I CAN'T STOP LOVING YOU [Episode 13 - 15]

 I CAN'T  STOP LOVING YOU

                                        Episode 13

"When is the appointment with them?" Closing the laptop, I get up taking my phone.

"It is after the Christmas holidays. So two weeks from now." William answers.

"Okay. Did Clara reach home safely?"

"Paul texted me saying that she reached safely. He said that he texted you too."

Looking at my phone I check the message. She is home.

The message read. After the way she passed out of in her cabin, there is no way I am going to let her go anywhere without safety.

Paul is appointed to look after her, make sure she is safe and to protect her in my absence. "Got it."

"Dalton, this is maybe out of line, but..." He trails off looking at me.

"Just get to the point." I know he has something to say about me and Clara.

"I think she is having feelings for you. She even asked me about your ex-girlfriend. Of course she doesn't know that it's her."

"What did she ask?"

"She asked if your ex-girlfriend is hot?"

I can't stop the smile breaking from my lips. "That sounds like her." I murmur to myself. "What else did she ask?"

"If you are still in love with your ex-girlfriend."

"What did you say?"

Instead of responding he just looks away from me. "I told her I think that you are."

I am, of course! "It's fine. As long as she doesn't know who it is."

"I think one of these days she might find out who your ex-girlfriend is. You need to be more careful."

"I know."

We both walk out of the office and reach downstairs to our cars. "Merry Christmas, Mr. Bryant."

"What's so merry about it?" I can't help but whisper. "Merry Christmas. Enjoy your holidays with your family."

"Thank you."

Giving him one kurt nod, I drive out from there. As I drive home, there is only one thought in my mind.

Clara! It's all I am thinking about these days. I am barely able to stop myself from holding her in my arms today.

My car halts at the traffic signals and I look at the neatly wrapped gift placed in the passenger seat.

Clara gave it to me in the morning when we met in the cellar.

Although I wanted to tear open and know what's inside, I threw it in there to act cold towards her.

I remember how her smile immediately fell and all I want to do was pull her close and kiss her.

"Oh God!"

I start driving again. These days I have been losing control around her.

My arms seek her whenever she is near me. That day when I was too tired with all the meetings,

she took care of me just like she did in the past and for a moment I forgot that she doesn't remember me from her past.

She still smells the same and having her in my arms even just for a few seconds made me forget everything. It was just her and me.

Having her so close and yet not being able to touch her is driving me crazy.

But I have to keep limits with her. I should let her date other men.

I should... let her go. Why is it so hard? Why can't I stop myself from being near her?

I only hurt her more. She will keep running into dangers if I am with her.

I should find a way to let her go. She deserves to live happily... with someone.

With some other person! Fuck! Even the thought is making me see red.

Oh Clara! Cara Mia! Why does it have to be like this?

My heart leaped out of chest when I saw her pass out.

If anything happened to her... Even the thought is unbearable.

Only when the doctor came and checked her, did my heart start beating normally.

I had to have her in my arms that day. I have to know that she was fine and safe and the only way to clam myself down was to hold her as close to me as possible.

But the questions she asked me that day, really put me on edge.

I was on the verge on giving away. It took everything in me to stop myself from going to her and telling her the truth.

And when she said that she has feelings for me... God I thought I might lose it. I was too happy to even process anything that's happening.

Even if she forgot everything about me, even when she doesn't remember who I am, she chose me. But she should not.

Oh my Clara! What should I do?

And when she asked why I called her Cara Mia, I wanted to shout at her, I was at loss of words.

I was unable to answer all her questions. There was only one answer for all of them though.

It's because I love you. I love you so much. But how can I tell you that?

From that day onwards, her behaviour towards me changed.

She has become more confident. Not that she was not before.

She only talks about work sometimes and sometimes gets so close to me that I think she is seducing.

I am not complaining though. When she is close to me and when I can smell her, everything around me just disappears.

It's like there are only two of us in this world. In that moment, the past, the present, the future, nothing matters. It's only her, me and us.

I keep forgetting that there can be no us. I only bring destruction. I only bring harm.

Fuck! Cara Mia! I want to see you. I want to be with you!

I reach my house. Going in, I freshen up and come out of the bathroom.

My eyes fall on the gift given by her. Quickly going to the bed where the gift lays, I pick it up and unwrap it eagerly to know what's in there.

It is a box filled with cookies. A small note is attached on the top.

Merry Christmas, Dalton! Hope you like these homemade cookies. Happy holidays.

Opening the box, I find the most delicious chocolate chip cookies shaped in alphabets.

They smell so delicious. Homemade? She is my home.

I can't wait to taste them. Going to kitchen, I lay them on the kitchen island arranging the alphabets.

Finally completing the puzzle, I understand what she did.

That's what the whole cookies are. She actually cooked my name.

I can't help the smile appearing on my face. If only she is here.

I remember the last year's Christmas. My gaze immediately falls on my ring finger.

She gifted this ring. Taking it out, I look at the words carved inside. I love you.

Oh, Clara! How did we reach this far? How can this happen? Why am I such a curse?!

I want you here with me, laying in my arms, like you did last year.

Taking a cookie, I bite it. She cooked them herself, I know the taste.

Tears nearly pooled in my eyes. I want to see her. I have to. Just once.

It wouldn't hurt, right?! But I should not. I need to learn to control myself when it comes to her. It seems like these cookies are my only comfort for now.

Maybe I cannot go to see her, but I can... Going to my room I pick up the phone. Once I click on the contact I love the most, it starts ringing.

"Hello, Mr. Bryant!" Her voice is smooth and attentive.

At least I can hear her voice and quench my thirst to be close to her. "Hello!" She calls again.

"Yes, Ms. Edwards! Did you forward the mail I asked you to?" I have actually seen the mail, but I just needed a reason.

