Once, my paranoid love

Paul’s influence and the painful memories associated with him weighed heavily on my decision-making process. The thought of facing Paul again was something I had hoped to avoid, and the fear of being drawn back into his world gnawed at the edges of my resolve.

In this moment, I felt torn between the past and the future, between the desire for reconciliation and the need to protect myself from potential heartache.

As I returned my gaze to Derek, my expression mirrored the uncertainty that swirled within me.

“I know I put some regulations on you,” he began, his tone carrying a hint of regret. It was clear that he was willing to address the issue and make amends for any discomfort he might have caused.

However, I found myself unable to hold back my immediate response. “Mr. Houston!” I interjected, my voice firm. “I’m not interested in going there. I’ll talk to my father later.”

My decision to distance myself from my past and the life associated with it remained resolute. I wasn’t yet ready to face the complexities and emotions that reuniting with my father would entail. The wounds of the past needed time to heal, and I wasn’t prepared to reopen them just yet.

But Mr. Huston’s response was unexpected, and it revealed a depth of understanding and consideration that took me by surprise. He assured me that there were no conditions in place at that moment, emphasizing my freedom to choose when and how to meet my father.

“Elena, I don’t have any conditions right now,” he stated, his voice steady. “You are free to meet him whenever you want. If you want, I can take you there right now.”

I couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief wash over me as I declined Mr. Houston’s offer to visit my father. While the idea of reuniting with him held a complex mix of emotions, I knew deep down that I wasn’t ready to face that chapter of my life just yet.

“Thank you, Mr. Houston,” I responded, my tone filled with gratitude. “But I really don’t want to go there.” I wanted to make it clear that my decision wasn’t a reflection of my feelings toward him; it was simply a matter of timing and personal readiness.

Mr. Houston let out a sigh, and I could see the understanding in his eyes. “I know you’re angry with him,” he acknowledged, “but I won’t force you to do anything if you don’t want to. Elena, please feel free to talk to me.”

His words were a reassurance that he respected my autonomy and choices. It was a sentiment that warmed my heart and deepened my growing appreciation for him.

I took a moment to gather my thoughts, my gaze falling to the plate before me. It was time to address another matter that had been weighing on my conscience. “Mr. Huston,” I began tentatively, “as you mentioned earlier about the conditions, I think I should accept them. I want to give you the money back.”

The money my father had taken from Mr. Houston had always felt like a heavy burden on my conscience, and that’s why I got married to him. It was a debt that needed to be repaid, not just as an obligation but as a way to reconcile the past and make amends for the wrongs that had been committed.

Mr. Houston regarded me with a thoughtful expression, and for a moment, his usual air of formality seemed to soften. “Elena,” he said gently, “you don’t have to do this. It’s not your responsibility.”

But I was resolute in my decision. “No, Mr. Houston,” I affirmed, my voice steady. “I want to do this. It’s important to me.”All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

Derek’s POV.

“Maybe she still doesn’t want me to help her,” I thought, my brow furrowing with concern. I knew that I had disrupted her life, taking away her freedom and changing her living situation drastically. The abruptness of it all left me questioning how she could accept me, given the circumstances.

Elena had been thrust into a new life, one that she hadn’t chosen for herself. I had played a significant role in reshaping her world, and I couldn’t ignore the fact that I had left her with little room to make decisions for herself. It was a burden that weighed heavily on my shoulders.

The words hung in the air between us, heavy with unspoken sentiments. I had mustered the courage to address Elena directly and apologize for the upheaval I had brought into her life. The weight of my actions bore down on me, and I needed her to know that I acknowledged the impact they had on her.

“Elena,” I began, my voice carrying the sincerity of my feelings, “I… I am really sorry for what I did.”

Elena, caught off guard by my unexpected admission, looked up at me, her eyes filled with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. She offered me a gentle smile, her kindness evident even in the face of my apology. With a slight nod, she lowered her gaze, seemingly collecting her thoughts.

“Mr. Huston,” she responded softly, “you have no need to say sorry. You did what you had to do. I was the one who chose this path. Maybe this is my fate, and I have to accept it.”

Her acceptance of the situation touched me deeply. Elena possessed resilience and grace that made my heart swell with admiration. It was a stark reminder of the strength of character that had drawn me to her in the first place.

Her next words, however, held a different significance, one that left me contemplating her motives and her determination.

“And you don’t have to think I agree to give you the money back because of the conditions we have,” Elena continued, her tone resolute.