Love and Letting Go

That night, Frans sat alone on his hotel balcony, gazing at the twinkling city lights in the distance. The wine glass in his hand was half-empty, but his mind was still full.

Full of memories.

Memories of Viona.

About how he always tried to convince Viona to stay with him. About how he promised to always be there. About all the dreams they built together.

But in the end, a promise was just a promise.

Viona was gone.

Not because he wanted her to leave, but because he was the one who made her go.

He was the one who hesitated.

He was the one who couldn't choose.

He was the one who had kept her in place without giving any certainty.

And now, seeing Viona moving on with someone else, he realized… that this was the consequence of all his decisions.

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

His heart still hurt. It still felt empty.

But for the first time since all this happened, he didn't want to chase her anymore.

Didn't want to disturb her again.

Didn't want to make her doubt again.

Because if Viona could smile without him, didn't that mean… she had made the right decision?

The night breeze blew softly, bringing a bit of calm.

Frans let out a long sigh, then placed his glass down.

Tonight, he chose to let go.

Not because he didn't love Viona anymore.

But because he wanted Viona to be happy, even if it wasn't with him.

The next morning, Frans woke up feeling lighter. There was still a remnant of pain in his heart, but it no longer crushed him like before.

He looked at his phone. No messages from Viona, of course. There was nothing more for them to talk about.

Only a message from Calista.

Calista: "I have a meeting this morning, but if you want to have lunch together, let me know! Have a good day, Frans!"

Frans smiled faintly. Calista was always like that—cheerful, caring, and never pushed him for anything.

He put down his phone and prepared for the day. There were many things he needed to do, many decisions to make. This time, he didn't want to linger in the shadows of the past.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, Viona sat at her study desk with a cup of warm tea made by Theresia. Her gaze was distant, but there was a tiny bit of peace within her.

She had decided to move forward.

Her phone buzzed; it was a message from Steve.

Steve: "Do you have time to hang out again today? I know a great place."

Viona smiled slightly. She didn't know if her heart had truly healed, but at least she no longer felt alone.

And maybe, that was enough for now.

Viona stared at her phone screen for a moment before finally replying to Steve's message.

Viona: "What kind of place?"

It didn't take long for Steve's reply to arrive.

Steve: "A secret. But I'm sure you'll like it. I'll pick you up at 10?"

Viona took a light breath, but the corners of her mouth lifted slightly. She sipped her warm tea before typing her response.

Viona: "Okay."

Right at 10, Steve was waiting for her in front of her apartment. He wore a casual jacket and his signature smile that always brought her comfort.

"Ready, doctor?" he joked, opening the car door for her.

Viona just shook her head slightly. "Don't call me that. I'm not a doctor yet."

"But soon-to-be doctor. I'm proud of you," Steve said as he drove.

Viona just smiled faintly. She didn't reply, but inside her heart, she felt a little lighter.

Their journey ended at a place on the outskirts of the city. A café with a lush green garden and—what caught Viona's attention the most—a classical piano in the corner of the room.

"I knew you would love this place," Steve said while pulling out a chair for her.

Viona sat down and looked around. This place was so calm, far from the bustling city. The aroma of coffee mixed with the scent of flowers from the garden outside.

"Can we play the piano here?" she asked, her gaze fixed on the piano.

Steve smiled. "Of course. I asked the owner for permission."

Viona nodded slowly. She felt something warm in her chest—a feeling different from what she had when she was with Frans.

Not doubt, not heartbreak.

But something light. Something comfortable.

Without saying anything, she stood up and walked toward the piano. Her fingers gently touched the keys before she began to play a melody.

Steve followed, sitting beside her and playing along.

They didn't talk, just enjoyed the music they created together.

And for the first time in a long while, Viona felt that maybe, her heart could finally find peace again.

After they finished playing a song, Viona turned to Steve with a faint smile.

"You never change, do you?" she said softly.

Steve raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"You always know how to make people feel better."

Steve chuckled softly. "Wow, I'm not that great, Vi. I just invited you out so you wouldn't be too stressed. Besides, music always helps lift the mood, right?"

Viona nodded slowly. "Yeah, you're right."

Steve looked at her for a few seconds before finally saying, "So, where do you want to go next? I still have a lot of great places we could visit if you want."

