Chapter 1 :: Broken- Somebody Always cries

WARNING:

This book contains plots, themes, or information that may not be appropriate for people under 18, such as violence, sexual depictions, adult topics, and discussions of complex social issues. People under the age of 18 should not read this book. Please ensure that you are at least 18 years old and mature enough to see and understand the content of the book rationally before you begin your reading journey.

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As Aldwin Rush walked towards the funeral service for Dustin Cage, his heart felt heavy with sorrow and guilt. He couldn't shake the feeling that if he had just taken a different flight or left the airport earlier, maybe his driver would still be alive. But now, there was no turning back.

The media attention surrounding the tragic accident only added to the pressure on Aldwin to show his face at the funeral. His publicist had insisted it was the right thing to do, to pay his respects and offer condolences to Dustin's family.

But as he made his way towards the crowd of mourners, memories of his own mother's funeral flooded back. The pain and grief felt unbearable, and Aldwin struggled to keep his composure.

Despite his reluctance to be there, Aldwin knew he had to face his demons and confront his past. As he stood among the somber gathering, he whispered a silent prayer for Dustin's soul and hoped for forgiveness for his inner turmoil. It was a difficult moment, but one that Aldwin knew he had to endure.

As he got closer, he saw a familiar face. She was standing by the graveside holding a flower. At first, he could not believe his eyes, but eventually took a step further. Behold, standing in a black knee-length gown a woman that takes his breath away. Her hair was made into a ponytail with a few strands intentionally left out on both sides of her face, and her sunglasses perfectly fit. She looked sad, and those sad eyes looked familiar, he could tell.

Nile, Julian, and Davin stood at the back of the funeral, observing the scene before them. Davin expressed his disdain for funerals, particularly the inevitable tears that accompanied them. He pointed out Aries, a young boy crying inconsolably,

“I hate funerals because someone always cries like that little boy over there”

“Isn't that his fiancée, I heard their wedding was supposed to be today,?” Davin ask

“Of course, she looks familiar, she was his fiancée Dustin's favorite topic” Nile mentioned that it was his fiancée, Kia, who was supposed to be marrying him that day. Nile, noticing Kia's face, remarked that she looked familiar. Davin explained that she had been a frequent topic of conversation for Dustin, Aries' best friend. However, Nile couldn't shake the feeling that he recognized her face from somewhere else.

Aldwin couldn't shake the feeling that he knew her from somewhere, but he just couldn't place it. As she walked away, he couldn't help but admire her beauty. The way the sunlight hit her face, the way her smile lit up the whole room - it was like something out of a dream.

He couldn't explain the rush of emotions he felt at that moment, but one thing was for sure - he couldn't let her slip away without finding out who she was. As she reached the car, he made a split-second decision and called out to her.

“My Condolences he said, I never meant for any of this to happen. Dustin was a good man, and his loss is deeply felt by all who knew him”

. I understand your anger and frustration, but please know that I am truly sorry for any pain that my actions may have caused. If there is anything I can do to help or make amends, please let me know.

Confusion and pain you're going through. But please, don't judge me based on circumstances you don't fully understand." Aldwin's voice was calm, but there was a hint of defensiveness in his tone.

She scoffed, "Oh, I understand perfectly well. If you didn't call him that night Dustin would be here? You think a simple 'condolences' will make up for taking someone's life?"

Aldwin sighed, feeling a pang of guilt. "I never meant for any of this to happen. It was a terrible accident, and I wish I could go back and change things."

She shook her head, her eyes filled with tears. "It's too late for apologies now. Dustin was everything to me, and you took him away." With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Aldwin standing there, feeling a heavy weight of remorse.

As he watched her disappear into the crowd, Aldwin knew that he would carry the burden of that fateful night for the rest of his life. No amount of apologies could ever make things right.

His living room. He took a long sip, trying to calm his nerves. But no amount of alcohol could wash away the image of her walking away from him, her words echoing in his mind.

He shook his head, trying to push away the thoughts. "She's just a woman," he muttered to himself. But deep down, he knew she was more than that. She was a force to be reckoned with, a challenge he couldn't quite figure out.

As he poured himself another glass of Whiskey, he couldn't help but wonder if he would ever see her again. And if he did, would he be able to handle her presence without breaking a sweat? Only time will tell. But for now, he would drown his sorrows in alcohol and try to forget the way she made him feel.

There is a knock on the door and before he can say a word Jessica walks in.

"Who says you can come and go whenever you want?" Aldwin's words cut through the tension in the room as Jessica walked in.

But Jessica was not one to back down easily. With a mischievous glint in her eye, she replied, "Aldwin, I'm your girlfriend. I'm pretty sure I have earned that right, don't you think?"

Aldwin's expression scowls slightly, but there is still a dangerous edge to his grin. “I don't have a girlfriend Jessica”

"Well, lucky for you, I'm here now to please you,” she tells him to further disengage his sword drawn for the batter. “ besides who got you this upset ?” Jessica pours herself a glass of whiskey too “I just came back from paying my last respects to Dustin, but his fiancee was less than friendly."

Jessica placed her hands on his chest, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "Well, lucky for you, I'm here to make it all better." And with that, the tension in the room seemed to dissipate as they both shared a knowing look.

Jessica placed her hands on his chest and grabbed his collar, trying to kiss him, but he pushed her to the bed. "What do you think you're doing?" he raised an eyebrow.

"Aldwin, why don't you give me a chance to show you how much I love you?" she pleaded, her eyes filled with desire.

"Love is for the weak," he smirked, taking off his shirt with each sleeve at a time. "Now, where was I?"

He undid his belt and tossed it to the side of the bed as she undressed. Soon, he slid into her, but all he could think about was Kia Ray.

It was a tangled web of desire, lust, and unspoken emotions, but in that moment, nothing else mattered.

They were done and he stood up, “Ronnie will take you home,” he told her.

“Why are you so inhuman Aldwin, you don't love me you don't love anyone but yourself ” he shoots her a disapproving scowl.“Sorry to have hurt your fragile ego, but it was just sex and do pay you for your time" he interrupted, pushing her away. "I don't need anyone to love

me, especially not from a disrespectful woman like you."

Jessica's eyes widened in shock at his sudden change in demeanor. She had never seen this side of Aldwin before, and it scared her a little. But she wasn't one to back down easily.

"Fine, be that way," she said, getting up from the bed. "I don't need your approval anyway."

As she stormed out of the room, Aldwin couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt. Maybe he had overreacted. But his pride wouldn't let him apologize.

He lay back on the bed, replaying the argument in his head. Maybe he had gone too far. But he couldn't let anyone think they could disrespect him and get away with it. He closed his eyes, trying to push away the guilt that was creeping in. Deep down, he knew he had to make things right with Jessica. But for now, his wounded pride wouldn't allow it.

Jessica's frustration was palpable as she made a dramatic exit from the naked shower scene. Nile and Davin's cheerful greetings fell on deaf ears as she bolted out the front door and into the getaway car driven by Randy. The awkward encounter in the hallway was quickly left behind in a cloud of dust.