Amidst the chaos, Nova and Lucas were resisting the hands of the angels when, all of a sudden, their grips loosened, making this opportunity to hold each other and run away when they heard Nadine’s call. She ran to them and hugged both of them.
“I convinced him,” she said in relief, smiling. They hugged her back, expressing their gratitude.
Clay was walking towards them with his stoic expression. He is still against this idea, but seeing Nadine’s reaction, then it might have been a decent decision.
“The cave will disappear if you don’t hurry up; it will not be my fault anymore,” he interrupted.
The two looked around for the last time. Chia was in shock when Nova went to her and hugged her. Lucas was expressing his gratitude to Kai for helping him during the duration of his stay. Kai froze at the realization as she felt guilty about something. She knows how they can go back but kept it secret. She is happy for them but at the same time jealous of Nova. She wondered if she had someone like Nadine or Chia to help her go back or Lucas to help her realize that there are people looking forward to seeing and meeting her and spending their lives with. What would her life be? She was forced to smile at him and keep her repressed feelings. Everything was going well, and she didn't want to ruin it. Solari was still clueless about everything that happened. Despite the questions, he was happy for both of them.
They bid their final goodbye. They held each other's hands and entered the cave. Contrary to what they expected, they didn’t fall. Instead, the cave is just normal. It became blindingly dark as they entered. Lucas extended his free hand in the dark for a guide as they slowly walked in, hoping to see the other end of the cave. A small glint of light that looks like a dot approached towards them and rested on his index finger. It was a firefly. Ahead of them, they see the fireflies waiting for them on the other side.
As they stepped out, the sky was dark. They’re at the exact location where they found the cave. They looked back, and now it disappeared, and now the fireflies started to fly away.
They looked at each other and held their hands tighter. Lucas looked at Nova and saw her worry. She looked at him, and he smiled. Seeing it comforts her that she's not alone anymore. The memories of those nights flashed again. If she had seen him smile, would any of this happen? Those questions are useless now that she’s already in the situation. She decided to just live her life with him. She was glad she was having another chance to make it right.
They started to walk in the cold, dark night, heading to the shore. The sea breeze reminded her of that night again. Facing it again, she then remembered that he’s here. They walked ahead until their toes touched the water.
“It’s cold,” she uttered.
“That’s why we need to go back to the boat... and warm ourselves,” he replied. He faced her and closed the button of her cardigan.
Hearing that, her tears fall. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault. It’s okay now. We’re going back now, alright. Everything is fine. You know that I’m here for you.”
“I know, that’s why I’m sorry.”
Lucas pulled her for a hug and said, “Let’s go back now.”
He started to walk but Nova was still glued to her place. He looked back and smiled gently at her. He grabbed her hands and slowly pulled her.
She still had a lot of doubts about herself, but as she looks at him, it’s telling her that everything was fine and that he’ll be there, no matter what. She promised herself to pay him back and give him the love he deserves. Dedicating her second chance of life to him for their family.
Their bodies slowly submerged in the sea. It goes deeper and deeper. They looked at each other, not wanting to look away as it meant they might lose each other again. But as the time went by, their eyes got heavier, losing consciousness.
Nova felt the sudden change in temperature of the water. It became colder, which made her weaker. Her eyes faintly opened. The frail body of a 12-year-old girl went back to the 27-year-old her. She then realized that she was no longer holding Lucas’ hand. Weakly looks around her, and he’s nowhere to be found. They managed to go back, but she struggled to see anything. She tried swimming up, but the coldness of the water weakened her. She couldn’t move her limbs and started losing air. It must really be her time. His face flashes on to her memory. She fails to fulfill her promise. Her tears then collided with the sea as she closed her eyes, accepting her fate.
Unexpectedly, she felt an arm wrapped around her. She already knows whose arm it is. She can feel their movement in the cold, dark sea as they struggle to swim to the surface. His grip on her became tighter, not wanting to let go.
They managed to swim on to the surface. Lucas gasped, breathing for air. As he looked at Nova’s pale face resting on his arms.
“Nova,” he called, but to no response. He repeatedly called her name, caressing her cheeks, hoping she would call him as well. He then felt her hands grasping his shirt. He let out a sigh of relief and smiled at her, “Just hold on, we’ll find help. Please, Nova,” he said as he kissed her forehead.
“There they are! ”
Beaming lights started to light towards them. They looked up and saw Tristan yelling from the balcony, pointing in their direction. Lifeboats were sent to get them out of the waters.
The two remained resting in their rooms when Luna barged in crying. She climbed onto Nova’s bed, hugged each other, and cried nonstop, saying sorry to her daughter.
The night has passed, and the past few days have become busy as rumors and issues ensue circulating around them. Both families have decided to hide the truth and concluded it was an accident to avoid scandal. Lucas has received an earful as he was accused of neglecting his wife and causing this incident to happen. As usual, Lucas ignored it all, but as soon as Nova heard it, she stormed in the room, standing up for him, which she failed to do the years they’ve been together. She was then not spared from the scolding. For the first time, he stood up against his father and defended Nova. They stood by each other's sides the whole time the old man talked.
As they got out of the mansion’s gate, Lucas pulled Nova in a hug and said, “Thank you.”
“For what? ”
“For standing up for me. Mother was the last person who did that for me.”
“I should be. I’m your wife after all, and it’s nothing compared to the things you do for me. I’m still lacking.”
"No, you’re not. For me, you’re perfect as you are.”
The car ride home was quiet. She just felt a warm hand gently pressing her hand. She looked at him, where he was focusing on the road, driving. She opened her hand and intertwined their fingers.
She observed the bright blue sky and the shining sun hiding on the tall trees on the window, reminding her of Luminary.
End.
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