The Road Of Autumn [Interracial/WWBM]✔️

Chapter Eleven: "You want me, I want you"

The past has a way of haunting us should we allow it to. The very burdens neglected in the dark always resurfaces stronger and even more antagonizing in the light. Leaving with the most unfortunate reality, the past returns at the most unexpected moments.

At one point in my life, I believed in beautiful Disney tales. The tale in which a princess, who is doomed to isolation and misery, stumbles upon or is discovered by a handsome lad.

The lad rescues her physically or mentally, revealing to her a world she otherwise never knew about. The young lad would go on to charming her with his breathtaking smile and velvety voice. The princess would easily fall for him and the rest is history from there.

Once upon a time, I believed in that. Once upon a time, I experienced my own Disney story. I met my own prince charming. I fell for his velvety voice and breathtaking looks. Once upon a time, I actually fell in love.

The only difference, there was an unruly plot twist to my fairy-tale. I did not experience the cliché merriment that is read at the end of every fairy-tale. I did not have the tear-inducing, heart fluttering, soul fulfilling proposal. I did not even experience the endless " I love you" and "We will grow old together". I simply did not have that at all.

Instead, I experienced the worst time period of my life. I lived in a nightmare. Smiling was a rarity and broken tears came as a natural commodity. I was afraid, to say the least. I was afraid that I was trapped.

 Fortunately for me, time did eventually rule in my favor. After consecutive arguments, heartbreaking disappearances, and a final physical showdown, I broke free. I do not even remember the day I was released of my burdening circumstances.

I just remember him being handcuffed and swearing on his life that he would find me. As terrifying as his threat was, I rested easy the following night knowing that his new confinement will not allow him to. It took some time for that fact alone to resonate with me. I was finally free.

I no longer had to walk on broken glass. I no longer had to survive another day with him. I no longer had to live under his control. I was free. I am free.

I exhale heavily, my unnerving memories of a long forgotten past inducing an unwelcomed migraine. I quickly roll my shoulders back. My past is the least of my worries currently.

September is nearing its closing period and I have been scrambling around as if to be a decapitated chicken. I have only two weeks until I can send in my draft for Timothy's featured article to my superior.

The only problem is I have been so consumed with Timothy's charms and presence that I cannot seem to focus on the project at hand. I thought about allowing Shannon to take over, but she is just as ditty as they come around Timothy. I need someone who will focus and not ogle over Timothy's smile the entire interview.

I have no other options. Should I choose someone else, I would be discredited for an idea I created in the first place. I do not want that. Therefore, I have to once again stick to professionalism and leaving all of my emotions at the door. I believe that I can do that.

"Miss Heart?" Shannon rings, her voice oddly perkier.

I continue proofreading another draft for the upcoming interview, only pausing to press down on the ruby button.

"Yes, Shannon."

"He is here." She nearly squeals.

A smile spreads my lips involuntarily. I know exactly who this he, she speaks of is. This he just so happens to plague my mind and even my body religiously. Every since that morning he decided to make an impromptu visit to my studio apartment, our relationship took a beautiful right turn.