Part 31:Through the moment of time.

This chapter is from a Writer's Point of View.

Every story has two sides, just like a coin has two faces. Yet, we often cling to our own perceptions, neglecting the value of other perspectives.

Watching the taxi drive away left him with a deep sense of regret. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Mandy's tear-streaked face, a painful reminder of the hurt he'd caused. He never meant to deceive her or cause her pain, but it was done, and she had discovered the truth in the worst way possible.

Sitting alone in the bar, he drank to numb the guilt that weighed on him. This wasn't how things were supposed to unfold. His plan had been simple: move to a new city and focus on work.

He chuckled bitterly at his reflection. One reason for moving was to escape his old habits, but here he was, falling back into familiar vices. The temptation to drown his problems in temporary relief was too strong, even in a new place.

He had always been a playboy, effortlessly getting what he wanted until he met her—the woman who turned his world upside down. He wasn't sure if it was love, but her difference and mystery drew him in. She was an introvert, smart and elusive, which only made the harsh reality of her deceit more jarring.

The blow to his ego was significant, and he berated himself for being so blind. The pain was overwhelming, and he needed to escape. That's when an old classmate called, asking for help with a renovation. Desperate for a change, he seized the opportunity to flee his current life.

But nothing prepared him for his first morning in the new neighborhood. Three young women—probably college students—peeked at him from a window. He was accustomed to attention from the opposite sex, but found their behavior amusing, especially the one who continued to stare even after being caught. Her surprise was evident when her friends pulled her away, followed by a clatter of falling utensils.

He laughed it off and focused on his work, thinking that would be the end of it. How wrong he was. He hadn't expected them to approach him, warmly welcoming him to the neighborhood. He considered correcting them about his true purpose for being there but decided against it; he didn't know them well enough to delve into his personal reasons.

His attention was immediately drawn to the one in the middle, who looked as though she had just been dragged from bed. Still in pajamas with messy hair, she appeared oblivious to her disheveled state. Despite her appearance, she was strikingly beautiful, with hazel eyes that reminded him of home and amber-brown skin that was soothing to look at.

He got his answer when her eyes widened at his "Good morning." She blushed and tried to tidy her hair, clearly embarrassed. It was even funnier when she hurriedly handed him a bowl of cupcakes without saying a word, then quickly retreated with her friends. He couldn't help but smile at her reaction; it was endearing.

Every encounter with her was delightful. He found himself looking forward to seeing her, eager for that blush and shy smile, her witty remarks, and the way she effortlessly brightened up the room. Each interaction left him wanting more, captivated by her charm and magnetic personality. He cared for her more than he had anticipated.

And then they kissed. It was an unexpected moment, sparked by the undeniable chemistry between them, especially when she was in his arms. Mandy made him forget the heartache he'd been enduring. She had somehow infiltrated his thoughts, occupying his mind day and night.

Her presence consumed him, and he found himself eagerly anticipating their next meeting. Each conversation, each touch only deepened his infatuation. He wasn't blind to the fact that she felt the same, but he was too much of a coward to admit it. Mandy was, without a doubt, a distraction—a delightful distraction, if he were honest.

"Dang, man, you look like you've been dumped," Jack said, giving him a friendly shove and pulling him from his thoughts.

"Maybe," he sighed. He couldn't shake her from his mind. He'd tried calling her, but her phone was off. He considered reaching out to Carrie and Lizzy, but they were clearly in no mood for conversation. How had he ended up so entangled again, after vowing never to fall so deeply?

Was it even possible to fall for someone so quickly?

The worst part was being tied to Harry—an unfortunate connection in his life. Harry and Silvia had always been involved, never labeling their relationship but causing trouble wherever they went. He remembered their school suspension three years ago but hadn't paid much attention. What he didn't expect was for them to manipulate the girl who had mended his broken heart.

When Mandy opened up to him, he was so angry and disgusted to know such people, and his blood was boiling with rage that it made him pay Harry a visit and give him a good punch in the face. He couldn't believe that Harry and Silvia would stoop so low as to manipulate someone's emotions for their own amusement. But most so, he was afraid of telling Mandy that he knew them.

He feared Mandy would distance herself from him—or worse, hate him—so he kept postponing the conversation. He kept waiting for the "right time," not realizing there would never be one. As a result, she discovered everything in the worst possible way. Nick scratched his head in frustration, knowing he had made a colossal mess of things.

"Let me join you then; my side chick just dumped me too," Jack said, lifting his glass of whiskey with a wry smile, trying to lighten the mood. Nick raised an eyebrow, amused by his friend's comment.

"You still have twenty on your roster," Nick replied, teasing the playboy.

"But this one was special, you know? She had the most irresistible back," Jack complained, making Nick chuckle and shake his head.