I feel silly, but this is the only way. I want to at least hear her voice.

"Yes, I have mailed it afternoon itself."

"I haven't checked it yet."

"Oh. Okay." There is a moment of silence.

"Thank you for the cookies."

"You are welcome." She says and I hear murmurs from behind. "Yes mom,

it's Mr. Bryant... No! How can I?... Mom!" There is a brief pause. "Sorry. Merry Christmas, Mr. Bryant."

"You too."

She disconnects the call and I sigh. Okay. That can stall me for a few days. At least I hope.

My phone rings and I look at the caller ID. It's Mrs. Edwards, Clara mother.

My eyebrows draw together. Concern settles in my heart.

"Mrs. Edwards," I say picking up.

"Oh Dalton, how are you, son?"

"I am good. Is everything alright?"

"Oh, no need to worry. I just called you to ask you to come spend Christmas with us," she says.

She is a very kind lady. Every once in a while she calls to ask if I am fine or if I am doing well.

She feels like my mother. Her concern for me melts my heart.

She helps me keep track of Clara's health, she understands why I am trying to get away from Clara, though few times she did ask me to just tell her the truth and get back together with her.

I can't. Right now, I just want to take up her offer and go spend this weekend with my girl. I sigh. She is not my girl! Damn!

"No, Mrs. Edwards, I can't. But thank you for the offer."

"Oh, but you don't have to be alone on this day."

"And say what to Clara? It would be too weird."

"You don't worry about Clara. I can always make up some story.

Plus Clara would love to spend Christmas with you." She would?

"You know that she likes you. I saw how excited she was to bake those cookies for you."

Cara Mia! "She might not remember you, but her heart remembers.

You are only hurting yourself by doing this, son." Her voice is low. I have to do this! Even if it hurts! I have to go away before she remembers me.

"Thank you, but think I will pass."I hear her sigh at my words.

"Okay. But if you change your mind, do come."

"Merry Christmas, Mrs. Edwards!"

"Merry Christmas, dear!" She hangs up.

I let out a breath running my hands through my hair.

I do want to see Clara. Her voice is ringing in my head. I need to get a drink. Right! That will do! I need it right now!

Getting dressed, I take my cars keys and go out driving up to my regular place to get a drink.

Oh Clara! What should I do? I have to go away from you, but I can't! I want to hold you close, but I can't!

Opening my phone, I look at my screen saver. A picture of us.

My finger trails down on her face. I take a shot of my vodka. I keep drinking, I don't know how much I am drinking.

I want to drink till I fill up all the pain, till I don't feel anything.

My heart hurts too much. Caressing the ring on my finger, I remember what I said last year at this time. "I want to spend all of my Christmases with you."

I laugh at myself and the absurdity of the situation.

Oh Clara! I was a fool. Look where we are now! All of my dreams,

our dreams, dreams and future that I saw with you, are just going to remain as dreams now, in just my memory! How sad is that?

I look at her photo drinking beer. I caress the ring she gifted me.

Oh Baby! I need you right now! I want to hold you. Just once!

I don't know how much I drank. But I feel the world around me moving. I keep seeing Clara.

"Clara! You are here?"

"Sir, excuse me!" Why doesn't the voice sound like her?!

"Clara! Baby!" I scream like a mad man. My legs feel wobbly. I would fall down if the man beside me isn't holding me.

"Sir, we are closing up. You need to leave." Why does she sound like a man?

"Clara! Let's spend the Christmas together like I promised!" I get up trying to hug her.

"Sir, I am not Clara! You need to go home."

"Yes, let's go home, Baby."

I get up and walk out holding her. She feels muscular! I look at her and find a man's face mixed with hers.

I blink twice to see clearly. It's not her. It's not Clara.

I feel the cool air once we are outside the club. I feel the person take me on the road. "Taxi!" I hear him call.

"Where is she?! Where is Clara!" I pull out of his hold.

She must be inside the club. I saw her there. "Clara! Baby!"

"Sir! You need to get in the car. We are closing."

"But, she is inside. Clara!" I call out loudly so that she can hear me and come out.

I feel wobbly. "Baby, come out, let's go home." Before I know it, I fall down. Someone lifts me up.

"Sir, you came alone. Please get in."

"What?" I look at the man with confusion. What is he saying? I can't think properly. My mind is fuzzy. He puts me inside the cab and closes the door.

"Where to?" The driver asks. I look at the entrance of the club waiting for Clara. "Sir?" I hear him call.

"Yes?"

"Where to?"

"Oh." I tell him the address. Taking a chug from my beer I wait for him to take me to my destination. Clara! Clara! Cara Mia!

"We are here." The cab driver announces. That was pretty fast.

I give him a good fare for bringing me to my heaven.

I get out and drink my beer. Going to the porch, I ring the bell waiting for my fairy to open the door. Why is she not coming? I bang the door.

"Coming!" I hear her voice. "Who is at this time of the night?!

" I hear her say. I smile. It's me. The cursed boy! Oh right! I shouldn't be here.

I should go! But Cara Mia! I want to see her! My beautiful clara! My lovely girl! My everything!

The door opens and there stood my girl, in her night dress with Christmas hat on her head.

She looks cute. As always! Shock covers her features once she sees me.

"Mr. Bryant?!"

"Who is it, Sweetie?" I hear someone from inside the house ask. I smile at her.

Her mouth opens and closes as she looks at me. "What are you doing here?" She asks.

My body feels wobbly and I feel the earth below me moving.

Everything feels fuzzy except her. I am here to spend the Christmas with you as promised, Baby!

"Mr. Bryant, are you alright?" She asks looking at me with concern.

Now that I see you I am fine! "Clara!" I reach and caress her cheek.

A smile spreads on my face. She is here! My vision starts to blur and I feel like I am about to faint.

