Breathe
by Michimichiro
Chapter 32
As I watched Zia embrace her newfound freedom, a sense of peace washed over me. I had seen her burdened by expectations, trapped in a loveless marriage, and bound by family duties for so long. But in that moment, it felt like those chains had turned into wings, ready to lift her towards her dreams.
Our journey together was filled with challenges and victories, woven with love, loss, and a strong determination to create our future. Looking at Zia's joyful smile, I thought about the path that had brought us to this moment of freedom.
I remembered the first time we met, like two stars drawn together. It was at a fancy event hosted by her family's company, where Zia stood out among the crowd. Even then, I could sense a hidden strength within her, waiting to be unleashed. Maybe it was that strength that attracted me to her, like a moth drawn to a flame.
Our first meetings were brief and polite, but as we saw each other more, I became more intrigued by the woman behind the poised exterior. It felt like with every interaction, she revealed more of her true self to me, shedding the mask that hid her authentic essence.
Then, a shocking revelation about her situation hit us like a thunderbolt. The constraints of her marriage, the pressure from her family, and the burden of a legacy she never chose came to light, revealing the tragic reality behind her beauty.
In that moment, something significant changed in me. What started as a fleeting attraction grew into a deep devotion to protect and cherish this extraordinary woman who had sacrificed so much for duty.
Our love was tested by challenges and resistance, strengthening the bond between us. Every stolen moment, every secret glance, and every whispered confession deepened our connection. We were like-minded souls, fighting for authenticity and breaking free from the chains that tried to hold us back.
As our love grew stronger in secret, the burden of Zia's situation became heavier. The pressure to keep up appearances and the pain of living a constrained life began to wear down her strong spirit, making me fear that she would be overwhelmed by the challenges she faced.
Realising the need for action, I made a difficult decision to invest in her family's company for the sake of our love and Zia's freedom. It was a risky move that could either secure our future or leave us at the mercy of fate.
When I approached her parents with my proposal, I was filled with a deep sense of purpose and certainty. I knew that this was the path we were meant to take, a journey that would test our determination and the bond between us.
With a simple signature and heartfelt promises, we started a new chapter free from the burdens of the past. The following days were filled with changes as Zia embraced her newfound independence and navigated through unfamiliar territory.
There were moments of fear when reminders of her past haunted her. I saw doubts and uncertainty flicker across her face, showing the effects of the long-held beliefs she had endured.
Throughout it all, I was her constant support, offering comfort and reassurance by her side. Each day, I witnessed Zia's transformation, like a rose blooming freely from its bud.
Her laughter became more carefree, her smile brighter, and her eyes sparkled with a new zest for life. It was like she had been reborn, shedding the expectations and burdens that held her back and revealing the vibrant woman I had always known.
As Zia embraced her true self, our love grew deeper and stronger. What started in secrecy and stolen moments now thrives openly—a love without limits or shame.
We spent our days exploring the world together, delving into different cultures, and pursuing our passions with enthusiasm. We travelled to new places and threw ourselves into art, learning, and any adventure that sparked our souls.
Our connection deepened through challenges and victories, becoming each other's support system and cheerleaders. We shared our doubts and celebrated each other's achievements with pure joy.
Over the years, our love story became a part of who we are, woven with shared moments, heartfelt talks, and a commitment to stand by each other till the end.
As time passed, our love remained strong, lighting up every aspect of our lives. We faced life's challenges together, growing and evolving as a team, drawing strength from our unbreakable bond.
In quiet moments, just the two of us, I often got lost in Zia's eyes, amazed by the incredible journey we were on. From her past struggles, a beautiful love story emerged—a tale of unwavering devotion and sacrifices to shape our destiny.
Looking at Zia, the woman I fought to set free, I knew it was all worth it. Every challenge we faced led us to this peak of love and fulfilment.
Zia wasn't just my partner, lover, and friend; she was my greatest victory. By freeing her, I freed myself from societal norms to live life on our terms.
Standing together, looking towards our future, I knew our love story was far from over. Each chapter would be filled with our shared experiences, devotion, and unbreakable bond.
Our love wasn't temporary; it was a powerful force, burning away our past and lighting our path ahead. With Zia besides me, I was ready to face any challenge, knowing we were united in a dance of love, freedom, and endless possibilities.
As I read Eli's latest interview with a prestigious magazine company in Zurich, tears welled up in my eyes. I couldn't help but reflect on how far she has come. From being my humble secretary to becoming a respected figure in the business world, Eli's transformation is truly remarkable. It used to be rare to see her name in magazines or newspapers, but now she graces the pages of various publications and even dominates social media platforms.
Gazing at Eli's picture in the magazine, I tenderly traced my fingers over it, overwhelmed with emotion. "I can't imagine where I would be without you back in my life. Thank you for everything, Eli," I murmured.
Lost in my thoughts while staring at her image, I was taken aback by a sudden rush of tears and a pang of longing for her. Just as I reached for my phone, it began to ring. Startled, I answered the call without checking the caller ID.
"Hello?" I managed to say weakly.
"Is this Zia?" a concerned female voice inquired from the other end.
"Yes, it's me. Who is this?" I replied, my curiosity tinged with worry.
"Sarah Brielle here. Can you come to the hospital right away?" she urged, her voice trembling.
"The hospital? Why? What's happened?" I questioned, my heart racing.
"Just come to St. Benedict Hospital now," Sarah Brielle said before ending the call abruptly.
Shaken by the call, I sensed a foreboding connection to Eli. As I hurriedly got up, my phone rang again, this time showing Zyke's name on the screen.
"Zyke, why are you calling?" I asked, my voice quivering.
"Z, I have terrible news. Eli collapsed during the interview and hasn't regained consciousness," Zyke informed me gravely.
"Please tell me you're joking, Zyke," I pleaded, disbelief clouding my thoughts.
Zyke's sigh confirmed the harsh reality. "I wish it were a joke, but it's not. Hurry to the hospital, Zia. You're the only family Eli has left," Zyke emphasised.
With a heavy heart, I rushed to the hospital where Eli was being treated. Upon arrival, I found Oli, Zyke, and a wealthy-looking woman waiting for me. Zyke greeted me, leading me to where they were gathered.
"Where's Eli, Zyke?" I inquired anxiously.
"She's in the ER. You need to speak to her doctor," Zyke replied solemnly.
Just then, Eli's doctor emerged, delivering the devastating news. "Miss Loire, I regret to inform you that Miss Parker has been diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme," the doctor disclosed.
The world seemed to crumble around me as the weight of Eli's terminal illness sank in. Why Eli, of all people, had to face such a cruel fate with a brain tumour, I couldn't comprehend. Overwhelmed with fear and grief, I struggled to process the news, afraid of losing Eli. In a whisper choked with emotion, I pleaded to myself, "Eli, you can't leave me. If you go, a part of me will go with you."
