Unrequited Passion

Chapter 6 Blake Ledger’s Bane

‘She’s changed… a lot. She’s lost so much weight and looks like a completely different person now. Astrid loved to smile…and whenever she did, her eyes would always light up, like two crescent moons. She always smiled when she called my name…’ All sorts of thoughts filled Blake’s head as he stared at Astrid's picture on his phone.

Suddenly, it began pouring outside. Blake walked to the window and stared out into the rain. Then, he called Joey.

“Find out if Astrid Noelle has been released from prison. If she has, I want to know where she is.”

…

It was a bright and sunny day.

Astrid was spending some time with Carina at the hospital. When she saw Carina’s smiling face, she realized that all of her sacrifices were worth it. As long as she could provide Carina with the right medical attention and allow Carina to live a happy, fulfilled life, it was good enough.

Carina was her only reason for living and the only light in her dark life.

“Mommy, Rhonda read me a story today! It’s about the Little Mermaid,” Carina said softly as she lay in Astrid’s arms.

“Oh? Really?” Astrid replied with a smile.

“But the Little Mermaid had such a sad ending. She turned into seafoam in the end!”

Astrid smiled bitterly when she heard the sympathetic tone in Carina’s voice. The end of the story reminded her of how obsessively in love with Blake she used to be, and how it brought her downfall because she was too greedy for his love. Similar to the Little Mermaid, she had yearned for the love of a man who did not love her back.

“Mommy, all of the other kids have daddies. Why don’t I have a daddy?” Carina looked up at Astrid sadly.

Astrid was taken aback by the question. She pulled Carina closer into her arms, kissed her forehead, and said, “Your father was a great hero, Carrie. He was the best. He’ll protect you, even when he’s not around.”

“Really?”

“Mmhmm, that’s right!”

…

Bronzewood, Ledger Corporation.

Blake stood by his window on the top floor and stared down at the passersby below. The window’s clear glass bore a reflection of his handsome face, which had remained unchanged over the last five years. Age didn’t seem to have changed his appearance. If anything, he looked even more handsome than ever.

Just then, he heard a knock on the door.

“Come in!” he said.

Joey walked in, feeling slightly apprehensive at the sight of Blake. No one was allowed to breathe the name “Astrid Noelle” in Blake’s presence, so he was surprised when his boss instructed him to check up on her status and whereabouts. Joey couldn’t for the life of himself understand why.

‘Astrid has lost and suffered so much after she was thrown into prison back then. Five years in prison for a woman like her is plain torture!’ Joey thought silently to himself.

Blake turned around impatiently and stared at Joey.

“Out with it!” He ordered.

“Miss Noelle was released from prison a month ago. She moved to Cloud Coast upon her release and is now a singer at Emporio Club.”

Blake smirked. “She’s definitely come a long away! Have everything ready. We’re going to Cloud Coast.”

Joey couldn’t help but sigh. ‘Blake still refuses to leave Astrid alone! She’s already suffered so much in prison, but it seems like he still won’t let her be!’|

…

The nights in Cloud Coast were particularly chilly, probably due to its location by the sea.

Astrid stared at her made-up face in the mirror. Her long, white dress made her look even more of a tragic figure. She was glad that her hair was now a little bit longer, just long enough to cover the ugly scar on her forehead.

“Raven, Mr. Francis says we’re expecting an important guest today and has asked you to sing another round!” Sammy walked in, carrying a bouquet of roses. She placed them on Astrid’s dressing table and said, “These are from Mr. Umber, who’s been coming in specially to see you for a while now. He says he wants to buy you a drink!”