FATED TO LOVE {STORY OF US}

chapter 20

"Help me," Raymond said, his voice filled with panic.

"What's wrong?" Greg said, his brow furrowed with concern.

"I need help," Raymond said, his voice cracking slightly. "I think I'm in love."

"What?" Alex said, looking at him in disbelief. "But you always said you weren't interested in relationships."

"I know, but now I'm not sure," Raymond said, his voice sounding vulnerable. "I'm so confused."

Greg and Alex burst out laughing, unable to contain their amusement at Raymond's predicament.

"Hey, this is serious!" Raymond said, feeling a bit annoyed at their reaction. "It's not funny."

"Sorry, sorry," Greg said, trying to stifle his laughter. "But this is kind of unexpected. Who is the lucky girl?"

"Well, it's a bit complicated," Raymond said, not sure how to explain the situation.

"That doesn't bode well," Alex said, his face now serious. "What's the story?"

"I'm in love with two friends," Raymond said, sounding utterly bewildered. "Gita and Regina. I don't know what to do."

"You've got to be kidding me," Greg said, shaking his head in disbelief. "You can't be in love with two people at the same time."

"But I am," Raymond said, sounding desperate. "I know it sounds crazy, but it's true."

"Are you sure you're not just confused?" Alex asked, trying to be understanding. "It's not unusual to have strong feelings for a friend."

"How do you feel when you're around Regina?" Greg asked, his tone curious.

"Just normal," Raymond said, shrugging. "Like a friend."

"What about Gita?" Alex asked, sensing that there was more to the story.

"With Gita, it's different," Raymond said, his voice growing softer. "Every time I see her, I feel really happy. And I can't stop thinking about her."

"That settles it then," Greg said, slapping his hand on the table. "You're in love with Gita, not Regina."

"Are you sure?" Raymond asked, a hint of hope in his voice.

"Don't be ridiculous," Alex said, shaking his head. "There's a big difference between liking someone and loving them."

"Alex has a point," Greg said, leaning back in his chair. "You need to figure out what you're feeling before you do anything rash."

"But what if she doesn't feel the same way?" Raymond said, his voice wavering. "What if I ruin our friendship?"

"Whatever," Greg said, rolling his eyes.

"But I really am shy," Raymond said, looking down at his hands. "I'm not good with emotions."

"Ha! There's an understatement," Alex said, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "If you're struggling with your feelings, you must be a mess."

"Hey, cut him some slack," Greg said, coming to Raymond's defense. "It's not easy to admit that you're in love with someone."

"I'm just kidding," Alex said, raising his hands in surrender. "We're here to help, right?"

"And who are you to give relationship advice?" Raymond said, a playful grin on his face. "When are you going to tell Chole how you feel about her?"

"Very soon," Greg said, a look of determination on his face.

"God, have mercy!" Alex said, making the sign of the cross. "Please don't do anything stupid."

"Don't worry," Greg said, laughing at Alex's reaction. "I've got it under control."