Love Of My Life

Chapter 29

The news of Levi's impending departure hit Violet like a ton of bricks. She had just begun to rekindle their connection, and now he was leaving again, this time for a few years. Despite her disappointment, she knew she had to focus on the task at hand: overseeing the renovation of her house.

Meanwhile, Juan's discovery of Moon's whereabouts sent shockwaves through Fransisco's world. Despite his earlier indifference, Fransisco couldn't shake the nagging feeling of concern for Moon's well-being. He realized that he couldn't simply ignore her absence, and he reluctantly agreed to accompany Juan to bring her back.

Moon's return to her old home was met with surprise and joy from her close friends. It was a bittersweet reunion, filled with laughter and tears as they welcomed her back into their lives.

That night, Violet found herself drowning her sorrows at the local bar, seeking solace in the bottom of a glass. Brandon, ever the gentleman, offered to take her home and make sure she was okay. He stayed by her side throughout the night, sleeping in the guest room to ensure she was safe.

The next morning, Violet awoke to find her beloved coconut missing. Panic set in as she frantically searched for it, her mind racing with memories of Levi and their shared moments together. When she finally found it in the trash, carved with a face that reminded her all too painfully of their past, she felt a surge of anger and betrayal.

Seeing her distress, Brandon couldn't bear to witness her pain any longer. With a heavy heart, he left her alone, knowing that he couldn't compete with the ghost of Levi that lingered between them.

Later that day, Violet and Brandon found themselves at a show together, their eyes filled with tears as they struggled to come to terms with the complexities of their emotions.

As they stood in silence after the show, the weight of their unspoken emotions hung heavy in the air. Brandon broke the silence, his voice gentle as he tried to bridge the gap between them. "That song earlier was good, right?" he ventured, his eyes searching Violet's for any sign of response.

Violet's mind was still reeling from the emotional rollercoaster of the evening, but she managed a small nod in agreement. "My makeup is messed up," she murmured, a self-conscious smile playing on her lips as she attempted to lighten the mood.

Brandon couldn't help but notice the vulnerability in her expression, and his heart ached to see her struggling. "I think you're especially cute today," he blurted out impulsively, the words slipping past his lips before he could stop them.

Violet's cheeks flushed pink at his unexpected compliment, and she offered him a shy smile in return. "Thanks," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper as she struggled to find the right words to express her gratitude.

Trying to ease the tension, Violet changed the subject, her tone light and casual. "Next time, I'll take you to a Jazz show. What's your favorite song, Brandon?" he asked, genuinely curious about her musical preferences.

Brandon's eyes lit up at the suggestion, a soft smile gracing his lips as he considered her question. "I like 'Casablanca'," he replied, his voice filled with nostalgia as he recalled the haunting melody of the classic tune.

As Brandon sat across from Levi, the weight of the conversation hanging heavy in the air, he couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for the man in front of him. "She's unhappy because of you," Brandon stated bluntly, his words laced with a hint of accusation.

Levi's expression softened, his eyes filled with remorse as he acknowledged his role in Violet's unhappiness. "I thought I could do it, but I can never make her happy," he confessed, his voice tinged with resignation. "When I see her, she has uneasiness in her eyes. I only make her sad."

Brandon listened in silence, his heart heavy with the weight of Levi's words. Despite their past differences, he couldn't help but empathize with the man's genuine remorse. "I won't bother again, since I'm leaving soon," Levi continued, his tone resigned. "But if you can give her something on my behalf."

Curious, Brandon leaned in as Levi produced a piece of paper from his pocket, unfolding it to reveal a detailed design of a treehouse. "This is the treehouse I'm making for her," Levi explained, a wistful smile touching his lips. "I remembered she always wanted one."

Later that night, Violet and Brandon found themselves back at the bar once again, the familiar surroundings offering a sense of comfort in the midst of uncertainty. Brandon ordered a special drink called "Goodbye Old Place," a bittersweet nod to the memories they had shared within those walls.

Violet looked at the drink curiously, her brow furrowing in confusion. "Are we not coming back?" she asked, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness.

The bartender, sensing the weight of the moment, approached them with a sympathetic smile. "If it's really your last time here, it's on me," he offered, pouring two shots and sliding them across the bar. "I'll take a shot too."

As Brandon led Violet through the backyard, his heart pounded with nervous anticipation. The sight of the treehouse, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight, seemed to carry a sense of magic and wonder. "Levi made this for you," Brandon explained, his voice filled with reverence. "You've always been his most cherished person."

Violet's eyes widened in astonishment as she took in the sight before her, her heart swelling with emotion at the realization of Levi's gesture. "I never knew," she murmured, her voice choking with emotion.

Brandon placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, his gaze gentle yet insistent. "Violet, you should be honest with yourself," he said softly, his words carrying a weight of truth. "You've always loved Levi."

A tear slipped down Violet's cheek as she nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, I was too insecure. I didn't know how to love," she admitted, her words tinged with regret. "Brandon, why are you telling me this? Don't you hate him?"

Brandon's expression softened as he met her gaze, his eyes filled with a mixture of warmth and sincerity. "I do hate him," he confessed, his voice tinged with vulnerability. "But I like you. And I've come to realize that sometimes, to make someone fall in love with you, you have to make them smile. But other times, you'd unconsciously cry because of her."

With a gentle smile, Brandon urged Violet to stop wasting time, knowing that Levi was waiting for her at the airport. In a rush of emotion, Violet embraced him tightly, her heart overflowing with gratitude for his unwavering support. Racing to the airport, Violet's heart pounded with anticipation as she searched for Levi in the crowded terminal. And then, amidst the chaos of the bustling airport, their eyes met, and time seemed to stand still. Without a word, Violet pulled Levi into a passionate kiss, the weight of years of longing and regret melting away in the warmth of their embrace.