Viona laughed softly. "You sound like a tour guide."

"Why not?" Steve crossed his arms over his chest. "If I don't become a piano teacher, maybe I'll become a tour guide who takes people to discover cool places."

Viona laughed again. It had been a long time since she had laughed like this—without burden, without any pain inside.

"Alright, Mr. Tour Guide," she said, looking at Steve with shining eyes, "I'll go wherever you take me."

Steve smiled, then stood up and extended his hand. "Okay, let's go."

They spent time walking around to various places, from a small bookstore selling classic collections to an ice cream parlor that supposedly had the most unique flavors in the city.

As they sat in a park enjoying their ice creams, Viona leaned back against the bench and let out a long breath.

"It feels strange," she murmured.

Steve turned to her. "What feels strange?"

"Feeling happy again," Viona replied, gazing at the sky which was beginning to change colors as evening approached.

Steve didn't answer immediately. He just observed Viona's face illuminated by the orange sunlight.

"I don't think that's strange," he finally said. "It's just a sign that you're starting to heal."

Viona paused for a moment before finally smiling slightly.

Maybe Steve was right.

Maybe, she was finally starting to heal.

After finishing their ice creams, Steve glanced at his watch.

"The day is turning to night. Do you want to keep walking around or head home?" he asked.

Viona thought for a moment, then smiled. "I think I should go home. I've worried Theresia enough lately."

Steve nodded in agreement. "Good that you realize that. Poor her having to always take care of you."

They slowly walked toward the parking lot. The evening breeze began to blow softly, carrying the scent of the remaining rain on the streets. The atmosphere felt so calm, something Viona desperately needed after the chaotic days she had been through.

When they reached the front of Viona's house, she turned to Steve.

"Thank you, Steve," she said softly. "Seriously, I don't know what would have happened if you weren't here."

Steve smiled faintly. "No need to thank me. I'm just doing what I think is right."

Viona sighed, then looked at her house. "Okay, I'm going in now."

As she stepped toward the door, her pace suddenly halted.

Someone was standing in front of her door.

Frans.

Viona held her breath. She hadn't expected to see him here after everything that had happened.

Frans turned to them. His eyes immediately locked onto Steve, who was standing behind Viona. For a moment, his expression changed to one of complexity—there was exhaustion, confusion, and something hard to define.

Viona bit her lip and stepped closer. "What are you doing here?"

Frans stared at her for a long time before finally saying, "I want to talk."

Viona felt Steve shift behind her, as if ready in case anything happened.

"I don't think there's anything left to talk about, Frans," Viona said in a tired voice. "I've already told you not to contact me again."

Frans clenched his hands at his sides. "I know. But I have to try."

Steve finally stepped forward. "Vi, do you want me to leave or stay here?"

Viona turned to him, then shook her head slightly. "It's okay, Steve. I can handle this."

Steve looked at her uncertainly before finally nodding and stepping back, giving them space.

Viona turned back to Frans. "So, what do you want to say?"

Frans took a deep breath. "I went against my family, Vi. I've tried everything to prove that I don't want to be with Calista, that I only want to be with you."

Viona glared at him. "And how did that turn out?"

Frans fell silent. His eyes began to redden, as if holding back something he had kept inside for so long. "They still don't support it. And now, you don't want me either."

Viona clenched her hands. "Frans, you were the one who left me first. You were the one who let me find out everything from someone else. You were the one who made me wait without answers. You made me feel unworthy."

Frans looked down. "I know," he whispered. "I know I was wrong."

Viona took a deep breath. "Frans… I tried waiting for you. I tried believing all the words you once said. But I can't do it anymore. I don't want to anymore."

Frans looked at her with eyes that were now truly filled with sorrow. "So this is really the end?"

Viona smiled faintly—not because she was happy, but because she had accepted the reality. "Yes, this is the end."

Frans closed his eyes for a moment, as if trying to accept that reality. When he opened them again, tears fell down his cheeks.

"I understand," he finally said, his voice broken.

He took a step back, then turned away without saying anything else.

Viona could only watch his back slowly leaving. She didn't know if Frans would truly disappear from her life after this, but one thing was certain—she had let him go.

Steve walked closer to her, not saying anything.

Viona closed her eyes for a moment, feeling the night wind touch her face.

She was finally free.