"Mr. Bryant!" I hear her say before I feel fainting in her arms.

She is here! I am with her! Cara Mia!

Episode 14

"Merry Christmas, Mom!" I hug her and she kisses the crown of my head.

"Merry Christmas!" She wishes back as we pull away.

"Okay. Where is my Christmas gift?" Michael comes down from his room.

Going straight to the Christmas tree, he pulls out the two gifts with his name card and rips one open.

"I can't believe him. I give up." Mom says rising her hands up in surrender refereeing to my brother's behavior.

I can't help but laugh. "Go, get yours," she tells me and I pick up one of my gifts.

"Wow, new phone!" Micheal shouted and I nearly threw the gift in my hand.

He screamed and hugged mom. "Thank you, Mom. You just know what I want." She looks at him bored.

"More like you told me the whole week what you want." I laugh at what she said.

"I can't believe he is older than you," she says.

"Me too." I agree. He goes to unwrap his other gift.

My heart suddenly feels heavy. I feel like I am missing something.

What is this? My heart goes to my chest and I remember the words said by the man I heard in my head.

I want to spend all of my Christmases with you. Whoever said that, I can hear the love and sincerity in their voice.

Then I think of the ring, the ring on Mr. Dalton's finger.

It's the same one I saw in my memory or imagination. What is this?

I can't stop the feeling that Mr. Bryant is connected to my past.

But if I am, he would have recognized me by now.

I just don't understand what to believe and what not to.

Apart from all that, my heart beats fast whenever I am near him.

I feel peace when I am in his arms. I just want to see him smile.

And those cookies I made for him for Christmas gift, I don't know what possessed me to do that.

He must be thinking I am stupid, giving my boss the cookies with his name as a puzzle.

What is wrong with me?!

But I wonder if he ate those. He even ate the spaghetti mom made a week before.

She told me to give it to him. Yes, I know how weird it sounds.

My mom cooked for my Boss. When I told mom how he ate the homemade cookies I gave him when he was tired, she cooked him the spaghetti the next day.

I told her that he would be pissed or feel weird if I give the food like that, but she told me to ask him just once.

Maybe she felt pity when I told her that he doesn't have a family or anyone to look after him.

During lunch time, I just put the spaghetti in a plate and put it on his table.

I didn't tell him it's from my mom. It would have been too weird.

But he thanked me for the spaghetti. How did he know that it was from me? It is still a mystery.

"Clara." I hear mom call and turn to her. Both mom and Micheal are looking at me.

"Are you okay, Sweetie?" I place the gift down without unwrapping and go to her before sitting beside her.

"Mom, I want to ask you something."

She looks at me with concern. "What is it?" Okay, here it comes. I have to find answers and I have to ask her.

"You have to be honest."

"Of course." Micheal is looking at me with concern. I let out a huge sigh.

"I want to know what happened in the past two years.

I want to what I forgot that happened before the accident." They both look at me like they don't know what to say. "Everything."

"Did anything happen?" Micheal asks. I push my hair away from my face.

"No. It's... I just... I keep having this... this... memories or visions. I don't know. I..." I take a breath in. "I feel like I am remembering things, but I don't know if I am."

Sweetie." Mom pulls me into a hug. I relax in her arms.

"You don't need to panic." She pulls away and looks at me. "Since when are you having the flashes of your memories?"

"I don't know if they are memories or if they are just my imaginations or if it's a mix of both of them."

"What?" Micheal asks looking at me with confusion. Mom is waiting for me to respond.

"I..." I lick my lips. "Mom, I think I have romantic feelings for my boss." She doesn't show any reaction to my confession.

"And?"

"I think that I was in a relationship in past during the period of my forgotten memories and I think these memories I have are a mix of both of them." They both still look confused.

"Sweetie, can you please explain more?"

"I keep having visions of me being in love with my current boss."

Mom and brother look at each other.

"Mom, is my boss a part of my memories? I mean, if we were in a relationship, he would have recognized me or did we break up?

Is that why he doesn't feel the need to tell me about it? OH MY GOD!"

"What?" Mom asks.

"Why did I never think of this?! I was in a relationship with Mr. Bryant and we must have broke up. That's why he..."

"He what?" Micheal asks.

"He is very caring one minute and pushing me away the next."

Mom doesn't talk and Micheal looks away.

"Mom, please tell me the truth. I want to know why I see Mr. Bryant in my memories. Is he connected to my past? Did I date him?"

"Clara." She says.

"Mom, please. I want to know." I plead her with my eyes. She looks down and sighs.

"You-" Her words are cut off by the sound of the door bell ringing. Who can it be this late at night?

We all look at each other with confusion. It's past midnight.

The person starts banging the door and I get up to go to the front door. The banging doesn't stop.

"Coming!" The banging continues. "Who is it this late at night?"Going, I open the door.

God! I was not prepared for what I am seeing right now?! Is it really him? Shock is printed on my face as I stare at him. It is unexpected.

"Mr. Bryant?!"

"Who is it, Sweetie?" I hear mom ask. I look at him coming out of the shock.

He is wearing a jeans and navy blue button up shirt. His shirt is not tucked.

His face looks so tired and he looks completely drunk.

He is reeking of alcohol. Then the most beautiful thing happens.

He smiles. He smiles at me. A genuine smile. A smile with no secrets. He looks like he is happy. I almost smile at him.

"What are you doing here?" I ask him once I leave the trance his smile left in my mind.

He tries to move forward, but he looks like he might faint.

Concern grows in my heart. "Mr. Bryant, are you alright?"

"Clara!" He says smiling and raises his hand. His hand gently caresses my cheek. Oh God!

My heart does flips. It feels so good. It feels like magic.

The cool breeze touches my cheek and the feel of his hand on my cheek feels amazing. Just as I was starting to enjoy his touch, I see his eyes drooping.