"Well, I guess you'll have to find another girl with a sexy back then," Nick teased, taking a sip of his drink. Jack, however, was already eyeing a new brunette who had just entered the club, her sleek figure capturing his attention.

Nick rolled his eyes, knowing his friend's wandering eye would never change. He couldn't help but wonder how long it would be before this new girl became the "most special" one in Jack's eyes.

"It looks like you might not have to search for too long," Nick said with a mischievous grin. "Just don't drink too much; it's not good for your health."

Jack clumsily patted Nick on the shoulder, still fixated on the brunette, before heading off.

Nick watched him go, shaking his head in amusement. He knew Jack's infatuation with new girls was a never-ending cycle and wondered if his friend would ever find someone who could hold his attention for more than a few weeks—unlike him.

For now, it seemed the evening would be just him and the liquor.

…

Lizzy wandered through the bustling city, aimlessly moving as if her body was on autopilot. The city lights blurred into a haze, mirroring the confusion and longing within her. She felt like a soulless shell, consumed by a profound emptiness.

Her state of mind had deteriorated recently, largely due to her father's persistent interference in her life. To outsiders, she appeared to be a spoiled princess, ungrateful for the care and love she received. What they didn't understand was that her father's love felt more like a gilded cage than a blessing.

It was suffocating, leaving her desperate for freedom and independence. Lizzy yearned to escape her father's expectations and carve out her own path, but he was unyielding. As a politician accustomed to wielding authority, he had mapped out a future for her that aligned with his ambitions, leaving little room for her own dreams.

She remembered a time when her father was her hero, a guiding light during her childhood. She had looked up to him with unwavering admiration. But as Lizzy grew older, her own aspirations began to conflict with the future he had planned for her. At first, she tried to follow his path, trusting that he knew what was best. However, over time, her pretense faltered, and his attempts to control her grew more intense.

Lizzy decided to forge her own path despite her father's disapproval, a choice that strained their relationship and left a deep rift between them. Reflecting on Mandy's words, she felt a painful stab in her chest. She knew her outburst had been fueled by anger, and while she hadn't meant to be so harsh, her words had still struck a nerve. She had also said things to both of her friends that she regretted deeply.

"For how long are you planning to follow me?" Lizzy stopped abruptly, sighing heavily before turning to face the guards who shadowed her every move. It was frustrating to know she was under surveillance 24/7, but she understood the necessity. Today, though, she craved solitude and didn't want anyone's company, especially her father's guards.

She detoured down a secluded path, hoping to escape the ever-present watchful eyes, only to find an inconspicuous car parked at the end of the path. Her frustration peaked when she realized who was behind the wheel.

Lizzy considered turning back but was reminded of Mandy's words about running away from her problems. Resolute, she approached the car and tapped on the window, signaling for the occupant to roll it down. As the window lowered, her heart sank. It was her estranged father, someone she hadn't seen or spoken to in years.

Despite his early fifties, he looked youthful, with the same striking features she inherited. His eyes were the same shade of brown as hers, and his smile radiated a warmth she had almost forgotten. For a moment, her anger and frustration dissipated, replaced by a wave of longing.

Memories of their once-close relationship flooded her mind—laughter, love, and the special attention he had lavished on her. Her mother often scolded him for spoiling her, but Lizzy had cherished those moments of feeling uniquely loved and valued.

Their bond had seemed unbreakable—or so Lizzy had believed. So what had gone wrong? The answer was clear: she had grown up. It's ironic how, as children, we yearn for adulthood, imagining it as a time of freedom and fulfillment. But looking back, adulthood often means losing the innocence and simplicity we once took for granted.

As Lizzy matured, her priorities shifted. She began to crave independence and self-discovery, and her once-admiring father-daughter relationship began to strain under the weight of her new ambitions. Reflecting on how she now juggled multiple side jobs to support herself because her father refused to fund her, the anger she thought had faded surged back. She straightened her back, resolute and ready to confront the source of her pain.

"Why don't you just ask your minion to put a live cam in your room so you can keep an eye on me too?" Lizzy snapped, her voice dripping with sarcasm. She couldn't fathom why he was here, shadowing her.

"Good to see you too, Princess," her father retorted with a smirk, unfazed by her tone. "I'm here because I care about your well-being, despite what you might think. And I miss you."

Lizzy blinked in surprise, struggling to process his unexpected response. "Well, you have a funny way of showing it. I've managed just fine without your 'care' all these years." Her words were laced with bitterness and defiance.

"What do you want this time? To emotionally manipulate me again or threaten to buy my school?" She crossed her arms, clearly frustrated.

"I didn't mean it like that before. I only acted out of concern," he said, his voice softening.

