The Man of My Prayers (Fitzmael 3) - COMPLETED

15: Apologies At Four Thirty-Seven

FRANCO DENROUN FITZMAEL

EVERYTHING WENT BLANK when I heard those words. I turned away, struggling to breathe, as if my lungs had forgotten how to function. It felt like I was trapped in a nightmare I couldn't escape. No matter how hard I tried, my chest just kept tightening, crushing me from the inside. "Why?" I whispered, my voice barely a breath, still unable to look at her.

"Give me some time to think..."

"Why?" I repeated, tears threatening to spill.

"I'm scared."

I stared at her. "What do you want me to do?" I pleaded, but the words felt hollow, like I was begging for something that could never be enough.

"Just let me be alone for now."

"A-Are we breaking up?"

"No." She avoided my gaze. "N-Not yet." She turned over, her back facing me as she lay down.

I stared at her for a long time, my chest heavy, the silence crushing. I slowly moved closer, wrapping my arms around her, holding her as if she might disappear. "Please... Don't leave me..." I whispered, my voice breaking, desperate. "Just tell me what's wrong, and we'll fix it. We can fix this."

"It's not that simple..." she murmured. "Just give me some space for now," she added, pulling away from my embrace.

"Okay..." I whispered in defeat. "I don't want to force you, but know this—whenever you're ready, whenever you need me, I'll be here." I stood up quietly, my heart shattering, and left the room without looking back.

I went to the guest room, my feet heavy, and collapsed onto the bed. I stared at the ceiling, numb, as the tears kept falling, one after another, like they had no end. "God, why are you doing this to me? What did I do wrong? Don't I deserve to be happy for once?" My voice cracked as I spoke, the pain too much to hold in.

"Is this my fate? To be miserable forever?" I let out a broken sigh, the weight of everything crashing down on me. "Do you even hear me, God? Or am I just someone you've forgotten, someone you don't care about?" I pulled the blanket over my head, the darkness of it matching the emptiness inside me, and I cried myself to sleep, heart shattering with every sob.

THE NEXT MORNING, I woke up early and immediately saw Tatay George preparing breakfast. A wide smile spread across my face as I walked towards him.

"Anak, let's eat," he said cheerfully. "Sorry if I haven't been able to come by these past days, there've been so many bodyguards outside, and they look kind of scary," he said with a laugh.

I chuckled lightly. "It's okay, Tay. Is it alright if I come with you later when you head home?"

He nodded right away. "Of course. You're always welcome at our house."

I smiled and helped him prepare breakfast. I was sure everything he made would be delicious. I couldn't wait to dig in!

It wasn't long before Adorn came downstairs, greeting Tatay George with a big smile. "Tay! I miss you!"

"Anak, eat your breakfast. Do you have work today?" Tatay asked Adorn.

"I do, Tay. But I'll be home early."

"I've packed lunch for you," Tatay said, pointing to the lunchbox on the kitchen island.

Adorn giggled. "Thank you, Tay!"

I couldn't help but smile at the two of them. It was so nice to see how close they were. I pulled out a chair for Adorn, and she sat down without a word of complaint. I scooped some of her favorite dishes and placed them on her plate. We chatted happily, and even though it was just a short time, I was able to forget about what had happened with Adorn the night before.