Prologue
"The pain of unrequired love is not loving, but hoping."
..
One evening, as everyone gathered to celebrate Callum's success, a girl quietly leaned against the railings of the top deck, her arms gently resting on the ship's bulwark. The cold wind embraced her, carrying the invigorating scent of the ocean.
Amidst the waves' rhythmic melody, Serena observed a man standing on the elegant cruise ship that he owned. Emerging from the shadows of the deck, the powerful figure wore an impeccable suit that caught the moonlight's reflection on the open sea. The ship's engines hummed in harmony with the commanding cadence of his steps.
The tip-tap of his shiny, immaculate shoes resonated with the mirror-like floor of the cruise, his reflection beneath him symbolizing wealth in every synchronized movement.
His deep navy blue suit mirrored the vast expanse of the ocean beneath the starlit sky. With each step, the gentle sway of the ship accentuated the fluidity of his motions, creating an almost choreographed dance that captivated onlookers.
The sea breeze ruffled his perfectly combed dark hair, adding an untamed element to his composed demeanor. A platinum watch on his wrist caught the glint of the ship's deck lights, a subtle reminder of the preciousness of time under his control. As he took a glance at it momentarily.
Amidst the laughter and clinking glasses, Serena observed the powerful man effortlessly navigating through social currents, engaging in conversations with people of his status who seemed to bend to his will. The backdrop of the open sea heightened the mystique surrounding him, as if the waves themselves whispered secrets of his influence.
The more Serena watched Callum, the deeper her love for him grew. Unfortunately, her heart remained steadfast, while her feelings intensified over the years. While him, he didn't even spare her a glance.
Serena cared not for his wealth. In her eyes, she would trade all the money in the world for just one day with the man she once knew – the protective and caring one. Now, he appeared distant, indifferent even to the slightest thorn that might hurt her.
It was disheartening to realize that the same young man who once fought against the odds for her had transformed. Memories from their shared past pricked her mind, and tears began pooling in her eyes, escaping unchecked down her cheeks. She couldn't fathom how the person she once knew had become so unrecognizable, a painful truth that weighed heavily on her heart.
A heart that was only meant to love him was being torn apart like a piece of paper.
The pain of the past and the current threatened to cripple her. A poignant mix of nostalgia and heartache washed over her, realizing that the currents of time had sculpted him into someone she could no longer wholly recognize.
The man she so dearly loved was lost somewhere she couldn't find.
In the midst of her reminiscing the memories she gently preserved of Callum, a sudden tap over her shoulder interrupted her train of thoughts, jolting her back to the present and leaving the threads of her reflections hanging in the air.
Serena turned around and gaped up at the familiar face of a young lady not very older than her standing behind her with a playful smile to her charming face. She was indeed beautiful but she couldn't compare the beauty of Serena.
Unlike her, Serena's beauty was indescribable, akin to a delicate sunrise, radiated a soft glow that captivated hearts with her innocence, eclipsing the mundane with an ethereal charm. Despite her magnificent beauty Callum never took interest in her.
So what use did this beauty come to her ? It was nothing for Serena. Anything that wasn't valuable enough to win the heart of the man she loves was of no use to her!
"You were expecting someone else, right?" The young lady smiled gently, her eyes holding a hint of mischief as if ready to tease with a surprise revelation. She hinted at the man Serena was shamelessly staring at revealing that she just caught her friend red handed.
Even in the dim light, Serena's embarrassment of being caught sceretly staring at her crush, was evident in the faint blush that adorned her cheeks.
"Are you going to propose to him today?" Serena's friend Athena asked with excitement glistening in her eyes. Serena instantly shook her head in response as she does everytime her friend asks the same question.
Serena's friend Athena smiled knowingly at her. She knew Serena was too shy to propose. Serena had attempted many times but couldn't find the courage to do it. But her friend Athena always tried her best to work on her best friends courage so she can finally take a step to make her dream come true.
Athena could see how much Serena loved Callum. It was a love she couldn't fathom or even find words to describe. This is why Athena did not want Serena to give up. Athena once said. If she ever sees Serena falling out of love it would be the day she would stop believing in existence of love.
