Maybe, Someday

Chapter 18

Serene's POV

The next day, I woke up to find my heart heavy with confusion and guilt. I had barely slept the night before, my mind racing with thoughts of what had happened at dinner.

Then, I heard the news: Aki had been rushed to the hospital the previous evening. My stomach twisted at the thought.

Part of me felt worried, but another part was determined to break any connection I had with her.

My parents noticed my distress and sat me down for a talk.

"Serene, you should at least listen to Aki," my mom suggested, her voice gentle.

"I know she hurt you, but I also believed that she wouldn't cheat on you. I've witnessed how much she loves you dear."

"Thanks mommy, but I'm done," I replied firmly, trying to keep my emotions in check.

"I can't keep going back and forth. She hurt me too much." I could see their concern, but I felt so sure of my decision. I didn't want to open myself up to more pain.

While my family maintained their friendship with Aki's family, the atmosphere felt different.

They would still gather for dinners and events, but it was clear that Aki and I were now separated by an invisible wall.

I missed the ease we once shared, but I thought it was better this way.

Another two weeks passed, and I tried to focus on my daily routine, but thoughts of Aki lingered in the back of my mind.

Then, one afternoon, I received a hand-made letter, crafted with care.

There was also a painting.

Not just an ordinary painting, but a painting of myself.

Shock was visible on my face.

The painting looks so majestic.

You could tell that whoever made it, took all the time to make this beautiful masterpiece.

My heart raced as I opened the letter, curious yet apprehensive.

Inside was a beautifully folded piece of paper, adorned with little doodles and sketches.

" My dearest Serene,

Hi, my love. How are you? I hope you are doing okay as you read this letter. I hope this letter finds you in a moment of peace. There's so much I want to say, and I hope you'll read this with an open heart.

But first, how's the painting? I hope you like it!

I painted that myself. I painted you, myself.

I took painting lessons the moment you told me that you wanted a painting of yourself. I was supposed to give you this in our anniversary but things went downhill.

I'm sorry if my painting didn't give justice to your beauty. I still hope you like it, baby!

Finally, I want you to know how much I love you. You have been my light, my joy, and my reason to smile. Watching you grow and achieve your dreams has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. I've always supported you and cheered you on, even when I felt like I was fading away.

I also want you to know that I have been loving you since who knows when. It's true that you fell for me first. But I fell harder.

So hard and deep that I couldn't bring myself back anymore.

Thank you baby. Thank you for being the reason why I fought so hard til' this day. Thank you for coming into my life. Thank you for your existence. Just thank you for everything, Serene. Thank you for being the reason for every breath that I take.