"Mr. Bryant." I call out and he starts falling. Instantly my arms catch him.

"Who is it?" Micheal asks coming to the door. He looks at me holding Mr. Bryant.

"Why are you hugging a stranger?" He looks at me like I lost my mind. Micheal can't see his face as he opposite to him.

He is not a stranger. Help me!"

Micheal comes the other way and looks at the person in my arms. He stills for a second and I almost miss it.

"Let's take him to my room." I say and Micheal nods his head before helping me bring him upstairs.

"Who is it-Oh." Mom looks as though she is in shock.

"I am taking him to my room. I will come down and explain." I tell her before taking him to my room.

Once in there, Micheal helps me lay him on the bed.

I bring a towel and dry his hair. His clothes are wet. It's raining outside and he is wandering around drinking.

Does he not care for his health? "I will bring water in case he needs it." Micheal says and I nod.

I remove the buttons of his wet shirt and Oh My!

I should keep my mind stable and not stare at him.

Pulling off his belt, I wipe him with the towel. He takes hold of my hand as I dry him and I look at him. He trying to open his eyes.

"Clara." He whispers smiling. "Clara, Clara." His face is so close to mine.

His breath fans my face as he speaks. My mind becomes foggy. Suddenly it's only us both.

The emptiness in my heart washes away. Is this what is it?

Am I missing him? Am I missing my moody Boss on the day of Christmas?

"Dalton." My voice comes out as a whisper. I can't seem a put a hold on my heart when I am near him.

He smiles as I say his name. A full blown smile.

"Yes." It's like he is answering to me like I called him.

"Why are you out in the rain? You could catch cold."

"I loved the cookies. I want more."

I can't help but smile at his answer. "You want more cookies?"

"Yes." He answers and I let out a laugh. He chuckles. Oh God! Why does this feel so natural? "It's Christmas."

"Yes, It is."

"I am here." He says before fainting again on my bed.

I remove his shirt and dry him with a towel. I want to remove his pant and change him into something comfortable,

but as I reach for his pants it suddenly clicks that I am undressing my boss.

Micheal comes in with a glass of water and a pair of clothes.

"Here." He sets the glass down and gives me the clothes he brought.

"Will you change him?" I ask.

"Me?"

"Well, he is my boss. I don't want to seem like a pervert tomorrow morning if he asks me who changed his clothes."

He thinks about it for a second. "Okay." He takes the clothes from my hands. Leaving him to it, I go down to mom.

I have to tell her who he is. She must be feeling weird that her daughter just carried a stranger up to her bedroom.

"Mom." She is sitting in the living room with a glass of wine in her hand. She looks at me as I call her.

"Come." She pats the place beside her. I obey and sit beside her.

"Okay, so that is my boss." She opens her mouth to say something, but I cut her off.

"I know and even I didn't expect him to show up like that unannounced.

Just let him stay here tonight please. It's raining outside and he is completely wet."

"Okay." She agrees and I can't help the smile appearing on my face. I didn't expect her to agree, but well, she did.

"Thank you, Mom." Giving her a hug I pull away.

"You really like him don't you?" She asks and her question only makes me sigh.

My heart fucking flips whenever I even think of him.

"I do." I whisper. "I like him." She smiles at me. Tears pool in my eyes for some reason.

It's like I nearly love him. Maybe I do. But, these are all only one sided. How can I fall in love with my boss?!

It even sounds cheesy! But he was always there for me.

There is something between us I can sense and I know I sound stupid when I say this, but I can't stop myself from thinking that! "I don't know why he is here today.

I don't know why he is looking me." Tears stream down my face.

"I keep thinking that he may be related to my past.

The time I forgot. God! Mom! I really like this man. I-I don't know what to say."

Listen to your heart, Sweetie." Her words bring a smile on my face.

"I will."

"You will be alright." She gives me a hug again.

Coming back to my room, I find him sleeping peacefully in my bed.

It feels so surreal. Him, in my bed. Something I never expected, but something that's fluttering my heart. I sit beside him on the bed.

Who are you? Why are you always making my heart and mind go crazy?!

He moves a bit and lays on his back still deep in sleep.

I take my time appreciating his beautiful face. My fingers run on his nose ending at the sharp edge.

His five O' clock shadow is growing thicker. He needs a shave, not that he looks bad now. My drunk boss is lying in my bed.

But as I look at him, I don't see him as my boss for some reason.

Oh Dalton!

Soon sleep over takes me. I fall asleep beside him happily.

This will be a Christmas I will remember for a long time.

Dalton's POV

Waking up, I open my eyes. A familiar ceiling stares back at me.

The scent I love the most is wrapped around me and I feel arms pulling me closer to a body. As I look down, my heart beat raises.

clara?!

As I look around the room, I realise that I am in her room which means I am in her house.

How did I get here? Why is she in my arms? Not that I mind.

Why am I sleeping in her bed? Did I... Did I tell her anything last night?

Did I tell her anything about our past? Mrs. Edwards?!

Does she know that I am here?! What is happening?!

Looking back at her, all the questions in my mind vaporize and for the moment, I relish being in her pleasant embrace.

My arms surround her body immediately and she nuzzles into me.

Is this a dream? It must be. It feels so real.

Engulfing her completely in my arms, I take my time savouring this experience. It's been so long...

So long, since I embraced her without a care in the world.

For a moment it feels like there are only us in the world.

Cara Mia!

"Cara." A loving whisper leaves my mouth unknowingly. The most unexpected thing happens.

"Hmm." She hums in response. My heart stops beating for a moment.

Can she hear me? Why did she respond? Did she remember the past?

I check to see if she is awake. She is deep in sleep.

"I love you." Losing control, I kiss her forehead, lingering my lips there longer than needed.

My heart settles down and I feel a sense of peacefulness flowing down my body.

