Chapter 60 A Fresh Start
Annabel jerk from the hug. Her eyes widened in surprise Carson was there. He stood at the mansions entrance. He was straight and motionless. His face was illuminated by the light from the porch lamps.
He was looking directly at him. Annabel's ribs were pounded by her heart. Carson started to move. He walked slowly. His appearance was one of weariness. But he was staring at Annabel.
A faint hesitant smile appeared on his face. Annabel got down from the car . She stood in front of the car.
Carson continued to move. He came to a halt in front of her. He said nothing. His eyes were filled with a pain she recognized as he simply gazed at her. a pain of regret. a feeling of fear, a hurt caused by love.
He held up his hand slowly. He followed the contour of her cheek with his fingers. It was a kind tender touch. He drew her in close after that.
His arms encircled her. He gave her a tight embrace.
“I’m so sorry.” Gesaid in an embrace. “I love you so much, babe.”
Annabel wrapped her arms around his waist. She embraced him with equal vigor. He smelled and felt so familiar. She missed him.
He whispered into her hair “I'm so sorry Ana.I should never have allowed you to leave. I made a mistake.”
With her voice muffled against his chest she added “I'm sorry too. I should have stayed.”
He eased back a little. He looked down at her and managed a thin smile. His eyes were red. He bowed his head and gave her a kiss. It was a lengthy, intense kiss. A kiss full of promise and pain, of a future for which they would need to fight.
Keeping his hand in hers, he released her. Fred who remained in the car and was watching them caught his attention. One couldn't read his face.
Carson nodded slightly to him. “I'm grateful Fred.”Carson whispered.
That wasn't a query. It was a statement An expression of appreciation. Fred responded with a nod.
He smiled slightly. “I'm going now.”
Annabel gave Carson a firm squeeze. She waved a little to Fred. She said “I'll see you soon.”
In a tiny wave Fred held up his hand. As he watched Carson drew her in. The two of them clasped hands. They started to make their way to the mansions entrance.
For the final time Annabel glanced back over her shoulder. Fred continued to watch her from his car. She waved at him once more. All he did was nod. After turning she and Carson entered the house.
Fred watched them disappear into the house, hand in hand. He did not start the car just yet. He didnt drive off.He did nothing but sit. The car's engine was not running. The car was just silent and dark.
He gave them some thought. He reflected on her hug with him. It was a hug that melted bones. He was feeling numb. It had seemed absurd to him.
Her tiny frame which was filled with agony and terror had fit his arms like a glove. He had desired to keep her in his arms forever.
He had desired to protect her. He thought of himself as a guardian. He considered himself to be a guardian. He had desired to be everything to her. He was aware however that she did not view him in that light.
She considered him a friend. He was a confidant in her eyes. She thought he was a caring person. He didnt mind at all. He was obliged to be. He must have been her friend. He had to let her go. He have to be happy for her.
She needed him to be her anchor. He had to be her friend and nothing more. He shouldn't have been in love with his best friend, he had to be a friend.
Recalling the conversation he had with Carson he thought about everything he had said to him. Carson had made all of his admissions. If he didn't break up with Annabel he had warned Fred that his mother would ruin his inheritance.
He had explained to him how he was attempting to keep her safe but had instead caused her more pain. Fred had only seen a terrified boy when he looked at the man who was meant to be a titan of industry.
A boy who was brought up to think that love was a sign of weakness. Fred had informed him that he was mistaken. He had taught him that choosing love even in the face of difficulty was the true test of strength.
He had advised him to fight for Annabel rather than flee from her if he truly wanted her. Carson had paid attention. He had heard all that was said.
And now he stood with Annabel's hand in his proud and tall. Fred was proud. They had benefited from his assistance. He had fulfilled his obligation. He had acted as a true friend.
He had been a good influence. They had come back together because of him. He had been the option that was kept quiet, the person who remained in the background.
The person who operated in the background. Although he had assisted the hero he was not the hero himself. He was a silent co-star in their romance.
There were no grievances on his part. He had made the correct decision. He had been helpful to his best friend. He had contributed to the happiness of the woman he loved.
He had prioritized her happiness over his own. The act was selfless. That was a genuine act of love. And he was happy with that.
He felt relaxed. He was unable to however. He wasn't entitled to. Carson was who she liked. She was Carson's forever. All he had been was a friend, a shoulder to rest against, a peaceful hiding spot.
He had granted her some tranquility. He was limited to doing that. He wished for her happiness.
Carson was worth it, he hoped. Worthy of her affection. worthy of her tears. deserving of her affection. He leaned back in his chair. His eyes were closed. The words kept repeating in his head.
“Ana, I hope you're happy.”
He started the car and pulled away.