Heyyy! So it's been sooo long and I hope I still have readers out there. Well, this is the second to the last chapter. There will still be one more, the epilogue, just so I could wrap things up. I do plan on making a sequel of this story... I just gotta find motivation first, though.

She looked forlornly at her shop; as much as she hated this small and dingy house of her she was surely still going to miss it. Shaking her head to relieve herself of such sad thoughts, she turned around just in time to see David along with the carriage he had rented that would take them to the train station. He greeted her with a smile, which she returned albeit forced. He must have noticed this for he grabbed her for an embrace and whispered in her ear that it was all going to be alright, just like she hoped it would. He planted a kiss on her temple and released her while he picked up her suitcase, bringing it inside the waiting carriage. She did not bring much, only some clothes and money that would last them enough for a few months.

She didn't know where they would go, having not planned anything. She had left David to decide for them but she had specifically requested that they live near the sea, taking this as an opportunity to fulfill her dreams. Before she rode the carriage, she went back inside her shop and placed the letter that she had written for Benjamin on the counter, in hopes that he would be able to find it later. Going out, she entered the carriage with David's help, immediately peeking out of the window to take one last look at her shop and the window upstairs as they faded off the distance.

It bothered her greatly that she and Benjamin parted in bad terms. She hated herself for having that unexpected outburst yesterday for it ruined her last day with Ben. But, it was not for no reason; she was truly hurt by his selfishness. It wasn't easy for her to accuse him of thinking only for himself, but this was what she could make out of his actions. Last night, she didn't get much sleep for she was replaying in her head over and over the things he said not only yesterday but all those other times he hurt her. It made her realize that Ben was just using her. He was just using her for emotional support, a replacement when his wife's not around, he was just using her to make himself feel good about Lucy losing an interest in him and turning to another man; he took advantage of her, knowing that she'd blindly follow his every requests and demands. She realized that he didn't love her after all; she was just a convenience for him.

She felt someone reached for her hand, squeezing it tight reassuringly. It was a welcoming gesture for it distracted her from her thoughts. Facing the owner of the hand, she was met with David's worried eyes. She gave him a sad smile and laid her head on his shoulder as she intertwined her fingers with him. She wasn't sure about everything, but it was comforting to have David by her side; he was the only one she was certain about, certain that he wouldn't leave her.

Benjamin woke up to an empty bed; his wife was not there beside him, which was a usual occurrence now. He grabbed his watch from the nightstand and checked for the time, it says that it was only five thirty in the morning. He was about to roll over to get some more sleep when he thought about Nellie, she was going to leave today! He immediately bolted upright from the bed; he grabbed his jacket while he simultaneously put his shoes on. Once done, he ran from the bedroom down to the bakeshop hoping that he could say his goodbye to her.

He opened the door to Mrs. Lovett's shop and called for her only to be greeted with silence. He checked every room in the house but she was nowhere in sight. It was too late, she already left him. He took a seat at one of the booths in the shop; resting his elbows on the table, he supported his head with his hands. There was a feeling of emptiness inside him, one which he knew wouldn't be filled by anything or anyone but Nellie. He knew that from this day on, nothing would ever be the same. His source of happiness had vanished, he could have prevented it but no, he was actually the one to push her away.

He couldn't allow himself to leave Lucy, because he promised her in their wedding vows that he wouldn't leave her, and he wanted to honor that. But the thing was, he also promised to be always there at his best friend's side, to protect her from everything and now he couldn't do that. He couldn't keep his promise to her because he chose Lucy over the woman who was willing to sacrifice everything for him; only asking for return was that they start anew somewhere where his wife wasn't there.

If someone approached him now and asked him of what was the single decision he made in his life that he regretted most, his answer would be letting go of the woman he love most.

He didn't know if he wanted to scream the pain away or sit in the corner and take it all in quietly. He laughed humorlessly, shaking his head at his foolishness. How could he be so stupid to leave Nellie and his child? She was right; he was selfish, only thinking of himself. He didn't think of what she was feeling, only focusing on his, on whether he was happy or not. All the while, there she was, always looking out after him, even if she was the one being hurt in return.

Maybe it was only right that he was not in their life anymore.

He had caused Nellie so much pain that when he thought about it now, he didn't think that he deserves her. She made the right choice of leaving him over David, for the way that man treated her, that was how he was supposed to treat her. Maybe this was why he loathed David so much, not only that he found him a threat at being his replacement in Nellie's heart, but also because he knew he couldn't be the man David was.

Screaming in anguish, he stood up from his seat, grabbed the stool he was seated at and threw it across the room. The chair bounced and immediately broke as it made contact with the floor, creating a loud crashing sound. His heart was hammering inside his chest loudly that he could he could hear it; his head was throbbing so hard that it felt like his brain was going to explode all from the thoughts that were inside his mind.

