Hearts On The Highrise

Chapter 27 : bearing the burden

Engfa's pov

When I awoke from my sleep, my eyes opened to find Faye lying beside me. She had been a constant source of support, trying to divert my attention from troubling thoughts. Yet, despite her efforts, my mind stubbornly clung to thoughts of Charlotte.

A week had passed since our altercation, but the memory of that night lingered like a stubborn stain, refusing to fade. I'd made a grave mistake in the way I'd treated her, and seeing her end up in hospital had left me with a deep sense of regret.

In the days that followed, I had granted Charlotte time off to recuperate, hoping that she would recover fully from her ordeal. But even as I tried to focus on other matters, Charlotte remained a persistent presence in my thoughts.

And so, as I lay there beside Faye, I bitterly realized that, despite the pain she had caused me, I couldn't help caring about her well-being. It had been days since I last heard from her, and the silence weighed heavily on my mind. Deep down, I knew that I needed to reach out to her, to ensure that she was alright. But a part of me hesitated, unsure of how she would respond after everything that had transpired between us.

Lost in my thoughts, I was abruptly pulled back to reality by the unexpected sound of the doorbell ringing. Glancing at the clock, I noted the early hour—6 a.m.

Who on earth could be at my door at this ungodly hour? I pondered for a moment before considering the possibility of it being my sister; she had a habit of dropping by unannounced. Quickly, I threw on a jogging suit and a sweatshirt, my mind racing with curiosity as I made my way to the door.

I furrowed my brows, trying to make sense of the unexpected visit. Mew's disheveled appearance and the smell of alcohol emanating from him added to my confusion. He seemed unsteady on his feet, his usually composed demeanor replaced by a hint of desperation.

"What are you doing here? " I asked, frowning. Ignoring my question, he leaned against the doorframe, his gaze fixed on me with an intensity that made me uneasy.

"I needed to see you," he muttered, his voice strained. "I couldn't wait until morning."

His words sent a shiver down my spine, and I instinctively took a step back, suddenly feeling vulnerable in his presence. The air between us crackled with tension, and I struggled to find the right words to respond. This unexpected encounter stirred up a whirlwind of emotions within me, leaving me torn between curiosity and apprehension.

I regarded him with concern, noting the glassy look in his eyes and the unsteady sway of his movements. "You're not in any condition to talk right now," I said firmly, my voice tinged with worry. "You should go home."

Mew's laughter grated against my nerves, his words hitting me like a punch to the gut. "You don't get to tell me what to do," he retorted, his tone laced with bitterness.

His accusations sharp and unexpected. I could feel the anger boiling within him, his eyes burning with intensity as he confronted me. "Why did you come into Charlotte's life, Engfa?" he demanded, his voice thick with emotion. "And why did you sleep with her in Seattle, why?"

I recoiled slightly at his direct questions, caught off guard by the rawness of his anger. Part of me wanted to defend myself, but another part of me knew that his feelings were valid, that he had every right to be upset. Taking a deep breath, I met his gaze, trying to control my own emotions.

"I never wanted to hurt either of you," I replied, my voice steady despite the turmoil swirling inside me. "I know things got messy, but it wasn't my intention to cause pain." I paused, searching for the right words to convey the depth of my regret. "I take full responsibility for my actions, Mew. I know I made mistakes, and I'm truly sorry for any pain I've caused." It pained me to see him hurting, knowing that I had played a part in causing that pain.