My Unrequited Love For My Guardian

en from view forever. Their lives ended abruptly in a plane crash while en route to a meeting. Meanwh

n following my parents' tragic passing. In my youthful naivety, I clung to the hope that my parents might one day retu

s love for me was unwavering. He was a kind-hearted man, much like my own parents. A successful busines

s home, Atlas was on the brink of college, an 18-year-old embarking on his own journey. Even before tragedy s

eled. In turn, Mr. Cooper would reciprocate when he had to leave town, ensuring that his children and I were well cared for by a

two years older, seemed to relish in bullying me, making my time at Mr. Cooper's house a living nightmare. Whenever Amanda

, making it increasingly difficult for her to intimidate me. Thankfully, when I turned sixteen and she left for college at eighteen

alm, and despite his valiant fight, he succumbed to the illness just months after treatment. A

a foster home. However, fate had a different plan. When Mr. Cooper acknowledged his impen

s increasing distance since moving out when I was eleven, he never ceased to be kind to me. His s

peppered his once clean-shaven face, his honey-brown eyes gained wisdom beyond his years, and his stature grew taller and more imposing.

life for twenty-one years. Yet, upon his return home for his father's funeral, he seemed more distant than ever.

college for the somber occasion. As I made my way back to my room, I overheard Atlas conversing with Mr. Gh

e. Taking over Dad's business has already pushed me to my limits, and now I'm expected to take Harpe

ook, Jason, I do care about Harper, but I don't know if I can handle this. Maybe she can stay here for a while longer, with some other

t responsibility, but it's your father's wish. And remember, inheriting the b

frustration. Unable to bear any more of the c

ulfed me, and for the overwhelming sense of helplessness. With no one to turn to, I felt utterly alone. Knowing that I wouldn't gain access to my parent

hat he didn't truly want me there. I felt like an unwanted burden. I wanted to harbor resentment toward him, but his genuine kindness toward me ma

lled his responsibilities as my guardian, unaware of the turmoil within me. Despite sharing the s

e, a delay that dashed my hopes of breaking free. Despite Atlas's unwavering support, I sensed his disappointment mirrored my own, if not surpassed it. Throughout my university years, I toiled to s

ization that I would soon be forced to leave. Unwanted and consumed by unrequite

eal when Atlas returned home. I greeted him with a smile, and he reciprocated, his hand tousling my hair in passing as he made

s me a kiddo. I am not a kid. I am turning twenty-one soon. Nevertheless, his inquiry caught me off guard, and I f

later a movie, I whiled away the hours in solitude. As the day waned, I caught a glimpse of Atlas unbuttoning his shirt cuffs, rolling up the sleeve

e to furrow my brow in surprise. "Why are you home tonight?

er in the air. "Why? Can't I be home?" he tease

urprise. "It's your house after all. It's just that you're not us

his gaze meeting mine. "I came home early tonight because I wanted to talk to

from his intense gaze. "What happened?" I inquired, m

reassured, gesturing casually as he began to cut into his chicken. "But your birthday is

poke of something entirely unexpected. "I was speaking with Jason," he began, referring to the lawyer who represented both my parents and Mr. Cooper. I listened inte

s?! Why the extra time?!" I couldn't help

jobs. I'll help you with that," he reassured me with a gentle smile. If only I had the funds to relocate at this moment, I would eagerly seize the

burden, now prolonged for another nine months. It didn't seem fair. As I grappl

s with you," he began, his voice tentative. Hi

of apprehension tightening in my

end to move in for a while now, but the timing never seemed right. I don't want to postpone it any longer, so I'll be asking her t

t me like a wave, leaving me feeling hurt and blindsided. While I grappled with the pain of unrequited love

me who harbored unreq