But, it doesn't last long. I need to go. I have to go.

I try hard to get out of her embrace and once I do, I cover her with the blanket and kiss her forehead again.

My greedy heart doesn't want to settle with just one.

Once I am look, I find myself in unfamiliar clothes.

I remember leaving the house yesterday in casual clothes, not in a t shirt and a short.

These must be Micheal's. My clothes are hanging on a chair in her room.

Picking them up and wearing them, without making a sound, I quickly exit the room, before staring at her for a moment.

Get a grip, Dalton! You should leave! You only cause her harm! Leave when you can!

Leaving the room, I go downstairs. Mrs. Edwards and Micheal are sitting in the dining room.

"Good morning, Mrs. Edwards!" I greet her. She looks up from her phone and Micheal does the same.

"Good morning." Greeting him, I stand there like a person guilty of committing a crime.

Good morning." He greets back.

"Come, sit down, son. I cooked breakfast for you too." She gets up and takes a plate.

"No need-"

"You are having breakfast here and that's final. I know it's been long, since you had a family member cook for you.

I know you have a lot of questions and we can talk about them once you have your breakfast." She serves the plate with pancakes and puts it on the table.

Her words family member strikes me hard. She still considers me as one.

I am thankful to God for bringing these people into my life.

I didn't know it can be this beautiful until last year when I celebrated New Year with all of them together.

Mrs. Edwards, Micheal, Grandpa, Kurt and my lovely lovely Clara who hosted the event.

But I have to leave. If not they might disappear like my parents. Clara almost became a victim of it.

Sitting down, I grab the fork set beside the table.

"Thank you for the spaghetti, Mrs. Edwards. Even though Clara didn't tell me out of shyness, I know you prepared it for me."

"You are welcome, son." Her kind smile makes me feel at ease.

"How have you been?" Micheal asks.

"Fine."

"Mom worries about you sometimes." He says out of nowhere.

I don't know how to respond to that, but I feel grateful that someone actually cares for my well being.

"Kurt said, your Grandfather is missing you. You should give him a call if possible.

" I nearly forgot that Kurt, the guy who works in grandpa's farm is dating Micheal.

It's been a while since I spoke to my grandfather. I should call him.

"I will call him." I said completing my breakfast. "Thank you for the food."

"You are welcome." She responds.

"How did I get here last night?" I ask immediately.

"You came in a cab and you were completely drunk." Micheal answers. "Clara took you to her room." That explains a lot.

I nod my head in response.

"You miss her a lot don't you?" Mrs. Edwards asks.

A lot wouldn't even describe it. My heart feels like it might explode any minute.

I am near her, but I can't make her mine. It's like someone is pulling my heart out, stitching it back and pulling it out again. It's pure torture.

"Clara still loves you, Dalton. You know that too, don't you?" She asks. Of course.

My girl is not good at hiding her emotions. My girl? She is not my girl anymore

"I do."

"You can still turn things around. Her heart still beats only for you.

You can keep the past in the past and continue with the future from here."

"I can't Mrs. Edwards. I will only hurt her."

"Oh please! I don't believe that. You have taken care of her more than I should. You are only hurting yourself and her this way!"

Hurting her?

"She is having flashes of her memory. She spoke to me yesterday about it."

I look at her blankly.

"Soon she might get her memory back and you know what will happen then!

I don't want to see her suffering about her past like this!

" She puts her hand over mine in a motherly way.

"You are not bad for her, Dalton. You are good for her. I know that.

You should believe in yourself, you should believe in your love!"

She takes her hand back and I think about what she said.

"If you are not going to go forward and don't want to have relationship with her, then break up with her."

Her words halt all of my thoughts.

"Tell her everything about your relationship. Don't leave any details and if you want to walk away from her, then have clean break up."

"Mom!" Micheal looks at her like she has gone crazy asking her me to break up with her own daughter.

"It's better to see her suffer for a few days than to see her in pain for months.

" I just listen to her without talking. "Listen son, I want you both to be together.

I would happily give you my blessing for your future, but if really want to walk away from her, I suggest you do it quick.

Don't break her heart every day. I don't want my daughter coming home with tears every day."3

"Is she crying every day?" I ask with concern. Micheal and her share a look.

"Not every day, but most of the times. On weekends,

Not every day, but most of the times. On weekends, she just seems dazed out. She is not happy and we know you are not too." Micheal says.

"We know you love her. Stop believing in these delusional things and just follow your heart." Mrs. Edwards says.

"I just don't want to see her hurt."

"Me too. That's why you should tell her the truth.

Tell her everything. That will at least put her at ease.

I don't want to see her beating herself up every day about her past." She explains. "More than anything, I would like to see you both together."

Together? With Clara? That's a beautiful dream.

"Think about it son. In any case, come clean with her." She says.

I don't want to hurt Clara. I don't want her beating herself up over the past.

I don't want to see her cry. But for all of this to happen, I have to tell her the truth and if I tell her the truth... I have to let her go.

But will I be able to let her go? Will I be able to leave her?! I would be a fool if I think I will be able to do that!

"I will tell her everything once I come back from my business trip."

Episode 15

I feel lips on my forehead. A gentle kiss lingering for a few seconds before vanishing.

I hum and open my eyes with a smile feeling peaceful.

The smile on my face turns into a shy grin as I see the person in front of me.

The person that's guilty of making my heart race.

Dalton. He is looking down at me with a small smile. Oh my!

"Good morning, Cara Mia," he says and before I can respond he vanishes into thin air.

I wake up gasping for air. My fingers run through my hair and I breathe for air.

My mind is still reeling the shock of what I just dreamt about. Dalton?

I look beside me and find the bed empty. He was sleeping here yesterday night.

Did he leave already? My heart feels empty and heavy.

