Chapter 22:
After that day, Samira found herself deep in thought, constantly hesitating, Jean’s sudden reappearance had thrown everything off balance.
He had stopped sending flowers, switching to other kinds of gifts instead, expensive ones. But none of them touched her the way those small, silly gifts from their childhood did.
them. Now, it felt one–sided. And a gift
Maybe it was because, back then, those gifts came from a place of pure intention from b both of them. that only carries one person’s heart? It never really lands.
Jean kept hitting walls with Samira, while watching her and Yosef grow closer day by day. Regret, jealousy, frustration, his chest was full of emotions he didn’t know what to do with…
And this time, the feeling that she was slipping away was undeniable. Worse than ever before. Because deep down, he knew, if she slipped away now, she was never coming back.
So he lost control. That night, after Samira went out to meet Yosef again, Jean waited for her downstairs. He waited for hours, until it was really late and he finally saw Yosef walking her home!!
Jean’s eyes were red from standing there so long in the cold night air. He didn’t rush over right away. He waited until she said goodbye to Yosef and was alone before stepping out..
Samira flinched a little when she saw him, he had startled her. But the moment she realized who it was, her expression turned cold.
Without a word, she turned and tried to walk past him like she had so many times lately. But this time, Jean didn’t let her ”
He reached out and grabbed her wrist. She tensed, assuming he was about to pick another fight about Yosef, just like last time. Annoyance flashed across her face. But Jean didn’t bring up Yosef at all. Instead, he dropped his tone and apologized, his voice soft and desperate. “Samin, I’m sorry. I mean it. I lied to you, I judged you and I was wrong. I’m really sorry.”
“You don’t know what it’s been like for me since you left. I can’t do this without you. Please… give me another chance. I swear I treat you right this time.”
Samira gently pulled her hand out of his grasp and stepped back, putting space between them.
“I don’t need your apology,” she said calmly. “I’ve already died once because of you. I’m not making the same mistake again”
“You got what you wanted, Jean. Whatever regret or loneliness you’re feeling now, it’s not my responsibility.“Z
“Don’t come looking for me again. I don’t feel anything for you anymore. Everything you’re doing it’s pointless.”
Samira’s rejection couldn’t have been clearer. Her words, her body language, everything screamed “I’m done.”
If Jean had any self–respect left, that should’ve been enough to make him stop. And as far as she remembered, he had never been the type to grovel. Not like this.X
ist turni
But as soon as she turned to leave, he called out behind her, voice cracking. “Samira, please don’t go. Don’t leave me. Just… just t around and look at me. Please.”
is feet were comented to the ground. So all he could do was stand there, calling her
He didn’t chase after her. He couldn’t. It felt like his
name like it would somehow bring her back.
But he forgot, Samira might be kind, but she was also firm. Once she made a decision, she stuck to iL And this time, she was done.!
Jean didn’t show up again over the next few days. Samira didn’t care where he went, she had her own things to focus on.
She finally followed through on something she had been quietly thinking about for a while. It turned out, she still loved floral design. Always had.
And with Yosef backing her up, encouraging her every step of the way, she made up her mind. She was going to leave. Go back to Altira City. Du something that actually made her happy. Life was long and she wanted to spend hers doing something that felt right.
Before she left, she went to visit her parents‘ graves. Just like when she first came, she stood there quietly, not saying a word.
But as she turned to leave, she said softly, Tm going now. And I probably won’t come back,”
Then she walked away, Calm, steady, with no regrets. Yosef had offered to see her off, so she headed down the mountain to meet him. But when she got there, she saw him standing with a suitcase in his hand.8
She blinked. “Wait.. what are you doing?
“Tm coming with you” he said like it was the most obvious thing in the world.8
Samira’s brows pulled together. For a second, she thought he was just following her out of concem or obligation.
But Yosef must’ve picked up on her hesitation, because he gave a small, sheepish smile
“I was actually supposed to head back a month ago,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. “I just… wanted to stay a little longer to be with you
Samira didn’t know what to say. For a moment, she just stood there, stunned. She knew Yosef’s feelings for her were real and growing stronger by the day. But her own heart? She was still trying to figure that out.”
Thankfully, Yosef never rushed her. Never pressured her. All he said was, “Take your time. I’ll wait.“8
