Eternal Echoes

Chapter Twenty-One: New Beginnings and Unresolved Feelings

Michaella's POV

The morning sun peeked through the curtains, casting a warm glow over my bedroom. I lay there momentarily, relishing the peacefulness before the day began. My mind drifted back to last night's gathering. The laughter, the support, and the sense of belonging had given me a rare sense of peace. But today was a new day, and with it came new challenges.

I pulled myself out of bed and went through my morning routine. A quick breakfast of yogurt and granola fuelled me as I mentally prepared for my meeting with Alex. I had met him only a few weeks ago in a café when I was with Pamela. He was charming, professional, and had offered to help with my podcast. Now, he was my editor.

Dressed in a simple yet chic outfit— a skirt, white top and nude heels—I felt ready to face the day. I grabbed my bag and headed out, the city already buzzing with activity. The coffee shop Alex had suggested was a cozy little place not far from the studio. It was one of those spots with rustic wooden tables, the rich aroma of coffee beans, and a friendly barista who knew all the regulars by name.

Alex was already there when I arrived, seated at a corner table with two cups of coffee. He stood up when he saw me, his face breaking into a genuine smile.

"Michaella, it's great to see you," he greeted, giving me a quick hug.

"Hi, Alex," I replied, returning the smile. "It's good to see you too."

"Have a seat," he said, gesturing to the chair opposite him. "I got you a cappuccino. I hope that's still your drink."

"It is," I said, touched by his thoughtfulness. "Thanks."

We made small talk for a few minutes, catching up on our lives since we last saw each other. Alex was engaging and easy to talk to, which made the initial tension ease away.

"So, about the podcast," he began, his tone shifting to a more professional one. "I listened to your latest episode, and I have to say, it was powerful. You have a way of connecting with your listeners that's really special."

"Thank you," I said, feeling a surge of pride. "But I feel like there's still so much I need to improve."

"That's why I'm here," he said with a grin. "I have a few suggestions that I think could help you take it to the next level."

We spent the next hour discussing the podcast in detail. Alex had a lot of valuable insights, from tweaking the format to engaging the audience more effectively. He was passionate and enthusiastic, clearly invested in helping me succeed.

"You have a real gift, Michaella," he said as we wrapped up our discussion. "And I want to help you share it with the world."

I smiled, genuinely grateful. "I appreciate that, Alex. Really, I do."

He hesitated for a moment, then leaned in slightly. "You know, I've admired you since the day we met at the café. Not just your talent, but your strength and resilience."

His words caught me off guard. There was a sincerity in his eyes that made my heart skip a beat. But before I could respond, he continued.

"I know we don't know each other well, but I feel a connection. And I wanted to be honest about my feelings."

The air between us felt charged with unspoken emotions. I took a deep breath, choosing my words carefully. "Alex, I appreciate your honesty. And I value your help with the podcast. But right now, I need to focus on myself and my work. My past... it's still very much a part of me, and I'm not ready to move on."

He nodded, a flicker of disappointment in his eyes. "I understand. I just wanted to put it out there. No pressure, okay?"

"Okay," I said softly. "Let's just focus on the podcast for now."

We finished our coffees, and the conversation shifted back to lighter topics. Despite the brief tension, it was a productive and insightful meeting.

As I left the coffee shop, I felt a mix of relief and uncertainty. Alex was a good guy, and I didn't want to hurt him. But my heart was still tangled up in the past, and I wasn't ready to let go.

Later that afternoon, I met up with Pamela for lunch at our favourite bistro. Pamela was one of my closest friends, someone who had been by my side through thick and thin. Her vibrant personality and unwavering support were exactly what I needed today.

"Hey, girl!" she greeted, giving me a tight hug. "How did the meeting with Alex go?"

I sighed, settling into my seat. "It was good. Productive. But... complicated."

"Complicated how?" she asked, raising an eyebrow as she sipped her iced tea.

"He told me he has feelings for me," I admitted. "And I don't know how to handle it."

Pamela leaned forward, her expression serious. "Michaella, Alex is a great guy. Maybe giving him a chance wouldn't be such a bad idea. It could be a way to move on from Gabrielle."

I shook my head, feeling a pang of sadness. "Who said I want to forget him?"

Pamela reached across the table, taking my hand. "I know you loved him, Michaella. But you deserve to be happy. Holding on to the past won't help you heal."

"I know," I said, my voice barely a whisper. "But it's not that simple."

She squeezed my hand, her eyes filled with empathy. "Just promise me you'll think about it, okay? You don't have to decide anything now. Just... be open to the possibility."

"I will," I promised, grateful for her understanding.

We spent the rest of the lunch catching up on each other's lives, talking about everything from work to family to our latest Netflix obsessions. Pamela's presence was a balm to my soul, a reminder that I wasn't alone in my struggles.

After lunch, I headed back to my apartment, my mind buzzing with thoughts. The day had been long and emotional, but also filled with moments of clarity and support. As I settled down with a book, I couldn't help but reflect on the conversations I'd had.

I opened my phone and went to the starred messages in my WhatsApp to search for a message from my mom about an upcoming family wedding. I always star important events to remember them easily. As I scrolled through the starred messages, one from Gabrielle caught my eye. It was from a couple of months ago. I hesitated, then opened it.

"I just want to tell you how lucky I am to have you, and I'm sorry that I'm not giving you enough, and for not being there as much, but both of us are working hard for our futures and I will never think or want to do this life with anybody but you. I'm the luckiest man, and I just love you so much, and I don't want anything else, only you.

You're a perfect girlfriend and lover, you love me unconditionally, and you handled me all these years, you're loyal, and you're just perfect, and I want to fight for you and only with you. I love you more than anything in this life, I respect you more than you can imagine, and nobody deserves what I want to achieve other than you. I promise you that I will keep doing everything I can to make you always feel like you are the only girl in the world, to keep loving you, and to always take care of you. Just how you're with me through all my circumstances, and you never left, I promise to make you live like a queen.

I love you, my princess, my whole world. I want to ask you to never leave me. Without you, I can't see. You're the light in my life, and don't ever let anything convince you otherwise. We will build a beautiful life together because, despite all the bad in this world, you deserve a pink life. Michaella, my princess, love you."

Tears streamed down my face as I finished reading the message, one question echoing in my mind: WHY? No one can take his place in my heart, no matter how hard I work or how many projects I take on. I can't forget him. He's a part of me.

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Do you guys believe that What Gabrielle and Michaella had was the real deal? And is she right about not wanting to get over him?