Chapter 10 10. What I think it's right

Kelly's view """"

I watched Adrian walk out of the hospital, feeling a mix of emotions. Relief, guilt, and a hint of sadness swirled inside me. I'd thought I'd long since processed my feelings about him, but seeing him again had brought up old wounds.

As I turned to head back to the nurses' station, I caught a glimpse of myself in a mirror. My eyes looked tired, my skin pale. I realized I'd been running on autopilot for weeks, trying to navigate the complex emotions Adrian had stirred up in me.

I took a deep breath and let my shoulders relax. It was time to focus on myself, to heal and move forward. I'd done my part in helping Adrian recover, and now it was time to prioritize my own well-being.

The hospital hallway was bustling with activity, but I felt a sense of calm wash over me. I'd get through this, I told myself. I'd come out stronger on the other side.

As I approached the nurses' station, my colleague, Rachel, looked up and smiled. "Hey, Kelly. How'd the discharge go?"

I smiled back, feeling a sense of camaraderie. "It went smoothly. He's gone."

Rachel nodded sympathetically. "Good riddance, if you ask me."

I laughed, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. Maybe it was time to start fresh, to leave the past behind and focus on the future.

I decided to take a walk in the park, enjoying the warm sun on my skin and the fresh air filling my lungs. It was my day off, and I was determined to relax and unwind.

As I strolled along the path, I noticed the flowers blooming, their vibrant colors a stark contrast to the chaos that had been brewing inside me. I breathed in deeply, feeling the scent of blooming lavender calm my nerves.

I found a quiet bench and sat down, watching as children played tag on the grass. Their laughter and shouts filled the air, and for a moment, I forgot about Adrian and the hospital.

But as I sat there, my mind began to wander. I thought about my life, my choices, and my future. I wondered what lay ahead, and whether I'd ever find someone who truly understood me.

The sound of my phone buzzing broke the spell. I pulled it out, checking the screen. A text from my friend, Emily I meet her at the gym a week after moving here. "Hey, girl! Want to grab brunch today?"

I smiled, feeling a sense of excitement. Maybe this day off wouldn't be so quiet after all. I typed out a response, agreeing to meet her at a nearby café. Time to shift my focus to the present, and enjoy some much-needed company.

I met Emily at the café, and we hugged each other tightly. "It's been too long!" she exclaimed, as we sat down at a cozy table by the window.

We ordered our brunch and chatted about everything from work gossip to our personal lives. Emily was always the one who could make me laugh, and today was no exception.

As we ate, she noticed that I seemed a bit off. "Hey, what's going on?" she asked, her brow furrowed with concern. "You've been distant lately. Is everything okay?"

I hesitated, unsure of how much to share. But Emily's kind eyes and non-judgmental expression put me at ease. I took a deep breath and told her about Adrian, about the hospital, and about the emotions that still lingered.

Emily listened attentively, her expression changing from curiosity to shock, and finally, to understanding. "Girl, you're stronger than you think," she said, squeezing my hand. "You've been through a lot, but you're still standing."

Her words were like a balm to my soul. I felt a weight lift off my shoulders, and for the first time in weeks, I felt like I could breathe again. Maybe, just maybe, I was going to be okay after all.

The memories still lingered, like an open wound. My parents leaving me to fend for myself had been a defining moment in my life. I don't know why my dad left me with my mom but she was never there, I'd felt abandoned, unloved, and unworthy.

Taken in by my foster parents was was but good in a way because they were not blood related.

The pain had been overwhelming, and I'd struggled to cope.

As I grew older, I realized that their departure had shaped me in ways I couldn't have imagined. I'd learned to be independent, to rely only on myself, and to push people away before they could hurt me.

But the scars remained, and sometimes, like with Adrian, they'd resurface, reminding me of the vulnerability I'd tried to bury. I'd thought I'd moved on, but the encounter with Adrian had brought it all back.

I wondered if I'd ever be able to fully let go of the past, to trust people without fear of being hurt. The thought sent a pang of sadness through me, but I pushed it aside, focusing on the present.

Emily's words echoed in my mind: "You're stronger than you think." Maybe it was time to start believing it.

I looked at Emily, and she smiled, her eyes sparkling with understanding. "You're going to be okay, Kelly," she said, her voice filled with conviction. "You've been through so much, but you're still standing. You're strong, capable, and loved."

Her words wrapped around my heart, offering comfort and reassurance. I felt a lump form in my throat as I looked at her, feeling grateful for her presence in my life.

We finished our brunch, and Emily suggested we take a walk around the city. I agreed, enjoying the fresh air and the chance to clear my mind.

As we strolled, I realized that I'd been living in the past for too long. It was time to focus on the present, to rediscover myself, and to find happiness on my own terms.

The thought was both exhilarating and terrifying. But with Emily by my side, I felt a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, I could learn to let go of the past and embrace the future.

We walked in comfortable silence for a while, enjoying the sights and sounds of the city. Then, Emily turned to me and said, "You know, Kelly, you've always been an inspiration to me. Your strength, your resilience... it's amazing."

I blushed, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. "Thanks, Emily," I said, smiling. "You're an inspiration to me too."

I walked into my living room, flipping on the TV to catch up on the news. As I settled onto the couch, I saw Adrian's face on the screen, and my heart skipped a beat. He was having an interview, his cold facial features a mask of composure.

I felt a shiver run down my spine as I watched him speak, his words dripping with confidence and calculation. He was talking about his business dealings, his voice smooth as silk.

I couldn't help but compare the man on the screen to the one I'd known. The one who'd held me, laughed with me, and whispered sweet nothings in my ear. The one who'd broken my heart into a million pieces.

As I watched, I felt a mix of emotions swirling inside me. Anger, hurt, and a hint of sadness.

I raised an eyebrow as the interviewer asked Adrian about his personal life, specifically when he planned to get married. Adrian's expression remained neutral, but I detected a hint of calculation in his eyes.

"My love is for only one woman" His gaze was focused on the camera like he wanted the woman to register his words.