FATE'S SECOND CHANCES

Chapter 30

        East felt as if the whole world crumbled before him. All of his dreams had been shattered at Nicole's rejection. She didn't love him. She loved Kevin not once did she believe in him. Even if she was trying so hard to make her see beyond Kevin's lies. East could only remember the love making they had. The fire in her kisses. They were only in his imagination that there might be a second chance between them. No amount of begging on his part could possibly sway Nicole's mind that Kevin would only make her life miserable. A sham marriage that could only bring her even more heartache. East had tried to convince Nicole for the life of him he did. But Nicole loved Kevin. She chose him and East felt as if it was the end of the world for him.

There was nothing left for him in Boston. He would just torture himself to see Nicole get married to Kevin. As for Tuscany he would have wished to see it's completion in his hands but maybe God had other plans for him. After his showdown with Kevin he cannot expect for things to go on as it was. It would just be hell going to work with all the bad blood between them. It was time for him to move on. Far away where he could heal his wounds and forget Nicole. Wishing of things that might have been. East purposely left the ring to her. His gift of goodbye. He can never imagine another woman wear it. It was hers to keep to remember him by. The great love he had for her.

All East wanted to do was go to Ben. He wanted to wrap up as early as possible to leave. He even contacted fellow architect Tim Basinger to take over Tuscany for him. Tuscany would be in good hands. East made sure about that. But deep inside he was downright depressed. He felt he was losing everything and he just wanted to die.

It was a gloriously sunny Sunday but East didn't feel any of it. He had brought along with him all his work for Ben to turn over to Tim when he arrives. The only great thing about his move to Boston was meeting Ben who had really become a great friend to him.

He had brought breakfast Starbucks coffee and some pastries to eat for both of them. East felt he had not eaten a single thing Saturday which didn't help ease his dark mood. Ben knew what happened he had called him giving all the details. He trusted Ben that much.

Ben answered his apartment door at once seeing East looking older beyond his years as if he had aged overnight. His face was haggard and unshaven. His eyes were haunted with deep dark circles. Even his clothes were rumpled as if he had slept in it. Ben could only feel sorry for his best friend ushering him inside seeing him bring the rolls of plans borne of all his hard work in Tuscany.

East was grateful giving his friend a slight smile even if he was feeling utterly miserable. Sitting himself weakly on Ben's sofa. He just sat there listless not saying anything for a moment when Ben finally spoke.

You've even brought breakfast buddy. he said thanking him.

It's the least I can do bothering you on a Sunday morning when you can be resting. East said but was looking straight ahead as if he was in a daze.

Ben could only touch him on the back not knowing what to say to his friend at this very down time in his life.

I know how you must feel East but it's not the end you know that. Kevin's colors would surely come out. Nicole will see for herself that she had fallen for a two faced asshole.

East was quiet for a long time before he spoke again. Nicole chose Kevin not me Ben. No matter how much I beg. I'm nothing to her no matter what I do or say. Even if had to grovel fall down on my knees and beg. She doesn't love me Ben. I had this illusion that maybe God granted this second time for us to have another chance. But I was wrong. I can never seem to pay for past mistakes. It's like its etched on me forever.