Olivia hesitated, her lips pressing together as if she wanted to protest, but she relented. She let her hand fall away, stepping back slightly as she glanced between her children, her heart clenching at the sight of their raw emotions.
The moment Rose was freed, she didn’t hesitate. Her hands were still gripping Lucian’s collar, and she pulled him closer with surprising strength, their faces so close that he could feel her warm, uneven breath against his skin.
“I said,” Rose began, her voice trembling but fierce, “never… never do it again. Did you hear me?” Her tone cracked with desperation, her eyes blazing with a mix of anger and anguish. “I don’t want to lose you again. NEVER!”
Her voice grew louder, the emotion pouring out of her in a flood she couldn’t stop. Tears streamed down her flushed face, her lips trembling as she spoke the words she had kept hidden for so long. “I love you! I love you more than myself, Lucian!”
Lucian’s breath caught in his throat as he stared at her. He had never seen Rose like this her walls completely torn down, her vulnerability exposed.
“Yes, I know,” she continued, her voice breaking. “I know I’ve done so many terrible things to you. Things I can’t even explain. I can’t even find a reason why I was like that… but… but please believe me. I LOVE YOU more than anything, Lucian!”
Her grip on his collar tightened, her knuckles white as her hands shook. “You can punish me however you want. Hurt me, yell at me, hate me I don’t care! But please…” Her voice broke into a sob as tears spilled freely down her cheeks, her breathing uneven. “Please never think about taking your life again. Please don’t leave me. I won’t… I can’t live without you.”
Lucian stared into her tear-filled eyes, utterly stunned. Her words hit him like a wave, crashing into the walls he had built around his heart. He could see the desperation in her gaze, the way her voice trembled with emotion.
Her face was red, tears flowing down in endless streams, her breath coming in short, shaky gasps. For a moment, all he could do was look at her, utterly speechless.
Then, slowly, a small smile appeared on his face. It was faint, but it carried a warmth that had been missing for so long.
The sting of the slap was still fresh on his cheek, her fingerprints etched into his skin, but he didn’t care. What mattered now was the sight before him the sister he had thought was made of ice, breaking down so completely for him.
He had never seen her like this, not even in his past life. This version of Rose so vulnerable, so fierce in her love was entirely new to him. She’s… so cute, he thought, almost laughing at the realization.
“Just don’t ever leave me,” Rose whispered, her voice trembling as her hands loosened their grip on his collar. Her strength seemed to give way, and she slumped forward, resting her head against his chest.
Lucian froze as he felt her small, warm fists start to beat gently against his chest. Her sobs shook her body as she whispered, “Please… don’t do this. Please.” Her punches were soft, almost childlike, as if she were trying to convey her pain through touch.
Tears fell onto Lucian’s white shirt, the fabric darkening with each drop. Rose’s small fists kept hitting his chest, but there was no force behind them, only emotion.
Lucian felt his heart ache as he watched her crumble. Slowly, he extended his arms, wrapping them gently around her trembling form. He leaned back slightly, his weight pressing into the couch, as he held her close.
“It’s alright,” Lucian whispered, his voice as soft as a feather. He patted her back gently, his hands moving in slow, soothing strokes. “I know… I know. It’s alright now.”
His fingers moved to her hair, combing through the strands gently as he cradled her against him. Rose’s sobs began to slow, her fists growing weaker until they rested against his chest, unmoving.
Her breathing started to steady, but she still clung to him, her tears soaking into his shirt.
Just as he thought she had calmed down, Rose suddenly threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. Her embrace startled him, her grip firm and desperate, as though she were afraid he might slip away if she let go.
“Ah oof,” Lucian let out a soft noise as she squeezed him, the force of her hug catching him off guard.
He blinked, then let out a soft chuckle, a faint smile forming on his lips. His hand returned to her back, stroking gently as he whispered, “It’s alright, Rose. I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”
Her arms tightened around him, her face pressed against his chest as her tears began to subside.
Lucian leaned his head back against the couch, exhaling deeply as he felt the tension in his body ease. I wonder if she cried like this in my last life when I died, he thought to himself, the faintest hint of sadness flickering in his chest.
His mood, however, began to lighten as he felt her warmth against him. He glanced down at her, noticing how vulnerable she looked, her usually composed demeanor completely gone.
A gentle smile spread across his face as he continued to pat her back, his fingers brushing through her hair from time to time.
Rose’s grip on him didn’t loosen, and Lucian didn’t mind. He simply held her, his touch gentle, as they stayed in the quiet moment together.
For the first time in a long while, he felt something he had thought was lost forever peace.
I wonder… Lucian thought to himself, his mind wandering as he gently cradled Rose in his arms. Did she cry like this in my last life, when I died? The question echoed in his head, bittersweet and haunting.
—
begging for… powerstones and tickets