Chapter 17 After leaving Nina, Declan remained in extreme anguish. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Nina's final cold stare. He locked himself in his room, drinking all day, but couldn't heal his heartache. He replayed everything over and over, remembering the happy times with Nina. He finally recognized his own stupidity and selfishness, realizing what precious thing he'd thrown away. He took out paper and pen, writing Nina a confession letter, word by word. At the end, he wrote: [Nina, I know saying sorry means nothing now-the damage can't be erased. I'm writing this just hoping you'll know that I clearly recognize all my mistakes. You deserve the best of everything in this world. May your days be peaceful and your future bright. Never think of me again. -Forever loving you: Declan] He carefully sealed the letter and had a friend deliver it to Nina. He didn't expect a reply-just hoped she'd see his sincerity. Nina received the thick letter on a warm, sunny afternoon. Seeing the signature, she stayed silent for a moment, initially planning to throw it away but ultimately keeping it. She sat alone by the window and opened the letter. The handwriting was familiar yet strange-definitely Declan's. she calmly read through the confession, her heart not entirely unmoved. She remembered many years ago-that boy who would fight for her, who would stay up all night organizing notes for her, who would clumsily draw pages full of hearts. Their past love hadn't been fake. But more than anything, she felt release and peace. This letter was like a final period. Declan's self-reflection completely closed the book on that relationship that started with such passion but ended so badly. 16:56 Boyfriend vs. Future Bovfriend-Pick Your Fighter! Chapter 17 She glanced at Oliver nearby, grateful she'd chosen to let go of everything and look forward. The past was past. Those loves and hates had become ancient history, no longer able to stir any waves in her heart. She carefully refolded the letter, put it back in the envelope, and stored it in the deepest part of her drawer. Then she got up and walked to Oliver, who was holding a cup of coffee and looking at her with gentle, loving eyes. "What do you want for dinner?" Oliver asked, wrapping his arms around her waist. She smiled at him, gripping his outstretched hand-warm and solid. "Anything you make, I'll love it." Declan learned through his friend that she'd received and read the letter. "After she read it, did she say anything?" His friend awkwardly stayed quiet for a moment, finally just saying she'd seemed very calm, without much emotional reaction. Declan stood frozen. He'd imagined her being angry after reading it, maybe crying, or perhaps showing a hint of being moved... Calm meant Nina had truly let go. It meant he and all the pain he'd caused had finally become irrelevant history to her. He accepted this ending-the ending he'd written himself. He stood by the window looking at the bustling world outside, finally making his decision. He wouldn't look for her again, wouldn't try to break into her life anymore. He'd caused her enough pain already. The only thing he could do was let go completely, disappear from her world entirely, and give her peace. But from now on, his world would be nothing but darkness, never seeing light again. Whatever. This was the price he had to pay. Chapter 18 Chapter 18 Title: A Mother’s Wait: Mom, Dad, I'm Back In CrushReel's ongoing drama, "A Mother’s Wait: Mom, Dad, I'm Back," Elijah Morton's life takes a dramatic turn when he is separated from his mother, Sabrina Lester, at a fair and adopted by General Hale Gibson. As time passes and Gibson rises to power as the King, their paths intertwine in unexpected ways. Exploring themes of revenge and reconnection, this captivating story delves into the complexities of family bonds and the pursuit of justice. With a gripping narrative that unfolds over fifteen years, readers are drawn into a world where loyalties are tested and secrets unravel. What sets "A Mother’s Wait" apart is its poignant exploration of the emotional journey of a son seeking his true identity amidst a backdrop of power struggles and long-buried truths. Discover the riveting tale filled with twists and revelations that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Available to read at CrushReel for those eager to dive into this tale of love, loss, and redemption.