WHEN LOVE FAILS

CHAPTER 25 - When Love Finally Found

One morning, we are in our favorite ice cream shop, overlooking the bustling city below. The warm air wraps around us like a comforting embrace, and I can't help but feel grateful for moments like this — where everything seems perfectly aligned.Ralph turned to me, a mischievous smile spreading across his lips as he playfully stole a bite of my ice cream.

"Hey! That's mine!" I laughed, swatting his hand away.

He chuckled, "Sharing is caring, Love. But okay, I'll buy you another."

"You better!" I teased, shaking my finger at him.

"You know, I'm really happy we're together now. Being your boyfriend feels... right."  Ralph said softly.

I looked at him, heart fluttering. "Me too, Ralph. It's like everything finally clicked."

He nodded, eyes shining. "You make me want to be better. I've never felt this way before."

My cheeks flushed. "You make me believe in love again."

He smiled and reached for my hand. "I promise to always fight for you, Jeng. No matter what comes our way."

"I believe you" I whispered, squeezing his hand.

"You know, Love, I'm so happy to be with you now that we're officially boyfriends. I still can't imagine I already have you." he said, a swell of gratitude evident in his voice.

"I feel the same, Love. You don't know how much joy you bring me. Thank you for coming into my life. I hope you're really the one, until the very end." I looked at Ralph, his eyes sparkling with warmth that sent butterflies fluttering in my stomach.

"I promise, Love. I'm just as happy to have you. You're the one I'll love until the end." he replied, his voice full of sincerity.

In that moment, I thought maybe Ralph was one of those people Wonnie sent for me-someone who perhaps whispered to God in heaven to send someone who would love me genuinely and whom I could love wholeheartedly in return.

"I love you so much, Jeng. I don't want to hurt you, and I don't want to lose you, Love. Because just as you're afraid to love again, I'm afraid of being left behind again. I've been single for seven years. I've only had two exes, and mostly just flings, because I was tired of meeting new people who weren't serious. But since you came into my life, I told myself... I'll fight for you. I'll open my heart again for this person and be serious this time."

He made me feel valued and cherished-something I had longed for in past relationships. I had spent too much time feeling unworthy, but with him, I felt whole. His love wasn't just about thrill or lust; it was rooted in genuine respect and understanding.

"You've shown me what it means to love someone fully. Thank you for teaching me to trust again. I love you with all my heart, Love."

I whispered, leaning closer to him. The world around us faded away as our gazes locked, and a peaceful calm washed over me. For the first time in years, I felt freed from the burdens of my past.

"I'm ready for whatever comes next." I said softly.

Ralph nodded, a knowing smile playing on his lips-as if he understood the transformation unfolding within me. His presence was like a balm for my soul, and I knew I could face anything with him by my side.

In the days that followed, our love blossomed, marked by countless moments of joy and intimacy.

Whether we were cooking together in the kitchen, going for long walks by the shore, eating samgyupsal, playing basketball, traveling abroad, watching movies, or enjoying quiet nights in — I cherished every second with him. The sound of the waves became the rhythm of our laughter, the salty breeze carrying our stories into the horizon. Each shared glance, every laugh, deepened our connection and made me believe in love again.