Almost, Always

36. I Have Always Loved You

Emi's POV:

After that magical evening with Elizabeth, even though we haven't confessed anything to each other, we started seeing each other more often and going on dates.

Elizabeth owns a rest house near the beach, where we last went to before. There, we spend most of our days doing all the things we promised we will do when she teased me by asking me to marry her.

(See chapter. 29 titled Marry Me)

And just like that, a few months passed, Curtis happily delivered the news to me that they were done acquiring all the properties and shares of the Mortensons and that their company was on the brink of bankruptcy.

Meanwhile, I've heard from Milko that a distraught Anthony is on the verge of breakdown as both his parents flee the country to avoid all the allegations and trouble that the media will cause them. Casey, Milko's older sister, was the one who looked after Anthony the entire time when he had no one else.

I can recall exactly what happened when I went to Milko's house to visit. I happen to come across Casey who dropped something off for Milko. There, we chatted for a bit. There was never a hostility between us. She's always been the silent type. She wont say much, but when she does, everyone will surely listen.

"Anthony." I said

"I heard from Milko that you've been keeping him company." I continued. She stared at me for a while and decided to sit down on the chair in front of me. I continued to sip tea.

"Where is he?" She asked. Wondering why I'm alone drinking tea at the garden.

"He had to take a very important call. He went inside. He said not to wait for him. It will probably take a while." I replied.

"Yes. I'm with Anthony." She said. I didn't say anything. I just continued sipping tea. The awkwardness was probably too much to bear so she continued to explain

"Anthony has been anxious for the last months due to stress. I'd be lying if I say he's being able to cope at all. He had a huge argument with his parents. He obviously felt betrayed and lied to. He stopped doing anything. He stopped working. Eating. Even taking a shower. He doesn't get out of bed anymore. That's how bad it got."

I looked at her and looked away.

I didn't mean for Anthony to end up this way. I felt bad and guilty. It was too late for me to know that he has no part in whatever happened to me and my family.

"Thank you for taking care of Anthony. I'm sure you must have heard of what actually happened. I don't mean for it to be like this. We made a promise to never see each other anymore. So it would probably be not best for me to reach out to him. I can only rely on you to look after him. He needs a friend most especially this time." I replied.

"Of course. No need to thank me. It's normal to look after someone you lo.." Casey stopped her sentence and quickly glanced at me looking flustered.

"...."

"I..." She was trying to find the right words and I can only stare at her in confusion.

"Casey..you..?" I was about to ask her when I said:

"Do you like Anthony?"
"Do you still love Anthony?"

We both said at the same time.

"Yes."
"No."

We both answered at the same time. We looked at each other and laughed.

"So..you do like Anthony." I smiled bitterly.

Few years ago, I would have gone crazy with the thought of Anthony dating someone else. I envied Elizabeth. But I realized it was no longer my love for Anthony that was making me act that way. It was my hatred. My revenge, me wanting to still have that part of him. I said I love him but for all the wrong reasons.

I'm happy to be able to say I don't love him anymore. I'm happy to be capable of letting go of him. Because just as it takes a brave person to fall in love, it takes even the bravest to let go.

You are not weak for setting someone free. It's quite the opposite. Do you know how much strength you needed in order to give up on that one thing you've ever wanted? Many people wont tell you that.

Casey smiled. And said "Yes. I do. I've always loved Anthony.."

"That time when I went to his place because I was so worried about him. I brought him his favorite food. He had fever. I stayed up all night watching over him and making sure his fever go down. I was there for him before and I want him to know I'm with him especially now.. Emi, you see...I didn't mean to fall for Anthony. He was just a kid to me. I'm older than him so obviously I see myself like his older sister. But after a while, Anthony treated me differently than any man has ever done. He treated me with respect and so much kindness."

I smiled at what she said. I looked back and remember how nice and gently he treated me. No wonder why she fell for him.

"Does Anthony know of this?" I asked.

Casey touched her lips as if recalling an event that happened that night. They must have kissed. She shook her head as if dismissing those thoughts and said

" yes? No? Maybe... Emi, truthfully. It doesn't matter to me. All I care right now is his wellbeing. I don't want him to feel like I'm taking advantage of his vulnerability. If he reciprocates my feelings at some point, I'd be over the moon obviously. But I've been single for years now. No man could ever reach my standards. And now that I've found the man I want, waiting a little bit won't hurt don't you think? Whatever happened that night.. I have an understanding of what we are. That's enough for me."

"Hey, maybe one day? Who knows?" She added and we both chuckled.

***

A/N;
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Apologies for the typo! I'd edit things when I have more time.