"Don't you always 'care about my well-being?' Three years have passed, and you're still the same. Fathers who truly care support their children's decisions without micromanaging or being control freaks. Why does the person who's supposed to pave the way for me end up being my biggest stumbling block? It's frustrating. I wish you could understand that my biggest drawback shouldn't be my own father." Lizzy's frustration was palpable as her father exited the car, the bodyguards forming a protective barrier around them.

"That's not true," he argued, looking hurt. "I have no issues with you pursuing a career in entertainment. But you're my daughter, and as a politician's child, you're at risk. Being in the limelight is like sending you into a den of lions without protection." His tone was defensive, feeling misunderstood and unjustly accused of being a control freak.

They had been so close once. Why did she have to grow up so fast? Their once-strong bond now hung by a thread. Was it wrong for him to worry about the dangers of the cutthroat world of entertainment?

"Being your daughter shouldn't weigh me down, Father!" Lizzy's voice was steady but filled with emotion. "I understand my status and what's at stake, but you can't protect me forever. I've grown up. I'm no longer that little girl. I have my own dreams and ambitions. I'm an adult now."

Her words cut deep, and he felt a pang of sadness.

"So please, let me be who I want to be. I promise to be careful. I'm learning self-defense and training myself. Please, Dad." Lizzy's tone softened as she met his eyes, pleading for his understanding. She knew arguing would get her nowhere, so she tried a different approach.

"Dad, trust me, I will always prioritize my well-being and take necessary precautions." Lizzy's eyes pleaded for her father's understanding, hoping he would recognize her maturity and respect her desire for independence.

Her father gazed at her, seeing the beautiful, responsible young woman she had become. He remembered when she first mentioned wanting to be an actress, and he had tried to force her into another path by threatening to cut off financial support. To his surprise, she had won a scholarship and supported herself, defying his attempts to control her.

Though frustrated by losing his grip over her, he couldn't deny the pride swelling within him. His little girl had grown up, and he knew deep down that he needed to trust her judgment and grant her the freedom she sought. With a sigh, he gave in.

Seeing this, Lizzy's face lit up with joy, and she wrapped her arms around her father, hugging him tightly. They both relished this moment of reconnection, missing each other more than they had realized.

…

It was late at night as Carrie walked through the dimly lit corridor. Each step was firm and confident, a stark contrast to the cautious tread she used when approaching him before.

Words sting like bees, especially when you believe them to be true. Carrie had always prided herself on her high self-esteem and unshakeable self-worth. But even the strongest foundations can crack under persistent doubt, and the angry words of her friends had forced her to reflect. Angry people often speak raw truths, and Carrie couldn't ignore the unsettling thought that maybe they had a point.

Had she really changed since meeting Dave? Was her confident facade starting to crack?

Carrie had always maintained a tough exterior, built on the idea that she had everything figured out. Yet, beneath that veneer, she had always felt fragile.

Growing up was never easy for her, especially as adolescence arrived. Carrie had eagerly anticipated adulthood, looking forward to a more womanly figure. She believed that these physical changes would boost her confidence. Instead, puberty brought acne and an awkward growth spurt, leaving her more self-conscious than ever.

In other countries, being slim is often idealized, but in Carrie's culture, curves were highly valued. Her slim frame earned her nicknames like "1GB," and some even questioned if she was ill. The impact of body shaming was profound and hurtful.

Carrie's self-esteem took a serious hit. Rejection from a boy she had a crush on because he preferred curvier girls was humiliating. She vowed never to let anyone break her again or make her feel inferior.

So what if she couldn't change her body? Carrie had charm, intelligence, and talents. She decided to focus on developing her skills and pursuing her passions, understanding that true worth comes from within. This shift in mindset brought her confidence and happiness. Everyone started loving her—people wanted to be her friend, and guys wanted to date her.

It's true: we can only fully attract love and respect from others when we first learn to love ourselves.

Carrie had been in control of her life until he came along. This guy had a way of making her do things and change things for him without her even realizing it. It was only after the heated argument with her friends that she noticed how much he had impacted her.

Now, as she stood there, Carrie sighed and watched him— the man who had stolen her wits. He was saying goodbye to his friends from the gym, his confident smile making her heart skip a beat. Dressed in his gym instructor uniform, with his toned physique and charismatic presence, he looked irresistible.

How could someone be this good? Carrie sighed again, leaning against a piece of gym equipment, her mind racing with thoughts of how to approach him.

When Carrie texted him to ask where he was, his response was straightforward: "In the gym, but have plans later."

Carrie quickly typed back, "Cancel them. I need to talk to you." Then, with a hint of her usual confidence, she added, "I'm coming to find you."

Mentally, she patted herself on the back. So domineering!

As she entered the now nearly empty gym, she felt a shift in the atmosphere. The space, once bustling with activity, now felt intimate and a bit nerve-wracking under the dim lights, filled with the lingering scent of sweat. Carrie took a deep breath, gathering her courage as she approached him.

