I Chose Novels & Stories

It was a picture of us taken ten years earlier in the library at Alderheim University. On the back, written in my younger handwriting, were the words: "May we grow old together and never drift apart." In the end, she had lost the boy who once wrote those words for her. Three years later, I became Aldoria's youngest foreign inductee into the Academy of Architecture. The awards ceremony was held in Bellemont. Dressed in a black formal suit, I stood beneath the spotlight and delivered my acceptance speech in fluent Valorian. I said that this award was dedicated to everyone who had lost themselves in marriage and found the courage to reclaim who they were.

The journey wasn't easy and yet I couldn't help but think as I looked at his pewter eyes. I'm glad I chose us. THE END

Tessa’s POV: All my life I’ve lived by someone else’s rule, been someone else’s prisoner, and lived a life I didn’t choose. Not anymore. Today I chose to have a choice, and in doing so, I chose me. I waited for a little while to ensure everyone must have gathered at the garden. But, secretly, to gather strength for the unknown path that lay before me.

The back corner table, bathed in the soft glow of the afternoon sun, was my sanctuary. Close to the window, it offered a panoramic view of the school grounds, a silent observer of the drama unfolding below. A convenient lie, a flimsy excuse to mask my desire for solitude. "I just love the seat because it's close to the window and I could see everything going on from there," I said, forcing a casual tone.

Wasn't that a bit too late? "I don't need his apology. And honestly, I doubt Kevin will even apologize," I said, turning my back to him and walking toward the VIP lounge.

It was a selection of him or my kids. ...and I chose my kids.

This woman looked hopeless, depressed, and tormented. "I ever wanted only one thing from my life. To be my man's first and only choice. So yes, it did hurt me when I learned I am not his first choice" Serena replied, for the first time admitting that she was indeed hurt because he didn't choose her first. Does she not deserve to be a first choice too?

She shook her head as she strolled around; scanning the pistol in her grip, she continued; "You took everything away from me, Angela; Right from our days in the university it has always been you." She took one step at a time towards the window gazing at the cloudy sky. Her eyelids blinked repeatedly, her jaws vibrated as she tried fighting the pool of tears in her eyes. "When I wanted to be SUG secretary, you were chosen over me, when I wanted to be the choir leader in our fellowship, you were the one they all chose; and now, the one man my heart beats for still chose you over me."

"We'll have lots of children, I promise. I swear I'll never let you down again!" But that hand—the one that once gave me warmth and courage—felt cold now, utterly empty. I pulled my hand back slowly but firmly. My voice, though soft, carried a quiet grief. "Jason, you know… after college, I actually wanted to leave this city. I planned to go back home and be with my parents. But then, after a blind date I didn't even take seriously, I chose to stay. For you." Jason just sat there, stunned. Something wet landed on the back of my hand, but it could no longer nourish the dried-out soil of my heart.

“That’s not what I meant…” “But that’s what you said.” “Max…” “You chose this,” I whispered, stepping back. “You chose this over me.” “I’m not choosing…” “Yes, you are!” I yelled, tears burning my eyes. The silence that followed was heavy and suffocating. When I couldn't bear it anymore, I walked away because I wasn’t going to beg someone to choose me. A sob ripped from my chest as I pushed myself up, stumbling toward the sink. “Stop it,” I whispered harshly, gripping the edges of the basin.