At a luxurious mansion by the sea in Sliema, the engagement celebration was in full flow. With its waves gently crashing on the coast, the Mediterranean glistened in the moonlight. The gathering was illuminated by the warm glow of lanterns hanging from the trees. The atmosphere was full of music and laughter, but Amma felt alienated in her own life.
Her emerald-green dress glistened in the gentle light as she stood on the terrace's edge. Jones was beside her, his hand on her lower back in a possessive manner. He appeared to be the ideal fiancé—self-assured, calm, and immaculately attired. However, his presence suffocated and his touch felt chilly.
He leaned very close and whispered, "Smile, Amma." It's our night. Everyone is observing.
She looked around the throng and mustered a grin. Her parents were standing close by, looking proud. As they mixed, their friends and family raised a glass to the happy couple. Amma's heart wasn't in it, though. She felt as though responsibility and expectation were pulling her strings like a puppet.
Her eyes strayed to the doorway, and she gasped when a familiar face entered the villa. Alex. He had the same height, dishevelled brown hair, and beaming smile that she recalled. Her pulse quickened, though, because of the fresh intensity and determination in his eyes.
The world appeared to disappear for a second as their gazes locked across the room. Her mind was filled with memories of her early years spent discovering Malta's secret coves, having late-night talks outside under the stars, and the unsaid emotions that had always been between them. The bond remained as strong as ever even though she hadn't seen him in years.
Jones snapped her back to reality with a harsh "Amma." "Who is that?"
She looked away from Alex and blinked. She said in a voice that was hardly audible above a whisper, "An old friend."
Jones squinted his eyes. "He looks at you as if he knows you."
Amma's face turned red. "We grew up together. That's all.
Jones didn't seem persuaded, but Alex came over before he could continue. Everyone in the vicinity was drawn to him because of his captivating presence. When he halted in front of Amma and fixed her with his gaze, her heart began to rush.
"Amma," he remarked in a kind and recognisable voice. "It has been a while."
"Alex," she answered in a shaky voice. "I was unaware that you had returned."
Even though he smiled, his eyes were sorrowful. "Surely I couldn't miss your engagement party?"
Jones took a step forward and gripped Amma's waist more tightly. "Is it, Alex? I am Amma's fiancé, Jones.
With his eyes fixed on Amma's, Alex held out his hand. Jones, nice to meet you. I have a long history with Amma.
Amma felt as like she was in the midst of a hurricane because of the obvious tension between the two guys. She hurried to the bar and excused herself, saying she needed a drink. However, Alex trailed behind her, serving as a reassuring but unnerving reminder of what she had lost.
"Amma," he whispered quietly as he stood next to her. "What kept you from telling me?"
She gazed at the wine glass in her hands, the liquid distorting her reflection. "I had no idea how. Everything happened so quickly.
"Are you in love with him?" With a hint of anguish in his voice, Alex enquired.
The question stabbed Amma in the heart, and she hesitated. "I... I'm not sure. It was set up by my parents. They believe he is my best option.
Alex took a step forward and touched her hand. And, Amma, what are your thoughts? What are you looking for?
Tears clouded her eyes as she gazed up at him. "I'm not sure anymore. I think I'm becoming less of myself.
Alex's face became softer. "Amma, you don't have to do this. You are worthy of happiness. to be in the company of someone who genuinely loves you.
His remarks confirmed what she had been too scared to say. Before she could reply, however, Jones showed up, his face a mask of hardly disguised rage.
"Amma," he murmured in a cold tone. "Your folks are trying to find you."
With a troubled heart, she nodded. "I'll be there right away."
Alex leaned in as Jones left, his voice fervent and low. "Come see me tomorrow. Please. We must speak.
Amma paused, caught between obligation and desire. However, Alex's decision was made for her by the hopeful, yearning expression in her eyes.
"All right," she muttered. "Tomorrow."
—--
Amma lay in bed that night with her thoughts racing. Whispered discussions and strained smiles had characterised the engagement celebration. She kept thinking about Alex, the way he had gazed at her, and the way his touch had made her tremble. However, Jones and the life her parents desired for her were also on her mind. The weight of her choices pressed down on her, leaving her restless and conflicted
The wind was pulling at her hair as she stood at the edge of the Dingli Cliffs the following morning. The vista was stunning, with the waves pounding against the rocks below and the Mediterranean's boundless length in front of her. However, the splendour of the surroundings did little to quiet her inner turmoil.
Alex was waiting for her there already. His eyes glowed with relief as he turned as she got closer.
With emotion in his voice, he said, "You came."
"I had to," she answered in a shaky voice. "What you said keeps coming to mind."
Alex took a step towards her and extended his hand. "I've missed you, Amma. While I was abroad, I thought about you every day. about us.
She gazed up at him, her eyes watering. "Alex, I'm at a loss for what to do. I'm completely lost.
He gently and comfortingly caressed her face in his palms. "Then allow me to guide you." It's not necessary to wed someone you don't love. You're worthy of better.
His remarks were so true that they made Amma's heart hurt. However, she felt guilty about disappointing her parents and ending her engagement to Jones.
She said, "What if I hurt everyone?"
Alex had a determined look in his eyes. "To be true to yourself, you sometimes have to make tough decisions. I will always be there for you.
Amma's willpower faltered as she leaned into his touch. She felt a ray of hope for the first time in weeks. However, she was aware that every choice she took would have a cost as she stood there with the wind tearing around her. And, she wasn't certain that she was prepared to pay for it.