Black Magic

Chapter 34: Sadly Reunited

3 Years Later...

ASTRID'S POV

As I walked along the streets, the weight of my thoughts seemed to press heavily on my shoulders.

Stress had found a way to sneak into my mind, clouding my thoughts and showing a shadow over my day.

I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the pressures of life, my mind spinning with worries and doubts.

Lost in my own world, I barely noticed the figures in the distance.

But as I drew closer, I saw Eleanor and Aiden standing there, their faces radiant with happiness.

In their arms, they cradled a beautiful child, their three-year-old daughter, Alice.

My heart skipped a beat as I took in the sight of their joy, a flicker of longing mingled with a tinge of surprise.

And then, they saw me. Eleanor's eyes met mine, and instead of the usual disdain I had grown accustomed to, there was a glimmer of something different.

She smiled warmly, her expression inviting me to join them.

"Astrid!" Aiden called out, his voice filled with genuine warmth. "Come over! We'd love for you to meet Alice."

I was taken aback, my mind struggling to process the invitation.

Eleanor, who had never shown me any kindness before, was extending a hand of friendship.

I hesitated for a moment, uncertain of how to respond. But curiosity and a longing for connection won over my reservations.

With hesitant steps, I approached them. My heart raced as I neared the little family, a mix of hope and trepidation swirling within me.

As I stood before them, Eleanor's smile widened, and Aiden's eyes shone with sincerity.

"Astrid, we're so glad you're here," Eleanor said, her voice carrying a genuine warmth I had never heard before. "This is our daughter, Alice."

My eyes were drawn to the little girl in Eleanor's arms, her eyes sparkling with innocence and curiosity.

I couldn't help but feel a rush of tenderness as I reached out to touch her tiny hand.

Alice looked up at me, her gaze filled with wonder, and a tiny smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

"Hello, Alice," I whispered softly, my voice filled with a mix of awe and affection.

The tension that had once existed between Eleanor and me seemed to fade away in that moment.

As I watched Eleanor, Aiden, and little Alice, a pang of jealousy surged through me, threatening to consume my every thought.

My heart ached as I realized that they were living the life I had once yearned for—a life that was shattered when Aiden and I lost our child years ago.

The pain resurfaced, raw and intense, as I hid my anger and sorrow beneath a facade of composure.

Eleanor's smile was radiant, but I couldn't help but feel a twinge of bitterness mingling with my jealousy.

I masked it with polite curiosity, diverting my attention to little Alice.

I marveled at her innocence and the joy she brought to her parents' lives, all the while wrestling with my own conflicting emotions.

As we exchanged pleasantries and stories, I listened intently, my heart aching with every word that celebrated their happiness.

I wanted to be genuinely happy for them, but the sting of longing echoed deep within me.

Memories of the life I had imagined with Aiden flooded my mind, colliding with the reality that now belonged to Eleanor.

I fought to keep my emotions in check, the pain threatening to spill over.

It took every ounce of strength to hide my jealousy as I witnessed their effortless bond and the love that emanated from their family unit.

Deep down, I couldn't help but wonder why it couldn't have been me by Aiden's side, cradling our own child.

As I glanced in the distance, I caught sight of Thomas observing our little gathering.

My heart skipped a beat at the sight of him, a familiar face amidst the whirlwind of emotions.

With a mixture of apprehension and longing, I called out his name, beckoning him to join us.

Thomas smiled warmly but initially shook his head, as if reluctant to intrude.

However, my insistence prevailed, and he began to make his way towards our group.

As he approached, I noticed a twinkle in his eyes—a mischievous spark that always accompanied his playful nature.

Thomas's presence instantly lifted the mood, and he wasted no time in engaging with little Alice.

He began to weave silly jokes and playful antics, eliciting giggles and laughter from both Alice and her parents.

"Hi, little one, this is your handsome and charming uncle, do you want me to teach how to lure some men because I have a hundred percent skills on luring men and women" He said, making Eleanor smack him.

Amidst the lighthearted banter, Thomas's gaze shifted to me, his eyes filled with genuine concern.

Sensing an opportunity for a private conversation, he subtly steered me away from the group.

"How has life been treating you, Astrid? How did Christopher treated you?" Thomas asked, his voice gentle and caring.

I haven't seen Thomas that much anymore because he is assigned to a different place to work and my father is a violent man.

I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much to reveal.

But the trust and bond we had shared over the years encouraged me to open up. "Thomas, I never got married," I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper. "I've been waiting for the love of my life instead."

A mix of surprise and understanding crossed Thomas's face as he absorbed my words. "I see," he said softly, his gaze filled with empathy.

"Sometimes, waiting for the right person is worth it, Astrid. You deserve happiness, and I hope you find it."

As I watched Thomas walk away, a pang of heartbreak washed over me.

The weight of unspoken words hung heavily in the air, and I couldn't help but wonder what might have been if I had found the courage to reveal my true feelings.

THOMAS' POV

As I walked away, my heart felt heavy with a mix of emotions.

The truth was, I loved Astrid deeply, more than words could ever convey.

But within me, there was also a deep-seated belief that she deserved better than what I could offer.

I replayed our conversation in my mind, searching for any signs that she might feel the same way.

But my self-doubt whispered cruel words, reminding me of my flaws and inadequacies.

How could someone as incredible as Astrid ever choose me?

A single tear escaped my eye.

I couldn't bear the thought of holding her back or causing her any more heartache. So, with a heavy heart, I made the painful decision to walk away.