Love Beyond Borders [ON-GOING]

CHAPTER 14: UNRAVELED THREADS

EILEEN'S POV

As I walk alongside Noah, the park feels alive with possibilities. The fresh air clears my mind, and for the first time in weeks, I allow myself to relax. Noah is here, and there's a comfort in his presence a reminder of a simpler time when I felt valued for who I was.

We stroll through the park, exchanging stories about our lives since we last saw each other. He's studying medicine and has a genuine passion for helping people, which is admirable. I share about my work as a publisher and the thrill of seeing my authors succeed.

There's a shared laughter, a connection that grows stronger with each passing moment.

But the shadow of Draven still lingers. As we settle on a bench overlooking the lake, I find myself hesitant.

"Can I ask you something?" I venture, feeling the weight of the unspoken between us.

"Anything," Noah replies, his gaze steady.

"What happened with you and Draven? I mean, how did you end up with his picture on Tinder?" I ask, a hint of frustration slipping through. I know it's unfair to bring this up, but I need to understand.

He shifts slightly, looking down at his hands. "Honestly, I didn't mean to create any drama. I was just looking for a way to meet new people, and I used his picture because... well, I don't have the confidence to use my image. I had no idea it would lead to such a mess."

"Right. A mess that ended up hurting me," I say, my voice softer now. "You must have known how I felt about him."

"I didn't know, Eileen. I swear. The last thing I wanted was not to hurt you." He looks up, sincerity in his eyes. "I just got caught up in trying to navigate my own feelings."

I sigh, conflicted. "I guess we both have our pasts to deal with."

"Yeah," he says, and we sit in silence for a moment, the weight of our histories hanging in the air.

NOAH'S POV

Eileen's words linger in my mind as we sit together, the beauty of the park contrasting sharply with the complexities of our conversation. I'm still trying to find my footing in this new dynamic. She's been through so much, and I don't want to be the person who adds to her pain.

"Are you still hurt by Draven?" I ask cautiously, wanting to know where she stands.

She hesitates, her expression shifting as if the memories wash over her. "I thought I loved him. I really did. But seeing him with love... it shattered everything I thought I knew about him, about our relationship."

"I'm sorry," I say, my heart aching for her. "You deserve someone who respects you."

"Thanks. It just feels like everything's been turned upside down," she admits, frustration lacing her words. "And now you're back, and I'm not sure what that means."

"Maybe it means we can start anew, as friends?" I suggest, hoping to provide her with some stability. "We don't have to rush anything. Just take it one day at a time."

She looks at me, a flicker of hope in her eyes. "I'd like that. I could use a friend right now."

EILEEN'S POV

As the sun begins to set, casting golden hues across the lake, I feel a sense of relief. Being with Noah doesn't feel like a burden; it feels like a breath of fresh air. I can almost imagine what it would be like to rebuild our friendship, perhaps even more. But the doubts still creep in.

"Can we really be friends?" I ask, uncertainty threading my voice.

"Why not? We've known each other since we were kids. We just have to set some ground rules," he says, a playful smile breaking through the tension.

"Like what?" I ask, intrigued.

"No more using Tinder profiles and forgot what I did," he jokes, and I can't help but laugh.

"Deal. But seriously, I don't want to complicate things further," I say, my tone growing serious again.

"We'll be honest with each other. No games. Just friendship," Noah replies, and I nod, appreciating his straightforwardness.

NOAH'S POV

I watch as Eileen begins to relax, her laughter filling the air around us. It feels good to see her like this free from the weight of her past. But I know I have to tread carefully. I can't let my feelings for her interfere with her healing process.

As the sky deepens into twilight, I shift the conversation. "So, what do you want to do now? Any plans for the holidays?"

"Not really. Just working and trying to stay sane," she says, the hint of a smile lingering on her lips.

"What if I show you around? We could hit some of the local spots maybe find something fun to do?" I suggest, excitement bubbling in my chest.

"Are you asking me on a date?" she teases, a glimmer of mischief in her eyes.

"Just a friendly outing," I reply, playing along. "But you can call it whatever you want."

"Okay, Mr. Friendly Outing, I'll take you up on that," she says, the warmth in her voice soothing the tension I've felt since we met.

EILEEN'S POV

As we leave the park, the promise of tomorrow feels like a flickering candle in a dark room, small but powerful. I know I have a long way to go to heal from the hurt Draven caused, but having Noah by my side makes the journey feel a little less daunting.

And as I walk next to him, I can't shake the feeling that maybe, just maybe, this is the beginning of something special. Not a childhood promise, but a chance to create new memories together, memories that could heal the scars of the past.

As we walk into the night, my heart feels lighter, ready to embrace whatever comes next.

Just four days left here, and then I'll be back in New York. Mr. Yong might fire me just because I've been away on vacation for so long.

I'm trying to set aside my anger toward Noah since I understand why he used Draven's image. I mean, he's a nerd, but there's nothing wrong with that.

But I can't help but wonder: if it were Noah's picture on Tinder, would I have liked him?

I just want to enjoy my Christmas vacation without constantly thinking about Draven. Once I return to New York, I hope to put him behind me for good.

As I sit by the beach, watching the waves crash against the shore, I take a deep breath. The salty air fills my lungs, and for a moment, I let go of the weight of my past.

I glance over at Noah, his genuine smile lighting up his face. It's refreshing to see him so carefree, and I find myself smiling despite everything.

This vacation is meant to be a time of joy and relaxation. I want to immerse myself in the beauty of this place, create new memories, and perhaps even redefine what I want for myself.

Maybe this is the start of a new chapter, one where I can discover who I truly am outside the shadow of Draven.

To be continued...