This chapter is a continuation of the First Chapter, Emily.
However, the main focus of this chapter shifts to Gordon, exploring more about him and how fate brought them back together. Enjoy…
A year after the first chapter.
At Don Vo Domaill, time had passed. Everything changed — the weather was getting colder by the day, snow starting to shower the town.
From a window, Ms. Mary's shop was dusted like an abandoned place.
This town is not the same without our girl, Emily.
At the end of every year in Don Vo Domaill, a ceremony takes place at the top of the cliff on this island, where all the townsfolk gather together to celebrate.
Each citizen brings gifts and shares memories with one another — it is a cherished tradition in the town.
A festive atmosphere spread through Don Vo Domaill as people greeted one another while setting up for the ceremony.
Children ran through the streets, laughter echoing as decorations were placed.
Neighbors exchanged warm words.
Amidst the preparations, three women stood together, deep in conversation.
"Do you remember last year when Emily surprised us with the big cake for the town?" said Jane, turning to her two friends, Rose and Emma.
"She was like the heart of the place — so kind to everyone. I wonder if this year will be as joyful as last… too bad she's unconscious now."
Rose quickly replied, "Shh, don't talk about her like that!"
Emma joined in, shaking her head.
"I don't think she will recover, from what I heard. She's in a terrible condition. It's ridiculous! And no one saw her that night. She was left out in the cold snow by the pond, alone. I think someone tried to kill her."
The other two girls fell silent immediately.
"ATTENTION! ATTENTION! The mayor is here!"
announced the messenger.
Everyone quickly gathered in the middle of the cliff.
"Greetings, townsfolk!" said the mayor of Don Vo Domaill.
"Today is yet another day to celebrate and embrace! As we close the year, we carry with us unforgettable memories!
I, Louis, the mayor, personally wish to thank you all for your hard work and contributions to this town from the very beginning, all the way to this day. We've always stood stronger together!
THANK YOU ALL, and enjoy!"
And so the party began, with a fireworks display lighting up the night sky, and everyone enjoyed the spectacle. Some cried tears of joy, while others shed tears of longing and sadness.
For Gordon, a single tear dropped from his eyes, trickling down to his lips before falling to the ground…
"Why," he asked softly. "I'm here, Emily. I'm still searching for you, yet you're so distant. Where are you? How can you not feel me when I call your name?"
His chest tightened; her name still clung to his lips, a ghost he could not release.
Suddenly, he felt a tap on his shoulder.
It was Captain Brendon.
"Hey, boy," Brendon said. "Still searching for your Emily? What if your princess has forgotten about you? Maybe it's time to move on?"
Gordon smiled silently. Brendon tapped Gordon's shoulder again, handed him a drink, wished him well, and left.
Then, Gordon's eyes filled with uncontrollable tears. He cried, his hand trembling as he held the drink. Suddenly…
A voice from a young woman named Selena.
"Aren't you going to drink that? It's really good, you know? And I brought a cake — wanna try? I learned to bake this from my best friend, Em."
Her dark hair framed a face both gentle and determined, her eyes glimmering with quiet strength. She sat beside Gordon and continued.
"Honestly, I lost someone close to me this year — someone really important to me. I wish I could turn back and treat her better. I used to think diamonds and gold were the most important things, but I learned, after I lost her, that she was more important than anything I have now. I regret the last thing I said to her was, 'I wish I never had a friend like you.' It's so harsh. I was so harsh with her. I'll never see her again."
Selena's voice dropped to a whisper, and she began to tear up.
Gordon looked at Selena, feeling bad for her. He hugged her from the side, offering comfort.
"Everything's going to be alright," he whispered in her ear…
A moment after Selena calmed down, she laughed and apologized.
"Forgive me — where are my manners?"
With a slight tilt of her head, she spoke.
"My name is Selena Montgomery. I am a nurse. I have spent my life caring for others — that's why I came to check on you. But I've learned that not every wound can be healed. Sadly…"
She glanced at the drink in his hand before offering a smile.
"And you? You don't look like someone from around here," she added.
Gordon couldn't help but notice the subtle strength behind her words. There was a depth to her — something more than just the nurse.
He studied her for a moment.
"I am Gordon," he finally spoke.
"I am not from around here… just passing through."
As the fireworks lit up the night sky, their brilliant colors reflected in Selena's eyes.
Her smile, calm yet knowing, struck in Gordon's chest.
There was a warmth in her presence, a quiet strength that intrigued him — something he couldn't ignore.
As his gaze lingered on her, a wave of guilt washed over him.
Forgive me, Emily… For a heartbeat, he wished he could surrender — but the chains of the past still bound his heart.
And so, the next morning marked a new beginning for Selena — a birth of something new, a love filling the air. For Selena, she found a new spark, a new future, and now she would make it hers.
Meanwhile, on a ship known as The Black Swan.
For years, The Black Swan had served as the loyal courier for the prestigious Ravensdale & Everleigh company, delivering their most valuable creations across the seas. Diamonds, rubies, and treasure beyond imagination found passage aboard this ship. Under the command of Captain Brendon Lancaster, this ship had never failed to impress.
"Good morning, boy," greeted Brendon, who was still asleep in the cabin. Gordon woke up with a pounding headache.
