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I take a step toward the door, my voice firm. "Then let me be happy with Robyn. It's time for me to live my life on my terms."
Leaving my parents behind, I walk out of the estate in search of the woman I love. I won't let anyone stand in the way, not even my own family. It's time for us to forge our path together, no matter the obstacles that lie ahead.
Chapter Nineteen
Knox
Idrive to the old address, the place where Robyn's journey of self-discovery had begun. Memories flood back as I sit in my car outside the familiar house. After a few moments of hesitation, I gather the courage to step out and make my way to the front door.
The wait at the door feels like an eternity, but eventually, it swings open to reveal Anika, all grown up now. The recognition is mutual, and we share a heartfelt hug. It's been a long time since I've seen her, and it warms my heart to see how much she's grown and how well she looks.
"Anika," I finally manage to say, my voice filled with genuine affection. "It's been too long. How have you been?"
Anika smiles, her eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. "I've been good, Knox. It's been quite a year."
I can't help but think about how much has changed in just that time with her in college and Robyn abroad. We'd have to schedule time to catch up, but for now, there's something more pressing on my mind. I take a deep breath and gather my thoughts.
"Anika," I begin tentatively, "I'm here because I need to find Robyn. Do you know where she is?"
Anika's expression changes, and she seems taken aback by my question. She hesitates for a moment before responding. "Robyn doesn't live here anymore, Knox. She bought a new home for herself and...for 'Ryan.'"
My heart sinks at her words, and a pang of jealousy courses through me. The idea that Robyn might have moved on with someone else cuts deep, especially when we'd just been intimate days ago on New Year's Eve. I try to hide my emotions, focusing on the task at hand.
"Thank you for letting me know," I say, my voice more composed than I feel. "I actually need to get in touch with her for work-related matters. Do you happen to have her new address?"
Anika's puzzlement is evident, but she decides to trust my words. She provides me with the address, expressing she hopes to see more of me in the New Year.
"Knox, I hope the two of you work out whatever happened between you," she says with a warm smile. "It's been tough for both of you, hasn't it?"
I nod, my mind racing with a whirlwind of emotions and questions. I say my farewells to Anika, promising to catch up over coffee soon, before I leave.
Back in my car, I sit with a heavy heart, a mixture of hope and apprehension weighing me down. Anika's revelation about Robyn's new home and the mention of "Ryan" has left me feeling uncertain. Has she moved on? Is that why she's been so distant? My fingers clutch my phone tightly as I dial Robyn's number, anxiety growing with each ring.
But there's no answer, just the automated voicemail system. I try again, and again, and again. Each time, it goes to voicemail. Frustration bubbles up within me, and I can't help but mutter my thoughts aloud.
"Where the hell are you, Robyn?" I say to myself, my voice filled with a mix of longing and desperation. "Please, just answer the damnphone. We can't keep up with this distance. I need to speak to you. I need you to know that I love you, more than anything."
I repeat those words, over and over again, leaving them as voicemails and sending them in text messages. It might sound desperate, but I don't care. I need her to hear me, to understand that nothing else matters, not what my mother thinks, not what society dictates. All that matters is us, our love, and the future we could have together.
As I continue to call and text, a sense of urgency takes over. I need to find her, to see her in person, to make her understand how much she means to me. My resolve is unwavering, and I won't rest until I find her and make things right between us.
Chapter Twenty
Robyn
The incessant dinging of my phone pulls me out of my contemplative thoughts. I've been staring at the screen, watching as call after call and message after message from Knox flood in. His persistence is unnerving, and I can't bring myself to answer or respond. Not right now. Not when everything feels like it's falling apart.
I had gone down to meet Reese earlier, and now I'm back at my new home, a mid-sized, comfortable place that's a far cry from the opulence of the Forrester’s mansions. It's my safe haven, though, the only place where I can truly be myself.
Another missed call, and a voicemail from Knox, prompt me to listen. His voice comes through, a mixture of frustration and determination. He mentions that since I won't answer the phone, he's on his way to me. Panic courses through me; he doesn't know where I live, now...right? I look around my modest home, wondering how he could possibly find me.
My phone pings again, a text message from my sisterAnika. I groan. Of course she'd tell him. Ever since Forest the bear, she's had a soft spot for Knox.
She mentions he had just been at our family home and now he's headed in my direction. I dial her number in a rush, anxiety gripping me.
"Anika, what did you do?"I ask, my voice trembling."How does Knox know where I live now?"
Anika's voice on the other end sounds hesitant."I gave him the address, Robyn. I think you two need to talk. It's time and I thought I could help."
