Chapter 41 – The Ultimate Player
As Sebastian’s departing figure vanished beyond the doorway, Emily’s smug smirk widened as she reclined on the hospital bed. There was a peculiar joy in hearing the faint sound of his footsteps echoing down the corridor. He would undoubtedly be in shock for days, if not weeks, after she had just dropped a bombshell on him,
“It’s never goodbye, Sebastian” she whispered, sealing the moment with a cheeky smile.
Their relationship had been a whirlwind romance that had burnt brightly but burned out even faster for years. It had been a complex web of love, deceit, and the unavoidable pull that always seemed to lead them back to one other.
But regardless of how often they parted ways, they always appeared to end up back in each other’s sphere of influence. Emily had, however, played the ultimate hand this time.
For Emily, the start of the year had been peaceful. She concentrated on her career, social media, and upholding a meticulously manicured façade of the ideal existence. She was posting a candid picture of herself at the beach on Instagram as part of her regular routine when a man sent her a direct message.
“You look stunning in this. The ocean suits you”
She was drawn in by the message’s simplicity and intrigue. His profile was simple, with images of business meetings, vacation spots, and a few of him. He was mature, attractive, and, appeared to be well–organized. Emily replied because she was bored.
They began their chats informally, exchanging pleasantries, discussing their jobs, and discussing their favorite places to visit, but Emily’s interest waned as the days stretched into
weeks.
By February, she completely stopped responding but he persisted, he reached out to her once more in July, some months later,
“Hey, Emily. I was just thinking about you. Hope all is well”
This time, she was drawn to something in his message. Perhaps it was his constancy or the tinge of sincere concern in his voice. Their chats continued where they had left off once she answered. Emily was pulled to him this time in a different way than she had anticipated. In contrast to the emotional rollercoaster she had experienced with Sebastian, he was mature, considerate, and generous.
Albert was 37, ten years older than Emily
He was dark–haired, with a firm jaw and a confident warmth, also exquisitely traditional. He supported elaborate gestures, deep conversation, and handwritten letters. Their talks turned into hours–long video calls as their relationship deepened,
Chapph #1 – Har Vinnale Player
By November, Albert went from a man she randomly spoke to to her confidant and personal. escape. He would surprise her with a delivery of her favorite foods, flowers for her desk, or cash for a spa day, he only ever asked for her time and attention, never for anything else.
“Emily” he said one evening over a video call,
“I need to see you. This long–distance thing is driving me crazy, let’s spend a weekend together. Just you and me”
The thought excited Emily, but she paused for a second. For years, she had not felt this lively,
“Alright” she said with a smile,
“Let’s do it”
That Saturday morning, Albert made reservations for the first flight to Florida. Emily was nervous and excited at the same time as she waited for him at the airport. She felt a sudden flutter in her chest when he finally showed up, bag in hand, a warm smile on his face.
and
It was a beautiful weekend, they slept in an opulent hotel, dined at the best restaurants, took moonlit walks on the beach. She had hoped that Albert would be attentive, affectionate, and completely committed, and he was. He gave her royal treatment,
It was more difficult than she had expected to say goodbye when it was time for him to go,
“I’ll see you soon” Albert said, holding her close
“I promise
Despite their distance from one another, their relationship thrived. Emily started to consider a future with Albert when he continued to show her love and care.
Then, one night during one of their weekends together, Albert asked her a question that caught her off guard,
“Emily” he said softly,
“I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?”
She was shocked at first because marriage was never in her plans, at least not anytime soon, but as she met Albert’s sincere eyes, she found herself saying,
“Yes”
As the wedding preparations came together, Emily couldn’t help but play one final game with Sebastian, who she knew wouldn’t last but enjoyed manipulating because they had reconnected a few months before, their typical toxic cycle of passion and conflict reigniting,
However, as she lay in the hospital bed today, she had permanently cut those strings. She told him about Albert, the wedding, and the proposal The look on his face had been priceless, a mix of disbelief, anger, and a hint of sadness.
Chapter 4: The Ultimate Player
I’m seeing someone else” she said, her tone firm. Sebastian froze, his brows furrowing,
“Since when?”
“For a long while now” she said,
“We’re getting married soon, once he’s back in the States”
The ultimate player had made her move, and the game was hers to win,
Or not.
