Chapter 37 up
Nyla sat in Vincent’s office chair, staring at the documents on his desk with a vacant look. She seemed hesitant, her thoughts in chaos. Even though she was in a safe place, her heart was still filled with shadows of Clark and Selena. All the conflicts, all the intrigues, pressed heavily against her chest.
Vincent stood by the window, arms crossed over his chest. His gaze was distant, yet filled with determination. He looked at Nyla, then at the desk in front of him, searching for the right words to give his counsel.
“Nyla…” Vincent’s voice was heavy but calm. “I want to speak honestly with you. You know I care about you, and I don’t want to see you hurt again.”
Nyla lowered her head, looking at her hands resting on the desk. “I… I know, Vincent. But… I can’t just leave Clark. He… he’s still a part of my life, even if he’s hurt me.”
Vincent let out a long sigh. He stepped closer, looking at Nyla with full attention. “I understand your feelings. I also know… you love him. But you have to be honest with yourself, Nyla. Clark… that man has always hurt you, always played with your heart. How can you be sure he won’t do it again?”
Nyla lifted her gaze, meeting Vincent’s eyes, which glistened with concern. “I… I know. I’m scared, too. But… I feel that this time… he’s different. I can see a change in him. I can feel sincerity in his eyes… even though Selena keeps interfering and trying to push me away.”
Vincent sat in the chair across from her, looking at her with seriousness. “Nyla, listen to me carefully. Love is important, that’s true. But sometimes, love isn’t the only thing you have to consider. I’ve seen him… and I know how that man treats the women he claims to love. He’s fragile, inconsistent, often letting pain control him. You’ve sacrificed too much for him already.”
Nyla lowered her eyes, holding back tears that threatened to fall. “I… I know, Vincent. But… I can’t just leave him. I feel… I have to help him, take care of him, because I know his heart is hurting. I don’t want him to fall apart.”
Vincent tapped the desk gently, his eyes locking on hers. “That’s noble and kind, Nyla. But the question is… do you want to keep suffering by helping him? Do you want to stay in the shadow of his pain while you yourself are hurt by his actions and Selena’s intrigues?”
Nyla closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. “I… I don’t know, Vincent. I want to stay with him, but I’m also afraid. I… I don’t want to hurt myself again.”
Vincent leaned forward, his voice softer but firm. “Nyla, listen to me. I don’t want you to give up on love. But I want you to think of yourself. You have to value your own heart. Don’t let Clark or anyone—Selena included—decide your happiness. You deserve to be happy. You deserve to be safe.”
Nyla looked at Vincent, her heart in turmoil. She knew his advice was right, logical, and reasonable. Yet her heart still throbbed for Clark. She felt torn: between affection, responsibility, and fear of the future.
“Vincent… but if I leave him now, I’m afraid I’ll regret it. I’m afraid Clark will still suffer, and I won’t be there to help him,” Nyla said softly, her voice filled with confusion, her heart fractured.
Vincent nodded slowly. “I understand, Nyla. I know your feelings run deep. But you also have to realize… your affection could blind you. You could be dragged into endless wounds. Clark needs to learn to face himself, to face the consequences of his actions. And you… you can’t always carry all of that for him.”
Nyla looked down at the floor, her thoughts branching in different directions. She felt trapped between Vincent’s logic and her heart, which remained attached to Clark. Tears began to fall slowly, but surely.
“Vincent… I… I don’t want to lose him. But I also don’t want to get hurt again. I’m confused… I don’t know what to do,” she whispered, her voice breaking.
Vincent stood, walking closer, and gently patted her shoulder. “I know this is hard. But you have to make a wise decision, Nyla. Don’t let your emotions overpower your logic. You are strong, and you have the ability to protect yourself. You have to think: will going back to him now make you happy, or will it bring new wounds?”
Nyla lowered her head, holding back her sobs. She knew Vincent was right, but her heart still called for Clark. She remembered when he fell ill, when she cared for him with all her love and patience, and how much she wanted to stay by his side.
“Vincent… I… I want to help him. I can’t just leave him,” Nyla said, her voice trembling but resolute.
Vincent exhaled slowly, looking at her gently. “I know… and I can’t force your feelings. But you need to be aware, Nyla. Helping doesn’t mean you have to return to the same cycle of pain. There are boundaries, and you need to set them. You have to protect your heart… because you deserve to be loved, respected, and cared for.”
Nyla looked at Vincent, her heart racing. She knew his advice was wise, caring, and rooted in genuine concern. Yet her heart refused to leave Clark. She felt torn between logic and emotion.
“Vincent… I… I’ll try,” she whispered softly. “I’ll try to maintain distance, but I can’t completely leave him. I… I just can’t.”
Vincent stared at her for a long moment, swallowing. “I understand, Nyla. But remember… don’t let your heart break for a man who may not fully appreciate you. You have to be strong. You have to be wise.”
Nyla drew a deep breath, trying to calm herself. She knew challenges still awaited. Selena was still out there, cunning and aggressive, ready to manipulate Clark. And Clark himself… even though he was beginning to realize things, he was still fragile and easily swept away by his emotions.
“Vincent… thank you,” Nyla whispered, her eyes glistening. “I… I’ll try to follow your advice. I want to protect myself, but I also want to protect him. I… I have to find a balance.”
Vincent smiled faintly, patting her shoulder gently. “That’s a big step, Nyla. Remember… you’re not alone. You have me, you have your abilities, and you have a strong heart. You can get through this. And when the time is right… you’ll know what’s truly best for you and for Clark.”