After the Fall: A Love Renewed

Tonight was meant to be special. Rheymond Charles, my boyfriend, was going to propose to me, as he had promised. But he never showed up .

What was even more difficult for me to accept was that I tried to contact him in various , but I couldn't get through to him at all.

Later that night, my phone buzzed.

Rheymond's childhood friend Darla Schwartz posted a new social media message.

I stared at the screen, disbelief washing over me. There she was, laughing in the snow, wrapped in Rheymonds arms. They were at the Alps Snow Festival.

The caption read, [Snow in the Alpine wonderland and endless bliss :love: #AlpsDream #LoveFest]

The video went viral, and the comments were full of envy. Other influencers were even jealous of her dreamy life, the perfect boyfriend, and the luxurious trip.

But they did not know, it was my boyfriend she was stealing.

The moment Rheymond returned to our home, I shoved the engagement ring into his hand. I said coldly, We are done.

I walked out that door, leaving behind everything.

he broke down, sobbing and begging on his knees for me to stay

***

After taking a sip of my wine, which tasted more bitter than usual, I dialed Rheymonds number again. But as expected, the call didnt go through.

Frustrated, I decided to try his assistant.

As soon as he picked up, I asked bluntly, Do you know where Mr. Charles is right now?

Hes on a business trip, Miss Hawkins, he hesitated, his voice soft and unsure.

After listening to his answer, a sarcastic smile formed on my lips as I responded, Oh, a business trip. How convenient. Thanks.

I didnt wait for his response.

Hanging up, I ordered a taxi and headed back to our Penthouse, my face blank and emotions numb.

I already knew the truth. What Darla had posted on her social media was not just for show. Rheymond had chosen to accompany her to the Alps, using a business trip as an excuse, completely forgetting the promise he made to me just days ago.

Rheya, how about we get married next year? Rheymond had asked, his voice filled with sincerity and conviction.

I had nearly choked on the piece of steak he had cut for me.

Oh my God, are you that surprised? he laughed, rubbing my back and handing me a glass of water. Okay, maybe this wasnt the best proposal, he added with a playful grin.

After taking a sip, I asked, Are you serious? I thought you wanted to focus on your business first.

Im serious. I have grown the company fifteen fold since taking over from my father. I think now is the right time to focus on us, he said, smiling sweetly.

His words had made my heart soar, and I said yes without a second thought. He promised to plan the perfect proposal, to make it special.

But on the night he was supposed to propose, the truth hit me like a punch to the gut. I was not his priority. It was always Darla, his childhood friend who had always come first.

Back at the Penthouse, my phone buzzed, pulling me from my thoughts. It was Darlas latest Instagram post, flaunting their business trip once again.

The caption read, [Thank you for granting my wish to go to the Alps Snow Festival. This place is perfect for a romantic getaway, couples, grab your tickets now! :kiss: #UnbreakableBond #MyEverything #BusinessAndPleasure.]

Above the caption was a video capturing the lively festival atmosphere. Rheymond was beside Darla, laughing and chatting with foreigners. They looked like the perfect couple.

I was stunned. I had never seen him laugh like that before. I never even knew he could.

Rheymond had always been the epitome of seriousness, his cold charisma captivating everyone around him.

Even when he bantered with his mother, the most he would show was a sharp glare, a raised eyebrow, and perhaps a serious word, accompanied by a faint smile.

But never a hearty laugh like that.

Darlas followers gushed over their chemistry in the comments, admiring the perfect power couple.

[@glamour_girl87: OMG, you two are relationship goals! When is the wedding?]

[@travelbug999: Alps Snow Festival looks amazing! You guys look so happy together. #CoupleGoals #FairyTale]

[@darla_daily_fanpage: I knew it! You and Mr. Charles are made for each other! So happy to see you both enjoying life. Dont keep us waiting too long for the official announcement!]

[@wanderlust_ashley: I was at the festival today and saw you two together! Youre even more gorgeous in person. I hope I can find a love like yours someday. :love:]

[@darling_fanclub: Thank you for sharing your happiness with us, Darla! Youre such a radiant couple. Praying for your everlasting love!]

[@theinsider247: Rumor has it there is a big announcement coming soon! Cant wait to see what it is! #Excited]

As I read the endless stream of adoration for their fabricated romance, I felt my heart sink deeper.

The rumor between them was growing bigger, while the relationship between me and Rheymond was getting weaker and weaker every day.

The ring on my finger, once a symbol of our engagement, felt hopelessly empty at that moment. It hurt to have received it from a waiter on what should have been the most memorable night of my life.

