Breathe
by;michimichiro
Chapter 19
"Why did you want to meet with me today, Zia?" Oli asked, idly playing with the straw in her juice.
I looked at her, feeling a heaviness in my heart, and let out a sigh.
"Because I couldn't think of anyone else to talk to about this burden I've been carrying," I replied, my voice laced with a hint of sadness.
As Oli processed my words, her expression grew serious, yet she managed to maintain a playful smile.
"Tell me, Z, is it true that you're going to marry Clint?" she asked, her tone filled with genuine concern.
I nodded, averting my gaze from Oli's penetrating eyes.
"After everything you went through—the pain and suffering you endured—just for Eli to reciprocate your love, are you really leaving her hanging?" Oli expressed, her voice tinged with a mix of confusion and worry.
I shook my head, surprised by Oli's sudden display of concern for Eli. It heartened me to know that someone else cared deeply for Eli besides myself.
"Tell me the truth, Zia. Are you seeking revenge against Eli?" Oli probed, her genuine curiosity evident.
I was taken aback by Oli's question, as I hadn't anticipated such directness from her.
"What do you think I'm doing, Oli? Did I make this decision to settle a score with Eli, or is there a deeper reason behind my actions?" I asked, my tone reflecting a mix of surprise and defensiveness.
Oli smiled, her gaze unwavering as she locked eyes with me.
"I understand how much you love Eli, and I apologize if my question seemed offensive. But until you convey your true intentions, that's what people might assume," she explained, her voice filled with empathy.
Taking a deep breath, I weighed my words carefully before responding.
"I can't prioritize my own happiness if I know it will adversely affect so many people," I began, my voice tinged with a sense of resolution.
"What do you mean, Z?" Oli probed, her curiosity piqued.
"My father informed me that if I were to choose to be with Eli, it would result in a downfall for Zyke's father's company. You know the kind of influence my father carries in the business world, Oli," I revealed, taking a moment to collect my thoughts.
"Even though I may have a selfish side, my conscience cannot accept the idea that many people would lose their jobs solely because of my choices. The workers at Zyke's company also have families to support. Hence, I have made the decision to sacrifice my happiness with Eli for the sake of those individuals," I concluded, the weight of my words hanging in the air.
Oli maintained a thoughtful silence, her gaze fixed on me. I couldn't discern what she was thinking until she finally broke the silence.
"Zia, sometimes it's okay to be selfish. Have you considered how Eli would feel when she discovers that you're sacrificing her? It would be incredibly painful for Eli," Oli expressed, her voice filled with concern.
I offered a sad smile in response to her words.
"I know Eli, and I have faith that she will understand the choice I've made. She has a kind heart, Oli. She's not selfish," I replied, my voice filled with conviction.
"It's not always a bad thing to be selfish, especially when you know it's the right decision. Eli didn't do anything wrong for your family to treat her that way," Oli pointed out knowingly.
My heart ached upon hearing Oli's words, for deep down, I knew she was speaking the truth. Eli had done nothing to deserve this mistreatment from my family.
"Tell me, Zia, is it Eli's fault that she's not as affluent as you? It's not her fault. From a young age, she has constantly been disregarded by those she loved. Her parents left her in the care of her grandmother," Oli elaborated, her voice filled with empathy.
I winced as Oli's words struck a nerve. I struggled to catch my breath, feeling as though my heart had been pierced. I used to be infuriated by the unfair treatment Eli had endured from her parents, and now here I am, unintentionally inflicting a similar pain upon her. Tears streamed down my face, unable to contain the overwhelming emotions that consumed me. Images of Eli's face during the night we first met flashed through my mind, intensifying my sorrow.
"Zia, I'm not suggesting that you defy your family, but I implore you to carefully consider the decision you've made. As your friend, I don't want you to live with regret for the rest of your life, knowing that you didn't fight for the person you love," Oli advised, offering me her handkerchief to dry my tears.
Desperate for guidance, I asked Oli, "What should I do?"
A mischievous smile played on Oli's face, as if she had a plan in mind.
"Do you trust me?" she asked, her tone serious.
I studied Oli's expression, contemplating whether or not I could place my trust in her.
"Zia, I'm being sincere. Do you trust me?" she reiterated, seeking assurance.
I shook my head, conflicted and unsure.
"Trust me now, Zia, if you want to find a way out of the predicament you're in," she urged.
With a heavy sigh, I weighed the decision before me. Though my mind was inclined towards trusting Oli, my heart hesitated. I knew that Oli liked me, which made me wary of her intentions. I feared that she might exploit the trust I placed in her for her own gain. Succumbing to my reservations, I looked at the person in front of me, unable to discern whether she was genuinely concerned about Eli and me or if she was merely playing a role.
Oli broke the silence, sensing my contemplation. "When you've made your decision, Zia, give me a call," she said gently.
Curiosity sparked within me, and I couldn't help but voice my concerns. "If you help me, what do you expect in return for your help?" I asked, cautiously gauging her reaction.
Annoyance flickered across Oli's face in response to my question. "I don't want anything in return, Zia. I simply want to help you because I see my own sister in you now," she replied sincerely.
Surprised, I pressed further. "You have a sister? Where is she now?" I probed, eager to hear her story.
Oli's eyes grew distant as she spoke, her gaze fixated on a distant memory. "She's been gone for a long time. She couldn't bear the weight of her own wrong decisions," she admitted, a touch of sorrow lacing her voice.
"Sorry, I didn't know," I offered, feeling a pang of sympathy.
Oli's smile turned somber as she looked at me. "I lost my sister, and our family became broken due to my father's decisions. After my sister's funeral, my mother left us. She was supposed to take me with her, but in a moment of pity for my father, I struck a deal with him. I agreed to be left alone in his care as long as he wouldn't interfere with my personal life," she shared, her voice tinged with the weight of her past.
Silence enveloped us as I absorbed the weight of Oli's heartbreaking revelation. I hadn't realized that she had endured such a tragic past. The pain in her words felt tangible, and I felt a surge of empathy wash over me. In this moment, I yearned to trust Oli and believe that she could help me navigate my current circumstances. I looked at her, finding strength in her presence, before finally responding.
"For the first and last time, I'll place my trust in you, Oli. I hope that whatever you're planning will lead us to success," I declared with a mixture of hope and trepidation.
Oli's smile widened, but an unfamiliar glint flickered in her eyes. I couldn't quite discern its meaning, and a sudden wave of unease washed over me. Her smile now felt unsettling, and I couldn't help but admit that I was terrified of what lay ahead.
