, I saw a vulnerability and sincerity that I had never noticed before. The possibility of a real relationship with him suddenly felt both thrilling and terrifying.

I sighed louder than I accepted as I stood still in silence. The weight of my emotions was almost suffocating, and I struggled to find the courage to speak. The intensity of the moment hung in the air, making it difficult to ignore the undeniable connection between us.

"Sarah..." Sam mumbled softly, breaking the silence. His voice trembled with a mix of hope and fear, mirroring my own emotions. I could tell that he was just as unsure as I was about what would happen next.

I don't know why or how he does that—always trying to smile, even when he is hurt. Like now.

I can see in his eyes that he is sad from my silence, but I just don’t know what to say. I never once thought that Sam had that kind of feeling for me in his heart. I always used to think that he was my best friend, someone who was just as sad and lonely as I was. But now, as I look into his eyes, I realize that there's something deeper between us.

But now, with this proposal, things are starting to look different. I can feel a shift in our dynamic as if the boundaries of our friendship are being tested. The proposal has brought to light emotions and possibilities that I never anticipated, leaving me uncertain about how to proceed.

Sam sighed loudly, his hands not leaving mine. "You know you can always say no," Sam said, as I nodded my head with a smile. I appreciated Sam's reassurance, but deep down, I couldn't ignore the growing curiosity and attraction I felt toward him.

I know I can, and even after hearing that, he will be happy. But I want to take the risk to finally move on in life. I remember the words that he once told Sam. The conversation changed my life and the person I am now. Those words echoed in my mind, pushing me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace the unknown.

Flashback***

"You have to move on in life," Sam said. "It's important to let go of the past and open yourself up to new possibilities," he continued, his voice filled with sincerity.

"Sam…" I finally found my voice as I tried to argue but then stopped.

"I’m sorry to bring up this topic again," Sam said, his eyes not leaving mine. "But look at him; he is successful and happy. But you, Sarah, why are you wasting your life for him?" Sam said, staring at me.

I felt a lump form in my throat as Sam's words sank in. He was right; I had been holding onto the past for far too long. It was time to break free from the chains of my past and start living for myself.

"I…I…" I tried to speak, but I couldn't find the right words. Tears welled up in my eyes as I struggled to find the courage to respond. The weight of Sam's words hung heavy in the air, pushing me closer to a decision I had been avoiding for far too long.

"Somehow you know that too, but you are still wasting your time on him. You must move on," Sam suggested. "Maybe with someone else." Sam's words hit me like a punch to the gut. It was true; deep down, I knew I needed to let go of the past and find happiness elsewhere. But the thought of starting over with someone new felt daunting and uncertain.

"Sam..." I began, my voice trembling with uncertainty. "I appreciate your concern and your honesty, but it's not that simple. Moving on and finding someone new is easier said than done. It's hard to let go of the familiar and take a leap into the unknown." Sam nodded understandingly, his eyes filled with empathy.

"I understand that it's scary," he said softly. "But sometimes, the only way to find true happiness is by taking that leap of faith and giving yourself a chance.

"I know you love him... But do you ever love yourself?" He said this, looking at me. "You did everything for him; you sacrificed your life and your dreams without even asking for anything in return. I’m sorry to say this, but Sarah, you’re selfish."

Selfish. Those words echoed in my mind, causing a pang of confusion and hurt. Sam's words hit me like a punch to the gut, forcing me to confront a truth I had been avoiding. Was I being selfish by putting someone else's happiness before my own? It was a difficult question to grapple with, but deep down, I knew that finding true happiness meant learning to love myself as well.

"You did everything for someone who doesn't care about your existence. But have you ever tried to do something for yourself?" Sam said, placing both his hands on either side of my shoulder. "For once, love yourself before loving anyone else in life." I looked into Sam's eyes, searching for answers. His words hit me hard, forcing me to confront the truth I had been avoiding. It was a wake-up call, reminding me that prioritizing my happiness was not selfish but necessary for my well-being.

Maybe he is right; Max is happy now. He has achieved what he dreamed of in life. He followed his passion and pursued his goals relentlessly, never compromising his happiness. Seeing his success, I couldn't help but wonder if it was time for me to take a leap of faith and start prioritizing my dreams and desires.

I will love you. But I also need to love myself and prioritize my happiness. It's time for me to take the necessary steps toward achieving my dreams and desires, just like Max did.

"Thank you, Sam," I said, my eyes glistening with tears, but I am happy. I finally understand the importance of putting myself first and following my path. With a grateful heart, I am ready to embark on this new chapter of self-discovery and pursue my dreams with unwavering determination.

"What??" Sam mumbled, staring at me, but I hugged him, burying my head in his chest. Sam's confusion was evident, but I knew deep down that he would support me in my journey. As I held onto him tightly, I whispered, "I hope you'll be there with me every step of the way."

"Will you help me?" I said, looking at him. "To move on..."

Sam finally smiled brightly at my words and nodded his head, hugging me tight. "I'll be right by your side," he assured me, his voice filled with unwavering support. "Together, we'll conquer any obstacles that come our way."

It was that day, and now Sam has done so much for me and made me who I am now. And in return, all he asked for was my presence in his life. First as his friend, then as his fake girlfriend.

He is too good for me; I don’t know if I deserve him in my life. But he sees something in me that I don't see in myself, and his unwavering belief in me pushes me to be better every day. I'm grateful to have him by my side, and I'll cherish him always.

"You okay?" Sam asked, diverting my focus from him. "Do you want to leave?" He asked, scanning my face in concern.

I looked into Sam's eyes, feeling the weight of his genuine concern. Despite my inner turmoil, I managed a small smile and shook my head. "No, I'm okay," I reassured him. "I was just lost in thought for a moment."

"How can a person be so good?" I thought. Sam's kindness and empathy always leave me in awe, reminding me of the incredible person he is.

"What??" Sam asked, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion.

Maybe I said those words out loud. I smiled at myself as I took a deep breath, finally finding the right words to speak.

"Sam..." I begin. "I don't know if I deserve a person like you in life. But I want to risk it." I want to take a chance on us and on the love and happiness that you bring into my life.

Sam looks bewildered by my words but remains silent.

His eyes searched mine, trying to decipher the sincerity behind my confession. I continue, my voice filled with vulnerability. "Sam, will you do me the honor of being my real boyfriend?" I finally said it.

"You... uuu seri...ous." Sam fumbled. His voice trembles with uncertainty as he struggles to find the right words.

I nodded my head with a big smile on my face.

"Oh, my god, I am so happy!" Sam exclaims, his eyes welling up with tears of joy. He pulls me into a tight embrace. "Can I kiss you?" Sam asked, his voice barely above a whisper. The anticipation and excitement in the air were palpable as we locked eyes, waiting for my response.

I smiled. We might have kissed a hundred times in front of cameras, but he never looked so hesitant about it.

Maybe because it's a real one this time, not like the one we pose for the paparazzi.

I closed my eyes, feeling a bit nervous and hesitant for the first time.

I slowly opened my eyes, only to find Sam smiling. "What??" I asked, and he shook his head.

"I am just so happy," he said, planting a gentle smile on my forehead. I couldn't help but blush at his words, feeling a wave of relief wash over me.

He wrapped his arms around me and held me close to him for a moment before pulling away to look into my eyes again. "Me too..." I smiled, burying my head in his chest.