Chapter 22
Julian thought for a long minute before he answered her question.
“I used to like her, yes, but that was in the past. Alter being with you, I slowly came to like you more. I see her as just a friend.”
Hearing the word “friend” made Saoirse remember their kiss at the haunted house.
Did friends kiss?
A bitter smile crossed her face. “If Georgina hadn’t come back, I’d probably still be living in my own world, thinking your love was as cold and restrained as it seemed. You say you liked me, but I never felt your love. All I feel is your concern and care for Georgina. If your love for her was just friendship, then mine must be less than that. Julian, stop deluding yourself -you’ve never liked me.”
Bjoern and Madeline exchanged looks of shock and sadness, realizing from Saoirse’s words that her pain was much deeper than she let on. Julian on the other end was left speechless.
Saoirse didn’t think she would say the words she kept inside. When she noticed her parents‘ concerned expressions, she quickly reassured them.
She continued, “On the day we broke up, I threw all my feelings for you. away. Who you like no longer matters to me. I just want you to know that while we may have had a past, there will be no future.”
After making her point, Saoirse hung up without giving Julian a chance to reply. She turned to her parents with a relieved smile and winked.
“Was I cool or what? I learned it from you, Dad, Mom!”
Eyes reddening, her parents pulled her into a hug.
“You’re so cool. We’re proud of you for your courage. But remember, if you ever face more difficulties, don’t keep it to yourself. Share it with us, okay?”
Saoirse’s tears welled up at the sound of Madeline choking up.
“It’s all in the past now. I see him as a stranger. I’m not sad about it anymore. Please don’t worry.”
However, her parents only felt guiltier at how mature and understanding she was.
“It’s our fault for insisting on coming abroad. We had to leave you alone in the country to study. If we had been there with you, you probably wouldn’t have had to deal with these troubles.”
Saoirse shook her head and hit her thighs in mock frustration at the
mention of the past.
“You shouldn’t blame yourselves. It was my own fault for being swayed by appearances and not going abroad with you. I should have listened to you. I have to bear the consequences for not listening to my parents!” She sighed.
Her parents, seeing their daughter’s attempt at sounding wise, couldn’t help but laugh through their tears.
Bjoern playfully pinched her cheek. “So, now you see how important your parents are, huh? In the future, make sure to consider our advice. Don’t be so impulsive.”
“Yes, Father and Mother! I’ll obey your wise orders!” Saoirse replied with a playful salute.