"Agh… my head hurts," he groaned.
"Woah! Wow!" Brendon replied with a grin. "Is that your first word to me this year? He laughed!"
Then he threw a jacket at Gordon and mumbled, "Gordon, Gordon… my boy. Listen up! Yesterday, I saw you with Lady Selena — you look alive! Therefore, I have a plan! I don't want you to end up like me. I've been chasing one girl my entire life; in the end, I got nothing. Lonely old rich guy!" He burst into laughter.
"At least I have The Black Swan — she's gorgeous! But you, Gordon? You've got nothing! So, I invited her. It's gonna be fun, right?"
"What?!" Gordon exclaimed, shocked.
"Unbelievable!"
Just then, a faint "Hello" could be heard from outside. Brendon immediately exited the cabin and stepped outside, welcoming Selena with open arms. He took her hand and carefully guided her across the gangway.
"Careful there, missy. The ocean isn't as kind as it looks!" he laughed.
"Well, thank you…" Selena hesitated, looking at him with a questioning expression.
Brendon chuckled, and he introduced himself and the other crew working under him — each one, until Gordon finally showed up.
Brendon smirked.
"Hah! I believe that one you already know. Go show her around, Gordon."
And just like that, the two headed toward the bow of the ship.
"All aboard!!!" the captain shouted.
"We are moving out, boys!"
The crew pulled up the anchor, and the ship slowly began to sail. The fresh breeze stroked Selena's hair, and the water splashed like crystal droplets against the sky. Birds glided past her on both sides — it was magical for her.
She admired the breathtaking view.
"This is amazing!" she screamed in excitement.
"I've never been on a ship before. Thank you, Gordon! This is incredible!"
She spun around with joy.
Gordon stood there, captivated by Selena's beauty as she twirled, her white floral dress flowing in the air.
He whispered, "No… you are amazing."
Selena felt her heart swell with affection for Gordon.
When he smiled, there was something in his eyes — a warmth calling with loneliness.
It was an unspoken invitation, drawing her closer to him, as if she had been hypnotized. Her lips neared his, almost touching.
But without hesitation, Gordon took a step back. His eyes dropped to the floor, looking away.
Slowly, in a low voice, he said, "Forgive me, Selena. I can't. I belong to someone else."
Selena, unwavering, responded confidently, "No. You're lying. You have no one — I can see it in your eyes. They're empty. You don't have anyone; that's why you were crying yesterday when I met you." Gordon remained silent, turning away. He sat down, facing the other direction, lost in thought, overwhelmed, his emotions rushing all at once. A single tear slipped down his cheek as he covered his face with his hands.
Selena's voice softened.
"Gordon, it's all right. We can take it slow. I'm here for you."
She gently reached out, trying to comfort him, hoping to ease his pain. Then, after a long moment of silence, Gordon slowly opened up and said, "I've been searching for her ever since — trying to find her — but I never seem to get any closer. Every minute, she's drifting further and further away from me."
He paused. After a long exhale, he added softly, "I don't even remember her face, Selena. She's like a ghost… I can never reach her."
Selena hugged him from behind and softly said, "Maybe the person you've been looking for is right here with you. You just never noticed. I might not be her, but I'm here… with you." She held him tightly. Gordon gently placed his hands over hers. With his calm voice, he said, "Thank you, Selena." But as the words left his mouth, a tightness gripped his chest. His fingers trembled slightly, as if torn between holding on and letting go.
He closed his eyes, drawing in a shaky breath.
Emily… Her name echoed softly in his mind, like a whisper across time, a memory wrapped in warmth and pain.
Could he truly let her go? Could he let this stranger — this kind, gentle stranger — stand where Emily once stood in his heart?
Slowly, he tried to accept this reality — maybe… Emily was just a ghost of his past.
But as his heart wavered, he knew one thing for certain: he could never find her again.
Maybe… just maybe, Emily had forgotten him.
And so the ship continued sailing. They spent the time singing and dancing on the sea, laughter filling the air.
Selena enjoyed herself, twirling and dancing with the crew, while Gordon sat back, simply watching her.
Later, as everyone gathered together, Aaron — one of the crew members — struck up a conversation with Selena.
At one point, he mentioned a city called Milnavos.
Selena's eyes widened.
"Wait, wait, wait!" she interrupted. "You guys have been to Milnavos before? What's it like?" she asked, her face full of excitement.
"Oh? Someone interested in a city, huh?" the captain teased.
Selena quickly shook her head. "No… my best friend," she explained softly. "She's been unconscious for a long time. A mayor suggested taking her to the city for better treatment. In our town, we don't have that many supplies. It's been a year now…"
As she spoke, guilt clouded her expression.
"It's my fault…" she mumbled under her breath.
Noticing her distress, Gordon quickly spoke up. "Do you want us to take you there so you can see your friend?"
Selena's face lit up, her sorrows replaced with sudden hope. She nodded eagerly.
"All right then! Change of course — we're heading to Milnavos City!" Brendon announced cheerfully.
"It's gonna be a five-hour trip, so everyone settle down and enjoy the ride!"
To be continued.
Next: Chapter 3 — Farewell