How can he leave just like that? Does last night mean nothing to him?

I mean, it's not like we had sex, but... It was something!

He came looking for me! He... looked at me with that look in his eyes!

I know there is something! But, he just left?!

This is what I am worried about. Pulling me to him one minute and pushing me away the other.

It's like he doesn't care for my feelings. It's like he is running away from me.

I had so many things to ask him today when he wakes up.

Why did he come here yesterday? Why did he keep calling me even when I was right in front of him?

Is he really related to my past like I think he is?

I intended to bring the truth out today no matter what, but seems like that's not going to happen today.

I am not going to let him treat me like this! Picking up the phone on my night stand, I dial his number.

As the phone rings, my heart starts beating fast. Why? He picks up the call on the third ring.

"Yes, Ms. Edwards." He sounds very professional.

Ms. Edwards?! I wasn't Ms. Edwards last night, was I? I was Clara.

Now we are back at it again? Anger courses through my body and fills me. I am not some doll that he can treat me as he pleases.

"Oh, stop it!" There was silence on the other side. "I was not Ms. Edwards last night, when you came knocking on my door!"

"Ms. Edwards-"

"I said stop it!" I nearly scream and tears are beginning to fill my eyes.

I feel this ache in my heart and it's because of him.

"You can't keep playing with me like this! You have no right to!" I pause for a moment.

He can't! "Why did you come to my house last night?

I want to know the truth." There! I said it! "I know, you know that I like you.

I also know how stupid it might sound since you are my boss and I might seem like a stupid to you-"

"You are not stupid. It's not stupid to like someone, whoever it is," he says cutting me while I speak.

"Then do you think of me as a fool?"

"What?"

Tears start pooling in my eyes. "You heard me."

"Clara," he whispers. Oh God! It hurts even more when he calls me with my name!

God! It hurts when he calls me Ms. Edwards, it hurts when he calls me Clara! Fu*k!

This is so... so... Urgh! I want to tell him to not call me that too. "I don't think of you as a fool." Sincerity drips in his tone.

"Then why do you treat me like one? Why come to my house and give me hopes and leave the next morning without even as much a goodbye?!

Why are you playing with me?! Does that make you happy?!"

"I am not playing with you. I have not such intentions."

"You can't treat me like this! I know you like me. I know you do!" I say with conformity.

"I saw it in your eyes last night!" I nearly whisper. "You looked happy."

We just stay silent for a moment.

"You can't deny that. Because... Because I felt it. I felt something between us." Tears start falling down my cheeks. A muffle leaves my mouth.

"Are you crying?" Concern evident in his voice. See! He is worried about me.

"Yes, so what?!"

"Cara, pl-" I cut him off.

"Is Cara your ex-girlfriend?"

"What?!" He asks after a pause as if he is surprised by my question.

"You keep calling me that. I even asked you before, but you never reply. I want to know. After last night, I need to know!"

"I understand that you have questions and you need answers." I do! "Give me some time Clara.

On the first day of New Year, after coming back from the Business trip, I will explain everything. Everything." He emphasizes on 'everything.'

I frown. What is this now?

"And you were right. I was happy to see you last night.

More than happy. You don't know how much." I stay silent.

His words are stirring a whole different kind of emotions in my stomach.

My mind immediately goes to the moment he held me as I slept in his arms.

Though I fell asleep beside him accidentally, I woke somewhere in the middle of the night, wrapped tightly in his arms.

Not that I complained. It felt warm and... and comfortable.

"Wait for me." His voice brings me back. I nod my head even though I know that he couldn't see me.

"I will." A small reply escapes my mouth. With that I cut the call. I put my head in my hands. This hurts so much!

It's okay. I have to wait for another six days. That's it and he will tell me everything.

Taking a deep breath in, I let it out and sit up straight. Six more days!+

Getting out of the bed, I freshen up and walk downstairs to have my breakfast.

Walking down, I see a bouquet of light pink roses on the table.

Mom and Micheal are sitting on either side of the table silently. Why are they so silent?

"Good morning, Mom!" I greet her. She looks up and gives me a smile.

"Good morning! Come have breakfast."

Going to the bouquet, I sniff the flowers. They smell fresh and nice.

The bouquets are sent by the mysterious man every Sunday.

I still don't know who he is. I sigh internally. Another mystery to solve in my life!

But I am surprised to see it today, since it's not the Sunday. I see a card on the top.

Pulling it out, I eagerly open it to read what's in there.

Your happiness is all that matters to me.

-The Soulless Man

My brows furrow in confusion. I have seen this handwriting somewhere.

"Who dropped this bouquet today?" I ask Micheal.

"Some delivery guy. Why?" He asks.

I run up the stairs to my room and pull out the drawer of my night stand.

Taking out the cards that I have received from the other bouquets, I put them all together with today's card.

They are all signed as The Soulless Man. But the writing in them and today's card is different.

This handwriting is similar to that of... Dalton's. The S in the Soulless, only Dalton writes the S like that.

I take my phone and go through few of the pictures of Dalton notes that I have taken for office purpose.

Comparing them, I see how it's the same writing.

Suddenly my heart is beating faster than I can imagine.

Fu*k! What is happening?! My hand goes to my chest.

The other one goes to my head. If Dalton is the guy sending me the bouquets, that means he surely knows me from before.

He must have known me from the years of memory I forgot!

Then does that mean all the visions that I am seeing are of Dalton and me?

If is it true, why would he not tell me?! What the hell is happening?!

My train of thoughts are cut off by my phone ringing.

I see the caller ID and it's Nick. Picking up, I put the phone near my ear. I am still processing what's happening.

"Hello!"

"Hey, Clara! Merry Christmas!"

"H-Hey!" I nearly stutter. My mind wandering and thinking about what I just found out.

"Why so gloomy, chum?! Still did not get out of the bed?"

