After the Fall: A Love Renewed

Finally, I returned to my own apartment.

That space had been my sanctuary, my silent witness, from the day I decided to join Bright Agency and study Cosmetic Science.

I was grateful for the scholarship that covered my education, but for everything else, I had to fend for myself with various part-time jobs. It was not until the agency offered me a modeling contract that things started to change.

In the beginning, I felt out of place among seasoned models who had been in the industry since childhood. But with relentless effort and dedication, my name began to resonate beyond borders.

Not long after, I met Rheymond, and I believed we were destined to be together forever.

But maybe I had been chasing a dream that was already too far out of reach. Rheymond and I were like oil and water, two substances that refused to blend.

That night, as I scrolled through my homepage, Darla’s post appeared again. I hesitated but couldn’t resist the pull of curiosity.

She had posted a picture of a private jet window with the caption, [Stay tuned for my vlog at the Alps Snow Festival, darling :kiss: #AmazingTrip]

Darling was her fanclub name. But somehow, she called Rheymond by that name too.

“They even went there on Rheymond’s private jet,” I sighed, sadness lacing my words.

I wanted to read the comments, but I knew it would only hurt more. As a result, I turned off my phone and forced myself to sleep, though my mind was restless.

The next morning, I had a meeting at Rhe Company, so I got ready and headed to the basement.

I had not brought a car with me when I moved into Rheymond’s Penthouse, relying instead on his driver and my manager for transportation.

But at that time, I was back to my apartment. So, I had to rediscover my independence.

“Long time no see, my Pinky G-Wagon,” I murmured with a bittersweet smile, opening the car door. “Let’s be independent again.”

But before I could get in, a hand grabbed my arm and spun me around, pinning me against the car.

“What are you doing here, Rheya?” Rheymond’s voice echoed through the basement, sharp and demanding.

With an innocent face and a hint of sarcasm, I replied, “Shouldn’t I be the one asking why you’re here, Mr. Charles?”

Ignoring my question, he fired back, “What do you mean by leaving the Penthouse? And why did you take off our engagement ring?”

He must have gone back to the Penthouse that morning, found it empty, and then tracked me down.

Before I could respond, he continued, “If you don’t like the ring, just tell me. I’ll replace it with a more expensive one. And who said you could come back to your apartment?”

This was his way, always imposing his will. If I didn’t accept his gifts, he would claim they were too cheap, or not good enough, and insisted on getting something better.

But he never asked what I liked, what my preferences were, or what made me happy. Everything was filtered through his perspective.

I remembered why I had moved to his Penthouse in the first place.

After a year of dating, he found it too difficult for us to meet, especially since our relationship was a secret. He wanted me closer, but moving to the Manor was out of the question, given the number of eyes there.

“I want to be near you every day, Rhe,” he had said. “But it would be too much to move to the Manor. If you move to my Penthouse, we can be alone together whenever we want. No need for appointments.”

I had tried to suggest an alternative. “You could move to my apartment. The security here is great, and it’s close to the agency.”

“No,” he insisted. “The Penthouse is safer. I have guards, a private elevator, everything we need.

“I’ve arranged everything too. A maid comes in the morning and leaves in the afternoon, meals are handled by a chef, and there’s a driver at your disposal. Just inform your manager. This way, we don’t have to find a place to meet anymore.”

He was adamant, and I had eventually given in, moving in with him. But ironically, living together only made me more aware of how often he was with Darla.

It made me question the point of being in the same space if his heart wasn’t there.

Suddenly, Rheymond’s hand on mine jolted me from my thoughts. “Anyways, where are you going? Let me take you.”

I pulled away, my voice cold. “No need. I can drive myself. If you don’t mind, could you step aside so I can open the car door?”

“Fine, if you don’t want to tell me now. Take this, I bought it for you when I went to the Festival yesterday,” he said while handing me a shopping bag with souvenirs in it.

“Also, I will come to pick you up for Matthew's birthday party with me tonight. Be prepared, it is going to be fun,” he continued with a smile that hid his frustration.

In the past, we always seemed to miraculously make up whenever there was a problem. Maybe I was just someone easy to persuade in his eyes.

But did that mean he thought I was too naive to notice the same cycle repeating over and over again?

Yes, I could admit that I was easy to please. But it was because I didn’t see the point in constantly arguing with someone I loved so deeply.

However, I refused to be that woman any longer. I realized Rheymond would never acknowledge his mistakes as long as I continued to excuse them.

“I can’t. Rhe Cosmetic is launching a new product, so I will be busy lately. You’d better go by yourself and not worry about me,” I said, did not even take the souvenir, opening the car door and slipping inside.

Before he could respond, I started the engine and drove away, leaving him standing there, a mix of frustration and confusion etched on his face.

Upon arriving at the office, I was just parking my car when my cell phone rang.

The system automatically pushed me a Darla update.

In the photo, she was snuggled up against Rheymond's chest, kissing the tattoo of a deer on his chest. And with the caption: I am so envious that she can have such a wonderful boyfriend like you. If only... I mean, if only I had loved you since I was a kid....would you give her up and choose to marry me?

As expected, Rheymond replied: of course, because I've always loved you.