It shouldve been you putting it on my finger. Why did I have to wear it myself? I muttered, tossing my phone aside and curling up in bed, sinking into the depths of loneliness.

The next morning, I dragged myself out of bed, knowing I had to head to Bright Agency, where I worked as a model.

My manager arrived at the Penthouse to pick me up as usual.

Even if meetings for an upcoming photoshoot awaited, but my mind was miles away, stuck in the turmoil of last night.

At the agency, I could also not escape the whispers about Darla and Rheymond.

In the restroom, I overheard two colleagues chatting.

Did you see Darlas post yesterday?

Yes! Her posts are getting bolder every day. I bet there is a big announcement coming soon! one squealed.

I know, right? They are so adorable together. I cant believe they are not official yet!

I never imagined the rumors about Darla and Rheymond would snowball like that. Whenever I confronted him, he would brush it off, assuring me that I was the only one he had loved for the past five years.

We had met at Fashion Week, back when I was representing a brand, and Rheymond was a special guest. He approached me first, and for a year, we had an undefined relationship before he finally asked me to be his girlfriend.

In all that time, I was like his personal diary, listening to his work-related rants and triumphs. We kept our relationship secret for mutual benefit, known only to close friends and family, including Darla and Matthew Bishop, Rheymonds childhood friends.

The Charles, Schwartz, and Bishop families had been close for generations, so it was no surprise their children were friends too.

However, unlike Rheymond, who was an only child, Darla and Matthew chose to become content creators because they were the second child.

Right from the start, I always felt out of place among them. Like Darlas birthday party a few weeks ago.

Darla, Ive been seeing your face all over billboards lately. Youre everywhere! Matthew had teased.

I smiled, feeling awkward. Thanks.

Darla flashed a charming yet cynical smile when she asked, "Does Charles' family have a hand in this?"

Charles family doesnt sponsor Bright Agency, only focus on Les Agency, Rheymond answered casually.

Ah, youre a good friend then, only sponsoring our agency that promotes us. You should ask for a 30-70 split; Im stressed from all the gaming nights for just a 50-50, Matthew joked.

Matthew, a renowned gamer, streamed nightly and uploaded content daily. He was one of the top five gaming content creators in the world.

You should discuss that with your agency, Matt, Darla replied with a laugh.

Matthew teased, Said a beauty influencer who got an 80-20 split. You mustve sweet-talked your boss into it, admit it.

Its all hard work, well, by my brothers and Rheymonds help of course, Darla said, a hint of pride in her voice.

My brother would never help me, but its fine. Ill just ask my mom, Matthew quipped, and everyone laughed.

It was always like that. Darla and Matthew dominated the conversation, while Rheymond remained aloof and quiet.

I used to think it was just his nature. But Darlas recent post from the Alps Festival made me realize maybe he was only truly himself when I was not around.

Hearing these privileged kids talk also made me feel insignificant, like my hard work meant nothing.

Even when we posted pictures of the four of us, the comments focused only on them, labeling me as a sycophant who clung to them just to become a top model and launch Rhe Cosmetics.

When I complained to Rheymond about it, he would simply say, People with dirty hearts see everything as dirty.

Then I would swallow my pride, telling myself he was right.

Suddenly my phone rang, interrupting my thoughts. It was my manager.

Rheya, where are you? The meetings about to start.

Im on my way.

As I headed to the meeting room, memories of Rheymond choosing Darla over me played in my mind. Darla would call him for anything, from work issues to being scared of thunderstorms in the middle of the night, and he would always rush to her side.

When I confronted him, we would argue all night. But in the end, he would say, Youre stupid if youre jealous of Darla. Shes just my friend, while youre my lover, Rhe.

I kept convincing myself that my place in his heart was above Darlas every day. However, I was sick of it that time.

I was exhausted from being the second one, or perhaps just a backburner.

So, after returning to the Penthouse, I slipped off the ring, placed it on the nightstand, and walked away.

Finally, I returned to my own apartment.

That space had been my sanctuary, my silent witness, from the day I decided to join Bright Agency and study Cosmetic Science.

I was grateful for the scholarship that covered my education, but for everything else, I had to fend for myself with various part-time jobs. It was not until the agency offered me a modeling contract that things started to change.

In the beginning, I felt out of place among seasoned models who had been in the industry since childhood. But with relentless effort and dedication, my name began to resonate beyond borders.

Not long after, I met Rheymond, and I believed we were destined to be together forever.