Regret. Anger. Pain.

He hit his head over and over again, muttering 'stupid' repeatedly. Was there a chance to go back in time and make everything alright? Why did he have to ruin everything? He sunk to the floor and wept, letting all the pain, regret and anger all out. He didn't care whoever would see him there, but right now, he'll mourn the loss of the woman he loves most.

It was after almost five hours of travel with train when they arrived at their destination. David woke her up from her slumber, and when she asked where they were he mumbled something that she didn't quite understand. She made a note to herself that she would ask him later on. She didn't know the place and trust the he knew where they were. When they stepped off the train, David led the way; he seemed to know the place very much because he could navigate through it easily.

He led them away from the people to the carriage that she was sure was waiting for them. When they went in, it immediately moved forward without waiting for orders or asking of where they were to go. Confused, she took the opportunity to question David. Grabbing hold of his hand, she asked, "Where are we?"

He smiled at her, cupping her face as he ran his thumb through her cheek. "We're in Edinburgh."

Still not satisfied with the answer, she inquired more. "You seem to know the place well, yes?"

David chuckled at this, making her admire his radiant smile. She knew she didn't get to appreciate him well enough, especially when Benjamin's always at her sight, but it didn't mean that David's not handsome. In fact, his looks could rival with that of Ben; she reminded him of one of those men that's in the cover of the novels she used to read, the kind of man to prove that there's a happy ever after.

"Well, this is where I was born. My parents are here, and it's been a long time since I've visited them. Ever since I was asked to work in London, I really hadn't got the chance to go back here." He said, looking wistfully outside that carriage. Instead of asking him some more about his choice of staying here in Edinburgh, she just laid her head on his shoulder and let sleep claim her. Anyway, there would be plenty of time for her to talk to him.

He slowly woke up from his slumber; he must have worn himself out from all the crying and screaming. As he opened his eyes, he looked at his surrounding and saw that he was still at Nellie's shop, lying on the floor in a fetal position. Standing up, he wiped away the remnants of his tears on his face. He would go back upstairs for now as the bakeshop was too suffocating for him. Instead of remembering pleasant memories he had with the woman he loves, all he could do was wallow in self-pity.

As he passed the counter on his way to the door, he noticed an envelope on top of it. His heart raced as he approached it, hoping that encased in the envelope was a letter of Nellie saying that this was all a joke. That she didn't leave him, rather she was just went to the market. Grabbing hold of the envelope, he saw that it was addressed to him. There was a moment of hesitance before he opened it, scared of what was written inside.

Dear Benjamin,

I do hope you'll be able to see this letter, as this is the last time that I'll get to tell you what I genuinely feel about you.

I did regret that unexpected outburst I had yesterday, for it ruined our last day together. It felt like because of that, I was robbed off of the opportunity to properly say my good bye to you. Despite that, I want you to know that, that's not what I truly feel for you. I love you, Ben, with all my heart. Nothing could change that.

We've been through a lot of challenges, we've spent most of our moments crying rather than laughing, but that didn't stop me from loving you. I will always choose you, Ben, no matter what. Yes, I know I left you there alone, but I made this decision because of our baby's safety. If I am not with child, I will without doubts endure whatever your wife does to me as long as I am with you, but alas, we have our child for me to consider.

About this little babe inside me, whenever it comes out, I will introduce you as its father. Tell it stories about you, about our time together. I'll make up something on why you aren't present on its life. Please, I know you don't agree with this, but I hope in time you'll understand why I'm doing this.

I also don't want you to worry about David. He may be the one who's by my side, but it is you who's inside my mind and heart.

I will always treasure our short time together and I will never ever forget you. I will forever be yours, always.

Love,

Nellie

P.S. Along with this letter is a locket. Keep it with you in all times, as a sign that I am always with you.

As soon as he finished reading the letter, he took the locket inside the envelope. When he opened it, a picture of him and Nellie greeted him. Seeing her gleeful smile in the picture also made him smile, in spite of everything. Even though it was only in imagery, her happiness was ever so contagious.

He kept the locket on the pocket of his jacket and headed towards the door so he could go back to his shop. Before he reached it, the door opened with a loud bang and in came the constables along with an angry woman with whom he was sure was the owner of a jeweler shop down the street.

"There! There! It was him!" shouted the woman while pointing at him.

The constables immediately rushed to him, holding out their batons ready to strike if needed. Two of the men stood at each of his side and grabbed hold of his hand, not allowing him to move while they tied his hands together. The angry woman approached him, shouting obscenities at him and something about a string of pearls which he had no idea was all about. "He was the one who stole it!"

