Being His

Chapter 32

It was the most extravagant graduation Freyja had ever been to. The auditorium was filled with an opulence that she had never before witnessed; the air was thick with the scent of expensive perfumes and colognes. The stage was adorned with lavish bouquets of flowers, each more breathtaking than the last. The orchestra played a melody so enchanting that it seemed to lift her spirits and carry her away on a wave of pure joy. It was a moment that would forever be etched into Freyja's memory. As she stood on stage, her heart pounding with nervous anticipation and pride, she could feel the weight of the world's expectations pressing down upon her. The air was thick with the scent of a thousand flowers, their vibrant colors a stark contrast to the sea of black robes that filled the auditorium. She stood at the podium, about to deliver her valedictorian speech, the words carefully crafted to inspire and uplift her fellow graduates. Little did she know that the most significant moment of her life was about to unfold off-stage. Freyja spoke eloquently, her voice echoing through the hall as she shared her hopes and dreams for the future. She almost faltered when she saw him. Ezekiel was at the back of the auditorium, dressed in an all-black suit. But she turned her gaze away and delivered the rest of her speech. As she stepped down from the podium, the crowd erupted into thunderous applause, drowning out the voice inside her head that screamed for answers. She sat with her peers and applauded as each collected their diplomas and awards for their achievement. And all the while, she could feel Ezekiel's eyes boring into the back of her head. Finally, as the last name was called, she rose to her feet, her heart racing as she walked across the stage. Freyja accepted her diploma and walked off the stage. The ceremony ended with them throwing their caps into the air and then talking amongst themselves before heading off to the reception. As she left with her family, she saw Ezekiel still watching her from his vehicle.

The reception was a blur of congratulations and well-wishes. She danced with her father and her brother, but found herself avoiding Ezekiel. He seemed to follow her wherever she went. As the evening drew to a close, she finally managed to slip away and find some fresh air outside. She leaned against the brick wall, taking deep breaths and trying to calm her racing heart. It was then that she heard footsteps approaching. She knew it was him without even turning around.

"Freyja," he said, his voice deep and slightly gravelly. She turned around slowly, her heart still racing. Ezekiel stood before her, a bouquet held delicately in his hand. He extended it towards her, his eyes pleading for forgiveness. As she reached out to take it, a mixture of confusion, anger, and curiosity swirled in her gut. His eyes were filled with remorse and longing, and for a fleeting moment, she could almost imagine forgiving him. "Congratulation."

"Thank you." she spoke softly. Freyja took the bouquet of flowers, her fingers brushing against his as she did so. The gesture sent a shiver down her spine.

"Every time we has a problem you came to me. I came to you this time," he said, remembering the words her brother had said just days before. She looked up into his eyes, searching for some sign of what he truly meant by those words. Ezekiel nodded, his expression serious. "I want to make things right between us." His voice was gruff, as if he were struggling to find the words. "I should have never treated you like that."

Freyja's heart raced as she listened to him. She wanted to forgive him and let go of the anger and hurt that had been consuming her for the past week. She took a deep breath, trying to gather her thoughts. "I'm listening," she finally said. "But you need to understand that I'm not just going to forgive you like that."

Ezekiel nodded. "I know. You deserve better than that." He paused, searching for the right words. "I want to earn your forgiveness. I'll prove to you that I am still the man you loved." His voice was quiet, almost pleading. "I'll do anything." Freyja felt her heart soften at his words, but she wasn't ready to give in just yet. "I want to be with you, Freyja. I want us to be together, no matter what." His eyes pleaded with her to believe him. "I know I've made a lot of mistakes, but I want to make it up to you. I want to start over."

She took a deep breath, trying to sort through her conflicting emotions. She knew she still loved him. But she was still hurt and angry, struggling to forget the way he had treated her. She looked up at him, trying to decide what to say. "You hurt me, Ezekiel, badly." Her lips trembled as her eyes teared up.

His expression was one of pain, as if she had driven a knife into his heart. "I know that, Freyja. I know I don't deserve your forgiveness, but I need to try. I need you to know that I am sorry and that I will do anything to make things right between us." He took a step closer, his voice barely above a whisper. "I want you to know that I will never, ever hurt you again." His eyes were filled with such sincerity that it was almost impossible for her to resist. "I mean it this time."

"It's okay to forgive him, sweetheart." Her mother arrived with her father and brother at her side. Freyja turned to her mother, a tear streaming down her cheek.

"Mom, I don't know..."

Her mother reached out and gently wiped the tear from her daughter's face. "You love him, don't you?" she asked softly. Freyja nodded, unable to speak. "Then give him a chance. He's asking for forgiveness and promising to never hurt you again. You deserve to be happy, sweetheart." Her mother squeezed her hand. "I know it's hard, but you have to trust your heart."

Ezekiel held his breath as he waited for her response. He could see the love and doubt warring in her eyes, and it was tearing him apart. Finally, she let out a shaky breath and nodded. "Okay," she whispered. "I'll give you another chance." Her voice was barely audible, but he heard it loud and clear.

Her mother's eyes filled with tears of relief, and she pulled Freyja into a tight embrace. "I'm so proud of you, sweetheart. You're going to make the right decision." Her father nodded in agreement, his expression hopeful. Even her brother, who had been watching the exchange silently, offered a small smile.

Ezekiel's heart soared at her words. He couldn't believe she had given him another chance. "Thank you," he whispered, taking a step closer and wrapping his arms around her. He held her tightly, breathing in her familiar scent and feeling her warmth against his chest. Oh, how he missed her. He knew he had been given a second lease on life, and he was determined not to waste it.