Share

12 “Weight”

Author: June Rimari
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-28 15:15:20

Twelve

The trauma of losing her loved ones in a single day had irrevocably changed her perception of Christmas Day. The once joyful season had become a truly somber reminder of the tragedy that had befallen her. The sight of snow, a symbol of peace and tranquility, now filled Florence with nothing but absolute horrifying dread, a haunting reminder of the loss that she had endured.

“Why had it been my family? Why had I been chosen to suffer such a devastating loss? Why was I the only one who survived? Why did I not die that night with them? Why did I have to live? Why did I have to keep living without them in it?” The questions echoed strongly in her mind, a constant source of torment. She would never wish such pain on anyone, yet she could not help but feel a sense of hopelessness and confusion. “Why had it been me? Why has my family been taken from me through such a cruel death?”

The weight of grief was always heavy for her for years now, as if it was a burden that she will forever c
Locked Chapter
Continue Reading on GoodNovel
Scan code to download App

Related chapters

  • The Tale Not Old As Time   13 “A Crisp January” 

    ThirteenYear 2023It was a crisp January evening in New York City. The air was nippy, but the city lights created a warm, inviting glow. Some tourists had started their evening with a hearty dinner at a classic Italian restaurant in Little Italy. As they savored their pasta and a glass of red wine, they could hear the lively chatter of other diners and the soft sounds of jazz music playing in the background.Most people who just finished having their dinner, had taken a leisurely stroll through Central Park. The park was quieter now, with only a few people braving the cold. Some had admired the snow-covered trees and the twinkling lights of the city skyline. As others walked, they could feel the peace and tranquility of the park, a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.There were some who watched a lively Broadway show. The theater was, as always, filled with excitement as the curtain rose. The performance was captivating, and most who had left the theater felt insp

    Last Updated : 2024-10-29
  • The Tale Not Old As Time   14 “Driven”

    FourteenFlorence’s chest heaved as she nodded her head, her lips parted slightly. Her hands, trembling slightly, reached out to accept the envelope. She and Heath had connected through a sugar daddy website called SecretBenefits, a topic frequently discussed among her fellow female college students as a means to add more to their income on platforms like FansOnly. Their initial encounter had been immediate, and Heath had wasted no time in expressing his desires to marry. While hesitant, Florence’s dire financial situation had compelled her to consider the proposal.Florence’s desperate financial circumstances had forced her to contemplate the proposal. Driven by a fierce determination to survive even if she had been hanging by a thread, she was willing to consider any option, no matter how unconventional. Despite the profound depression that had enveloped her in recent years, she still harbored a desire to make her parents and older brother proud by obtaining a college degree. She be

    Last Updated : 2024-10-30
  • The Tale Not Old As Time   15 “For His Public Appearance”

    FifteenThe contract marriage was easy, being a good trophy wife to Doctor Heath Godric in public for his reputation and to bolster his name and image. That was all. Be a good fake wife since he needed one. That was the extent of her obligations towards him and nothing else. Only for his public appearance. In exchange, she would receive a monthly allowance, her debt to the loan sharks would be paid, her debt for the student loan would also be paid, she would have free housing for five years, a private bedroom in his residence, and no sexual favors would be required from Heath. Her plan was to save as much money as possible during this time, with the intention of moving out once the contractual marriage was dissolved. Florence knew that it was going to be easy money. “Five years. Just five years,” Florence mused to herself as she thought in the back of her head. She had endured countless hardships in her life, so the prospect of portraying a fake wife to a wealthy dentist for five y

    Last Updated : 2024-10-31
  • The Tale Not Old As Time   16 “The Noble Cause” 

    Sixteen“I want to do a runthrough with you.” Heath chimed as he was driving to the location.Florence shifted her focus to Heath as the car was moving, acknowledging his request with a polite affirmative nod.“We are heading to The Noble Cause dinner, and it will be a huge event especially for the both of us. For you, as well. Of course, for me.” He smiled widely, “This is our first public appearance as a couple, so it is crucial and very imperative that we convincingly portray ourselves as a genuine pair.” Florence nodded, indicating her understanding. “Remember to subtly display the engagement ring,” she muttered.Heath praised her right away, “Very excellent. But remember to be discreet with the ring, avoid flaunting it excessively, as that might appear unnatural.”Florence nodded her head once more, confirming her understanding of his instructions. She then inquired, “May I ask you a question?”Heath raised an eyebrow, curious about her question. “What is it? You are not usually

