Rock bottom

                                    

                                          
Emma's POV
                          
They say you can't break what's already broken.
                          
My wait for Jake's return was the most insufferable time of my life. Hours turned into days, and days into weeks, but I didn't hear from him.
                          
Instead, a week before, on a wintry December morning, there was a soft knock at my apartment's door. As always, my heart raced in anticipation, praying that it might be Jake. This had become my new normal ever since he left. The urge to see him or hear from him dominated everything else that mattered in my life. Every phone ring, every knock, and every single acquaintance in the last eighteen days made my mind swirl in hope that maybe Jake had finally found his way back to me.
                          
As soon as I opened the door, I saw Augustin standing at my doorstep. His expressionless face made me nervous; I was sure he bought terrible news. As I welcomed him inside, he handed me a letter with apologetic eyes. My hands trembled as I took the piece of paper from him.
                          
I opened it to read the contents:
                          
"Dear Emma,
                          
This is the most cowardly thing I am doing in my entire life, and I know this will rattle you in ways I can probably never imagine, but I just did not have the strength to say this on your face, because I know, if I see you, I will never let you go.
I am incredibly sorry for doing this to you; after all, I ended up breaking your heart too, a guilt that I will live with my entire disgraceful life.
I know it will be painful, but trust me, in the long run, it will bring you love and happiness. Something that I could never provide, even though I tried hard. 
I have seen the love that is cultivated in your family and the bond you share with your friends. You are loved Emma; and you deserve nothing less, but maybe a lot more than what God has already blessed you with. I am sure my scandalous present, unceasing conspiracies and loveless family would never be able to match up to you. I have caused you enough harm and will continue to destroy your peace if I act selfish and stick around.
                          
You may hate me and believe that this was uncalled for because I know you love me more than anyone could ever do, but you deserve a chance to fall for someone better. 
                          
Move on, Emma, do not look back and do not wait for me. I will die a hundred deaths, every single day, but I refuse to bring you down with me.
                          
By the time you get this, I would be gone already.
                          
Goodbye Emma!
You are the most beautiful thing that ever happened to me. But you my love deserve better.
                          
- Jake"
                          
As I read his letter, my lips fluttered in pain, and the flimsy paper in my hand was now soaked with tears. 
                          
Augustin quietly watched with regret and hurt in his eyes.
                          
"He left already? Didn't he?" 
                          
"Yes." He whispered with his head low, weighed down by the disapproving situation.
                          
"Where?"
                          
"He has moved to Richmond's head office in Netherlands, for now, he will handle the European business from there."
                          
I nodded as I bravely wiped my tears off. I was devastated; my biggest nightmare came true. I had an inkling of this since days now; I thought maybe I was prepared for this. But now when it happened, it pained beyond words.
                          
The prolonged yet deafening silence was broken by Augustin, "let's stop this madness, I will make the arrangements. We can fly to Amsterdam tomorrow morning. He is just flipping in grief; you can knock some sense into him and drag him back here. You know he doesn't want to leave you."