Her lost dream

John and Jessica went out of the room and now were strolling in the garden which was visible from their room upstairs.

The trees planted along the path formed natural shade and the flower bushes gave the place a colorful look. The chirping of birds and the cool wind blowing was very soothing and calming.

It was in complete contrast to the whirlwind of emotion going in their minds. They walked silently beside each other, afraid to even speak a word. When they passed by the pond, John could not take an awkward situation anymore and decided to speak up first.

"Ms. Blevins... I think we don't have to rush. These matters need time."

"Mr. Parker I think we should agree to what they say. I don't have any problem with this engagement, and if you are willing, we can get this done today" She continued after a small pause, "If you don't want to engage with me, I will understand and not cause you any more trouble" Jess said with a sad smile on her face.

John could not understand her. She was willingly getting into a relationship with a stranger.

But, why?

He asked her why was she was doing this.

Jess could not reply to him. What was she supposed to say to him? She once dreamed of spending her life with her beloved man, who would cherish her, love her unconditionally. The relationship only for love and nothing else, but it was all in the past. After her heart-break, she took a lot of time to make herself mentally strong again, she lost all her hopes of finding someone who would only love her and stay loyal to her, she put all her dreams behind. For her marriage was just for show, she didn't know if she would be able to love someone only to find him betray her.

Yes, yes she is a coward because she could not imagine going through hell again. She was in agony and pain after she left that man. She promised herself to never repeat the same mistake again.

John acutely watched as the expressions changed in her eyes. There was a mix of pain, anger, and determination. He saw that she had mentally made up her mind about something and was finally ready to confront him head-on. She looked as if she was ready to face all her enemies and would not retreat.

"Well..." She hesitated for a moment. After taking a deep breath she continued, "I was in a relationship before and it didn't end well.

I... I will advise you to cancel this engagement. I don't think that I will be able to love any other person as I loved him.

I have lost all of my faith in such things" She said with a faint smile.

John felt his heart aching for everything she said. She wanted him to leave this engagement for his own sake. The faint smile on her lips turned his mood sour. He could see and feel her pain, he wanted to take it away.

He suddenly stopped walking with her. When she realized that she was walking alone, Jess stopped and turned back.

"Mr. Par..."

Before she could complete her words, John came forward and pulled her towards him into a tight hug.

"It is not Mr. Parker, my name is John, and for all other things, it doesn't matter. I have never been in a relationship before so I don't feel your pain, but I am here with you now. I promise to never hurt you. Can you trust me?"

Jessica's eyes had turned red, tears threatened to fall, she suppressed a sob, not willing to cry now, not in front of him in these circumstances. She pulled away from his embrace and studied his face. He was handsome, but now she felt that he looked even better. The determination in his eyes as he promised her was visible.