    Last Updated : 2024-10-31
  • The Tale Not Old As Time   17 “Surrounded” 

    SeventeenWithin the exclusive world of the ultra-wealthy, three prominent families reigned supreme: the Frorths, the Spencers, and the Battenkurts. For centuries, these three powerful and wealthy families had consistently occupied the top three positions on the list of the world’s wealthiest dynasties.So, in the realm of affluence, Zacchaeus “Chaos” Spencer Battenkurt, the playboy billionaire, belonged to a whole new and different kind of echelon, a level of wealth that transcended the ordinary. His wealth was completely unparalleled, placing him in a league of his own kind.While most wealthy individuals were accustomed to the luxury of marble floors, Chaos walked on a different level entirely, surrounded by opulence and extravagance. His father, Edward Battenkurt, a former Vice President of the United States, and the one and only heir of the Battenkurts, hailed from a family of generational wealth, their influence deeply rooted in the political landscape and economic sphere.His m

    Last Updated : 2024-11-01
  • The Tale Not Old As Time   18 “In A Cruel World”

    18 “”EighteenAs the evening progressed, Florence’s boredom grew more, and she found herself mechanically stirring the remaining food on her plate. At the same table, Florence sat among the wives of the businessmen, who were engaged in discussions about high-end salons and luxury brands from Italy and other countries they could actually afford without a sweat. Florence, however, found these conversations uninteresting and struggled to pay attention.Startled by the sudden surge of loud music from the stage, Florence dropped her fork in pain. Her right ear was particularly sensitive to such sounds, a condition that her doctor had previously warned her about. An orchestra provided live music for the affluent attendees of the ballroom, but Florence found the noise overwhelming. She struggled to cope with the sound, instinctively holding and covering her hearing aid to alleviate the discomfort.“Babe,” Heath placed a gentle hand on Florence’s shoulder, rubbing her spine soothingly. “Are

    Last Updated : 2024-11-02
  • The Tale Not Old As Time   19 “A Humble Demeanor”

    NineteenFlorence’s gaze was fixed on the man, who appeared to be a humble hotel waiter with a generous smile on his face, a comparison to the wealthy people in the ballroom that she just escaped for a couple of seconds. Little did she know, he was the infamous Spencer-Battenkurt’s CEO playboy billionaire in disguise. His humble demeanor and casual attire disguised his true identity. Despite the expensive brands he wore, she knew nothing about it, and he hoped that she did not recognize him from his speech earlier. His overall appearance was unassuming, despite the fact that he possessed immense wealth and never encountered financial difficulties. His casual demeanor, reminiscent of the waiters in the ballroom who wore white dress shirts and colored dress pants of black, gray, and brown, led Florence to completely overlook his extraordinary wealth and influence. His unassuming presence, similar to the waiters in the ballroom, led Florence to completely overlook his extraordinary we

    Last Updated : 2024-11-03
  • The Tale Not Old As Time   20 “Meeting Chaos”

    Twenty Chaos smiled widely before letting her know, “They are absolutely divine. The pastry is flaky and buttery, and the filling is a perfect blend of creamy cheese and savory herbs.” He spoke slowly, but not too slow, but he spoke with care and consideration for her. “They are the perfect bite-sized treat to tantalize your taste buds.”As Chaos spoke, he gestured towards the tray of mini quiches, his eyes sparkling with excitement and care. He then pointed to one of the quiches for Florence to see. “Just look at that golden brown crust,” he said, “It is simply irresistible. Do you want to take a bite, miss?”Florence stared at mini quiches on the tray. “The filling is so flavorful,” He continued while smiling at her, “and the balance of saltiness and sweetness is just perfect. I highly recommend trying one.” He held out the tray to Florence, urging her to take one. “Trust me, you will not be disappointed.” He reassured her with a confident smile before adding, “For allergens, it h

