Chadwick’s Pov
Years ago, when my heart was still young to understand what "courage" really meant, I failed on pursuing my first love.
My feet which were ready to approach Bea, had hesitate in the middle. At the end, I stayed in my safe zone.
Once I learned that my long-time unrequited love has feelings for Geoffrey, I accepted the fate that the sweet picture of being by her side will remain an unfilmed picture. A black film.
Even though I was discovered in an accident and was rejected, I only felt an anticipated fate. Because from the very start, I knew that my place to Isa’s life is a friend. A friend whom she can use when she's having a hard time over her own one-sided love.
Isa used me to make Geoffrey jealous. Withal, I did not care. I just waited for what life entails me to do.
There are just things and people which I cannot get. No matter how rich and successful I am, I can't gain affection. Once I failed, I thought it would last for a long time. Forever.
But did I get happy?
Going along the wave of life and getting those within the reach of my hands; did it give me happiness?
No.
Yet, if I will be thankful for one thing, then that is marrying Adira.
This moment, I wanted to take a risk of chasing the time. Thus, I confessed to Adira.
I told my feelings after our divorce, and I have no regrets. I knew that it would open a new beginning for both of us.
There will be a competitor. And to be honest, I felt anxious fighting against a man whom I couldn't beat.
But unlike before when I was willing to raise my white flag, I vowed to do my best now.
'I can live without Adira.'
I can move on again from this love and continue living.
'Yet I chose not to. I don't want to continue without her.'
Perhaps, I fell deeper. So deep I would see the secret of ocean which is hidden from the surface. Nonetheless, it is not dark. I am not drowning or dying. Instead, I saw the purpose of my life. And the purpose is to be in this deep place; to love her deeply.
That is why even if I sensed that Adira was starting to see Geoffrey in another light, I would not give up.
I wanted to see the end of the sea and stand on it.
While Adira, Geoffrey and I visited the last store that we needed to check today at the mall.
When my downcast eyes caught the redness on Adira’s Achilles, I noticed her that she's having hard time walking with her heels.
Worrying about that, I made an excuse saying that I had to take a very important call.
But there was no call.
Once I exited the store, I ran towards the nearest pharmacy in the mall.
I went there while catching my breath and wiping my sweat.
"Give me a box of band aids," I said at the female pharmacist who's blushing as she stared at my face.
The wounds on Adira’s feet are two. Buying a box of band aids would be too much. Yes. But, considering the pain I gave to her (not that I really hurt her a lot since actually, Adira did not care to me), this box is not enough.
Carrying the light-weight box in my hand, I came back to the last store while exasperating air.
My feet ceased in front of the store when I only saw the director inside the shop.
'Where are Adira and Geoffrey?'
I frantically looked at every crooks but did not even see even a shadow of them.
"Where are they?" I asked the director.
His rounded eyes subsided, yet when he opened and closed his mouth, no voice came out. I noticed his eyes scanning me from head to toe.
Yes.
I am aware how odd looking I am right now.
I said that I would come out just to take a very important call, but I came back while catching my breath and sweats on my forehead.
Nevertheless, I don't care about my appearance anymore. Foremost, I need to know where they are.
"Where are Geoffrey and Adira?" I repeated the question just in case he forgot it, but with authoritative voice.
The director stuttered, "Sir Geoffrey t-took Mrs. McElroy o-outside. He said he needs to talk to her about business."
'Business? I doubt that.'
I am pretty sure that Geoffrey took her so he can have an idle time with my ex-wife.
'He's sly than I thought.'
"Shall I guide you to them, Sir?" The director offered.
I shook my head. "Just tell me where they are. I will go alone."
"Okay, sir. They went to the Annex building."
He pointed the directions and added.
"Once you exited the building, there is a pathway that only authorized people can go in. There are newly built extension buildings of the mall. And sir Geoffrey said he will talk with Mrs. McElroy in that place."
A secluded place. Very well. He did not want to create scandal, so he went there.
Not hesitating, I ran again towards the place where I could see them.
The director's voice faded as I ran away. I did not hear what he said, nor did I have a plan to understand it.
Not long after, I arrived at the annex building.
I passed by the unauthorized sign board then searched left to right.
Then, minutes later, I saw Geoffrey and Adira from afar.
Adira was sitting on the bench while Geoffrey is kneeling down in front of her.
One of her feet has band-aid, which Geoffrey probably aided.
'Damn. I am late again.'
How did he get a band aid anyway?!
Breathing sharply, my hand tightened around the box as I watched them smiling at each other.
All my life, I've always been second to Geoffrey.
So what?
All I need is to overtake.
This time, I will be the first.
Slowly, they set their gazes on me.
I won't back down.
I will make sure to have a place in her heart.
Clutching my hand on the box, I walked towards them.