But maybe I had been chasing a dream that was already too far out of reach. Rheymond and I were like oil and water, two substances that refused to blend.

That night, as I scrolled through my homepage, Darlas post appeared again. I hesitated but couldnt resist the pull of curiosity.

She had posted a picture of a private jet window with the caption, [Stay tuned for my vlog at the Alps Snow Festival, darling :kiss: #AmazingTrip]

Darling was her fanclub name. But somehow, she called Rheymond by that name too.

They even went there on Rheymonds private jet, I sighed, sadness lacing my words.

I wanted to read the comments, but I knew it would only hurt more. As a result, I turned off my phone and forced myself to sleep, though my mind was restless.

The next morning, I had a meeting at Rhe Company, so I got ready and headed to the basement.

I had not brought a car with me when I moved into Rheymonds Penthouse, relying instead on his driver and my manager for transportation.

But at that time, I was back to my apartment. So, I had to rediscover my independence.

Long time no see, my Pinky G-Wagon, I murmured with a bittersweet smile, opening the car door. Lets be independent again.

But before I could get in, a hand grabbed my arm and spun me around, pinning me against the car.

What are you doing here, Rheya? Rheymonds voice echoed through the basement, sharp and demanding.

With an innocent face and a hint of sarcasm, I replied, Shouldnt I be the one asking why youre here, Mr. Charles?

Ignoring my question, he fired back, What do you mean by leaving the Penthouse? And why did you take off our engagement ring?

He must have gone back to the Penthouse that morning, found it empty, and then tracked me down.

Before I could respond, he continued, If you dont like the ring, just tell me. Ill replace it with a more expensive one. And who said you could come back to your apartment?

This was his way, always imposing his will. If I didnt accept his gifts, he would claim they were too cheap, or not good enough, and insisted on getting something better.

But he never asked what I liked, what my preferences were, or what made me happy. Everything was filtered through his perspective.

I remembered why I had moved to his Penthouse in the first place.

After a year of dating, he found it too difficult for us to meet, especially since our relationship was a secret. He wanted me closer, but moving to the Manor was out of the question, given the number of eyes there.

I want to be near you every day, Rhe, he had said. But it would be too much to move to the Manor. If you move to my Penthouse, we can be alone together whenever we want. No need for appointments.

I had tried to suggest an alternative. You could move to my apartment. The security here is great, and its close to the agency.

No, he insisted. The Penthouse is safer. I have guards, a private elevator, everything we need.

Ive arranged everything too. A maid comes in the morning and leaves in the afternoon, meals are handled by a chef, and theres a driver at your disposal. Just inform your manager. This way, we dont have to find a place to meet anymore.

He was adamant, and I had eventually given in, moving in with him. But ironically, living together only made me more aware of how often he was with Darla.

It made me question the point of being in the same space if his heart wasnt there.

Suddenly, Rheymonds hand on mine jolted me from my thoughts. Anyways, where are you going? Let me take you.

I pulled away, my voice cold. No need. I can drive myself. If you dont mind, could you step aside so I can open the car door?

Fine, if you dont want to tell me now. Take this, I bought it for you when I went to the Festival yesterday, he said while handing me a shopping bag with souvenirs in it.

Also, I will come to pick you up for Matthew's birthday party with me tonight. Be prepared, it is going to be fun, he continued with a smile that hid his frustration.

In the past, we always seemed to miraculously make up whenever there was a problem. Maybe I was just someone easy to persuade in his eyes.

But did that mean he thought I was too naive to notice the same cycle repeating over and over again?

Yes, I could admit that I was easy to please. But it was because I didnt see the point in constantly arguing with someone I loved so deeply.

However, I refused to be that woman any longer. I realized Rheymond would never acknowledge his mistakes as long as I continued to excuse them.

I cant. Rhe Cosmetic is launching a new product, so I will be busy lately. Youd better go by yourself and not worry about me, I said, did not even take the souvenir, opening the car door and slipping inside.

Before he could respond, I started the engine and drove away, leaving him standing there, a mix of frustration and confusion etched on his face.

Upon arriving at the office, I was just parking my car when my cell phone rang.

The system automatically pushed me a Darla update.

In the photo, she was snuggled up against Rheymond's chest, kissing the tattoo of a deer on his chest. And with the caption: I am so envious that she can have such a wonderful boyfriend like you. If only... I mean, if only I had loved you since I was a kid....would you give her up and choose to marry me?

As expected, Rheymond replied: of course, because I've always loved you.