    Last Updated : 2024-11-04

Latest chapter

  • The Tale Not Old As Time   105 “Afternoon Sun”

    One Hundred FiveThe afternoon sun streamed through the window inside Florence’s room, casting a warm glow on the worn leather armchair where Florence sat. Her eyes, though clouded by the fog of Alzheimer’s, still held a spark of recognition when Chaos entered the room.“Hello, my love,” he greeted her, his voice soft and gentle, despite his weakened knees and how his doctors had been telling him to stop walking distances for long hours since it has been bad for his health.Florence smiled, a fragile, fleeting smile that touched Chaos deeply. “Hello, I do not remember you, but I think you were the old guy who kept reading me about stories.” she replied, her voice a mere whisper.“I am.” He settled into the armchair beside her, taking her hand in his. “Shall I read to you?” he asked, his voice filled with a tenderness that never ceased to amaze her.Florence nodded, her eyes fluttering closed. Chaos picked up the worn leather-bound book from the side table. It was a collection of short

  • The Tale Not Old As Time   104 “Tale”

    One Hundred Four“Mama? Dada?” Rhys called out sleepily from the doorway of the kitchen, his eyes barely opened as he stumbled into the kitchen, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he yawned sleepily. “Look who just woken up.” Chaos called out as they smiled, staring at their sleepy looking son.Chaos pulled back slightly, his gaze lingering on Florence. The sound of their son’s voice, sleepy and sweet, filled the kitchen. Both parents turned towards the doorway, their hearts melting at the sight of their little boy, his eyes still heavy with sleep, rubbing his eyes with his tiny fists.“Good morning, sleepyhead,” Florence cooed, scooping him up in her arms. Chaos smiled as he walked towards Rhys and the little boy immediately snuggled into her neck, burying his face as he was sleepy while yawning which made Florence smile.Chaos chuckled, his eyes filled with a mixture of amusement and affection. “Looks like someone’s ready for breakfast,” he said, his voice soft.He walked over to

  • The Tale Not Old As Time   103 “Sunday Morning”

    One Hundred ThreeThe Sunday morning sun streamed through the kitchen window, painting stripes of light across the gleaming hardwood floor. Florence, with a smile on her pretty face, hummed happily as she stirred the pancake batter, the scent of cinnamon and butter filling the air. Her eyes, filled with a quiet contentment, glanced at the delicate band glimmering on her left ring finger. It was a symbol of the years they had spent together, a testament to their resilience and their unwavering love. Three years of marriage had been a challenging journey, a tapestry woven with threads of joy, sorrow, and the unwavering support they offered each other as they navigated life's ups and downs.Chaos, ever the early riser, was already outside, tending to the vegetable garden he had painstakingly cultivated in their backyard. Despite his status, he wanted to do the normal things with her. Cultivating their backyard garden had given him some sense of peace and calm.She glanced out the windo

  • The Tale Not Old As Time   102 “Mind”

    One Hundred Two “I am losing my mind!” Kamille yelled in frustration and anger, as she threw the letters towards Chaos’ office floor which caused shock from him and his secretary. These were letters that he had not known before. Letters that Theresa had never mentioned before. Letters that Kamille had never mentioned ever before. Kamille cried, as if she was having emotional breakdown, but she was calming herself down, “My mind, my guilt, every fucking thing is killing my mind! And you have no idea about the pain and… and the struggle that I had been through!” She shook her head as she stomped and left angrily as if she had been knowing something that she had been hiding for years.Kamille’s composure shattered. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she cried out, “My mind… my guilt, everything is killing me! You have no idea the pain, the struggle I have endured!”She shook her head violently, the words tumbling out in a torrent of raw emotion. It was as if a dam had broken, releasing y

  • The Tale Not Old As Time   101 “Captured”

