Winning Her Back

Honey

Great. Just when things couldn't get worse, he has to come back. How did he recognize me? As expected, money and power screamed from his regal gait. Ethan was always blessed. Born with a silver no, golden spoon, the man has the whole world at his feet. And here I am? A beggar with no father and a sick mother who is about to be thrown on the streets. Without a job and money, I can't even think of hiring a lawyer, so obviously, Uncle Wills will win the case and snatch the property, which is rightfully ours. Quitting is the only option in front of me.

To be honest, I am not angry at Ethan. We were indeed no less than soul mates, but it was all in the past. It's natural that we try to reconcile with old friends, and maybe I overreacted when he was only trying to mend things between us. But I am too broken to consider others' feelings. I have given up on life, so it's better to tell him that he should move on. I wouldn't lie to myself, but I really want him to forget me. I was embarrassed. He is so rich and I am no one. I can't even look at him, so being friends with him is out of the box. We can never get back again.

Chuckling at my poor fate, I twisted the knob and sauntered inside my house.

"Honey?"

My mother's meek voice rang in my ears, breaking my chain of thoughts. I quickly collected myself and rushed inside, only to freeze on the spot.

"Y-You?"

How did he get my address?

"Hi," Ethan stood up from the couch and greeted me with a strained smile. He knew I didn't appreciate unwanted interruptions in my life. And he just crossed the limit of my patience.

Dropping my cloak of politeness, I stormed towards him and glared at him furiously.

"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU WANT?? DIDN'T I TELL YOU TO STOP BOTHERING ME??" I yelled at the top of my lungs.

"H-Honey!!" Mamma scolded me, but I paid no heed.

"No, Mamma. Enough is enough. I told you to leave, didn't I?"

Ethan raised his hands and tried to simmer down my rage, "Honeybun, listen to me please-"

"No!!" I immediately retreated before his hands could touch me. Why can't just anyone let me live in peace?

"You're wasting my time, Mr. Brooks. You created a scene earlier, still, I kept quiet, but now you broke into my house. What do you think of yourself? So now, when you have time, you want me to be ready at your every beck and call?" I mocked him while biting my rage.

His features darkened. Ethan harshly gripped my elbow and pulled me towards him, making me collide against his rock-hard chest. My eyes bulged out of my sockets. I quickly gripped his left shoulder and, with my other hand, I pushed him back to create distance between us.

"What are you doing-"

"Shut up and just listen to me first." Ethan belted on my face. My heart stopped when I gazed into his piercing eyes. He looked mad.

"I know I made a mistake, but for God's sake, hear me out. You know my parents never approved of our friendship. You are aware that despite their resistance, I remained loyal to you and even fought with Dad when he tried to send me away. I only agreed when you persuaded me and made me think of my future. How can you even think that I would cut ties with you? I tried calling you, but my teachers and parents never let me contact you. I was only 12 years old, Honeybun, completely at the mercy of my parents. I couldn't do anything. Do you think I am happy seeing you in this state? I am equally devastated by the news of Uncle's demise, and after knowing how much you have been suffering all these years. I am sorry, Honeybun, for not being at your side when you needed me the most, but please don't push me away now."

He implored with misted eyes while I listened to him silently with tears streaming down my face like a waterfall. His confession dampened my spirit to fight back. I was out of words because I could hear the sincerity in his voice. Ethan had always been a victim of his parents' wrath, who never appreciated our friendship. For them, I was an unlucky charm for their son. We both were defeated by the judging world, which was keen on pulling us apart, but fate always finds a way to bring us together.

Finding no response, he grabbed my nape and joined our foreheads. My eyes closed on their own. I didn't suppress my sobs this time and cried in front of the man who has always been my well-wisher. Someone whom I can always rely on and trust with closed eyes.

"I am sorry." He whispered near my lips, eliciting a whimper from my mouth. I immediately hugged him tightly and buried my face in his chest. All the emotions I had bottled inside me for years finally exploded.

"No, I am sorry. I am all alone, Ian. I have nowhere to go. I am sorry for blaming you, but I am too tired now. I can't drag this out anymore. I want to die now." I shouted while crying out loud. It was so wrong of me to fight with him, but I wanted to target someone. To unleash my pent-up rage and blame someone for my misery. Unfortunately, it ended up being him.

Mamma covered her mouth as she dropped onto the couch lifelessly. She was shattered watching her warrior lament like a defeated soul.

Detaching myself from Ethan, I dropped to my knees and scrambled to her. Burying my face in her lap, I circled my arms around her waist.

"I am sorry for disappointing you, Mamma, but I can't stay strong anymore. It hurts me to see you like this. Only if I were a boy. Only if I were rich and powerful, maybe you wouldn't have to see a day like this. I am sorry I let you and Dad down, but I am trying my best, Mamma. Please believe me."

It's all my fault. If I were a man, I would have killed my Uncle and broken Phil's bones, but all I can do is cry like a pathetic woman. Despite being a bright student, I couldn't bag a profitable job. I tried multiple competitive exams but couldn't succeed. My confidence had plummeted, and with Dad passing away, it turned to zero. I started applying for any job, it doesn't matter what the pay was, all I wanted was financial independence so I could support my mother, but nothing worked for me.

"Don't be like this child," Mamma caressed my head while Ethan held my shoulders. He pulled me back as I looked at Mamma, who wiped my tears.

"Who said you are my weakness? Who said I am disappointed in you? I am proud you're my daughter. I am proud that I gave birth to a girl who isn't afraid to stand up for her parents and fight this humongous world with bare hands. I am happy that I have you who has such a caring friend. You never let me and your Dad down. Never say something like this ever. You are our pride, but seeing you in this state pains me the most. I don't want my child to break apart. I gave birth to a tigress who has the power to rule the world. How can you break like this?" She rebuked me softly and pinched my cheek, making me smile.

"Of course," Ethan chimed and back hugged me. "Our Honey is our strength and the star of our lives. You don't worry, Princess, we will fight together with these monsters. Your Ian is back, leave everything to me. Your all worries and tensions, and just live your life. I promise to you that I will never let you shed a single tear. Believe me, Honeybun."

He said and tightened the hug, bringing tears to my eyes. Smiling, I glanced at him over my shoulder and nodded.

"I will always believe you, Ian."

Maybe this is the start of my happy days.