MasukIt felt as though my entire world had collapsed by the time I returned to Theo's penthouse. I wasn't myself anymore. While standing inside the elevator, I felt completely numb, like my body was moving on its own while my mind remained trapped back in the hospital room with Mommy's desperate cries echoing inside my head.
Everything felt unbearably heavy. My chest ached so much it became difficult to breathe properly, and my thoughts were so tangled with fear, guilt, and heartbreak that
"You don't know that? If we continue this relationship and keep disobeying them, her condition could get worse. I love you, Theo but I love my mother too. I'm sorry. You can hate me for this if you want, but I really can't do this anymore. Let's end our relationship."I forced myself to look directly into his eyes despite how much it hurt. Fresh tears rolled endlessly down my face."No, I won't agree to this." Theo said immediately. His voice sounded desperate now.Then suddenly, to my shock, he slowly dropped to his knees in front of me."Please, baby. Have pity on me. I can't survive losing you again." he begged brokenly while looking up at me with tear-filled eyes.That sight completely shattered my heart. Seeing Theo kneel before me like that almost made me give in instantly. The man who once carried himself with so much pride and confidence was now begging me not to leave him.It destroyed me inside but despite how much pity and l
"Baby, please. I already told you. We can get through this. I'll take care of everything..." he said weakly as he looked devastated.Before I could stop him, he suddenly pulled me into his arms. The moment he hugged me, I almost completely fell apart. His embrace felt warm, safe, comforting, exactly like home.And for one painful second, all I wanted was to stay there forever and forget everything else but I know I couldn't.I couldn't allow myself to weaken now. So despite how much it hurt me, I forcefully pushed him away."I said I don't want this anymore! Why are you being so persistent?!" I shouted violently.Theo staggered slightly from how hard I pushed him, but he still looked at me with disbelief and pain."I know something happened. You wouldn't act like this for no reason. Did they talk to you? What did they say?" he demanded. His patience was clearly starting to wear thin now.I quickly looked away because I couldn't
It felt as though my entire world had collapsed by the time I returned to Theo's penthouse. I wasn't myself anymore. While standing inside the elevator, I felt completely numb, like my body was moving on its own while my mind remained trapped back in the hospital room with Mommy's desperate cries echoing inside my head.Everything felt unbearably heavy. My chest ached so much it became difficult to breathe properly, and my thoughts were so tangled with fear, guilt, and heartbreak that I could barely think straight anymore.I didn't even realize how long the ride up to the penthouse had taken because my mind was elsewhere the entire time. All I could remember was Mommy lying weakly on that hospital bed. Her trembling voice, her painful gasps for air and the promise I had made.The promise that shattered me completely.By the time I reached the penthouse door, I felt emotionally exhausted and empty inside. I was just about to tap the key card against the scanner wh
Then after what felt like forever, the doctor finally stepped out of the ICU. Uncle Greg immediately approached him."What happened to my wife, Doctor?" he asked anxiously. The doctor removed his mask before answering seriously."She suffered a mild heart attack caused by severe stress and excessive worrying. Didn't I already explain before that emotional stress is extremely dangerous for her condition?"My entire body went cold hearing those words. The doctor's words struck me like a painful slap across the face. I felt my chest tighten as guilt completely consumed me.Slowly, I noticed Uncle Greg turn toward me and cast a sharp, resentful glance in my direction. I immediately looked away, unable to bear the accusation in his eyes bcause deep inside, I knew I truly was responsible for this."How is she now? Is she alright?" Uncle Greg quickly asked again."She's stable for now. We're going to admit her for several days so we can closely mon
"Mom. Please tell me you're joking..." My voice shook violently.My chest tightened painfully as dread slowly consumed me. How long had she been hiding this from me? Why didn't she tell me sooner?"You know I would never joke about something like this, Elyssa. I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to worry, but now I have no choice anymore. My doctors strictly warned me to avoid stress and emotional strain as much as possible but ever since I found out about you and Theo, my condition has gotten much worse. The doctor said if this continues, the stress could trigger a heart attack and I might not survive it."Tears slipped down her cheeks as she took another shaky breath. I felt my knees weaken hearing those words. I stared at her helplessly while tears blurred my vision."So please, Elyssa, If you still care about me as your mother, leave Theo. Do this for me so I can finally have peace of mind and continue living." Her voice trembled w
One afternoon, I was startled when the doorbell suddenly rang throughout the penthouse. At first, I thought it might be Theo returning home early, but when I checked the security camera near the main entrance, my entire body froze. It was Mom and my chest instantly tightened with panic.Theo wasn't home at the time because he had gone out to meet a friend who had offered him a possible position at his company. I was alone in the penthouse, completely unprepared for Mom's sudden visit.For a few seconds, I just stood there staring at the monitor, unable to move. I hesitated to open the door because I knew exactly what would happen once she realized I was already living here with Theo. Then I suddenly heard her voice from outside."Open up, Elyssa. I know you're in there."The firmness in her voice made my stomach twist nervously.I never expected that she already knew I was staying in Theo's penthouse. Slowly, I took a deep breath, trying to s
"Okay, I should go now. I'm actually meeting a friend here too." She sounded genuinely disappointed as she touched his chest once more, and I felt my jaw clench tightly."I'd love to sit with you guys, but I haven't seen my friend in ages." She added.Love to sit with us
I hurried around to the passenger door and slipped inside, still smiling. He looked so anxious, like he thought I'd storm out or snap at him. How could I? That's never been who I am."Hey," I said, reaching over to brush my fingers against his hand. "You texted me ages ago. I know you couldn't help
"Are you sure you don’t want to come with us?" Lily offered as she said goodbye, gathering her things while Irene waited nearby. They were about to leave campus together.Our last class had just ended, and the afternoon air was warm with the first hints of evening. Lily had offered to give
As soon as I said it, his face lit up with pure joy. Happiness spread across his features as he broke into a wide smile. He pulled me close and kissed me deeply on the lips. I leaned into him for a moment before noticing the steady flow of people walking past us in the mall hallway. I gently pushed