I don't answer. It's like I can't think of anything else.

"Hello?!" He calls out.

"Yes."

"Okay. I got news for you. A mind bowing one. You might be shocked."

I am already in shock.

"I brother found out the owner of the cell phone number you gave me."

My heart drops again. I have a weird feeling about this. "Who is it?"

"I will tell you, but you owe me one."

"Okay. Tell me who it is."

"It's our CEO, Dalton Raul Bryant

That's it. Somewhere in me, I knew it. Why do I have his number on my phone?!

Why did I save it as MD? What does it mean? Fu*k!

Why are you in every page of my life Dalton?! "Boy!

I didn't know his middle name is Raul. It's so hot! He sounds like royalty, right?" He continues speaking.

"Um yeah. Thank you... Nick."

"You are welcome. Maybe it must be his personal number and he accidentally called you from it."

Then why is it saved on my phone? "I owe you one. I will call you later. Bye!"

"Bye!"

I cut the call and sit back. My mind just can't process all this. All of this feels so messed up.

Dalton is the one sending me flowers, even before he came as the CEO to the company.

I have Dalton's number saved on my phone. What is all this?

Why is this happening? It is obvious he knows me from my past then why didn't he come out and tell me straight out?! What is he hiding?

"What is happening, Dalton?!" I whisper to no one and to myself.

Dalton's POV

"Make sure everything is set by the time I come back." I tell William.

"Congratulations on cracking this deal."

"Thank you and send the presentation and scanned copy of the file immediately.

The contract will be signed tomorrow. If you don't have the scanned copy, you can get it from my house. You know the code to get in."

"I will send it by morning."

"I can't wait till morning. Send it in three hours."

"Okay." He replies and I cut the call.

Right now I am in Venice, in the same house where it all started, where our relationship started.

I lay on the bed and think about her. Pulling out my phone, I look at the pictures.

She took many selfies of us together. I was never a fan of pictures, but for her I tried to smile in some.

There are pictures of me kissing her, pictures of her trying to push me away, pictures of her blushing and some pictures of only her which I took while she was cooking, sleeping and reading.

Being in this house brings back all the memories,

how we decided to be together, how I slept with my head in her lap,

how she held me when I was weak and how we fell more in love than we already have been.

Oh, Clara! Cara Mia!

I remember talking to my grandfather yesterday.

He too doesn't support my decision to walk away from Clara.

He likes her like his own kid. Who doesn't? She is just so full of life!

When she called me the day after Christmas, when the morning after I left her house,

her broken voice made me want to hit myself. She is suffering because of me.

The whole point is to not hurt her, but I am the one doing it all the time.

Every Sunday, when I send the flowers, I give the message with the flowers to the delivery shop, they write it deliver it, but that morning,

as I left after sleeping in her bed, I want to write it myself, I want to tell her myself that I will erase all her pain.

I will tell her everything the day after tomorrow anyway.

I will tell her the whole truth, the year where we spent falling for each other and being in love.

The most treasured days of my life. I can't even imagine how life will be without her.

I know that I will keep loving her. But now that I think about it, I don't want to leave her.

My grandfather's words come to my mind. "Let her decide, son. It's her choice to make.

You cannot choose that for her." I so want to believe that, but not at the cost of losing her.

Clara loves me even if she doesn't remember me.

If I tell her the truth, she might get angry, but she will not break up with me for sure.

And if she stay with me, it is only dangerous for her.

I don't want that. But... Is it selfish to want to live with the person you love this much?

"Fu*k!"

I curse and run my hand through my hair.

"Give it a chance son, don't blame yourself too much." My grandfather's words ring in my head.

Should I though? I mean, I would definitely be happy.

The thought itself is euphoric. Clara will be in my arms again and all will be right with the world.

But how is it right for her? Oh, I want her so bad! I always do! I want her in my house, and safe in my arms.

As I lay here and look at her pictures on my phone, all I can think about is how much I love her and how much I want to tell her that.

Clara, I love you.

Looking at her picture can't help thinking this. Is it okay for us to be together? Is it okay that I want you back?

Clara's POV

"Yes," I answer the phone groggily without seeing who called.

"Oh, thank God! Clara!" The voice says.

"Who is this?" I answer feeling annoyed at the person who called.

"It's William. Are you sleeping?"

"Isn't it obvious?"

" I need some help." I can hear the urgency in his voice.

"It's Christmas time. Go ask Santa. I am sure he must be flying with his deers around the town." I answer still sleepily.

"Ha ha." He laughs sarcastically. "Please, it's urgent."He pleads and I sit up in my bed.

Looking at the phone, I see that it's not even five in the morning.

"What do you need so early in the morning?"

"Not me. Mr. Bryant." That caught my attention and all the fog of sleep that's clouding my brain, lifts in an instant.

"What?" I am completely awake now.

"Yes. He is in Venice." Venice? I always wanted to visit that place, but never got to.

"Okay. What do you need me for? Want me to go to Venice?" I am on a roll today.

"No. I want you to go to his house and get a file.

I will mail you the details of the file. You need to scan it before sending it to me. It's urgent."

"You are working during Christmas holidays?" I am not surprised though.

"I don't even want to go there. Just get the file, please.

I would have gone to get it, but it's an hour drive from my house.

Yours is closer to his house. He needs it in three hours."

"Okay." I sigh getting up.

"Thank you," he says and I cut the call.

Getting out of the bed, I get ready to go to his house.

These past couple of days, there is only him in my mind.

He is there in every thought. I am eagerly waiting to meet him and know the answers to all of my questions.

I take Micheal's car keys and drive up to his place.

Pulling out my phone, I get inside the lift before pushing the button to his floor. William has already send the mail regarding the file.

Going up to his floor, I tap the code on the buttons for the doors to open. Going in, I switch on the lights.

