Chapter 35 Too Late
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three years had passed since Vega disappeared—a disappearance orchestrated, in part, by Acia herself. Her plan had been simple: to make Antonio hate Vega so completely that he would never look back. But the plan failed miserably. Vega vanished without a trace, taking her radiant presence with her. Acia had thought this a victory; no one would stand in her way now. Yet, nothing had gone as she’d hoped.
Acia left the rehearsal hall, heading toward her red sports car in the parking lot. But as she descended the stairs, she froze.
Vega.
Was it her?
Acia’s breath caught in her throat as her eyes fell on the woman standing confidently nearby. There was no doubt—it was Vega.
“It’s been a while,” Vega greeted, her voice light, her eyes sparkling as if the shadows of three years ago had never existed.
Acia’s carefully maintained composure faltered. She couldn’t decide whether to scowl, retreat, or feign indifference. Her heart pounded in disarray as the person she despised most now stood mere feet away.
“Aren’t you going to say hello?” Vega asked, her tone casual, though her words carried an edge.
“I’m...glad you’re well,” Acia managed, though her voice lacked sincerity.
Vega’s radiant, carefree demeanor only served to highlight the festering bitterness within Acia. Gone was the wide-eyed innocence Vega once wore; in its place was a poised woman who bore the scars of betrayal and heartbreak.
“I’m here to see Nicks,” Vega said, and the name hung in the air like a dagger. It pierced Acia’s fragile defenses, tearing open old wounds.
“You’re too late,” Acia replied with a smug smile, though the confidence in her voice wavered. “His heart doesn’t belong to you anymore.”
“Is that so?” Vega responded, a gentle smile playing on her lips, undeterred by Acia’s venom.
Without another word, Vega adjusted her dark sunglasses and walked past Acia, heading toward the building. Acia could only watch helplessly, her smugness unraveling into the familiar ache of jealousy.
Inside the lobby, Vega’s steps slowed as her gaze fell upon Antonio. He stood tall and composed, whispering to a woman at his side.
Nicks.
Her breath hitched as she recognized the tender gaze he reserved for the woman with him. It was the same look she had once received—the look of love. Vega froze, unable to move closer, her feet rooted by an overwhelming tide of memories.
“Are you tired?” Antonio’s deep voice reached her ears, laced with concern.
“No,” the woman replied, smiling up at him.
“Then let’s grab something to eat,” he suggested, taking her hand and leading her toward the exit.
Vega quickly stepped behind a nearby column, hiding as they passed. She pressed herself against the cold marble, heart pounding. Tears welled in her eyes, and no matter how fiercely she willed them back, they began to fall.
It’s too late.
The words echoed in her mind as she watched them disappear through the door. If only she hadn’t believed Acia’s lies. If only she’d stayed and fought for what was hers... everything could have been different.
.
.
Later that day, Vega returned to her hotel suite. She placed her handbag down on the couch and sighed heavily. Christian, who had been waiting for her, immediately noticed the sadness etched on her face.
“You went to see him, didn’t you?” he asked, his voice tinged with quiet resignation.
Vega nodded slightly, avoiding his gaze. “I just... wanted to see him.”
“I know,” Christian replied, his tone calm yet heavy. “Your first love and everything you shared with Antonio...I know you can’t let it go.”
“I’m sorry,” Vega whispered, her voice trembling.
Christian had been her anchor for nearly two years, offering her support, patience, and love. But despite his unwavering devotion, Vega’s heart remained tethered to a man she could no longer have.
“Don’t apologize,” Christian whispered. He’d accepted long ago that his love for Vega was a one-sided affair. “I’ve always known. I just hope that, one day, you’ll have room in your heart for me.”
Vega’s lips quirked into a sad smile. She couldn’t deny the comfort Christian had brought into her life. But love? That was a distant dream she couldn’t promise.
“Christian, let me see Nicks one last time before we return to Milan,” she pleaded, her voice shaking with desperation.
Christian frowned, visibly conflicted. “Vega, I—”
“Please. Just this once,” she interrupted. “I need to let go. I need to move on, truly. I promise, after this, I’ll marry you.”
Christian’s heart clenched at her words. Though he longed for her love, he knew it was not yet his to claim. He nodded reluctantly, his gaze softening.
“Take your time,” he said. “If meeting him will bring you closure, do it. I’ll wait for you here. And Vega... doesn’t feel you have to marry me out of obligation. I’ll wait for as long as you need.”
Tears glistened in Vega’s eyes as she smiled at him. In three years, she’d come to care for Christian deeply, but her heart still belonged to Nicks. And until she truly confronted the ghosts of her past, she knew she couldn’t fully move forward.
“Thank you,” she whispered, grateful for his understanding. For one last time, she would face Antonio. Then, perhaps, she could finally lay her first love to rest.