That's when it all came to light. He shouted at them, pleaded, that it wasn't him; it was all a mistake. He tried to break free from the iron grip of the men, flailing his whole body, kicking, screaming and shouting but all his efforts were futile. One of the men started inspecting the inside of his pockets, he was certain they wouldn't find anything in there, except for the locket that Nellie gave him. So, when the one who was inspecting him held out his hand, he did not anticipate that he would be finding the string of pearls there inside his pocket.

He couldn't do anything as they dragged him away; they put him in the carriage to be sent to prison.

The carriage, which she had learned was a personal driver of the Harris family, dropped them off at this mansion near the lake. The house was enormous, considering that only two people were living in there. It was also surrounded by a large field with trees and different kinds of flowers; hence the air's so fresh, unlike in London where the air was a mixture of different kinds of putrid elements.

They walked at the entrance of the house, and knocked on the door. A helper answered, she was a pretty blonde woman much like her age, dressed in a uniform that was usual for maids. She immediately recognized David, and by the way she was looking at him, she could sense that this woman adore him.

"David, you're back!" she welcomed, her face beaming with happiness. The familiarity didn't go unnoticed by her; she surmised that if this woman liked him, then she would be having a hard time getting along with her.

"Emilie," David greets formally, smiling briefly.

He turned his attention to her then he introduced her. "This is Eleanor, and she's going to stay here."

She smiled at the woman, but she only received a glare in response before Emilie turned her attention back to David, "your mother and father would be happy to see you. Come, they are at the dining."

When they went in, she was astonished at how truly big the house was. There were statues inside that were bigger than her and paintings larger than the windows! If David did not tell her that they were going at his house, she would think she was in a museum.

As they arrived at the dining room, which she gathered was as big as her two houses combined; she noticed right away the long table in the middle that was filled with fruits and food that she could only see from the outside of a very expensive restaurant. She didn't know David was this wealthy; he wasn't one of those rich snobs she was used to, in fact, he was very humble and not once had he mentioned of his fortune.

Once she was finished admiring the whole room, her gaze settled on the two occupants of the room: David's parents. Looking at the two of them, she couldn't help but feel jealousy at how old age seemed to suit them; she could only wish she would look like that when she aged. She also noticed how they were very simply dressed; the only thing giving away their true social status were the fine fabrics of their clothes.

She was disturbed from observations when David wrapped his arm around her and pulled her closer to him. "Mother, father, this is my wife, Eleanor."

She saw both the surprised faces of his parents before she turned to him, giving him a questioning look. Wife? That was not part of the plan. She didn't know what he was doing, she wasn't informed about this. David gently pushed her towards his parents, as she was quite stuck and speechless at the moment. Playing along, she curtseyed and greeted them, "it was a pleasure meeting you, Mister and Missis Harris.

She was greeted by silence; they just stood there eyeing her up, particularly her swollen belly. Mrs. Harris had one of her eyebrows raised, giving her a haughty look which made her nervous. Meanwhile, Mr. Harris was examining her with obvious disinterest, like she was a piece of dirt in this spotless mansion of theirs. She felt small, to be honest. It seemed that David's parents were nothing like him; they looked like they were one of those blue blooded, upper class people she was used to seeing. If ever they throw her out, she would have to find a place elsewhere to stay here in Edinburgh. It won't be easy, since she didn't know anything about this city but she would have to find a way.

After what felt like hours of awkward silence, Mrs. Harris spoke, "If you're my son's wife, does that mean that the child you are carrying is my grandchild?"

"It is, ma'am." She answered softly, unsure of what to say. She knew that she would have to tell the appropriate responses to their questions if she wanted to stay. Even though she didn't like how they are currently treating her, she must admit that going on a trip for hundreds of hours and finding a house where she could settle down could be really draining. Therefore, she would just try and win their hearts.

The tension in the room broke; David's mother suddenly leapt off her feet and gave her a welcoming hug. "Why didn't you say so, darling? Ethan, we have a grandchild now!" Mrs. Harris' once stern features turned soft; she was now smiling brightly at her, while she stood there motionless in shock.

Before she could answer, Mrs. Harris motioned for her and David to take a seat and ordered Emilie to prepare the table so they could all eat. The whole afternoon was spent with her and David filling up his parents on how they met, getting to know her and them telling stories of how David was as a child specifically sharing the embarrassing ones.

All throughout the day, the longing feeling she had for Benjamin dramatically decreased. She was genuinely happy that the Harris', even though they just met her, treated her as family. She didn't feel lost anymore; hope wormed its way in her heart chasing all her fears away. Hers and also her child's future suddenly looked so bright.

Hope you enjoyed this guys! :)

Reviews are L.O.V.E. :)))