Episode 1

It was one of those evenings, with the sun settEach rain drop sounded like a music note, as rain kept on falling and wetting the glass windows of Emma's art studio. She positioned herself near the easel with a brush in her hand that was silent just above the canvas, and her mind was elsewhere. She maybe was imagery nature of bright tones, but in fact, she thought of Caleb, a man whose music moved her soul.

They met three months back during an open mic night. Caleb was the one who performed his last track. It was endowed with the inexplicable power to move the souls of the crowd. All of a sudden, Emma just went straight to him as if she had been hypnotized, as she sensed his lyrics were glistening with unspeakable emotions.

Their bond was spontaneous and impossible to ignore. Caleb would drop by Emma’s studio, his guitar on his shoulder, and he would play while she was painting. They came up with a song of such harmonious colors and tones that it seemed like a dream. Still, Caleb's quiet smiles and soulful eyes hid an unspoken pain─a secret he's not yet ready to reveal.

One evening, when the sun was about to set, Emma asked at last: “Caleb, why do you still keep at being so withdrawn? What are you hiding inside of yourself?”

He paused for a moment, his fingers absentmindedly touching the guitar strings. "Emma, you should be with someone who can truly show every part of himself. I... I can't be that guy."

Emma's chest squeezed tight. "Why not?"

He met her gaze, the storm over his face. "There are things in my past—things I can't shake out from under myself. They'll only hurt you."

Tears welled in Emma's eyes, but she refused to drop her gaze. "You don't get to determine what hurts me, Caleb. I choose this. I choose you."

ing across the horizon, reflecting the entire town in golden and orange colors. Emma rocked back and forth on the pier, her eyes glued to the limit of the sea. She loved the sea not only for its blue but because it was her only substitute for Caleb—the sea was too wide, high, and free to be hers.

Emma got acquainted with Caleb three years back during her friend's wedding. He was the best man, dashing and charming as they come, and his smile could be a light bulb in the darkest gloomiest room. The familiarity was mutual and instant. Talks went like the flow of a river, and laughter came freely. Emma had never felt so understood before.

Nevertheless, behind that was a restriction. Catch, there is always a catch!

Caleb was married.

Not the type of couple that one actually gets at each other's throat or ignores. Yes, his wife, Sophia was smart, considerate, and a lover all along. Caleb's fidelity to her could not be questioned by anyone, and that was the most aggravating factor among the puzzles within Emma's mind

Caleb shook his head and backed away, standing suddenly. "I can't, Emma. Sorry.".

And with that, he disappears, leaving Emma with a half-done painting and an unfilled heart full of unanswered questions.

Weeks passed, but Caleb's absence remained the burning wound. Emma flung herself into her art, trying to paint the world beautiful over the ache, but every brushstroke reminded her of him. Then one day, as she prepares for an exhibit, she hears a familiar tune.

She turns to find Caleb standing in the doorway, his guitar case slung over one shoulder. "I couldn't stay away," he admits, his voice raw.

Emma said nothing, her hands shaking as she moved forward,

"I am not perfect," Caleb whispered, his eyes brimming with vulnerabilities. "But if you can take the risk, I'll fight for this. For us.".

A tear rolled down Emma's cheek, but she smiled. "I was always willing, Caleb. Just do not walk away again."

He pulled her into his arms, and their love for the first time seemed feasible—weak, yet robust enough to withstand the storms that surely would gather. And together, they began building a new masterpiece, one of chances and unspoken dreams.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***