Hearts On The Highrise

Chapter 54 : aching goodbyes

Charlotte's pov

The next day, I skipped the project and went to visit my family here in Phuket. It had been years since I'd seen them. As I walked along the familiar streets, sweet memories invaded my mind. When I finally arrived, I was greeted by warm hugs and enthusiastic chatter from my loved ones. Seeing their smiling faces eased the tension that was building up inside me.

I brought with me gifts from New York, tokens of my time spent away from home. As I handed out the presents, I watched as their eyes lit up with delight. My heart swelled with happiness at the sight of their joy.

Sitting around the table, sharing stories and laughter, I felt a sense of belonging that I hadn't felt in a long time. Despite the distance and time apart, my family welcomed me back with open arms, reminding me of the unconditional love and support that surrounded me. As we reminisced about old times and caught up on each other's lives, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this moment of peace amidst the chaos of my recent struggles.

"How is Mew doing? Is he recovering well since his accident?" My older brother asked with genuine concern etched on his face.

Before I could reply, my father intervened, his voice tinged with curiosity. "And why haven't we heard from you and Mew together? You used to call us so often, but lately it's different," he observed, his eyebrows furrowed in puzzlement.

As the questions came and went, I ran out of words. Each question reminded me of the fractures in my life. Unable to find the right words to explain, I remained silent.

"Is everything alright, Charlotte? You seem quieter than usual," my mother observed, her voice soft and caring.

I cleared my throat, feeling the weight of my family's concerned stares. "Mew is doing well," I began, my voice slightly shaky as I addressed their questions. "He's slowly but surely recovering," I added.

"I don't understand why Mew drove while he was drunk," my brother said, his tone tinged with disbelief. "It's not like him," he added, his brow furrowed in confusion.

"Have you two been fighting?" my father inquired gently, his eyes reflecting concern.

I sat in silence, feeling the weight of my family's concern weighing on me. My mother's attempt to change the subject did not go unnoticed. "When are you going back to New York?" she asked.

"I'm leaving tonight," I said, meeting their eyes with a sadness that mirrored their own.

"Already?" they all echoed in unison, their surprise evident in their voices.

My father leaned forward, his brows furrowed with concern, as he asked, "Have you already finished what you needed to do here in Phuket?"

I took a deep breath, my eyes flitting around the room before settling on my father's concerned gaze. "No, Dad," I said, my voice tinged with regret. "I just have to go back to New York urgently because of some work-related matters." It was a lie, a thin veil to cover the truth I couldn't bear to share. I couldn't bring myself to tell them the real reason—I simply couldn't bear to stay here any longer, watching the woman I loved move on right before my eyes.

As the conversation drifted to other topics, the hours passed quickly in the warm embrace of family. But as the time for goodbyes approached, I felt a heaviness settle over me once again. I hugged each of them tightly, cherishing these moments before my departure.

As I made my way to the door, my mother followed me out, her gentle voice breaking the silence. "Charlotte, I know things aren't right between you and Mew," she said softly, her eyes filled with concern. "Whatever the reason, you don't have to hide it from me. I'll always be here for you, no matter what." Her words pierced through the facade I had carefully constructed.