Once, my paranoid love

“Yeah, my girlfriend was really into him,” added another, the tone of their conversation changing from idle gossip to a more somber tone.

I couldn’t help but feel a surge of empowerment as I walked out of the room, making my exit with a final statement. “There are a lot of males like you who harass and then blame the girls.” My words were a stark reminder that the burden of responsibility lay with those who perpetuated harm, not the victims.

Ron, his face contorted with frustration and anger, bit his lower lip and clenched his teeth. The reality of his actions, the weight of his transgressions, had come crashing down on him. He was now forced to confront the consequences of his behavior and the unmasking of his true character.

“Are you guys done seeing?” Ron remarked, his voice tinged with irritation as he looked around at the now-silent onlookers. The room, once filled with gossip and speculation, had transformed into a space where truth and accountability took center stage.

**

As my classes came to an end, I stepped out into the bustling university campus, joining Eva in conversation. We discussed various topics, our words meandering through the complexities of our lives, much like the paths we walked together.

Then, as we spoke, Eva’s gentle words interrupted our conversation. “I think your husband has come to pick you up, Elena,” she remarked, her eyes directed toward the entrance gate.

I followed her gaze and found Derek waiting there, his car poised for our departure. My initial response was a blink, a momentary lapse in my thoughts, followed by a faint smile as my eyes met his. Derek returned my smile, and in that fleeting moment, it was clear that his care for me transcended words.

“He really cares about you, dear,” Eva observed, her voice filled with warmth and understanding.

I nodded slightly, acknowledging the depth of Derek’s affection. It was a love unlike any other, one that had gradually woven its way into my life, leaving me with a profound sense of appreciation for his unwavering support.

Eva, her voice filled with empathy, offered her support. “Accept him as your husband, Elena. I know it is not easy to forget Paul for him. I know you love Paul unconditionally, but as everything has changed, accept it.”

I took Eva’s hand, her touch a source of strength in that moment, and I drew in a deep breath. “Eva, I need a bit more time,” I admitted, my voice tinged with vulnerability. The reality of my situation weighed heavily on my heart. “I know I have no other option left. The way Derek loves me, it is not easy to not accept his love.”

Eva’s understanding nod conveyed her unwavering support. She knew the depths of my inner conflict, the battle between my past and my future, between Paul and Derek. As I grappled with the choices before me, I felt a sense of gratitude for the friend who stood by my side, offering guidance and encouragement.

With a final, reassuring squeeze of my hand, Eva urged me to go. “He is waiting,” she said, her words laced with kindness and encouragement.

I walked away from Eva, leaving behind her support and wisdom, and made my way toward Derek, who stood beside his car. He opened the car door for me, a chivalrous gesture that never ceased to make me smile. With a warm expression, I entered the car, and Derek followed, taking his place beside me.

The car roared to life as Derek started the engine, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of calm and comfort settling over me in his presence.

As we embarked on our path, Derek initiated a conversation about my day at college. He showed genuine interest in my life, a fact that never ceased to amaze me. I replied with a smile, sharing the highlights of my day and my interactions with Eva.Exclusive © material by Nô(/v)elDrama.Org.

Then, in the midst of our casual exchange, I couldn’t help but ask a question that had been lingering in my mind. “You didn’t have to come to pick me up,” I remarked, my voice tinged with a sense of gratitude and curiosity.

Derek’s response was unexpected, a sudden inquiry that caught me off guard. “Why? Don’t you like me to come?” he asked, his eyes fixed on me, awaiting my response.

I hesitated for a moment, my words escaping me as I grappled with the implications of my question. “I… I did not mean it, Mr. Derek,” I stammered, my cheeks warming with embarrassment.

Derek, however, was not one to let the matter rest. He pressed further, his voice carrying a playful undertone. “Then?” he inquired with a knowing smirk, as if he could sense there was more to my hesitance.

I lowered my head, my words barely audible as I spoke the truth. “You must be exhausted, that’s why I said,” I admitted, my voice filled with concern for him.

In response, I felt the gentle brush of Derek’s fingers ruffling my hair, a tender gesture that sent a shiver down my spine. He leaned in closer and whispered, his words a gentle caress against my ear. “For my wife, I will never be exhausted.”

My ears burned with a deep blush, and I pressed my lips together, overwhelmed by the love and devotion in Derek’s words.

“You… You should drive carefully,” I stammered.

In that moment, words felt inadequate, and I chose to express my emotions through a simple nod.

Derek’s chuckle filled the car, a warm and reassuring sound that accompanied us on our journey back to the mansion. He withdrew his hand from my hair, focusing on the task of driving. The weight of unspoken words hung in the air, a testament to the connection we shared, one that allowed for silent moments of understanding.

Upon our return to the mansion, I led the way inside, with Derek following closely behind. As we entered the grand corridor, my attention was drawn to a young maid carrying a tray of food. She greeted me with a respectful “Good noon, ma’am.”