Chapter 7

This was the first time I ever saw him like that, vulnerable and at loss of words. He looked genuinely hurt by my response, his eyes pleading for understanding. “Kaitlin, please, I just want to know what’s been happening in your life.”

“You have lost that right a while ago. I’m done with this conversation, Cillian. Tell your sister something came up; I’ll meet her later.” I said turning towards the door.

“No, don’t leave.” He looked at me, his eyes pleading for a second chance. “I know. I messed up, Kaitlin. I hurt you, and I’m so, so sorry. But please, before you go, just let me try to make it right.” My heart ached, torn between the pain of the past and the lingering love I still felt for him.

“I ─ I can’t do this now, Cillian.” And with that, I turned away, my steps heavy as I walked out the door, leaving behind the man who had shattered my heart.

Later that day I started packing up, folding clothes, and placing them neatly into boxes. The decision to leave town had been a difficult one, but I knew it was the right choice. Amidst the quiet rustling of packing materials, a knock echoed through the room. I paused, I hadn’t expected visitors especially not now, at such a time of the day.

I walked to the door, thinking it might be a maid, and pulled it open. It was Cillian, standing there with a mix of determination and vulnerability in his eyes. “Cillian? What are you doing here? How did you get into the house?” I asked. His blue eyes searched mine, his expression a mixture of apprehension and determination. “No time to explain. Can I come in?” He asked anxiously checking the corridor. I hesitated, but eventually stepped aside to let him in. He entered cautiously, his presence filling the room with a sense of tension.

“I know I’m probably the last person you want to see,” he began, his voice uncertain. I crossed my arms, trying to shield my emotions. “You’re not wrong.” Cillian’s gaze never wavered as he continued. “But Kaitlin, I need to know one thing. Have you moved on? Have you managed to forget about me?”

I looked away, unable to meet his eyes. “No, Cillian. I haven’t.”

He let out a sigh, his shoulders slumping slightly. “I hoped so.”

“Will you leave now? I got still some packing to do.” I spoke. “No, I am not done yet, Kaitlin.” he stopped me. I studied his face, trying to discern his intentions. “Why are you here, Cillian?” He took a deep breath, his eyes locking onto mine.

“I need to tell you the truth, Kaitlin. About why, I pushed you away. I couldn’t live with myself if you left and never knew.” My heart raced as his words hung in the air. “The truth?” He nodded, his jaw tight. “Back then, I asked your parents for permission to court you, to make you mine. But they denied me, Kaitlin. They said I wasn’t good enough for you.” I blinked, shock rippling through me. The pieces of the puzzle fell into place – his sudden withdrawal, the pain in his eyes, the truth that had been hidden from me.

“They did that? Why didn’t you tell me?” I asked, furious about his revelation.