Love Beyond Borders [ON-GOING]

CHAPTER 16: CONFRONTATION

Eileen paced the small café, her heart racing as she waited for Draven. The warm Gold Coast sun streamed through the windows, but she felt cold inside, anxiety twisting in her stomach.

This meeting was everything; she couldn't leave without trying to mend the rift that had formed between them. The memory of their last conversation haunted her, a reminder of the betrayal she felt, yet the pull toward Draven remained strong.

She hadn't told Noah about meeting Draven. She didn't want him to worry or to question her motives. She could already hear his voice in her head, cautioning her against getting hurt again.

But this wasn't about Noah; it was about closure, about confronting the reality of her feelings for Draven.

Eileen glanced at the clock, each tick amplifying her nervousness. Just as she took a deep breath to calm herself, her phone buzzed. It was Noah.

"Hey! Where are you?" His voice came through, casual and light, but Eileen felt the weight of his inquiry.

"I'm at the mall," she lied, forcing a smile that he couldn't see. "Just doing some shopping."

"Nice! Let's hang later?"

"Sure!" she replied, her heart racing as she glanced at the door, hoping Draven would walk in.

After hanging up, she fiddled with her phone, resisting the urge to text Draven again. He was already on his way; there was no turning back now.

Moments later, she spotted him through the glass doors. Draven looked different; more vulnerable than she remembered, his expression a mix of apprehension and relief as he entered. Her heart sank and soared all at once.

"Eileen," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Hey," she replied, forcing her emotions down as he approached.

"Can I get you something to drink?" he asked, glancing at the counter.

"I already have one," she replied, holding up her cup, feeling a bittersweet mix of nostalgia and hurt.

They settled into a small corner table, the air thick with unspoken words. Eileen's heart raced as she met his gaze, searching for the answers she desperately needed.

"I'm sorry for hurting you," Draven said finally, his eyes earnest, searching hers for understanding.

"You didn't have to hurt me," Eileen shot back, her voice sharper than she intended. "You had a choice, Draven. You could have been honest with me from the start."

He fell silent, looking down at the table, guilt etched across his features. Eileen felt a mix of sympathy and frustration. She wanted him to understand the weight of his choices and how they had reverberated through her life.

"I thought I could manage it," he said quietly. "But I messed up."

Eileen's chest tightened. "You didn't just mess up; you lied to my face. I trusted you."

As the words hung in the air, she felt the dam of her emotions threatening to break. She wanted to scream, to cry, to let him know how deeply he had hurt her. Instead, she took a deep breath and said, "I can't keep doing this, Draven. I came here to find answers, but all I feel is lost."

He looked up, desperation in his eyes. "Eileen, please don't walk away like this."

She stood up, the movement sudden and unplanned. "This is the last time you'll see me, Draven. I need to go back to New York and figure out my life. You need to focus on love."

As she turned to leave, she paused, glancing back at him. "Be happy with her. I hope you are. Just... don't hurt her like you hurt me." Her voice softened slightly, but the resolve remained firm. "I'm not mad, but I can't forgive you right now. Maybe one day, but not now."

With that, she walked away, the weight of her words hanging in the air between them. Eileen felt a mix of relief and heartbreak. It was over; she had said what she needed to say.

Draven watched her go, the pain in his chest deepening as he realized the magnitude of what he had lost. He wanted to reach out, to stop her, to tell her how much she meant to him, but the words felt trapped in his throat.

He was torn between his feelings for her and the reality of his choice to be with Love. The truth was, he cared for Eileen deeply, more than he had allowed himself to admit. But he was here with Love, and as much as it hurt, he had to honor that.

Eileen stepped out into the bustling street, the warm sun shining down, but all she felt was the chill of her decision. She had faced Draven, spoken her truth, and now all she could do was move forward. As she walked away, she hoped one day she could find it in herself to forgive him, but for now, she needed to heal.