His HOPE

Chapter 12

Hope

"That's how I came up with the idea of this book. The challenges and the barriers of love are opposite to the passion and desire to be with the person you can't live without, which is what this book is all about.

It's a story that I've witnessed in my own life but unfortunately, in reality, it ended with catastrophe.

However, this book is mixed with what I've witnessed, along with my wishful thinking and desire for its ending.

Besides that, this book is the last book that is going to be published with my name on the bottom. Therefore, it's really special to me." He took a sigh with a smile before continuing.

"Very few people know that I was born and brought up in this beautiful city. My childhood and youth were spent on the streets and warm houses of my loved ones. This place has given me the inspiration and so many beautiful memories that I've never once forgotten.

That's why I wanted to end my journey here, right at the place where it all started." Nicholas Geraldo wiped the bead of the small tear that ended at the corner of his eyes and smiled at the audience.

From the moment the launch started, I tried my best to listen and focus on his words. But from time to time, I found myself searching for his form and always found him looking at that girl.

He was looking at her so obsessively as if his whole world revolved just around her and no one else mattered to him.

It made my stomach flip with jealousy but I tried to overlook them and focus on the person, who was sitting right in front of us with his last book in his hands.

"In the end, I would like to thank all of you who gathered here to witness this special moment of my life.

Thank you for coming today."

With that, he closed his book and put it on the table beside him.

"We can now get a signing on the book, let's go," Watson whispered in my ear while standing up and signaling the group too to stand in a line.

I immediately stood and started following him.

"Thank you. Next please." I rushed at my turn as soon as I heard Nicholas Geraldo's voice and placed my favorite book of his in front of him with shaky hands.

I still can't believe I'm living these moments. It's incredibly surreal for me.

Living a day like a normal person is actually a gift for me and I couldn't be more thankful.

"What's your name?" He asked with a smile.

"H-Hope." My voice shook with nervousness but when he gave me a polite smile, my nerves calmed down a bit.

"It's a beautiful name, Hope. Good day." He complimented me while returning back the book.

"Thank you, sir. For this, and for all my long days and nights, when your books have accompanied me and made my days so much better." I smiled at him and clutched the book tightly in my hands as if it'd disappear if I lost the grip.

"You're welcome, Hope. And I'm so glad that I could help." He replied humbly with a nod.

With that, I walked past him with a wide smile plastered on my face, as if I'd just won a million-dollar lottery.

With a happy sigh, I turned around to look at Watson but couldn't find him.

Where did you go, Watson?

I looked in the crowd again but all in vain. He was nowhere in sight.

Sighing anxiously, I clutched the book to my chest and walked towards the place I was with him before I stood in the line.