Open Marriage, Broken Promises: When Love Turns to Ashes novel Chapter 66

When he returned to Canada, he learned from various sources that Elena had been in a long-term relationship, and if nothing changed, they would soon get married.

Ryan went to Vancouver and saw her from afar.

Just one glance was enough to reignite the dormant flame in his heart.

The image of her running through the crowd in a wedding dress was imprinted in his mind.

Then he learned that their relationship had fallen apart, and Elena came to Toronto. Ryan followed.

He was surprised by how their relationship had developed, but also happy. He was finally with the person he had secretly loved for so long.

But Elena didn't want him.

At this thought, Ryan let out a bitter laugh and lit a cigarette.

He rarely smoked, but at this moment, it seemed like the perfect remedy for his sorrow.

It took him several hours to calm himself down. It was okay. He had waited for so many years. Ryan could afford to wait.

Ryan didn't come to find me again.

A month later, I planned to leave Toronto.

There was no choice—my job was in Vancouver, and I had to go there to sort out matters.

On the way to the airport, the driver was a chatterbox.

He kept talking about someone who was madly in love, and her name kept flashing on all the screens in Toronto.

I smiled. So people like Jason were everywhere, huh?

Did I envy them? Not exactly. I just wondered if someone would do that for me—would I be moved?

"Elena? What kind of name is that? By the way, are there really people with the last name Mo? I've never heard of it," the driver kept chattering.

I raised my head and looked out the window.

All the taxi signs were flashing my name, and even the towering buildings had my name displayed on their screens.

The characters "Elena" filled my vision.

My phone rang—it was a call from Ryan.

I hesitated for a moment before answering.

"Elena, I've thought it through," he said.

"I don't want to be a stranger to you, and I don't want to be just an ordinary friend either."

"From now on, can I pursue you?"

"I've never pursued anyone before. If I'm doing something wrong, teach me."

He said everything in one breath, and I didn't know how to respond.

"I know you just ended a relationship, and your heart must be in turmoil. But could you stop making it harder on yourself because of someone else's mistakes?"

"It's not fair to you."

"Elena, you're amazing. Your beauty is just the least of your qualities. You're smart, hardworking, kind, brave, and sincere with people. You deserve to be loved by everyone."

"You should look at the people around you, or maybe, give someone else a chance."

I nodded.

The next moment, I felt myself being lifted off the ground.

He spun me around in place, shouting, "We're together now!"

The people around us looked at us like we were two crazy people.

Feeling his joy, my mood lightened more than ever.

I told myself not to be afraid of failure and to give it another try.

Ryan and I kissed at the airport, with no regard for the people around us.

At first, I felt awkward, but feeling his excitement, I suddenly wanted to indulge in this moment too.

When the kiss ended, he pressed his forehead against mine.

"Elena, do you know? I'm so happy. My dream at twenty-one, you helped me make it come true."

"Hmm?"

He didn't answer, just grinning like a fool.

Many years later, I would learn.

At twenty-one, Ryan had only two dreams.

One was to get into the Berklee College of Music.

The other was to marry Elena.