I search for the file in the living room. It's not here.

Why would it be here? Maybe it's in his study room.

But where is the study room? I have only been here once and I don't know where it is.

As I take a look around his house, a sense of familiarity settles in my chest.

Taking a deep breath I open a door. It looks like a guest room.

Closing it, I go to another before opening it. It looks like a bed room too. I hear my phone ring and quickly pick it up.

"Hello!"

"Clara, where are you?" Mom's voice is filled with concern.

"Mom, I am at Mr. Bryant house. His secretary needs a file so I came here to get it."

"But so early in the morning?" She asks. I open another door and it looks like a home theatre. Going in, my heart feels a little heavy. It feels like I have been here before.

"But I want to watch it!" I nearly whine.

"No! I don't like this. We will watch some other movie." He searches to see what to watch next.

"But, it's Captain America! Come on. Chris Evans is about to turn hot. Please!" I plead. He looks at me.8

"No way!" He says with finality. I sigh. I see what movies he is searching for.

"Oh, Thor! Let's watch it." He nods. I am excited. "Chris Hemsworth is like the hottest guy- Hey!" he changes the movie again. "What happened?"

"I don't like this movie too." He keeps searching.

"But, it's Chris Hemsworth! Please. He is so hot-"

"You don't think I am hot?" He asks suddenly. I look at him with surprise all over my face.

I just stare at him. "Tell me." He asks, pulling my legs.

I shriek as he makes me straddle him. My nose is touching his and I blush. "Why are you cheeks pink, Cara Mia?"

"No, they are not!"

He chuckles. "So, am I not hot enough for you?"

"You are baby! I would choose you over them anytime!" I kiss his cheek.

My hands rest comfortably around his shoulder.

"You know that." I keep kissing him, till I reach his lips.

Before I can kiss him, he kisses me, like he is claiming me. "I can't believe you are jealous because of this." I say between kisses.

"Who has better abs?" He asks.

"Oh you do, Babe." He is kissing my neck. My stomach is in knots now.

"Who has better lips?"

"You do." I moan as he keeps kissing my sweet spot.

"Who do you love?"

"I love you." I moan louder this time and he kisses me again.

In rush, I remove his t-shirt and he removes my panties, since I am wearing only his shirt and my panties.

"I like that you smell like me." He says as he kisses down my neck to my chest.

He kisses me where it tickles and I giggle. He does it again on purpose and I giggle again.

I gasp as he suddenly makes me lay on the couch and gets on top of me. He kisses my lips.

My legs are still around his waist. He looks so hot.

"You are mine." He kisses me again.

I stare at the couch in shock. At was that? What is that memory?

When I have visions, I don't usually see both of their faces, but this time... I saw them both. It was... It's me and Dalton!

"Clara! Sweetie, are you there?" Mom's voice brings me back. I gasp and close my dropped mouth.

"Y-Yes, Mom. I will call you later." I cut the call and look around.

Coming out of the room, I open another door. Oh my God!

The room looks huge, with a bed in the middle against the wall.

I can't take my eyes away from what I am seeing. What is this?!

Above the bed is a huge picture of Dalton and... and me?

Why would he have a picture of us together? As I look at it, I see how happy we look, like we are in love.

I step into the room and walk in. A heavy feeling settles in my chest.

As I look around, I find the room filled with pictures of us both.

I go to a table with a picture frame placed on it. It has me, Martin with his hand over my shoulder, Mom, Micheal, Kurt and a man who looks like he is in his early seventy's.

He looks familiar though. There is a cake in front of us in the picture, that said, 'Happy New Year.'

Mom and Micheal? They knew him too? Is that why she didn't say anything when he came to our house on Christmas Eve?! They knew about us and never told me?

I look at the vanity table.

"Baby, how does this look?" I ask him as I turn to him. He is already looking at me.

"Come here." He calls and I go to him. "You look lovely." He kisses my cheek and holds me close.

My heart starts to hurt. Is this another memory?

I look at the bed and this time, instead of a memory, I see me and Dalton hugging and kissing.

I shake my head. What is happening?! I open my eyes and this time see me and Dalton cradling me.

"I am not going to let anything happen to you." He says. The version of me sitting in his lap looks at him.

"Dalton, the lift stopped working. That's it. It's nothing more.

You don't need to panic, Baby." The version of me tells him holding his face lovingly.

"I love you." He says.

"I love you too. Stop blaming yourself every time I get harmed!" She tells him.

"Argh!!" I cry out loud. "Stop! Stop it!"

What is all of this?! What is this?! Are all of these memories?!

What is happening?! Was I really in relationship with Martin like I thought?!

My head starts hurting more and I fall down on my knees clutching my head.

A sudden pain hits my head. It's like my mind is going back in time.

A memory I didn't know plays in front of my eyes.

I am in a coffee shop, there is only one chair left in front of a man. I go to him.

"Excuse me." I call and the person looks at me. It's Dalton!

"Is this seat taken?" I ask him.

"No," he says.

I sit in front of him.

Oh my God! That's how we met! Dalton! He became my boss later!

The trip to Venice! The old man in his picture is his grandfather, Greg! Oh Dalton! MD is... My Dalton

I remember! I remember!

I feel dark spots covering my vision. My phone rings and I pick it up.

"Clara! What happened? Why did you cut the call suddenly? Are you okay?" Mom asks.

"Mom... I... Dalton..." My voice doesn't come out. The ache is getting strong.

"Sweetie! Can you hear me?" I can hear the panic in her voice. Then I remember how she didn't tell me anything.

"How... could... you?"

The earth starts moving and before I know it, I feel like I am fainting.

But as I do, I look at the picture above the bed. A picture of us together.

A picture we took when we went on a holiday.

Why did you do this, Dalton?

Checkout in the next episodes