Going to Dante's place became more like a routine. Everyday, I waited in front of his house but I didn't have the courage to go in. I prayed to God to let me see him even though I didn't know what to say to him, even though I didn't think I had enough courage to look him in the eyes.

I just wanted to see him- badly.

The universe better have better plans, because I'm not ready to let go.

"Stop staring into space girl." Kay said, sitting beside me on the sofa.

"Here, have some cookies."

"Thank you." I muttered slowly.

"I just don't know what to do. I don't think he comes home. I mean I go to his place everyday, but still I don't any signs of him."

I massaged my temple to ease the pain forming there.

"Just visit him at the office, it's that simple."

"No, I don't think I can do that. I've been gone for months and then showing up all of a sudden at his place of work? I don't think I can do such."

"Then stop thinking too much. Just calm down honey."

"I'm trying."

"By the way, Jamie called." Kay smiled.

"Really? I miss her so much." I said.

"I know, I miss that ray of sunshine too. She's just really glad you're back. She said she'll be visiting soon." She replied excitedly, snatching some cookies from my plate.

"Hey, that's mine." I whined.

"Come on, don't be such a cry baby. Meanwhile, Jamie instructed me to tell you to call her as soon as possible with your new number. She really wants to talk to you."

"I know, I'll give her a call." I smiled.

"How's Shawn by the way?"

"Honey, he's okay. He's in Switzerland at the moment."

"Vacation?" I asked.

"Training. He's been gone for a while but he'll be back soon. God, I miss my baby so much." She blushed.

"Hey, look at you. You are in love, aren't you?" I teased.

"I have to admit girl, I'm in love with him. Couldn't have asked for a better someone." She gushed.

"I'm just really happy you found someone great." I gave her a tight smile.

"Now don't be sad, I know you and Dante are going to be just fine. He loves you so much and we all know that."

But then sometimes, love is not enough..

"I just really hope he's not getting married for real. Maybe when he sees You, he's going to reconsider this sudden marriage he's getting himself into." Kay added.

Maybe.

"So don't be sad honey, everything is going to be fine."

I gave her a tight smile and watched our entwined hands. She was giving him hope and her words seemed so comforting.

I just hope she's right.

"Kay, I need to get a job." I said.

"Oh, what do you have in mind."

"I saw this bookstore not far from the house, the owner needs an extra hand." I sighed.

"That's a good idea. I think getting busy is what you need to stop you from thinking too much. Thinking too much isn't healthy love and to be honest, I'm starting to get worried." She said, concern showing on her face.

"I'm going to be fine Kay. Besides you know me, I adjust so fast."

"Yes, I think you'll fit right in. Just let me know how it goes. Did you talk to the owner?" She asked.

"I'll do that today, on my way home."

"Good."

Working at the bookstore turned out to be exactly what I needed. Kay's theory turned out to be right. Since I started working again, I stopped over thinking and getting all worked up.

Most times, when the bookstore was empty, I would grab a book and read while waiting for people to come in. I found it relaxing. I was enjoying my work and working on myself at the same time.

The only problem I had was not being able to go to Dante's anymore. My working hours end at 6PM and I would go home, eat and sleep. His thoughts never left my mind, no matter what.

Shawn and Jamie arrived in town for Christmas, it only made me think of Dante more. I wondered if he celebrated Christmas with his family or if he went on vacation. I really hoped he didn't spend it at work or all alone.

Shawn proposed to Kay after Christmas and I couldn't be any happier for my best friend. Eventually, she found the one.

How time flies.

It all started as a one night stand and now, they would be saying I dos and spending the rest of their lives together. I was so happy for them.

But why do I feel like everyone is happy except from me?

Memories from my happy days with Dante wouldn't let me breathe. Moving in, spending Christmas together, telling each other how much we loved each other.

It felt as if the universe handed me a whole life and I threw it away with my own hands.

Before I left home for work that morning, Mrs. Kim had hugged me tightly and whispered in my ear,

"You'll find happiness again my child and this time, it won't ever leave you."

Those simple words had brought tears to my eyes and crossed my mind all day at work. I hoped the universe was listening and I wished for her words to be true.

After all, the universe always has a plan.

The bells rang as a sign that someone had entered the bookstore. We were closed for the day and the CLOSED sign had been placed out to notify the passers by.

"I'm so sorry, but we are closed for the day." I said politely, sorting through my bag without looking at the one who came in.

"Oh, is that it?"

The voice put my senses on hold and I looked up, only to see the one person I wanted to see the most.

The universe always has a plan- is this the plan?

I was looking at Dante Moretti, the love of my life whom I haven't seen in months.

He still looked ravishingly handsome, his grey eyes boring deeply into mine.

My world stopped still and I was completely lost- lost in his grey pair of eyes.

Those eyes that haunted my memories, that haunted me at nights in my dreams.

His chiseled face, with the appearance of a 5 o'clock shadow, gave him a rugged, sexy look.

I was melting on the spot. He looked way too good for my heart to handle. It brought tears to my eyes.

Blinking back the tears in my eyes, I tried to speak, but my mouth wouldn't form a word.

I broke the eye contact and stared at the floor instead. I was ashamed. I had hurt him and after praying so long for the day we finally see each other again, I couldn't form a single word.

"Take a walk with me?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Huh?"

Fool. You fool, Ria. Is that all you can say??

"You don't want to?"

"No, I mean- yes. One second."

This is my chance at making things right. God help me because I don't plan on wasting it.