Dave glanced up, his brow raising as he took in her appearance. Unlike the more modest clothes she usually wore around him, today she had opted for something that showcased her style.

She wore an orange graphic crop top paired with black shorts that highlighted her long legs. Her outfit was completed with a leopard-print kimono and black sandals. Seeing that look of appreciation in Dave's eyes, the one she had been yearning for, filled her with a surge of confidence.

Strutting towards him, Carrie felt empowered by the fact that he couldn't take his eyes off her.

"Hi," Dave greeted with a surprised smile, clearly taken aback by her bold fashion choice.

"Hi," Carrie replied, but she winced at how breathless she sounded.

His dark eyes were locked onto hers, and she could feel her heart racing. She tried to maintain her composure, but his gaze was undeniably intoxicating. She wondered if she would end up just staring into those mesmerizing eyes all night instead of having the conversation she'd planned.

"You wanted to talk?" Dave's voice jolted her back to reality. She blinked a few times to refocus.

"Yes, I did," she said, her voice still a bit shaky. "I...you know...the thing is..." Carrie cursed herself internally. Where had her confidence gone? Why was she suddenly so vulnerable?

"You know I really have to be somewhere," Dave said, glancing at his watch.

"If we could just talk for a moment—"

"Don't... don't do that," Carrie interrupted, her frustration bubbling up. "Why are you always so dismissive whenever I want to talk to you?"

Carrie's frustration bubbled up inside her, her voice growing firmer. "No, Dave, I'm not going to let you brush me off again. This conversation is important to me, and I deserve your full attention." Her outburst caught Dave off guard, his eyebrows knitting together in surprise.

"Okay... I'm listening," he said cautiously, leaning against the wall.

"No! That's exactly the problem. I don't just want you to listen; I need you to actually react. You've seen my silent attempts to get your attention. You've noticed how I've changed myself to fit into your world, yet you keep acting oblivious and ignoring my feelings." She took a deep breath, trying to steady her emotions.

"You're not oblivious to the fact that I like you, are you? Ever since we met, I've been doing things I wouldn't normally do just to catch your attention. I even changed the way I dress just so—"

"Just so what?" Dave cut in, his tone hardening.

"Just so I could feel like I had a chance with you," she admitted, her voice trembling slightly.

"Did I ever say that I didn't like you for who you are or give you any hint that you needed to change just to please me?" Dave asked, frustration lacing his voice.

It wasn't that Dave hadn't noticed Carrie's feelings for him—he had. In fact, he liked her too, far longer than she probably realized. He'd admired her from afar—her quick wit, her confidence, everything about her. Yet, as soon as she began to show interest, she started to change.

Dave couldn't grasp why Carrie felt the need to transform herself just to fit into what she thought was his world. It was frustrating to see her mold herself into a version she thought he wanted, as if he were some sort of ideal she needed to live up to.

And that was why he decided to play along with the persona she'd created for him, just to see how long her pretense would last.

"What? Don't tell me the cat got your tongue now," Dave scoffed, scrutinizing her guilty expression. Carrie's eyes darted around, unsure of how to respond. She hadn't anticipated being questioned so directly.

He was right. He had never asked her to change; that had been her own decision, motivated by a desire to fit into an ideal she thought he wanted. Instead of truly understanding him, she had tried to conform to a version of herself she believed would win his approval.

But she refused to be outdone. Straightening her back defiantly, she faced him with a steely resolve.

"Well, what's done is done... spilled milk. So, what's your final verdict? Do you actually like me or not? My time is precious." She took a deep breath, striving to maintain her composure.

Seeing that stubborn, familiar look in her eyes that he had missed for a while, Dave couldn't help but chuckle. He stepped closer, a playful glint in his eye.

"What do you think?" he asked with a cocky grin. Before Carrie could fully process his words, Dave closed the distance between them, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her into a kiss. It was sudden, intense, and completely unexpected. Carrie had anticipated many things tonight, but this... this was beyond anything she had imagined.

This was just pure bliss, adapted from her wildest fantasy since meeting this guy. She was stunned but closed her eyes, indulging in the moment and savoring the taste of his lips and the warmth of his embrace.

The way his lips felt against hers was just so right, and she had a lot to ask, but all her thoughts and questions seemed to vanish in that moment. The only thing that mattered was the overwhelming feeling—the taste of his lips, placed upon hers like a dream; his tender touch; his scent of love; and the maddening passion of the heart.

Well, let's just say that the guy behind the CCTV camera in the gym got his share of dog food for the night.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Glossary: Dog food.

This neologism refers to the self-pity of single people (humorously dubbed "single dogs") triggered by the public displays of affection by couples online or offline