Chapter 7 – The Choice Between Two Hearts
After that meeting, Alina told herself it was over, yet her heart would not stay still. Barry’s voice kept echoing—“I still love you.” She tried to push the memory away, but it followed her everywhere. When Justin came home from his trip, he hugged her and said, “I missed you.” She smiled faintly and whispered, “I missed you too,” but her heart was heavy with guilt.
Days passed, but the secret sat between them like a wall. Justin felt the distance growing. One night he said softly, “Something has changed. You don’t look at me the same way.” Alina replied, “You’re imagining things.” He sighed. “No, I know your silence.” She turned away, whispering, “Please, not tonight.” But Justin’s voice broke, “I gave you my whole heart, Alina. Tell me what’s wrong.”
She couldn’t speak. She feared her truth would destroy everything. But the next week, Justin saw a message on her phone—Barry’s name on the screen. He froze. Later that night, he said, “Is he back in your life?” Her hands shook. She whispered, “He just wanted to say sorry.” Justin’s eyes filled with pain. “Sorry doesn’t fix betrayal,” he said quietly. “Are you meeting him again?” Alina didn’t answer. Silence spoke louder than words.
Justin stood up. “I left everything for you. I could have chosen anyone younger, but I chose you because I saw your soul. If you go back to him, you’ll lose me forever.” Alina said with tears, “You don’t understand what it feels like when old wounds open again.” Justin whispered, “I understand love, not confusion.”
A few days later, Barry called again. This time she met him. They sat across each other, memories between them. He said, “I can’t live without you.” Alina whispered, “You already did.” But when he spoke about the life they once shared, her eyes filled. She still felt that bond somewhere deep inside.
The next evening, Justin returned early and saw Barry’s car outside their house. When Alina walked in, he said, “I saw him. You lied.” She said softly, “It wasn’t what you think.” Justin’s voice cracked, “Then what was it? Tell me, Alina, who do you really love?” She stood still. He whispered, “You must choose—him or me.”
Tears rolled down her face. She said, “Don’t make me choose now.” But Justin said firmly, “No more half-truths. I deserve the truth.” She cried, “Barry hurt me once, but I still remember the man I loved. And you— you healed me when I was broken. How do I choose between pain and peace?” Justin said, “By listening to your heart.”
The next day, she met Barry again to end it clearly, but fate had other plans. Justin arrived there by chance and saw them talking. His heart shattered. He walked toward them, trembling with anger. “Enough, Alina,” he said. “Choose now.” Barry tried to speak, but Justin shouted, “Stay out of this!” Alina cried, “Don’t talk to him like that!” Justin’s voice rose again, and in that moment, pain turned into chaos. She slapped him and said, “Stop it! You’re hurting everyone!”
Justin stepped back, eyes full of tears. He said softly, “I never wanted to fight. I only wanted your heart.” She whispered, “Then let me go.” He nodded slowly. “I hope he never hurts you again.” Then he turned and walked away.
As she watched him leave, Alina whispered, “You were the one who truly loved me.” But her voice came too late. Justin didn’t look back. He was gone—taking with him the peace she once prayed for.
