Love Began with the First Meeting novel Chapter 623

"I miss you," Molly said with little emotion.

She stared at the multitude of stars that lit the night sky.

The truth is she didn't really miss Eric. Yet when he asked, Molly realized there was a place in her heart for this man. It had nothing to do with romantic love. But, there was something about him that stirred her soul.

Eric grinned at Molly's reply. He, too, was looking up at the star-filled sky. With all the meetings of the National Congress and scheming against anti-royalists, he was mostly preoccupied and usually slept just three or four hours a day. He sighed at the reality of his life. It was a responsibility, and he had no choice. Whenever he was free, however, Eric would also think about Molly, and remember the first time they met five years ago, and when they met again five years later.

"Mol," Eric's voice sounded distant. "Thank you for missing me." It meant a lot to hear her say that.

She didn't answer but only held the phone to her ear while gaping at the sky. They were under the same dome even while they were thousands of miles apart.

"It's very late. Go get some rest," Eric gently urged. "Tomorrow is another day," he added.

A smile gradually formed in Molly's lips as she hung up after saying goodbye. Eric was right, she thought. Tomorrow was a brand new day. After today, she could start working again. Molly believed she should be independent, both financially and psychologically. She felt hope.

Slowly, Eric put down the phone and sat lost in thought. The image that formed in his mind was Molly's subdued and exhausted appearance.

"Things must be pretty rough for her these days," he muttered to himself.

Sorrow was etched on his face as he remembered how desperate Molly was that day. Eric stood too close to her not to notice.

He bowed his head and smiled bitterly. Brian had always pointed out that Eric was far behind him where Molly was concerned since the start five years ago, and even five years later. Five years ago, Eric was not good enough for Molly; five years later he came too late because she was already a mother to Brian's child. But his brother was also wrong in some way. It was true that he lost Molly to Brian from the start. Eric wasn't too late for Molly, because she only loved Brian ever since the beginning. It didn't matter if he came five years ago or five years later.

A look of misery gradually replaced his smile. Eric's eyes were full of regret and gleamed with tears. That was fate. He had no intention of ending up like his father. He had tried to take revenge against Brian. But here he was, still wallowing in painful love. There was no one to blame, though. Eric had made his choice.

Tilting his head slightly, he gnashed his teeth in remorse. Had Eric not insisted on going up against Brian, would he not have fallen behind at the start? Digging deep down inside his heart, Eric had no answer. There were no "ifs" in his life.

*

While staring at the stars, Molly zoned out. She was trying to sort things out, but her mind was all a clutter. Helpless, she sighed. All of a sudden, she felt something in her gut that was different, and her surroundings became heavy and serious. Turning around her eyes clashed with dark, brooding ones that appeared like an endless abyss.

Of course, it was Brian. Molly bit her lips as she stared at the man. Brian, too, was staring at Molly. It was after a very long while when he drew away piercing eyes and stepped into the villa.

"Steven will be arriving in A City in an hour," he said coldly.

His words caused Molly's body to stiffen. She turned to Brian and asked, "What do you mean?"

He didn't turn to look at her. Brian continued to stand with his back to Molly, hands in his pockets, and hair dancing in the breeze. The man appeared unruffled and dangerous.

"It means you have ten minutes to get ready. I'll be waiting for you in the car," he said in a clipped tone. Throwing her a glance, he headed towards the car.

His sudden announcement threw Molly into a frenzy. She quickly changed clothes then ran to the car. Breathless, she glanced at Brian after settling beside him and heard him order Tony, "Drive."