Love Deferred (Andrei Roxas ans Fides Mondragon Story)

chapter 45: Fides Nagasaki life

Andrei paced back and forth in his living room, his phone clutched tightly in his hand. He sighed deeply, running his fingers through his hair as he muttered to himself.

Andrei: "I can't believe it's been a week already... Why hasn't she responded?"

He glanced at his phone again, frustration evident on his face.

Andrei: "Maybe I should just go. I need to see her, talk to her in person."

He walked over to the window, staring out into the night sky, lost in thought.

Andrei: "I'll book a flight tomorrow. I have to sort this out."

Andrei at Fides office in the U.S...

Andrei: (Walking into Fides's studio, looking concerned) "Good morning. Is Fides around?"

Secretary: (Nervously) "Good morning, Sir Andrei. Um, Maam Fides hasn't been in the studio for about a week now."

Andrei: (Surprised) "A week? Is everything okay? Has she been in touch?"

Secretary: (Shaking her head) "No, she hasn't contacted us or the office. We've been trying to reach her but her phone seems to be off."

Andrei: (Worried) "Did she mention anything before she disappeared? Any plans or reasons?"

Secretary: (Looking uneasy) "She... she didn't say much. Just that she needed some time."

Andrei: (Pacing slightly) "Time? Time for what?"

Secretary: (Hesitating) "I'm not sure, Sir Andrei. She seemed upset about something."

Andrei: (Taking a deep breath) "Okay, thanks. I'll try to find her."

Secretary: "Do you want us to help in any way?"

Andrei: (With a forced smile) "No, thanks. I'll handle it. Just... keep trying to reach her, please."

Secretary: "Of course. We'll let you know if we hear anything."

Andrei nodded, his mind racing with worry as he left the studio, determined to find Fides and sort out whatever had gone wrong between them.

Andrei, filled with worry and confusion, returned to his hotel room. As he sat on the couch, he noticed a magazine on the coffee table. Curiosity compelled him to flip through the pages. To his astonishment, the answers to his questions lay within: photos of himself with the woman, Ingrid—dancing, drinking, and kissing—were prominently printed in the centerfold. The caption read, "mergers of business turned into merger of hearts..."

Andrei (to himself, frustrated): How could this happen? It's----  I broke Fides trust.

Andrei paced the room, trying to make sense of everything he had just seen in the magazine. He felt a mix of anger, hurt, and regret.

Andrei (thinking aloud): How I did it all?  Our plans, our dreams together...

He sank onto the couch, running his hands through his hair in frustration.

Andrei (muttering): How could I explain this I could not find her... ? I am indeed an idiot!"

His mind raced with questions, each more painful than the last.

While Fides, on the other hand, left for Nagazaki, Japan, she sought solace in one of the most peaceful places in Japan. Here, only the rustling of leaves and the gentle chirping of birds could be heard. Amidst the serene surroundings, she hoped to find peace and clarity away from the tumultuous events that had unfolded in her life.