Elena's POV (May)
Where do I even begin? How did we get into this situation? I walk back and forth in my office... I'm contemplating what to do when there's a knock on the door that catches my attention. So, how should I move ahead? Is there anything else I need to do?
"Miss Elena, you have a visitor," my secretary Jane announced.
"Please inform them that I am still working," I say flatly.
I walked over to my desk and sat in my swivel chair, gazing out the window behind it. I don't want anyone to see me because my eyes are still puffy from crying. I'm so downplaying the image of Miss Elena. It's time for me to contribute to the betterment.
When he called my new name in a raspy voice, my terribly sad heart leaped. "E-Elena."
I clenched my fists in my seat. With that voice, I can't go wrong. And I felt like I was in a movie, with my surroundings slowing down as I turned to look back at the voice I'd been anxiously awaiting.
"L-Luke," I stammered as I called his name.
I averted my gaze when I noticed his hair was tangled and his eyes were swollen red. I cannot bear to see the agony of seeing him in that state just because of me. I turned away from him and was about to sit back down when he unexpectedly hugged me.
"I miss you, Elena," he whispered softly to me. My tears welled up once more. Luke, I miss you as well, but I'm sorry I'm not Elena. I'm not the lady you're looking for. "I miss you, please come back to me, baby."
My sobbing was becoming more pronounced, so I covered my mouth. I just shook my head.
"What made you love me, Luke?" I bravely wondered out loud. I'm hoping that... somehow... He might have feelings for me.
His cuddle became even tighter, and I could smell his perfume mixed with the aroma of a wine. Is he intoxicated?
"I absolutely love everything about you," he said as he stroked my cheeks.
I took a deep breath. It's difficult and painful to explain this to Luke, but it's the right thing to do. I quickly retracted his hand and gave him a long, honest look. His answers will be the answer to my decision— if I should continue this... or not.
"Like what? My hair? Eyes? Personality? What Luke?" I asked him, secretly wishing that he'll say he likes me as I am today. He likes the Elena in front of him as May.
"I love everything about you, the way you act so strong and oblivious about stuff. Your confidence and even your cheeky personality," he said as he chuckled as he drew closer and kissed my forehead. "You know this better than anyone else, but if I have to say it again, I will. I will assure you, I will remove all those insecurities. I love you, Elena, just the way you are."
My tears flowed yet again. He cherishes Elena, not only physically but also emotionally. I had no hope from the very beginning. True love— what they have is that rare genuine true love... and I for one cannot fight against that. I didn't say a word, but I could feel Luke's eyes on me.
Luke spoke again which broke my heart even more, "Your enigmatic personality, I love everything about you, I love every time you reveal a new aspect to me. I absolutely love—"
That's enough, it's too much pain. It was as if he slapped me across the face, telling me that he couldn't love me because he loved Elena so much.
"When the right time comes, I'll come back to you," I said, interrupting him. And at that point, the person in front of you is no longer an imposter.
I can't blame him for being perplexed by my decision. I'm sure they genuinely love each other. It’s enough that I experienced being loved by a Luke Javier, the man I dreamed of and secretly loved.
"When will the right time come Elena? I can't, I can't wait any longer. I miss you so much and it's killing me every second," His voice had become cracked and hoarse. He wrapped his arms around me.
I held his hand he hugged me. I'm doing this because I love and admire you, Luke. Wait for her. If we keep going in this direction, we'll never get anywhere. I need to come up with a solution.
"I'll give you a month," I said coldly.
I felt his hug loosen so I turned to face him and stared into his mesmerizing eyes—I could see the confusion in them.
"For what?"
I took a deep breath before I found the courage to say what I am about to say.
"For the time being, Luke, listen to your heart... do not let what your eyes see deceive you over what your heart already knows," I ruefully advised. I told you the truth, and now it's up to you to make a decision. I'm letting you go. "I know you're aware of who I'm referring to, Luke, and you should face the truth."
"Please tell me what your real reason is, Elena," he kept begging.
"I told you the reality of the situation, Luke. I'm not the woman you love— I'm not Elena," I said as I turned away from him. "Now, it's up to you whether you believe what I'm saying or to pretend to be blind. You can leave my office, Luke."
"Please, Elena," he tried to persuade, but I shook my head. "Why are you making things so difficult for us, Elena?"
"One month, Luke. For now, please do what your heart tells you, not what your brain and eyes tell you, because reality is sometimes crazy," I said as I sat in my swivel chair. "A month with her and one with me," I explained.
And in the month that they are together, I had to find a way— an answer. I adjusted accordingly my chair around to face Luke. "After that, you must make a decision based on your heart, not your brain, and tell me who you truly love."
"No, Elena. Why are you pushing me away? I love you and—"
"I'm not pushing you away, Luke... I'm just doing the right thing. Follow my condition or you'll never be able to get close to me again," I responded directly, trying to emphasize the words I was have said.
Luke was silent so I turned my chair to turn my back on him. I didn’t let him see me break down again. I must adhere to my decision. I heard the door close and at the same time, the tears I had been holding back were dripping.