The Rain won't Last Forever

Since that kiss, Oliver had been avoiding me, refusing to see me.

He hated me.

I was determined to stay out of his sight.

Thus, when the time comes, I chose a university far from Nightfall City, putting as much distance between us as possible.

He and Luna stayed behind to continue their studies.

For four years, I avoided coming home, dodging any chance of awkward encounters with him.

During the holidays, I took on various odd jobs, sending the money I earned to my grandmother and buying small gifts to send to my adoptive mother.

I thought I had forgotten him—forgotten his voice, forgotten his face.

So, I set my burdens aside and enjoyed a carefree college life.

In my sophomore year, I started dating Hudson Eagleton, who had been pursuing me. He was nothing like Oliver. Hudson was sharp and charming, a real hit with the girls. With him, I never had to wonder if he loved me because he constantly proclaimed it.

I told my adoptive mother about my relationship and she was thrilled, constantly saying she wanted to meet my boyfriend.

After two years of dating Hudson and nearing graduation, I decided to bring him back to the Mortimer manor.

I hadn’t anticipated that Oliver would be there as well.

He appeared more composed than I remembered, dressed in a crisp white shirt and silver-framed glasses.

I did my best to dodge his gaze, nervously greeting him with a stilted "brother."

He simply nodded in response, his silence as heavy as ever.

At the dinner table, my adoptive mother chatted with Hudson about many things.

When she asked about our future plans, he smiled warmly.

"Don’t worry, Auntie. I’ll take good care of Emmy. After graduation, I’ll marry her."

My adoptive mother was overjoyed, her face beaming as she held and stroked my hand, tears welling up in her eyes.

“That’s wonderful, Emmy. Your parents can finally rest easy,” she said.

Everyone at the table shared in the happiness. The only one who remained silent and brooding was Oliver, nursing his drink in solitude.

What could possibly be bothering him?

I’d heard from high school friends that he and Luna had been together for years and were very much in love.

He shouldn’t be this downcast.

With Hudson invited to stay the night, I retreated to my room to unwind.

The night deepened and a sense of quiet settled over the house.

A soft knock echoed from outside the door.

Oliver, reeking of alcohol, stood in the doorway.

Wearing just a spaghetti strap nightgown, I asked him softly, “Brother, is something wrong?”

Without answering, he quickly stepped inside, pressing the door shut behind him and trapping me in his cool, fragrant embrace.

“Emma, do you really like that man so much?”

“Enough to ignore me for four whole years?”

I was taken aback. Wasn’t he the one who had avoided me?

Wasn’t he the one who had hated me?

But my heart raced like a drum, leaving me unable to find my voice.

Did I love Hudson? I wasn’t sure.

But being with him gave me a sense of security.

I never had to doubt whether he cared for me because he patiently told me over and over again.

I supposed that feeling secure was a kind of love.

I nodded gently and his eyes quickly dimmed as he asked me.

"Then, do you still have feelings for me?"

"Is there even a trace of emotion left for me?"

A wave of deep, dense sorrow surged through my heart.

Did I still like him? I suppose I did.

From the very first moment I saw him again, I knew I could never forget him.

But if I spoke up now, everything would change.

So I chose silence, just like on that reckless night four years ago.

Unable to wait for my answer, he wept as he gently cupped my face in his hands and kissed me with abandon.

"Emmy, love me. Continue loving me."

"Please."

Then, a long-suppressed desire surged through me, dragging me into a hellish abyss.