One Last Time (R18)

ROAD TO EPILOGUE 1: LEVI

ROAD TO EPILOGUE 1: LEVI
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The Chase for His Chance.

"YOU'RE alone, huh?"

I was greeted by Kieselle's teasing grin the moment she saw me approaching.

We were all gathered at the mansion for a family lunch. As always, Dad had invited Kieselle and Jarred. Jarred was already by the pool with Renz, the two of them casually drinking Red Horse. Jessie would've completed the chaos, but she was overseas with her husband for a business trip.

The moment I stopped in front of Kieselle, she immediately peeked behind me, as if expecting someone else to show up. Nang walang nakita, binalik niya ang tingin sa'kin.

"Hindi mo siya kasama?"

Already knowing who she meant, a small smile tugged at my lips.

"I guess... hindi pa talaga kayo okay. After all that effort... and after that kiss in the bar."

Unti-unting naglaho ang ngiti ko.

"What are you doing, Leverius?" she asked, folding her arms across her chest. "Akala ko ba mahal na mahal mo siya? Pero parang hindi ka naman masyadong nag-e-effort para mabawi siya."

I closed my eyes for a moment, my jaw tightening. Kung alam lang niya kung ilang beses kong nilabanan ang sarili ko, kung ilang beses kong ginustong itali si Kei sa tabi ko at huwag na siyang pakawalan hanggang sa tuluyan na siyang sumuko sa pagmamahal niya sa'kin.

Just earlier, I had seen the pack of pills on top of her cabinet. For one reckless second, I wanted to throw them away. I wanted her to forget. But I stopped myself. The rational part of me reminded me that no matter how badly I wanted to keep her, I had no right to make that decision for her. It was her body. Her future. Her choice. And no matter how desperately I wanted her... I had to respect that.

I let out a slow breath. Kei had already given me more than I deserved. She let me hold her. She kissed me back. She trusted me enough to lower her walls. But love wasn't the same as forgiveness. I knew there was still a part of her heart that hesitated... a part that was still afraid to love me completely. And I couldn't blame her. Not after everything I'd put her through. Still, I'd be lying if I said it didn't frustrate me. Every day, I wished for just a little more of her trust-not because I wanted to rush her, but because I wanted to become the kind of man she'd never have to be afraid of loving.

Nagmulat ako, sinalubong ang tingin ni Kieselle. "I'm doing the best I can," I swallowed. "She's already opening her heart to me... and that's enough. For now. I don't want to pressure her into forgiving me... or accepting me. After all..." I looked away, a bitter smile forming on my lips. "...I'm the asshole who pushed her away. I don't deserve to be forgiven that easily."

"Hmm..." Kieselle nodded as she lifted her glass and took a sip.

Nang muli niya akong tingnan, wala na ang panunukso sa mga mata niya. Understanding had taken its place.

"Fair enough," she murmured.

"Son."

Sabay kaming napalingon sa direksyon ng boses ni Dad.

"Dad." Napangiti ako bago sinalubong ang yakap niya.

"Mabuti at nakarating ka." Dad patted my back before we pulled away.

"Yeah." I smiled faintly. "Naglaan talaga ako ng oras para rito." The words came out more distant than I'd intended. Dad simply smiled before turning to his favorite niece.