Amidst the lively celebration of Callum's achievement, Athena persistently nudged Serena towards taking the initiative. She didnt want her friend to give up merely because she was too nervous to do it. "You are going to do it now!" Athena coerced Serena, refusing to accept no for an answer. "You must do it now, Serena! Now or never."
Serena's face saddened at the reminder, confessing, "But Callum never saw me more than a friend, and you know how distant he has become lately. He doesn't even have time to speak to me." She hesitated, a cloud of uncertainty hanging over her expression. Serena didn't want to propose to someone who no longer resembled the Callum she once knew, and a lingering feeling told her that he might reject her proposal.
Athena, with a gentle touch, attempted to soothe Serena's reservations. "The idea of taking the initiative is nerve-wracking, but maybe it's worth a shot. What if he's waiting for a sign too? It could lead to something special."
Serena pondered Athena's words, her uncertainty palpable. "I'm just not sure, Athena. Callum has changed, and I don't want things to become awkward between us." The worry that the undefined connection they shared might alter with her proposal lingered in Serena's mind.
Athena sighed with disappointment, her hands resting on Serena's shoulders as she turned her towards Callum, engaged in conversation with his friends. "Can you see him? With the amount of reputation and looks, he can easily get any girl he wants. What about you? What happens then?" Athena's concern echoed, urging Serena to consider potential challenges.
Serena nodded thoughtfully, acknowledging, "You might be right. I'll gather the courage and find the right moment. Thanks for the encouragement, Athena."
Athena, fueled by determination, instantly added, "Right moment? What could be a better occasion than this? It's the celebration of Callum's achievement—his special day. You can add more to it and make it truly memorable. All of his colleagues and friends are present here." Her eyes sparkled with excitement at the prospect of crafting a special moment for Serena and Callum. Unmindful of how her reminder of Callum's colleagues and friends being present would not instill courage in Serena; instead, it heightened her nervousness.
"I am not so sure about that... I can't do it drunk, let alone sober ha-ha-ha!" Serena exclaimed, her nervous laughter lost amidst the loud music and chattering people.
Athena, embracing a newfound hope, declared, "You are a genius, Serena! I think you can do it just fine if you are drunk!" She jumped in excitement, hugging Serena, who wore a surprised expression. Serena felt her friends had gone crazy, considering getting her drunk just to embarrass herself further.
"Are you out of your mind? I'll embarrass myself more if I get drunk! No, I can't do it like this!" Serena retorted angrily. Athena who was still determined to bring her best friend and her crush together, dragged her to the nearest bar where Callum and his friends approached simultaneously.
"Callum!" Athena waved, attempting to grab his attention while navigating through the crowd with Serena. Serena, trying to hide behind her introverted friend like a shy child, felt her heart race as they approached Callum.
As they got closer, the familiar scent of his expensive cologne enveloped Serena, evoking warmth and familiarity that she felt years ago! God... how much have she longed for this feeling. Serena bit her bottom lip, and her plump cheeks turned a rosy hue.
Callum, hearing his name, turned around, his eyes shifting from the two girls. Though his face remained stoic, a slight smile tugged at his lips as he noticed the shy girl's blushing demeanor. She seemed too innocent and naive, eliciting an unknown warmth within him.
Athena, growing increasingly frustrated with Callum's lack of response, waved and greeted him with a sarcastic, "Well, hello to you!" Despite Athena's cheerful behavior, Callum remained stiff, prompting eye rolls from Athena. She couldn't fathom what Serena saw in this seemingly rude and arrogant man.
"My bestie here wants to raise a toast for your achievement," Athena declared, deciding on letting go of her annoyance as she pulled Serena to the front. Before Serena could anticipate what she could be put into, she found herself standing in front of the man she had a crush on.
A familiar warmth enveloped Serena, akin to a comforting blanket on a winter night, as she tentatively closed the distance between them. Her desperate gaze lingered on the contours of his embrace, once a haven of protection and love. The longing for the safety she felt in his arms surged within her. It was in those arms that she had missed feeling protected, a sentiment he used to shower on her unconditionally. It became a surrogate for the love she yearned to earn from Callum. Now she lost the privilege to both of them.
Yet now, it felt like uncharted territory, a space that no longer seemed to rightfully belong to her.