    One Hundred OneA year had passed since that fateful day at the cemetery. Florence and Chaos, through open communication and unwavering support, had nurtured their relationship, allowing it to blossom into something truly beautiful. Florence had met his parents, their initial apprehension quickly melting away as they witnessed the profound love and respect that existed between their son and the woman who had captured his heart. Despite their vastly different backgrounds, Florence had seamlessly integrated into their lives, her warmth and kindness winning them over completely.The aroma of roasted chicken and Caroline’s famous apple pie filled the air as Florence settled into the worn-in armchair opposite Chaos’ parents. Edward, a man of few words but a kind heart and Chaos’ father, beamed at her from across the table. Caroline, however, was effusive in her praise.“You know, Florence,” Caroline began, a mischievous glint in her eyes, “Chaos has not stopped talking about you since th

  • The Tale Not Old As Time   100 “Profound”

    Hundred“I am so sorry.” Florence’s voice was soft, as if he could hear the hurt in her voice. She reached out and gently took his hand, offering him comfort. “But you could not have known,” she told him very softly, her voice filled with empathy. “These things… they happen. They happened because… because it was what she wanted.” “She did not even ask me what I wanted.” He answered and his words hurt her.“Guilt and self-blame can be incredibly powerful, especially when you are struggling.” She told him sincerely.She knew he blamed himself, but she also knew that blaming himself would not bring Theresa back. He needed to forgive himself, to find a way to move forward.“Hey,” She caressed his cheeks with her hands, “Let us not dwell on the past,” she said softly. “Let us focus on healing, on honoring her memory.”She looked at him, her eyes filled with a gentle understanding. “You can do this, Chaos,” she said, her voice filled with a quiet strength. “No one blamed you. And I do not

  • The Tale Not Old As Time   99 “Passion”

    Ninety-NineThe sun cast long shadows across the cemetery, the air thick with the scent of freshly cut grass and damp earth. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the ancient oak trees, creating a soothing, almost melancholic soundtrack.Florence and Chaos sat on the cool grass in front of Theresa’s headstone, a comfortable silence settling between them. Florence, her gaze fixed on the inscription, felt a strange sense of peace. The initial shock of the revelation had subsided, replaced by a quiet understanding, a profound sense of connection to the young woman whose heart now beat within her own chest.Chaos, sensing her quiet contemplation, reached out and gently took her hand. His touch was a silent affirmation of their shared grief, an unspoken acknowledgment of the profound connection they now shared.“What was she like?” Florence asked softly with curiosity.“Theresa… she was a whirlwind,” Chaos began, his voice thick with emotion. “She was a dancer. Ballet.”Florence nodded he

  • The Tale Not Old As Time   98 “Between You And Me”

    Ninety-Eight“I have been thinking lately about everything that has been happening between you and me.” Florence continued to speak as she was staring at her feet while they were walking.Chaos nodded his head gently, his heart pounding with a mixture of hope and dread. He waited, holding his breath, for her to continue. Florence continued, her voice barely a whisper, “Thinking about everything that is happening between us.”Chaos nodded again, his eyes fixed on her face, searching for any sign of emotion.Florence took a deep breath, her voice trembling slightly. “And I realized… I realized that I have been selfish too.”Chaos shook his head, “No, do not say that. I was the one being selfish.”“No,” she said, her voice breaking. Tears were welling up in her eyes, threatening to spill over. “I was being selfish too. You have been through so much, Chaos. Just the same as me, you went through something too. And I… I was letting my anger and jealousy consume me.”She took a deep breath,

  • The Tale Not Old As Time   97 “Miss”

    Ninety-SevenAs Florence stepped out of the school, she spotted Chaos standing by his car. His shoulders slumped, and a look of weariness etched his face. He missed her, desperately. Florence’s heart ached as she saw him. She missed him too, the silence between them stretching on like an endless desert. They both knew that the longer they remained apart, the deeper the longing and the more painful the separation would become.He exhaled as soon as he saw her emerge from the school, her shoulders slumped slightly, and his heart ached. He wanted to reach for her, to pull her close and hold her until the pain subsided. He wanted to hug her and just feel her warmth once again after days of being away from each other.But he knew better. He had hurt her, deeply, and he had to earn back her trust, one small step at a time.He watched as she approached slowly and almost unsurely, her gaze fixed on the pavement, her footsteps heavy with unspoken emotions. He wanted to call out to her, to apol

Scan code to read on App
DMCA.com Protection Status