Chapter 1: Shattered Dreams

...I never thought my life would come to this. A business degree in my hand, dreams of success in my head, and yet... here I was, standing outside my parents’ modest house, feeling like the biggest failure in the world. ...

...The sun was setting, painting the sky with hues of pink and gold. But all I could see was the peeling paint on the front door, the cracked windows, the rusted metal fence barely standing. This house held memories, love, and sacrifice. It was everything my parents had worked for, and I was supposed to be the one who’d give them a better life. Yet, I had nothing to show for it. ...

...Inside, I heard my mother’s soft voice, humming an old tune from her youth as she prepared dinner. The aroma of arroz con pollo wafted through the open window, a reminder of simpler times. My father’s cough echoed from the living room, a harsh reminder of the long hours he spent working at the factory. His health was failing, and they were counting on me. But what could I do when every job interview ended in rejection? ...

...I took a deep breath and walked inside, putting on a smile to mask my frustration. “I’m home.” ...

...“Daniel!” My mother’s face lit up as she came out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on her worn apron. “How did it go?” ...

...I hesitated, the familiar knot tightening in my stomach. “They... they said they’ll call me.” ...

...Her hopeful eyes sparkled. “That’s wonderful! I know they’ll see how smart you are.” ...

...I forced a nod, the lie burning my throat. They weren’t going to call. They never did. Why would they? I was just another name on a long list of desperate graduates. But I couldn’t bear to shatter her hope. ...

...“Your father’s resting,” she added, her voice softening. “He’s had a rough day.” ...

...I looked toward the living room, where my father lay on the old, faded couch, his chest rising and falling slowly. His face was pale, eyes closed, his hand resting on his chest as he slept. The man who once stood tall and proud now looked frail and exhausted. Guilt gnawed at me, knowing he still worked long hours despite his illness because I couldn’t support them. ...

...“I’ll go see him,” I whispered, my heart heavy. ...

...Before I could move, my phone buzzed. I pulled it out, my chest tightening at the sight of Amelia’s name flashing on the screen. My pulse quickened as I answered, “Amelia?” ...

...Her voice was cold, distant. “We need to talk.” ...

...My throat went dry. “Yeah... sure. When?” ...

...“Now. I’m outside.” ...

...I turned to the window, my heart sinking as I saw her standing by her car, arms crossed, her face expressionless. “Alright. I’ll be right out.” ...

...“Who was that?” my mother asked, her eyes curious. ...

...I forced a smile. “Just... a friend. I’ll be back soon.” ...

...Stepping outside, I closed the door behind me and walked toward Amelia. Her arms remained crossed, her eyes cold, void of the warmth I once loved. She was beautiful, as always, dressed in her usual elegance. But her expression sent a chill down my spine. ...

...“Hey,” I greeted softly, my voice uncertain. “What’s going on?” ...

...She didn’t bother with pleasantries. “Daniel, this isn’t working.” ...

...My heart skipped a beat. “What do you mean?” ...

...She sighed, looking away. “This... us. It’s not working. We’re on different paths.” ...

...I felt the ground shift beneath me. “Amelia, I know things are tough right now, but—” ...

...“That’s just it!” Her eyes snapped to mine, frustration boiling over. “It’s always tough with you. You have dreams, Daniel, but no means to make them happen. And I can’t keep waiting for you to get your life together.” ...

...Her words cut deep, each syllable a dagger to my heart. “You said you believed in me...” ...

...“I did,” she whispered, her voice softer now. “But belief isn’t enough. I need stability. I need security. And you can’t give me that.” ...

...My chest tightened, anger mixing with pain. “So that’s it? You’re leaving because I’m broke?” ...

...She looked away, her jaw clenching. “I’m leaving because I can’t keep pretending that love is enough. I deserve more than this... more than a future built on empty promises.” ...

...I opened my mouth to argue, but no words came out. She was right. What future could I offer her when I couldn’t even take care of my parents? When I was drowning in my own failures? ...

...“I’m sorry, Daniel,” she whispered, her eyes glistening. “I do love you. But I have to think about myself too.” ...

...I wanted to beg her to stay, to promise I’d change, to do anything to keep her. But the look in her eyes told me it was too late. She’d made up her mind. ...

...Without another word, she turned and got into her car, the engine roaring to life. I stood there, frozen, watching as she drove away, leaving me behind like a discarded memory. ...

...The world around me blurred, the ache in my chest spreading like wildfire. I felt empty, hollow, a shell of the man I once was. Everything I cared about was slipping through my fingers, and there was nothing I could do to stop it. ...

...I didn’t know how long I stood there, staring at the empty street. But when I finally turned around, I saw my mother watching me from the window, her face etched with worry. I tried to smile, to pretend everything was okay. But the lie shattered before it even formed. ...

...The truth was, my dreams were falling apart. And so was I....

END OF CHAPTER 1

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