1 Chapter 1 Glimmer of hope

The heavy rain poured outside, accompanied by thunder and flashes of lightning that illuminated the darkened sky. The wind intensified, making it nearly impossible to see anything beyond the window.

From the third floor, Ethan peered out through his bay window, a wine glass clutched delicately in his hand. Today, once again, he found himself alone. A heavy sigh escaped his lips as he gently placed the wine glass on the nearby table.

The cycle of solitude seemed endless. His psychotherapist had diagnosed him with depression caused by loneliness. Ethan blinked his dark eyes, his disheveled hair falling messily across his face. Dressed in a white suit, he possessed a tall nose and thin lips.

Click--

The door swung open, and a figure stepped inside. She wore a skirt that showcased her long, graceful legs, and she moved barefoot across the floor. Ethan furrowed his brows, observing her every move.

As she drew nearer, he lifted his gaze, sensing something different about her. She wasn't wearing any makeup. Her stunning, misty green eyes adorned with long eyelashes blinked at him, while her face radiated exquisite beauty, complete with plump lips.

Her dark blue hair flowed down past her waist, smooth and wavy.

"Raina," he whispered softly.

She looked at him with a hint of confusion, her eyes appearing somewhat vacant as she glanced around the room.

"You..." she uttered,Her voice was melodious, soothing to the ears.

Ethan believed she was about to mock him once more, and he rose from the sofa, walking towards her.

"Tell me... why can't you comprehend the pain I'm going through?" he spoke with depth and emotion.

"Why... I've always been there for you, yet you'll never grasp the depth of my true feelings..."

"I feel unworthy... unlovable... If you can't consider me, at least think of Theo; he's still just a child..."

"Raina, please give our relationship a chance..." his voice began to tremble as he reached out, holding her hands. Surprisingly, she didn't pull away this time.

His eyes lit up with a glimmer of hope.

He inched closer to her.

Her green eyes met his, dark eyes filled with longing for affection.

"Ethan..." her voice sounded different, and he sensed a change, but he chose not to pay it much attention.

His wife had never allowed him to come this close before, yet today, she wasn't even shouting at him.

"I—I wonder if it's too difficult for you to love me back," he stammered, feeling lightheaded.

He stumbled, on the verge of collapsing, but gentle hands caught him.

"I must be dreaming..."