Trapped in the Love of Stepchildren
Chapter 25's

"You know you can trust me, don't you?" laura said softly. "We must support each other in good and hardship. Say what's in your heart."

Daniel sat in the living room, agitated and tense. Laura waits for what Daniel will say from her phone, trying to give her the support she can. They are both caught in a tense atmosphere, faced with a difficult and conflict-ridden reality.

After a while, Daniel took a deep breath, trying to muster up the courage to speak. He stared out the window with a look full of uncertainty, then began his story honestly. "Laura, I need to tell you about what has happened in my life."

Laura felt her heart pound hard upon hearing those words. He could hear the tension from Daniel's voice, and he knew that this was an important moment for both of them.

Daniel continued, "A few weeks ago, I lost my job. I'm feeling down and losing my way in life."

Laura listened attentively, trying to understand how difficult the situation Daniel was facing was.

Daniel continued, "In addition, something has disturbed my inner calm. The trial of our relationship. It makes me feel guilty and unsettled."

Laura frowned, feeling surprised by the confession. He never expected that Daniel would feel such a burden. He released his picture with Daniel who had been in his hand.

"Daniel,” said Laura in a soft voice, "I didn't know that you felt this way. I'm sorry if anything makes you uncomfortable. But, we cannot continue to live with guilt and uncertainty. We have to face it together."

Daniel closed his eyes, he felt the support and warmth of the woman he loved. "Thank you, Laura. I really need you by my side now" Daniel said in a hopeful voice. “But, is our relationship worth maintaining?" ask her doubtfully.

Daniel waited for Laura's reply with great hesitation. His heart pounded hard as he tried to find the answer he was looking for. Laura felt a sense of uncertainty filling the room between them. The two of them fell silent to each other, facing such an important question.

At first glance, Laura sounded surprised by the question. But then, she realized how important honesty and openness were in their relationship. He pondered for a moment, trying to express his feelings as honestly as possible.

After a while, Laura took a deep breath and said. "Daniel,” said in a voice full of tenderness, "I know we have faced many difficult things in our relationship. However, the love I feel for you, and the one I know you feel for me, is so strong and undeniable."

Daniel listened to Laura's words with an open heart. He wanted to hear the truth, although it could be difficult to bear.

Laura continued, "Sure, we have faced unexpected obstacles and challenges. But in every difficult situation, we always support each other. We strengthen each other and defend together. To me, it's a sign of a relationship that is meaningful and worth maintaining."

Daniel absorbed Laura's words with an open heart, feeling the warmth of his love that radiated through those words. However, hesitation still appeared in his eyes.

"Daniel,” says Laura again gently, "our relationship is not perfect. But is there really a perfect relationship? Every relationship has its challenges and weaknesses. What matters is how we support each other and grow together in dealing with them."

"In this life," Daniel said confidently, "there is no guarantee of what the future holds. But if we love each other, respect each other, and are willing to work hard to strengthen our relationship, then I'm sure that our relationship deserves to be maintained."

Laura smile. "Our love is something real and precious, Daniel,” Laura replied firmly. "Yes, we face a lot of challenges, but we've been through so much together. Distance and hardship are not reasons to sacrifice our relationship. We can find a way to deal with this, but only if we're together."

Daniel felt his heart lift at Laura's words. She feels a renewed urge to fight doubts and defend their love. But He realized that there was still a shock in his heart.

—

A few weeks passed, and Daniel felt trapped in a difficult work cycle. He submitted many job applications, took interviews, but faced repeated rejection. When jumping over the tough challenges of his job, now he has to face even greater challenges.

Daniel sat at his house table with a pile of rejection letters piled up in front of him. The look on his face reflected fatigue and despair. He looked back at the letters, reading the words of rejection that seeped into his heart.

Dozens of proposals he had sent, but all of them only led to failure. Every interview he took ended in disappointment as he received word that he was not selected. Each rejection further immersed him into a circle of despair.

Daniel pondered deeply about his future. Fear and doubt took over his mind. What should he do next? How could he get out of this situation and find a job that suited his wishes?

A stack of rejection letters was still scattered before him, but this time the rejection was no longer related to work. News of his illicit relationship with Laura has spread to various places, tarnishing his reputation and leaving him isolated from potential job opportunities.

Daniel has been trying to get help from his friends, hoping that someone can help with this difficult situation. However, he found himself alone in his struggle. His friends were worried about the impact they could get if they helped Daniel, so they refused to provide help or support.

Desperation was growing increasingly desperate for Daniel. He felt trapped in the labyrinth with no way out. His bright future feels increasingly bleak with each passing day. He pondered and thought of all the possibilities, but there seemed to be no solution that seemed to be able to fix this situation.

His mother saw the suffering emanating from the face of her son, Daniel. He wanted to help her, but felt confused about what to do. He approached her carefully and sat down beside her, holding her hand tightly.

"Daniel,” said Daniel's mother in a soft voice, "mother knows that this is a very difficult time for you. I want you to know that mom will stay by your side, no matter how tough the situation is."

“Thank you, mom,” said Daniel lethargic. “I don't know what I should do now.”

“Have you asked Emilia for help?” Ask Daniel's mother.