Love Beyond Borders [ON-GOING]

CHAPTER 12: NEW BEGINNING

Laozi Quote: Open yourself to the truth, then trust in your natural responses, and everything will fall into place.

NOAH'S POV

I don't know why I did that. I just couldn't resist my feelings for her and kissed her... But I never expected she would kiss me back.

Now, I have no idea what she's feeling. I know how heartbroken she was over Draven, and maybe he was right this is my fault.

If I hadn't come up with the idea to use his picture in the first place, maybe Eileen wouldn't be feeling this way.

I look at Eileen; she's still in shock from what just happened.

"I'm sorry, Eileen. I know that was wrong, but I kind of like you." I watch as her expression remains sad and conflicted. Eventually, I suggest we head home since we've already dried off.

When we get home, she runs to her room. I want to follow her to comfort her, but I know she needs space. This day has been tough for both of us.

I change into my night clothes and lie on my bed, staring at the ceiling. This Christmas Eve will surely be a painful memory for her. She just saw the guy she liked cheating on her. I should have told her the truth sooner.

EILEEN'S POV

What can I say to Noah? I never expected him to kiss me; it felt wrong. I've always thought of him as just a friend since he and Draven are best friends.

He just told me he likes me, but I don't know how to process that.

It feels bizarre to be heartbroken over one guy and then have his best friend confess feelings for me. After he asked me to go home, I didn't want to embarrass myself, so I ran to my room and started to cry.

I traveled 16,020 kilometers to surprise him, and now this? This is my first love, and it feels like it's turning into my first heartbreak. I thought love was supposed to be beautiful, not painful.

I really believed Draven was a good guy. I don't understand why he didn't reply to my messages; he always seemed so distant.

Exhausted, I crawl into bed, wishing I could forget everything. Tomorrow, I'll be a new person—one that he'll regret losing.

DRAVEN'S POV

Seeing the hurt in Eileen's eyes hits me hard. I didn't want any of this to happen, but it's not my fault; I don't like her like that.

"What the hell, bro? Who is that girl?" Noah's angry voice cuts through the silence.

Noah is furious with me, but why should he be? He's the one who set me up for this Tinder mess.

"I don't like Eileen! You like her more than I do, so this is your fault!" I shout back, frustration boiling over. He starts to punch me, and I'm about to retaliate, but Love steps in.

Before I can react, I get slapped by Love. "Who is that girl?" she demands, her eyes flashing with anger.

"I'll explain everything; let's just go home for now," I reply, trying to stay calm.

She falls silent, looking away from me. I know she's upset, and I can't blame her. I wanted to tell her sooner, but I didn't know Eileen would be traveling here to Australia.

Once we're home, I explain everything to Love, emphasizing that Noah is the one who set me up for this whole situation. I assure her that she's the only one I truly care about.

Love understands, but our Christmas date has been ruined. For now, I have to fix the mess I made. I need to find Eileen tomorrow and tell her the truth: this is all Noah's fault. I can't keep lying to her.

I send Eileen a message, asking her to meet me in the park to explain everything.

AT THE PARK

While I wait for Eileen, I watch families stroll by, their children laughing and playing. I'm reminded of my own childhood, of moments when my parents cared for me and showed me love.

Now it feels like those memories are tainted.

Finally, I see Eileen walking toward me. She looks beautiful, but I know she's hurting.

"I'll give you ten minutes to say what you want to say," she states, crossing her arms.

"Look, I know you won't believe me, but Noah set this all up. He's the one to blame for using my picture.

He was scared you'd find out he wasn't the guy in the photos, so I helped him as a friend," I explain, but she refuses to meet my gaze.

"You shouldn't have gone along with what Noah asked. You both made me feel like a fool. I traveled across the world for this. Who was it that chatted with me every day and called me? It was you, Draven. You both played with my heart!" Eileen's voice trembles with anger.

"Eileen, I think you're cute, but I like someone else. I know it's hard to accept, but you need to move on," I reply, trying to keep my tone gentle.

Just as I'm about to say more, she stands up and walks away. I hate hurting her, but I know I have to hold Noah accountable for this mess.

EILEEN'S POV

I start packing my things. I was supposed to stay here for ten days, but hearing Draven's explanation makes everything too painful. I don't trust either of them now; they're both liars.

When Draven told me he liked someone else, it felt like a knife in my heart. I cry silently as I leave the park, feeling completely betrayed.

Noah enters the guest room and tries to talk to me. I can't face him. The betrayal stings too much.

"I think you found out already since you've been ignoring me all day. Eileen, I really like you. I was just scared you wouldn't like me because I'm not the guy in the picture; that was Draven," Noah pleads.

"I have to go, Noah. Thanks for making me stay here. I appreciate it," I say, refusing to look at him.

"Eileen, I know you can't forgive me so easily, but I'll be better. Can we start again?" Noah asks, desperation creeping into his voice.

"Noah, maybe someday. If destiny decides we should be friends, then let's be friends. But for now, I can't," I reply, grabbing my bag and leaving without saying goodbye.

AT THE AIRPORT

As I wait for my flight, I rebook and receive a refund for my trip since I only managed to stay four days. Australia is a beautiful city, but I want to move on. While I'm waiting, my phone rings.

It's my dad. He rarely calls unless it's something important.

"Merry Christmas, daughter! I heard you were on vacation in Australia. Why didn't you tell me? We could've come along with your brother and mother," Dad says cheerfully.

"I just wanted to meet someone here and spend Christmas in another country. Why did you call? Is there a problem?" I respond, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Well, I wanted you to meet someone. He's the son of my business partner, and coincidentally, he lives in Australia. I'd like you to get to know him since I'm planning for my only daughter and their only son to enter into an arranged marriage. It's for your future," Dad explains.

I pause, considering this. Should I give it a try? Who could this guy be?

"Fine, Dad. Tell me the exact location, and I'll meet him!" I reply, ending the call. I wait for my dad to send the address.

Who could he be? I wonder if he's handsome. I just hope he's not a jerk like Draven and Noah.

It's time to forget them and meet this new guy. I feel a flicker of excitement at the thought of a fresh start.

To be continued...