𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐞

Episode 44

In the plush confines of one of Mark Johnson's esteemed restaurants, Pond sat stiffly at a corner table, a bouquet of lilies resting awkwardly beside him. The air buzzed with a nervous energy that even the faint strains of classical music couldn't soothe.

Today was the day he was to meet Vanessa, the woman his parents, particularly his ever-enthusiastic mother, Susan, deemed the perfect match for him.

Pond adjusted his tie for the umpteenth time, his gaze flitting towards the entrance every few seconds. A whirlwind of emotions swirled within him. Was this the right decision? Was he truly ready to move on from Phuwin, the ghost that still haunted the corners of his mind?

Five years had passed since Phuwin's disappearance, a gaping hole left in Pond's life. Years filled with a simmering anger that gradually morphed into a dull ache of longing. He'd clung to the hope that Phuwin would return, apologize, and they'd somehow mend their broken relationship.

But the years stretched into a deafening silence, shattering whatever hope remained.

He had every excuse to remain trapped in the past, to drown himself in the bitter comfort of anger and resentment. But somewhere along the way, a tiny seed of change had taken root.

Perhaps, it was witnessing Bright and Win's joyous love story, a testament to the happiness he so desperately craved. Perhaps, it was simply the relentless march of time, slowly eroding the sharp edges of his grief.

Whatever the reason, Pond found himself at this table, a reluctant participant in a life his parents envisioned for him. A life devoid of love, but filled with stability and the cold comfort of societal expectations.

A flicker of movement near the entrance caught his eye. A woman, elegantly dressed in a crimson dress, approached the table, a hesitant smile gracing her lips.

This was Vanessa, beautiful and seemingly confident. Yet, as their eyes met, Pond couldn't help but sense a flicker of uncertainty in her gaze, a mirror image of his own turmoil.

"Vanessa?" he asked, rising to his feet.

"Pond?" she replied, her voice a melodic chime. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

As they exchanged polite greetings and settled back into their seats, Pond noticed a small, silver locket peeking out from the V-neck of Vanessa's dress. A strange sense of familiarity washed over him, a memory tugging at the edges of his consciousness. He couldn't quite place it, but it was a connection, a faint echo from the past.

Perhaps, amidst the carefully crafted plans and societal pressures, there was a chance for something more. Perhaps, this meeting, born out of obligation, could spark an unexpected connection.

As Vanessa began to speak, her voice soft and engaging, Pond found himself listening intently.

Maybe, just maybe, this arranged meeting wouldn't be a dead end after all. Maybe, it could be the first step on a path towards a future he hadn't dared to imagine, a future filled with possibility, even if love wasn't quite on the menu yet.

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A wave of relief washed over Susan and Maya as Pond walked through the mansion doors. Their anxious smiles melted into expressions of pure joy. "So?" Susan practically squealed, her voice laced with excitement. "How did it go? Tell us everything!"

Pond, his face uncharacteristically flushed, forced a smile. "It was… pleasant," he said, choosing his words carefully. "Vanessa seems like a nice person. I… I don't have any objections to the marriage."

Susan and Maya erupted in cheers, clapping their hands with glee. "Oh, Pond, this is wonderful news!" Maya exclaimed, pulling him into a tight hug. "Finally, some good news in the Johnson family! We'll start planning the wedding right away!"

Pond, caught in their enthusiasm, offered a weak smile. He retreated upstairs, seeking refuge in his study, under the pretense of work. The weight of his decision settled upon him like a leaden cloak. He didn't dislike Vanessa, but there was no spark, no flicker of the love he'd witnessed between Bright and Win.

Meanwhile, downstairs, Mark received the good news via text. A satisfied smile spread across his face. Pond's acceptance of the marriage lifted a burden he hadn't even realized he'd been carrying. He, in turn, forwarded the news to Joong.
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Joong, staring at his phone with a mix of emotions, couldn't quite decipher his own feelings. Relief battled with a nagging unease. He knew Pond's heart wasn't truly in this marriage. The past five years had been a testament to Pond's struggle to move on from Phuwin. How could he commit to someone new when a part of him still clung to a broken promise?

Joong sighed, his gaze falling on a picture on his desk. It was Dunk, his face frozen in a carefree grin, a constant reminder of another love story left unfinished.

Anger still flared within him, a raw wound refusing to heal. But beneath the anger, a flicker of hope, a flicker he desperately tried to suppress, still persisted. Perhaps, just perhaps, Dunk would come back, explain his reasons for leaving, and rekindle the love they once shared.

But reality, a harsh mistress, whispered otherwise. Five years had passed, with nothing but silence from Dunk. Joong knew, deep down, that clinging to the past wouldn't bring him happiness.

Yet, accepting that future was a terrifying prospect. It meant letting go of the dream, the promise of a life with Dunk, and venturing into the unknown.

Joong let out a heavy sigh, the weight of his unspoken emotions pressing down on him. He was trapped in a purgatory of his own making, clinging to a love story that might never have a happy ending.

He glanced at the picture of Dunk again, a silent question hanging in the air: would he ever find the courage to let go of the past and embrace a future, even if it meant facing it alone?

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Double update