A silent sneer crossed Serena's face, concealing the ache as she questioned the authenticity of the connection they once shared – did it ever truly belong to her? Did he?
Gazing at the man before her, Serena felt a wave of melancholy wash over her. Silent tears welled up, betraying the depth of her emotions. The features were familiar— the same face, the same smile—yet something profound had shifted, leaving Callum's character altered, unrecognizable.
His eyes, once vibrant with tenderness, now bore a dullness that mirrored the fading twilight of their shared moments. The protective aura that enveloped him when she drew near had evaporated, leaving behind an emptiness that echoed in her soul. The faintest glimmer of love she believed she saw in his eyes as he departed years ago had become a distant memory, lost in the abyss of time.
Callum cast his cold gaze downward, meeting the innocent gaze of the petite figure before him. His face, though still reserved, revealed a subtle smile, a poignant acknowledgment of the innocence and naivety that captivated him in a way he himself couldn't understand.
His gaze instantly diverted toward Athena as she waved her hand to grab his attention. His subtle smile faded as soon as he met Athena's gaze, making her feel more uncomfortable. Nevertheless, Athena didn't care about how disrespectfully Callum acknowledged her. Despite the disrespect, Athena didn't mind putting in a little effort for her best friend.
Unlike Serena, Athena was more confident and extroverted. She knew how to get along with people, while Serena preferred to stay in her introverted box, becoming less socially available after Callum left years ago.
"So, shall we?" Athena asked without an ounce of shyness. She refused to take no for an answer. Athena was determined to get her friend drunk so maybe her best friend could gain some confidence to speak her heart out.
"Don't worry; the drinks are on me. I'm not the kind of lady who would let a man pay," Athena declared with bold confidence, her assertive tone cutting through the ambient chatter, leaving no room for objections. Her unwavering self-assurance and refusal to conform to traditional norms reflected a woman who embraced her independence with flair, making a statement that resonated in the air.
Callum's friends were quite impressed by Athena; her straightforwardness and boldness was something new to them compared to the little naive girl they were used to having around growing up.
Athena grabbed the drinks she ordered from the bartender and handed each of them a glass of champagne, including Serena. Serena hesitated as the glass was handed to her but Athena nudged her as reminder that this was a toast for Callum's achievement; it would be too rude to refuse the drink.
Serena understood Athena's intention however she was nervous as she had never drunk a drop of alcohol; Serena felt too scared to try it clearly evident in her face.
Athena nudged Serena once again, singnaling her to raise the glass for the toast. Serena paused for a moment, glancing at the untouched glass of champagne in her hand. Despite her usual aversion to alcohol, she knew this toast was important for Callum's achievement—the success of his company.
With a deep breath, Serena lifted her glass, meeting Callum's gaze as she spoke, "Here's to you, Callum, and the remarkable success of your company. Your dedication and hard work have truly paid off, and I couldn't be prouder. May this achievement be just the beginning of even greater things to come."
The clinking of glasses resonated in the air as those around joined in the toast, acknowledging Callum's triumph. Even though Serena had taken a step out of her comfort zone, her words carried sincerity and warmth, reflecting her genuine happiness for Callum's success.
She was indeed happy for him and for the things he achieved in his life all but love. Only if he could open the doors to love in his heart he would find so much to earn.
"Why didn't you drink?" Chase asked with a raised eyebrow, diverting everyone's attention toward Serena's untouched glass. Chase was coercing Serena to drink despite knowing her well; she had never drunk alcohol before.
Serena did not respond. She quietly bit her bottom lip and lowered her head in embarrassment. While everyone else was heedless towards her, Serena wondered about the man who understood her more than anyone there. As this question occurred to her, Serena looked up at the man in front of her, his face cold and expressionless.
A pang hit Serena's heart when she realized he no longer cared enough to remember her true self. He no longer protected or understood her; the man in front of her seemed like someone without a past—a reborn version of Callum Crawford, but a cold one.
"Wasn't it Serena who said she wanted to raise a toast? Now, why don't you drink? Isn't that disrespectful?" Chase frowned, finding irony in how she asked for a toast but wouldn't drink it.
