Chapter:05
Characters overview:
Lisa: Female protagonist
Jacob: Lisa's fiancé
Camila: Jacob's mother
(5 Days Later)
I had accepted the truth and tried to pull myself together—there was no one left to do it for me.
Jacob had been there through it all, but after the cremation, I noticed a subtle change in him.
He started avoiding me. His attitude was the same, but he no longer checked on me every couple of hours like before.
Maybe it was just me, feeling lonely now that no one remained I could truly rely on.
Two days passed without a single visit from Jacob.
Should I call him? Or just wait? I hoped he was okay.
Knock knock.
"Coming! Wait a second."
I opened the door.
"Good morning, ma'am. You have a parcel. Please sign here."
A postman stood before me holding a bouquet of flowers and a letter. I was sure they weren't meant for me.
"I think you have the wrong address. I don't believe this is mine."
"328 West Rock Maple Lane, Woodstock, GA 30188. Is that your address?" he asked, curious.
"Yes... but—"
"Are you Miss Lisa David?"
"Yes, I am."
"Well, then I'm sure it's for you."
He handed me the parcel, and I signed for it.
"Have a good day, ma'am."
Who sent me these? I'd never received flowers before.
I opened the letter carefully.
Hey Lisa,
I hope you're feeling better. I'm sorry I haven't come to see you—my mind's been overwhelmed and I completely forgot. Actually, my mother thinks I'm not ready for marriage yet. She says I need a few more years to become the right person for you, to provide the life you deserve. That's why I'm leaving for the States tomorrow. I'll be gone by the time you get this. I'm really sorry I can't marry you now, but just wait a little longer—I promise I'll come back for you. You know I love you and can't live without you. Hang in there and keep yourself busy. Don't worry about money—David's insurance will cover you for a while.
Remember, I love you.
Forever yours,
Jacob
"WHAT?"
I tore the letter into pieces.
I guess I was a fool to believe he'd stay for me. I should have known better.
Lisa, you don't need to cry. You always knew everyone leaves. In the end, it's just you.
I wiped away my tears and threw the pieces in the dustbin.
I needed to start over.
I couldn't stay in this house anymore—the memories of Dad would haunt me.
I had to leave. No, I needed to leave this country. Nothing was left here for me.
(Writer's POV)
Returning from David's cremation
"Freshen up and come to my room. We need to talk."
Camila tossed her luxury Prada bag on the couch and ordered the maid, "Bring me juice in my room, Sara."
A knock at the door.
"Come in."
While scrolling through her phone, she said,
"Mom, you needed to talk? Hurry—I have surgery in an hour."
Jacob glanced at his watch, surprised.
"Break off your engagement with Lisa."
Camila's tone was confident and cold.
"What? Why? You know I love her. Why are you saying this?"
"David was the reason I agreed to make her my daughter-in-law. He was your father's friend. Now that he's gone, there's no connection between us and her. Also, I don't want an orphan as my future daughter-in-law."
"Orphan?"
Jacob's voice raised in disbelief.
"I'm an orphan too, Mother. Does that mean you don't want me as your son anymore?"
Camila finally put her phone down and stared at her son—never had he spoken to her like this before.
"Sarah, bring a glass of water for Jacob. Add some ice."
The maid, standing quietly in the corner, immediately left to get it.
"First of all, don't ever speak to me like that again. Lower your voice and calm down."
"Mother, I can't leave her like this. I love her. I promised David I wouldn't."
Jacob nearly begged her.
"I have your ticket to the States tomorrow. You'll work in your father's hospital for a few years. By the time you return, Lisa's case will be closed. I'll handle everything. Go pack your things—you'll take everything you need. Remember, I own everything, and you only get to live this life if you obey me."
"But Mother…"
"You can leave now."
She turned back to her phone.
(Two Months Later)
"Here is your account number with your father's insurance money."
A man in his forties sat beside Lisa on the couch.
"Here's your ticket to the States, and some cash. Please take it—your father was close to me, and you refused my financial help before."
He handed her a white envelope, and she smiled for the first time in months.
"I guess I can't say no to you again."
"I'll be here tomorrow at 9 sharp to take you to the airport. Be ready."
"I will, Uncle. Drive safely."
Next Day — 9 AM
Lisa waited impatiently as her uncle arrived.
"Are you ready? Hand me your bag—I'll put it in the car. I'll be waiting."
She looked once more at the house where she grew up. She never thought she'd leave all these memories behind, moving to a different country.
"Well, I guess this is goodbye. I'll miss you, my doors, my walls, my floors—I'll miss everything."
She looked at each part of the house respectfully, closed the door behind her, and walked toward the car.
12 PM
The time to board the plane finally came.
Lisa was struggling to find her seat when an air hostess approached with a smile.
"Let me help you, ma'am."
Lisa followed her and finally found her seat.
"There you go, ma'am. Call me if you need anything."
The hostess walked away.
Suddenly, a voice beside her spoke.
"Hey, can you switch seats with me? I've never been on a plane before and always wanted a window seat. Could you please—?"
The person who was looking out the window turned and looked at her.
And I was left speechless.
His eyes—deep and expressive—were unlike anything I'd ever seen.
His ash-brown hair matched his tan skin perfectly.
He had a face that stopped you in your tracks, the kind of face that made you pause mid-sentence.
He looked like a rich, annoying brat in his black suit, yet I couldn't take my eyes off him…