Pen Of Destiny

Chapter 21

5 years later...

Ryan

"I hate you, Ryan."

I stood there, completely blindsided by Aria dropping the bomb: "I hate you, Ryan." It hit me like a gut punch, and I couldn't process what just happened. How did everything spiral out of control so fast? Regret slammed into me like a ton of bricks.

Glancing at Anna, still lounging on the bed with that infuriatingly smug smile, fueled my anger. I shoved Anna aside, drawing strength to kick this nightmare to the curb, and bolted for the door. All I could think about was finding Aria and untangling this mess. I needed to lay it all out, make her see I was just as much a victim.

The hallway felt like it stretched for miles. I was on a desperate scavenger hunt for any sign of Aria. I shouted her name, my voice dripping with desperation and remorse. But all I got in return was the eerie sound of crickets.

Finally, I stumbled upon Aria, a teary mess in the corner. Approach with caution, right? I whispered, "Aria, you've got to listen. It's not what it looks like."

Aria slowly looked up, her face a battleground of anger, hurt, and confusion. Her eyes drilled into my soul, searching for some truth in the mess.

"Explain," she demanded, voice shaking with pain and anger. "Why did I catch you two playing grab-ass? How could you do this?"

I dropped to my knees, grabbing Aria's trembling hands. Tears welled up as I tried to spill my soul.

"Aria, I swear I had zero control. Anna pulled some shady move, drugged me, and took advantage," I pleaded, desperation thick in my voice. "I'd never throw you under the bus. You mean the world to me, and I love you more than words can say."

Aria pulled her hands away, face set like concrete. She had trusted me once, and I shattered it like a vase at a rock concert. The pain was too much; forgiveness was off the table.

"No, Ryan," she declared, voice firm. "I can't trust you anymore. It's over."

My heart sank. I begged, "Aria, please, just one more shot. I'll pull a rabbit out of a hat if that's what it takes."

But Aria was resolute. The betrayal cut too deep, and she needed to prioritize her own sanity.

"No, Ryan," she repeated, a trace of sadness in her voice. "I deserve someone who won't pull the rug from under me. Goodbye." my eyes opened up again to the same dream I have been seeing for almost five damn years now.

Aria. She hates me.

Her words keep on echoing in my ears and I couldn't help but worry about this. I have seen a lot of doctors and psychologists but to no avail. There wasn't a single day I didn't see this dream.

I was busy with my thoughts when I heard a knock on the door of my room.

"Coming..." I yelled and jumped off the bed

-------

Ryan stood on the stage, the bright lights shining down on him as he addressed the audience gathered for his love and relationship seminar. He had come a long way since the painful day Aria disappeared from his life. The guilt weighed heavily on his heart, a constant reminder of his actions that led to their separation.

As he spoke about the importance of trust and communication in a relationship, Ryan couldn't help but wonder where Aria was. He had tried everything in his power to find her, but she seemed to have vanished without a trace. It had been months since he last saw her, and the ache of her absence never subsided.