Serena dreaded that her actions might sow seeds of doubt and resentment in Callum's heart. Refusing to partake in the communal drink, she felt a weight of disrespect settling among the onlookers. The last thing she could bear was Callum harboring bitterness towards her. In her quest to secure a place in his heart, Serena couldn't stand the thought of earning any sort of hate from him.
Thinking about this, Serena hesitantly lifted the glass and gulped the liquid, a sharp bitterness and effervescence assaulted her taste buds, making her regret the impromptu decision. It was an unexpected introduction to champagne, leaving her with a distaste for the fizzy beverage.
Until a girl's voice subdued the wave of nausea, Serena looked up to find a young woman in her mid-20s walking toward Callum. Swaying with perfect curves, she exuded confidence and elegance, turning heads as she walked, capturing Serena's attention amid the lingering discomfort.
The young lady approached Callum with unbridled enthusiasm, paying no heed to the men in her path. She threw herself into his arms, but Callum's lips formed a forced smile. Gently, he pulled her away from his embrace, a faint expression of disgust crossing his face. He disliked the attention of these gold diggers.
Numerous women had thrown themselves at him, yet none had won his heart. Callum harbored no desire for a woman in his life, as they all seemed alike—motivated by money.
"Callum, I have missed you so much!" The lady exclaimed, planting a kiss on his cheek and wrapping her arms around him once again. Serena, who observed the scene unfold, felt her world crumbling. The sight was painfully etched into her eyes.
The way the young lady clung to the man Serena loved fueled an intense anger within her. Despite the urge to smash the champagne glass on her head, Serena refrained. She quietly watched them, a sense of helplessness washing over her. What relation did she have with Callum to interfere in his personal life?
Disappointedly, Serena acknowledged the absence of any real relation with Callum. Unsure if he still considered her a friend, his recent distance spoke volumes. Serena felt close bursting into tears, acutely aware of his indifferent response to the lady's flirtations. It was a stark contrast to the Callum she once knew, who wouldn't spare a glance for any woman but her. Everything had changed now.
He had transformed into everything capable of crumbling her delicate heart, a heart that had loved him so unconditionally. Little did Serena know what more was prepared for her in the future.
Everyone gathered around the popular young lady, showering her with affection and attention. She deserved every bit of it, considering she was the heiress to one of the richest men in the U.S. Her mother, a well-known fashion model, bestowed upon her the perfect looks. Serena, the butler's daughter, sneered at her own misfortunate life.
In Serena's eyes, the stark contrast between their lives was evident. The popular young lady seemed to effortlessly navigate a world of privilege and luxury, a perfect match for Callum Crawford. Unlike herself, how can she be a perfect match to Callum ?
"You see? I already told you about this. It isn't impossible for Callum to have a woman in his life. It's not too late yet. You should confess your feelings to him," Serena's best friend, Athena, whispered beside her. The words echoed their previous conversation, a reminder of Serena's hesitation to confess her feelings to Callum before it became too late.
As Serena continued watching the popular young lady bask in the adoration of the crowd, a heavy weight settled in her chest. The stark contrast between their lives felt like an insurmountable barrier. How could she, the butler's daughter, ever be a perfect match for someone like Callum Crawford?
Athena's whispered encouragement echoed in her mind. The idea of confessing her feelings to Callum lingered, and Serena couldn't escape the nagging notion that time was slipping away. She remembered Athena's suggestion of getting drunk to muster the courage needed for such a vulnerable act.
Unable to resist the pull of liquid courage, Serena found herself at the edge of the gathering, a glass of champagne in hand. As she watched the young lady shamelessly clinging to Callum, a mixture of bitterness and longing surged within her. The desire to be noticed and valued in Callum's eyes overwhelmed her.
One glass turned into two, and then more. The room blurred as Serena succumbed to the numbing effect of alcohol. Each sip was an attempt to drown the insecurities and fears that held her back. The more she drank, the more she questioned why she shouldn't take the chance.
In the hazy state induced by the alcohol, Serena felt a surge of misplaced confidence. She couldn't bear watching Callum slip away without expressing her true feelings. With a wobbly determination, she decided to face the fear head-on.
