Chapter 278: Doubts
"Are you sure about this, Abby?" Fredrick asked, his voice a mix of concern and curiosity.
Abby sipped her drink, a calm expression on her face. "Of course. Sometimes, a little distance is needed for people to appreciate your presence," she said with a smirk. She had planned everything meticulously. If everything went according to her plan, it wouldn’t be long before Remo came running after her. The move to Fredrick’s place was a calculated step, not a whim.
"Maybe I’m foolish for leaving," Abby thought, "but it’s all I want. I just want to come first to someone. For once, I want to be the center of someone’s universe. I want to be all someone can see." She knew it might be a fantasy, an impossibility, but staying with Remo, knowing he once loved someone that way, and perhaps still did, was slowly killing her inside. She couldn’t bear the thought of being a mere shadow of his past love.
Fredrick grabbed her shoulders and looked into her eyes, his grip firm yet gentle. "There’s no way that boy doesn’t love you, Abby. He looks at you like you hung the moon. Every time you were in pain, he was hurting right along with you. And don’t get me started on how he helped you regain everything you lost. Remo took every risk to ensure your safety and happiness."
Abby smiled, touched by Fredrick’s words. He was like an older brother to her, always watching out for her well-being. He brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, a gesture that felt both comforting and reassuring.
"Now, don’t get me wrong," Fredrick continued, his tone softer. "The boy is stupid. Too stupid to see just how much he loves you. I can’t blame him, because he’s been hurt so badly in the past. It can’t be easy for him to admit to himself that despite his best efforts, he fell for you. But he did, Abby. Remo is so in love with you, and he doesn’t even realize it. Nor do you, for that matter."
Abby looked away, her mind racing. Was it true? Had she been too blind to see the signs? She thought about all the times Remo had been there for her, the sacrifices he had made. It wasn’t just about protection; it was about the little things, the unspoken words, the fleeting glances.
"I need to do this, Fredrick," she said finally. "I need to find myself, to know what I truly want. And if he realizes his feelings in the process, then maybe there’s hope for us."
Fredrick nodded, understanding her resolve. "Just remember, Abby, love isn’t always about grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s in the quiet moments, the ones that speak volumes without a single word."
Abby settled into her new routine with Fredrick. It was strange, being away from Remo, but it also gave her a sense of freedom she hadn’t felt in a long time. She spent her days exploring the city, finding solace in its busy streets and hidden corners. She visited art galleries, coffee shops, and parks, rediscovering herself in the process.
Every evening, she would return to Fredrick’s apartment, where they would share a meal and talk about their day. It was a simple life, but it was exactly what she needed. The distance from Remo allowed her to reflect on their relationship, on what she truly desired.
One evening, as they sat on the balcony, Abby turned to Fredrick. "Do you think he misses me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.