CHAPTER 43: Until Now

Ram's POV.

"So, you're back already?" I heard someone speak from behind me as soon as I arrived from my trip to the US and went straight to the minibar at my dad's house.

"Hello to you too, Miranda," I replied, even though I hadn't faced her yet and knew her voice very well.

I heard her let out a deep sigh and felt her sit down in the chair beside me on my left.

She asked me gently, "How long will you look for Atilla, Ram? It's been two years, and I'm sure she's already moved on. I think it's time for you to move on," and I gave her a bitter smile.

I never thought that the woman I loved would be gone from my life for two years, and I could only blame myself and my stupid pride for making her leave me.

"I'm worried about you, and your dad is worried about you," her voice was full of concern as she said those words.

"There's nothing to worry about, Miranda, because I'm fulfilling all my duties. Within these two years, I've already paid off the company's debt to Henry," I explained.

Thinking about Henry made my blood boil. Even though he was the one who saved the company, I still couldn't help but be angry with him because he was the one who made sure I couldn't find Atilla.

He kept his promise to do everything in his power to prevent me from finding Atilla. Henry used all his connections and money so that I couldn't get any information about his sister's whereabouts, but it didn't stop me from trying to look for Atilla whenever there was a chance.

Although I was angry, I couldn't blame Henry for wanting to protect his sister. After all, I had caused Atilla a lot of pain.

"That's not what I mean. You're almost killing yourself with work. What I'm referring to is what you're doing with your life. Instead of moving on, you're still imprisoning yourself in Atilla's memory, with no certainty that she'll come back," she said firmly, and instead of responding, I just took a drink of the liquor in my glass.

I was about to refill my glass when Miranda snatched it out of my hands and hurled it where the sound of the bottle shattering could be heard.

"What do you want from me?!" I asked, unable to prevent myself from being frustrated with everything that was happening.

Yes, I was successful in the past two years, I had returned to my old life, but it seemed like everything was meaningless because I lost Atilla.

"I want you to go back to the person you used to be. Tell me, when was the last time you checked in on your dad? Don't you know how hard it is for him to see you like this? As for me, when was the last time you checked in on me? Do you know that I'm getting married again?" She asked with sadness.

I felt awful all of a sudden because what she said was true. I neglected the people who mattered to me because I was drowning myself in work and looking for Atilla.

"I'm sorry," I said sadly.

"So, will you please stop looking for Atilla already?" She asked patiently, and if it were that easy, I would have done it already.

"I'm sorry, Miranda, but I can't let go of my love for Atilla, especially knowing that I am the reason she left. But what I can promise is to value those who love me, and give you more importance," I said.

I know it wasn't what Miranda wanted to hear, but she seemed somewhat satisfied with my words.

A few minutes of silence passed between us when I suddenly remembered something she said.

"And what do you mean you're getting married again? Miranda, this will be your fourth marriage. Haven't you learned from your last marriage?" I asked, feeling incredulous.

I knew her last husband had died in an accident, and all his wealth had gone to Miranda, along with a bad reputation. People accused her of being responsible for her husband's death and said that she was only after his money.

It didn't help her case that she had been married twice before and had divorced both of her previous husbands. But I knew Miranda well enough to know that it wasn't just about the money. I didn't understand why she kept getting married, but no matter how much I tried to ask her, she wouldn't tell me the truth.

"Don't you get tired of asking me, even though you know I won't tell you the reason?" She was trying to humor me, but I knew the truth.

"I just don't understand why you keep getting married after three failed marriages. Why don't you just enjoy life and try to get to know who you really want to marry?" I said, feeling confused.

"I have my reasons, Ram," she said mysteriously, and I managed to stop myself from rolling my eyes.

"Here we go again with your reasons that you don't want to tell me. Do you really consider me your best friend, Miranda?" I tried to put on a painful expression, but I knew she wouldn't believe me.

Miranda knows me too well.

"You're the only best friend that I have, Ram, but there are things that are better kept a secret. I need to go," she said, clearly upset.

"And here we go again with you running away whenever we talk about your marriages," I said, chuckling.

"Goodbye, Ram!" I heard Miranda shout before she closed the door, leaving me alone with my thoughts. Someday, I will make her tell me why she keeps getting married.

I decided to go to my father's room, where he was sleeping peacefully. I couldn't help feeling sorry for him, especially since I saw how old he looked.

"I'm sorry, Dad," I said sadly, kissing his forehead gently. I felt guilty knowing that he blamed himself for my problems, despite my telling him that he had done nothing wrong.

After leaving my father's room, I went on my own, but instead of sleeping, I decided to go to the terrace. I looked up at the star-filled sky and saw a falling star. I couldn't help but close my eyes and make a wish.

Please, Atilla, come back," I muttered, and after making a wish, my gaze returned to the sky as if I could find the answer to my heart's desire.

"How are you doing, Atilla?" I whispered to the wind, hoping my voice would travel to wherever Atilla was.