As the night progressed, Serena's emotions fluctuated between bouts of courage and waves of self-doubt. The alcohol, instead of numbing the pain, intensified her feelings. Yet, in this inebriated state, she found a fleeting sense of liberation, allowing her to entertain the possibility of revealing her true feelings to Callum, regardless of the outcome.
With a bottle of liquor in hand, she ascended the diving board of the swimming pool, seeking solace from the bustling crowd. Using a spoon and a glass of champagne, she created a ting sound, capturing everyone's attention.
"May I have your attention, ladies and gentlemen!" Serena shouted, her face flushed from the influence of the liquor. All eyes, especially those of the man crucial to her announcement, were fixed upon her.
"I apologize for disrupting your peace. I want to confess my feelings to certain someone" Serena declared apologetically, her gaze unwaveringly focused on Callum. A unknown shock of current passed through Callum making him feel slightly weird when he apprehended what could possibly happen in the next few minutes. What was Serena up to? And what confession did she want to make ?
"I have always been in love with this man, but I never had the courage to speak my heart out," Serena declared, her soft eyes welling up with tears, obscuring the vision she had focused on. Swiftly, she wiped away the tears, deeming them unworthy of blurring her view of the man she loved.
The crowd was taken aback by her unusual behavior, and Callum's friends found it embarrassing, noting her evident intoxication. Why was she putting on this show for attention? Mark, Markle, and Edward, who considered Serena like a sister, were curious. They exchanged glances, attempting wild guesses but failing.
Who could it be? Their curiosity became apparent, and their patience wore thin.
"To you, my heart belongs, Callum," Serena shockingly confessed, surprising everyone present. However, Callum remained solemn, his gaze cold as he stared at the young lady. Those who knew him well sensed that Serena's confession had shaken him to the core.
Giggling as the liquid bubbled in her tummy, Serena navigated through the crowd toward Callum. Playfully, she wrapped her arms around him, smiling like a shy child. Her drunken state was embarrassing, yet her bold actions amused those witnessing the spectacle. How audacious of her to confess her feelings to Callum Crawford!
"Will you marry me?" Serena made yet another shocking confession, causing gasps and whispers to circulate through the crowd.
The atmosphere hung heavy with anticipation. Callum's response lingered in the air, creating a tense silence. Every eyes of the onlookers on him. Anxiously waiting for his response but Callum never responded. He ignored the young lady making her look more embarassing to everyone's eye.
"You will marry me, won't you?" Serena asked once again, her question hanging in the air. Before Callum could respond, her lips pressed against his. A shiver ran down Callum's spine as her soft, pouty lips made contact. The sweet scent of cherry on her lips triggered memories of a past when he had become desperate for such a kiss. Now, they were sharing their first kiss. The moment he had yearned for.
A burning desire surged through Callum's body, overwhelming him before he could formulate a response to Serena's bold question. The touch of her lips ignited emotions he had long buried, and the crowd watched with bated breath as the unfolding scene stirred a mix of curiosity and astonishment.
David the butler of the Crawford family as well as serenas father immediately approached them. Trying to stir Serena out of this embarrassing moment she created for both the Crawford family and callum especially. David always knew his daughter loved callum unconditionally but the silly child of his did not know how unrequited love will damage someone.
Feeling protective over her the delicate heart of his daughter from being shattered. David gripped Serena's arm very gently and tried to pull her away from callum. " Serena, dear you are drunk. Let's get you some rest." David said as he tried to pull his daughter away from callum.
"Papa... can I marry Callum?" Serena confessed once again. David glanced at Callum, standing firmly with no emotion on his face. It was clear to him that Callum wasn't hesitating; he simply didn't care to respond.
David understood that in Callum's heart, Serena seemed more interested in his status and wealth than truly loving him. Boldly asking him to marry her indicated that her motives were driven by his social standing and riches.
Understanding this, David reluctantly dragged his daughter away, ignoring Serena's pleas to return to Callum.
The next day, Serena woke up with a pounding head, surprised and embarrassed by the events of the previous night. Despite the awkwardness, she hoped that Callum had learned about her love for him and that it might change their relationship. Despite her parents' attempts to make her see that Callum didn't care for her, Serena refused to believe it.
