The Enigmatic Bachelor

Part 22

POV: Mr Park

I felt the pressing need for a heart-to-heart with Emily. Her sudden reappearance in my life, stirring up turmoil, left me bewildered. It cut deep as I had always been transparent and intentional with her. Just because she had once been entwined in my affairs didn't mean we could revert to our high school dynamics. If I intended to nurture a relationship with Hannah, I had to confront my past burdens head-on. The realization that Emily could become a hindrance hit me hard, especially as she started spinning lies in my name. What further deception lay in store? I couldn't tolerate it.

Accompanied by Hannah, I headed to the mall, ensuring she wouldn't be present when Emily arrived – she had errands to run. My confrontation with Emily was scheduled at the mall's coffee shop. Hannah harboured no desire to encounter Emily but found it necessary to assert herself and address matters head-on.

An hour ahead of schedule, Emily finally appeared, punctual according to the appointment. Flashing a radiant smile, she took her seat. "You look handsome, as always," she complimented.

"Thank you, Emily," was all I managed before cutting to the chase.

"Aren't you having coffee?" she inquired.

Shaking my head resolutely, I confronted her. "Emily, why did you deceive Hannah by claiming to be pregnant?" The betrayal stung.

A grin played on her lips. "It was a harmless white lie, just to ruffle her feathers a bit."

"A white lie is still a lie. What if we had parted ways because of your deception? Don't you wish for my happiness?"

"Consider me selfish, but all I desire is your contentment with me. Should we rekindle, we wouldn't be starting afresh but picking up where we left off."

"With all due respect, I have no wish to revive what we once shared. That chapter is long closed and buried. Let me seek joy with another."

"I still hold you in unyielding affection, J-bear." she confessed tearfully.

"I am poised to wed another, Emily," I declared tersely.

Her jaw dropped in silence, followed by a shocked slump into her chair. "You vowed forever," she whispered.

"We were mere youngsters back then, Emily."

"You pledged to me!" Tears rolled down her cheeks. "Can you truly hold me accountable for our past? I was struggling deeply. Why didn't you fight for us?"

"Fight for you? You made a mockery of me when you ended things. I battled with insecurity and depression, and you never showed concern. You prioritized popularity, ended things due to my appearance, ashamed to be seen with me publicly. You kept me hidden, and I complied. I respected your wishes, enduring only being seen together at my house or at yours. Holding hands in public was off-limits for fear of judgement. Why would I fight for such a relationship? You belittled and insulted me, to the point I needed therapy and medication. You never valued me, never defended me against bullies. I meant nothing to you, but I cherished you as a treasured possession entrusted to me by God, a jewel to be cherished under any circumstance," I rose to my feet.

"What does she offer that I lack?" Emily implored.

"It's not about possessions; it's about intrinsic value. She exhibits love, empathy, and tranquillity. She stays up caring for me, praying for me, and revel in life's simplicity. She doesn't demand excessive effort, but I willingly give it because she reciprocates love through actions," I explained earnestly.

"Did you never consider granting us another chance?" Emily pleaded.

"I've realized that those we yearn for most are often those we're better off without. Farewell, Emily."

I got up from my seat and made my way out of the coffee shop.