Love Scatters, Hearts Break

Love Scatters, Hearts Break

Chapter 21

Samuel’s raw display in the video stirred something in the hearts of many—even those who didn’t understand a word he spoke. The despair in his expression, captured on screen with translated subtitles, crossed all boundaries of language.

But Emily remained unmoved.

Cradling the kitten in her arms, her voice was quiet but steady.

“He’ll be fine,” she said, her gaze fixed downward. “Everyone is responsible for their own life. You can’t expect another person to save you from yourself. If he’s truly going to give up over this… then that’s his choice.”

Her tone was resolute. Even if Samuel were to appear before her now, crying and begging for another chance, her answer wouldn’t change. She was done.

Lisa offered a soft smile. “Then stay as long as you like, Aria. You don’t have to worry. The snow’s been coming down heavily this week—the roads to the city are blocked. Even if someone recognizes you, they won’t be able to get in touch with anyone or cause trouble.”

Emily felt a wave of quiet gratitude. She took a bite of the cookie Lisa had brought.

“Thank you,” she whispered, her eyes slightly red. “The cookie’s amazing. I really mean it.”

Days passed, and before long, Christmas Eve arrived.

In Verusa, this was one of the most cherished celebrations of the year. Young adults who had gone off to the city for work made the journey home to spend the holiday with their families. Emily, however, lived alone in her little wooden cottage.

Follow new episodes on blastserial.com

To mark the season, she stepped out to buy fresh flowers and hung her latest painting near the fireplace. That was her version of holiday decorating—subtle, quiet, and peaceful. But Lisa, ever thoughtful, had other plans. She came knocking that afternoon with a warm invitation.

“Aria, my younger brother George is coming home tonight. But it’s just the two of us, and that sounds a bit dull. Why don’t you join us for Christmas dinner?”

Emily hesitated for a moment. But with no one else around, and nothing pressing to do, she found no reason to decline. She picked a small bouquet from the flowers she’d bought, packed a flask of warm coffee, and carried her kitten along as she made her way to Lisa’s home.

Lisa lived alone as well, and she was delighted to host a friend her own age. As she welcomed Emily in, she glanced around at the half-finished decorations.

“George bought all of this stuff,” she said, gesturing to the boxes on the floor. “He promised to set everything up, but surprise, surprise—he’s not back yet. So I guess it’s up to us.”

The Christmas tree stood tall and majestic beside the fireplace, but the star at the top remained out of reach.

“It’s fine,” Emily offered with a smile. “Just pass me a chair. I’m taller than you—I can manage it.”

With careful balance, she climbed up and fixed the star to the tip of the tree. Between the two of them, the living room soon sparkled with festive cheer. Gold baubles, red ribbons, and bells made the cottage feel warm and alive.

Lisa muttered under her breath, “George is really something else. First, he forgets the fairy lights, and now he’s taking forever. If he’s lost—”

Emily chuckled, checking the clock. “It’s still early. As long as he makes it back in time for the turkey—”

Lisa gasped. “Oh no—the turkey!” She vanished into the kitchen with a flurry of motion, leaving Emily behind to hang the last of the ornaments.

A moment later, the doorbell rang.

Not wanting Lisa to burn the dinner, Emily went to answer it.

Standing at the door was a tall, handsome young man, his dark winter coat dusted with snow. In his hands was a bag of fairy lights. “I got the fairy lights—” he began, then faltered mid-sentence. He hadn’t been expecting a stranger.

Emily gave him a calm smile. “You must be George. I’m Aria—Lisa’s tenant. She’s in the kitchen saving the turkey, but she’ll be out soon.”

For a few seconds, George just stared. His eyes lingered on her as though trying to figure out if she was real.

It wasn’t until Lisa shouted from the kitchen, “George! Stop standing there and help me with this bird!” that he blinked and hurried inside.

Still dazed, he handed Emily the fairy lights. His face, usually pale, was now tinged with a pink blush. He was almost as tall as the Christmas tree—but couldn’t meet her eyes for more than a second.

That night, the three of them shared a warm and cozy Christmas meal. The turkey came out golden and crisp, the cookies were soft, and laughter filled the room.

When it came time to exchange small gifts, George held his present with nervous fingers.

Then, looking up with genuine eyes, he asked her plainly:

“Can you be my girlfriend?” His voice was sincere. No flattery. No practiced lines. Just honesty.

Emily handed over the presents she’d prepared for both him and Lisa. Her tone didn’t waver.

“I’m sorry,” she said gently. “But I’ll be leaving soon.”

“Leaving?” George asked, startled. “Where to?”

Emily looked out the frosted window, her smile wistful.

“Nowhere in particular,” she said. “I just want to go wherever the wind takes me.”

The END!