Love Rivals: The Day I Saw Your Tears

137. He's The Gentleman From Books

(Sarah's Pov)

I slipped back into my old routine -- working shifts at Amreesh’s café during the day and studying at home at night. It wasn’t easy, but I had managed to convince my parents with a small, fabricated story. Ryan helped me out, backing me up when I needed to make it all seem convincing.

Comebacks are always more challenging than Debuts.
It felt like starting over, but with heavier expectations weighing me down. My life had taken a sharp turn, but even with all the challenges and setbacks, I refused to give up.

I sat across from Krystal at the café, stirring my drink absentmindedly. She leaned in, her voice soft but insistent. “Are you sure you want this divorce?”

I let out a deep breath, already exhausted by the conversation. "Krystal, how many times do I have to say it?"

She wasn’t convinced. "It won’t take long to file the papers, you know. My husband’s friend is a lawyer. But I still think you’re making a huge mistake. You both love each other. Isn’t this just a rough patch?"

I looked away, feeling a lump form in my throat. “You know I’ve tried. I’ve tried everything. But there’s no way his father will ever accept me. His mom’s kind, but his dad... I don’t stand a chance.”

Krystal sighed, her voice softening. "But you’ve married to Ryan, not his father."

I shook my head, a bitter smile tugging at my lips. “Krystal, this is India. You know how things work here. Marriage isn’t just about two people—it’s about two families, and their approval matters. It’s been ten months, and my dad still refuses to talk to his dad.”

She leaned back, eyes filled with empathy but tinged with frustration. “So, what are you saying? Do you really want to walk away from him forever?”

My voice cracked as I spoke, the weight of it finally crashing down. “I don’t have the right to make him wait for me. He deserves more than this... more than me.”

Her face softened, but she remained persistent. “I’ll talk to my husband, then. But just know... once you start this process, there’s no turning back.”

I remained silent, the ache in my chest growing. I could feel her frustration building as she leaned forward again, her tone more urgent. “Why? What happened between you two? Everything seemed fine before. Ryan loves you like crazy, and you know that. Can’t you see the pain he’s in? Does he really deserve this?”

Tears pricked my eyes, and despite my best efforts, they spilled over. I wiped them quickly, trying to compose myself. “I don’t know if he truly loves me or if it’s just...,” I admitted, my voice trembling. “I’ve been running from my feelings—and his—for so long. I’m scared to face them. I’m terrified to look into his eyes because... he’s too good for me. He’s like one of those perfect gentlemen from books, every woman dreams of.”

I stared down at my hands, twisting them in my lap, barely able to speak. I muttered, almost too quietly for her to hear, “I don't want to lose him. But... if only he could wait a little longer... Just a little longer.”

Krystal glanced at me after hanging up her phone, her expression tense. "Vicky wants to meet you."

I frowned. Vicky? Now?

About fifteen minutes later, he walked into the café. He slid into the seat across from me, his eyes searching mine, as if trying to read my thoughts before he spoke.

"So..." he started, cautiously, "are you really going through with the divorce?"

I nodded.

He hesitated, as if choosing his next words carefully. "Did Ryan..." he began, but I quickly interrupted.

"No, nothing like that," I said firmly. "It’s my decision. This was all me."

Vicky sighed, leaning back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "Sarah," he said after a pause, his voice softer now, "do you remember when I told you I... that I was into you?"

I nodded, unsure of where this conversation was heading.

He looked down at the table for a moment, clearly gathering his thoughts. Then he lifted his gaze, his eyes meeting mine with a quiet intensity. "I know this might not be the best time to bring it up, but I need to ask... Is there any chance? Could I ever... I mean, could we ever be something?" His voice faltered slightly, then he added, "I think I already know what you're going to say, but... I need to hear it. An official rejection, you know?"