Dolled up and determined, she defied her parents' wishes and headed to meet Callum. As she navigated through the garden, a smile graced her charming face. She envisioned various scenarios of how he might react, imagining a confession of long-hidden love or at least a consideration of her feelings, hoping for a turning point in their distinct relationship.
As these thoughts lingered, her smile widened. Her legs paced quickly, heart accelerating with anticipation, eager to see Callum at Crawford mansion.
As Serena approached the mansion, her heart raced with excitement. The anticipation of meeting Callum fueled her steps, and as she entered the grand entrance, she couldn't help but replay the scenarios in her mind. The hope for a positive change in their relationship filled her with a mix of nerves and joy. Serena was about to discover if the events of the previous night had indeed left a lasting impact on Callum and if her feelings would be reciprocated.
The grand entrance of Crawford mansion echoed with Serena's footsteps, each step intensifying the fluttering in her chest. The opulent surroundings only heightened her nerves, but her determination to see Callum remained unwavering.
Pushing open the door to the drawing-room, Serena found Callum sitting there, seemingly engrossed in a book. His cold demeanor gave away nothing, leaving Serena in suspense. She hesitated for a moment before clearing her throat to announce her presence.
"Callum," she said, her voice a blend of nervousness and anticipation. He looked up, meeting her gaze with an unreadable expression. The room seemed to hold its breath as Serena took a step closer, her heart pounding.
"About last night..." she began, her words hanging in the air. Serena searched his eyes for any sign, any indication of what he might be feeling. Callum remained silent, watching her closely.
Finally, breaking the tension, he closed the book and stood up. Serena's heart skipped a beat as he approached her. His actions were unpredictable, leaving her unsure of what to expect. Callum reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face.
"Serena," he said, his tone colder than she had ever heard. "Last night changes nothing. We need to be realistic about this." A chill ran down Serena's spine as she realized that Callum's response was not the warmth she had hoped for, but a stark reminder of the cold reality of their relationship.
His words hung in the air, an icy breeze cutting through the warmth of Serena's hopes. Callum's demeanor remained stoic as he continued, "I appreciate your honesty, but emotions should not cloud our judgment. Our paths were never destined to intertwine romantically."
Serena felt a lump forming in her throat, trying to mask the disappointment that threatened to spill over. Callum's blunt and indifferent response shattered the illusions she had built in her mind. The elegant surroundings of Crawford mansion now seemed like a cold, unwelcoming fortress.
He moved away from her, creating a distance that mirrored the emotional gap between them. "It's best if we both move forward with our lives separately," he stated, his tone unwavering. Serena struggled to maintain composure, the weight of rejection settling heavily on her shoulders.
"I will never give up, Callum," Serena declared firmly. Her conviction echoed in the spacious drawing-room, a declaration that she refused to surrender to the cold reality Callum had presented. She refused to give up on her love so easily. Serena was determined to prove how much she loved him. Maybe someday she could eventually make him fall in love with her.
Serena held onto the belief that no other woman would enter Callum's life because, in her mind, she was the only one destined to belong to him. It was a challenge she threw at him, a defiant stance against the seemingly insurmountable distance he had placed between them.
In response to her bold statement, Callum finally turned around to face her. His eyes, once indifferent, now narrowed as he confronted Serena's unwavering determination. The silent tension in the room grew, each of them holding their ground in this emotional battlefield. The challenge had been laid out, and the air crackled with the unspoken words that hung heavily between them.
"We will see about that," Callum shot a warning glare towards Serena and walked away, leaving her standing alone in the grand study room where her dreams had collided with the cold reality of unreciprocated love.
Little did Serena know that this challenge would make Callum commit a heinous crime against her heart, marking the beginning of her journey through the painful realms of unrequited love.
As she reflected on the unfolding betrayal, a deep sense of regret enveloped her. "If only I knew love hurts like this, I wouldn't have given my heart to you, Callum Crawford." If only I knew how much more cruel you could be to break a heart which loved you so much.
Rose, emotionally shaken, couldn't contain the tears welling up in her eyes as her gaze lingered on his back as he walked away. The grandeur of the study room now mirrored the magnitude of her shattered hopes, and the weight of unreciprocated love settled heavily on her heart.
Little did she know, the future held a tapestry of trials that would shatter her completely. Her love, yet to be tested, would face storms yet unseen.
