Chapter 23: The Moment Of Truth
The days following their conversation in the lobby felt like a whirlwind for Nina. She threw herself into her work even more, keeping herself busy to avoid the growing emotions inside her. Every time she saw Damien, there was a flutter in her chest-a reminder of everything they shared, and everything they lost. But every they spoke, there was still that invisible barrier between them, something she couldn't quite bring herself to cross
Yes, no matter how much she tried to focus on her career, Damien's presence lingered in the back of her mind. There were moments when she found herself daydreaming about him, replaying their past conversations, and wondering if it was possible to truly start over. The connection they had was undeniable, and despite all the reasons to hold back, her heart yearned for the chance to be with him again.
Damien, for his part, was growing increasingly restless. He saw the way Nina kept her distance, how she built those walls around herself even tighter. But he also saw the small shifts-the way her eyes softened when they spoke, the faint smile she gave him when their hands accidentally brushed. He knew she was struggling, but he was willing to wait. He was determined not to lose her again.
That night, after after another long day at the office, Damien found himself pacing in his apartment, his thought consumed by Nina. He couldn't stand the uncertainty anymore. He had to know-was there a chance for them to rebuild what they once had, or was he just holding on to something that wasn't meant to be?
His phone buzzed, and when he looked at the screen, his heart skipped a beat. It was Nina.
"Can we talk"
Damien didn't waste a second. He quickly replied, his fingers trembling with anticipation.
"Of course. I'll come to you."
Nina spent the entire evening wrestling with her emotions, unsure of what to do. She couldn't deny the pull she felt towards Damien anymore. But she was terrified. Terrified that by giving in to her feelings, she would be vulnerable, open to the possibility of getting hurt once more. But deep down, she knew that this was something she couldn't ignore any longer. She wanted him back, and perhaps, just open, she was ready to take that leap.
When Damien arrived at her apartment, he didn't hesitate. He knocked softly, his heartbeat drumming in his chest. Nina opened the door, her face a mixture of hesitation and hope.
"Damien," she said softly, stepping aside to let him in.
He walked in, the silence between them thick with unspoken words. They stood there for a moment, neither knowing where to start.
Finally, Damien spoke, his voice steady but filled with emotions. "I can't do this anymore, Nina. I can't keep pretending that I'm okay with being apart from you. I know I messed up before, but I'm asking you, I'm begging you, to give us another chance.
Nina took a deep breath, her emotions swirling inside her like a storm. "I don't know if I can, Damien," she said whispered, her voice trembling. "I'm scared, I'm scared that if we try again, it will all fall apart."
Damien reached out, gently cupping her face in his hands. "I'm scared too. But I know that we're stronger together. We've both changed, Nina. I'm not the same person who hurt you before. I've learned from my mistakes. And I'm not asking for perfection-I'm just asking for a chance to prove that we can make it work."
Nina closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of his touch seep into her skin. She had wanted to resist him, to stay distant, but in that moment, all of her fears melted away. She could feel the sincerity in his touch, in his words. And for the first time in long time, she allowed herself to believe-believe that maybe, just maybe, they could find their way back to each other.
"I've missed you," Nina said softly, her voice breaking. "I've missed us."
Damien smiled, his heart swelling with hope. "I've missed you too, Nina. So much."
Without another word, he leaned in and kissed her. It was soft at first, tentative, as if they were both afraid to break the fragile moment between them. But as the kiss deepened, all of their doubts and fears seemed to dissolve. It was as if time itself had stopped, leaving only the two of them in that perfect, fleeting moment of happiness.
When they finally pulled away, Nina looked at him with tears in her eyes. "I'm ready," she whispered her voice full of vulnerability. "I'm ready to try again. To be with you."
Damien's face lit up, and he pulled in a tight embrace. "Thank you. Thank you for giving me another chance."
And in that moment, they both knew that the road ahead wouldn't be easy-but it would be worth it. Together, they would face whatever came their way, side by side.