He Craved For My love But It Was late

I knew there wasn't an option to say no, not with the CEO skipping work and giving me the outright license to do likewise. So, I just nodded my head all along .

Sitting in the quiet, almost empty theater, the image I'd once dreamed of played out before me—the two of us, snuggled close, sharing popcorn while watching a rom-com.

It was a scene that had once felt so romantic and lively to me.

But when it was already happening for real, though, I was struggling to stay awake, yawning every few minutes.

Aldric must've noticed. "Are you bored?” he said. "You don't like it? You picked it yourself."

"Fine.. fine, It's good," I said, not even bothering to feign enthusiasm.

He pressed his lips into a thin line, clearly not satisfied by what I said. Just as he was about to say something, his phone buzzed.

Without whispering a word to me, he stood up and disappeared out of the theater.

The movie finished and Aldric still hadn't returned.

Furious, I picked my phone and was about to dial his line when I heard a familiar, melodious luscious voice from a distance.

"Huh! Aldric, You're so lovely!"Lyana was holding tightly unto Aldric, caressing his mustache.

I turned and saw her practically bouncing up and down, clutching a massive stuffed toy as she leaped into Aldric's arms, planting a kiss on his forehead.

He held her, laughing softly, but the moment his eyes fell on me, his smile disappeared and his face emptied, as if it hadn't known happiness for ages.

"Helena! I didn't know you came either." Lyana exclaimed. Her eyebrows raised, pretending to be saints. A few seconds later, she put on a show, covering her mouth. "Oh no! Don't get the wrong picture! I just got hyper excited, that's all…"

Aldric tapped her on the nose, his tone playful and romantic. "Did you commit any offense? Why are you apologizing?" he said, then turned to me, acting confidently as if nothing went wrong. "Is the movie still playing?"

That moment I wanted to respond, the shrill sound of a fire alarm rang audibly throughout the mall.

In an instant, fear gripped everyone and people started panicking. They

rushed toward the exits.

In the midst of the pandemonium going on, Aldric grabbed Penelope's hand immediately , shielding her as they ran toward the emergency exit. I was left alone once again. He chose his priority and I wasn't the one.

Ten minutes later, the alarm went off—it had been a false alarm and the mall apologized to the people for the sudden panic they caused.

Aldric came back to his position. He looked around. His eyes scanned the area, but I was out of sight.

An hour later, I was at the bus station, my luggage intact, waiting for my departure.

My phone kept buzzing nonstop. Aldric's name flashed on the screen over and over again, but I didn't waver.

Instead, I set my phone to silent. As if that was not enough,I turned the airplane mode on. I wasn't expecting any call at the moment. When I start the journey, I will change it.

Right before the bus kicked off and left the park, I dropped a bombshell of a message to him: [It's over between us.Never call me and do not look for me!]

As soon as the message was sent, I pulled out my SIM and tossed it in the nearest disposable can.

It was nearly eleven ‘o'clock when I arrived at the station in my hometown. As I came off the bus, I saw Dad and younger sibling–Derek waiting for me. They smiled the moment they saw me and led me to the car.

Sitting in the passenger seat, I noticed a large bag of my favorite snacks and yogurt staring boldly at me. As I stretched my hands to get them, my younger brother Derek held me.

He quietly spoke. “Don't dare!”. He smiled. I chuckled at him and responded. “Get your hands off me you silly wolf.” We both laughed sarcastically.

My Dad chuckled softly, grabbing one of the yogurts and poking a straw through the lid, handing it to me. "Here, drink this," he said warmly. I teased my younger brother before collecting it .

As I took it from him, I noticed the gray hairs at his temples, and something inside me broke. I could control my emotions. At that instance, I burst into tears, sobbing uncontrollably.

"Dad, I'm home for good this time," I choked out between sobs. "I'm never leaving again. I'm going to stay here with you and Mom and Derek Forever."

My Dad and brother were astonished by the swing in emotions. He chuckled again, this time, more tenderly. "You silly girl. Whether you stay in the pack with us or not, you'll always be our precious daughter. It's okay Helena, don't make us emotional.”

He understood everything. He could tell I wasn't having the best of life at Howler pack. But he didn't ask me to explain. He just drove, respecting my silence.

When we got home, I showered and ate a simple dinner my mom had prepared.

I have actually missed the fun and adventures of the Vortex Howl pack. I am home now and I have returned for good.

It was almost 12 a.m., and I laid on my bed. Sleep was actually far from my reach. I stared at my phone. I grabbed it and opened my music app, hoping to find something relaxing to help me sleep.

That's when I noticed several unread private messages.

They were actually sent by Naomi—-one of my closest colleagues. She seemed shocked by my sudden resignation. Her message was full of curiosity, empathy and concern. She asked if everything was okay and if there was anything she could do to help.

Just as I was trying to devise what I will tell her, another message from her came in—this time a video file.

It came with a note.

[Helena, this video has been trending uncontrollably in the company group chat. It all centered on Aldric and Lyana.]