"You can't force people to stay no matter how much you want them to."

-Maddie-

I stood there speechless and unsure of how to act. His fingers dig deeper into my fabric of my jacket as he clutches it tightly. It was as if he was afraid that I would leave. I glance at Tyler, who's face was showing an unreadable expression. His eyes seemed darker and jealousy clouded his eyes.

"I-I remember now." Ren stutters, choking on the last word. His tears continued to fall as he sniffled lightly. He looks up and locks his teary eyes with mine. "I'm so sorry....I remembered too late." He says, his voice turning into a whisper. I opened my mouth to speak. That's when a strong pair of arms, moves me away from him.

I look up in surprise as I turn to see Tyler's reddened face. He looked as if he was about to burst at any moment. "I'm sorry but why are you holding my girlfriend?" He growls at Ren, raising an eyebrow. He moves me further away from Ren and stands between the both of us.

"Girlfriend?" Ren echoes, looking at Tyler then back at me. He shot me a pleading look as if asking me to say that it isn't true. "Yeah, my girlfriend." Tyler answers through gritted teeth. If looks could kill, Ren could be dead by now.

He gently moves me behind him and glares at Ren. 'We'll talk about this later.' He mouths to me, his eyes were flaring with anger.

"Look. You are starting to piss me off. Stop before you make me do something I don't want to do." Tyler raises his voice at Ren, who stared right back at him with no signs of fear showing on his face. He disregards Tyler's words and looks at me.

Ren pulls me by the arm, his face dead serious. His eyes scans my face up and down, trying to search for a reaction. "Is he your boyfriend?" He asks, his voice trembling. I ignored my heart that was aching in pain. All the butterflies in my stomach died as I nodded. Tyler sends me a look, since he knows that I was obviously lying. Ren puts his head down but he doesn't let me go.

"I guess I came too late." He mutters, letting out a strained chuckle. His eyes were once again teary and he lets out a shaky breath. Closing his eyes, he sighs out loud. "Then, I should really tell you now."

Letting a small smile form on his lips, he looks at me once more. Although he looks tired and strained, he still is able to smile.

"I love you Madilyn. I wasn't able to tell you that before I left for London. I was too much of a coward back then. I should have gathered up all my courage. Now, because of my foolish mistake, I lost someone who very important to me. Although I know that I do not stand a chance, that I will most likely be rejected..." He trails off. "I still love you. And I won't give up. No matter what happens, I will not give up on you."

"But I will." I answer, not tearing my strong gaze on him. I could see him falter slightly. I gulp down my tears as I set aside my feelings. Seeing him this vulnerable breaks my heart. He cannot like me. He will only end up getting hurt.

I blink back my tears. "Can't you see? I'm sick of all your useless nothings and lies. I have someone now. You made me wait for three years—three freaking years, Ren. Waiting for you to come back. Waiting and living on all the false hope you've gave me." I seethe, my voice cracking. I took a step closer to him. I regret every word I spoke.

"I tried Ren, I really have. I have tried to understand that you had amnesia. The fact that you no longer remember me pains me enough. But then.." I croaked out, my throat running dry. "You just had to appear out of nowhere with a fiancé. Tell me, do you know how that feels? To see someone you waited for so so long with somebody else? To see that certain someone look so much in love with someone who isn't you? Tell me. Do you know?"

"Every time I see you with her, I can't help but ask myself, was I not enough? I had to tell myself to be strong and just move on but...." My voice becomes hoarse. I swallow the lump that has been forming on my throat and looked away.

"Maddie..." He mutters, reaching out his hand. I slap it away, backing up slightly. "Don't. Touch. Me." I say, my voice lacing with anger. I glare at him as I stare at his hand. "Don't make this harder than it already is. Just leave me alone." I say coldly, my face expressionless. Written on his face were expressions of pain, hurt and sadness.

"You are lying, I know you are. " He says seriously, moving closer to me. I move back almost immediately, distancing myself from him. "Stop it Ren. Haven't I told you already? Or must I make it clear for you?" I ask monotone. My heart shrieks in agony, pleading me to just stop. But I can't, no matter how much I want to.

He was doing his best to prevent breaking down, I can see that. I bite my bottom lip, trying my best to continue.

"Trust me please—" "Trust you?" I cut his sentence, my voice coming out as a small whisper. No one talked for a moment, the air between us brimming with tension. "You promised not to forget me when you were in London yet...after a week or two, I've lost all forms of communication with you." I manage to choke out softly. My lip quivers at the mere memory of what Helen told me.

"I'm sorry Ren. But I've moved on. I feel like you should too." I mutter, turning away from him. A stray tear fell down as I sniffle quietly. Tyler stares at me and then took my hand.

What have I done?

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