Chapter 111
Elijah Vaughn.
I watched Dante walk away without looking back.
Every step he took felt like it was erasing me a little more.
I couldn’t hold it in.
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The tears came silently at first, then violently, burning my skin like they were trying to rip the guilt out of
- me.
I slid down to the floor, my breathing shaky, my body trembling.
I hugged my knees tightly, feeling everything fall apart.
Does he not love me anymore?
Is he going to give up on us because of me?
I ruined everything.
It was my fault.
The pain tore through me, suffocating, as sobs shook my body uncontrollably.
The memories hit like knives: the stolen kisses, the way he’d run his fingers through my hair, how he pulled me against his chest and held me like he wanted to shield me from the world.
I remembered the time I was hurt and how he cared for me with so much patience.
He’d been kind, attentive–every touch from him made me feel safe, like he was telling me without words
that I’d be okay.
I never imagined someone like him could be that gentle… And still, I doubted him.
The first time he told me he loved me,
I almost cried that day too.
But that time… it was beautiful.
It was real.
What kind of person repays love with doubt?
Now… now it felt like everything was about to end.
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And I didn’t know if I could stop it.
A shadow approached.
I lifted my eyes and saw Fox.
His expression was full of concern.
He crouched in front of me.
“Elijah…”
I shook my head.
“Feels like it’s over, Fox. He doesn’t want to listen. He doesn’t want to forgive me.”
“You screwed up, yeah. But it doesn’t end like this.”
“What if he gives up?”
He sighed.
“Then show him you’re sorry. That you want to fix this. Go after him.”
His tone was firm, but his eyes stayed soft.
“Don’t give up, Elijah. He loves you. I know it. I’m sure everyone in this prison knows it too. Don’t give
up.”
I hugged my knees tighter, trying to stop the trembling in my body.
“I don’t know, Fox…” I said, my voice cracking. “Why was I so stupid? He was so honest with me, and because of my insecurity… I fought with him… called him a bastard. I hurt him so much.”
I swallowed hard, my chest burning.
“No matter how strong or powerful he is… he’s still human. He feels things, Fox. And I stomped all over his feelings by doubting his word. I disappointed him.”
He sighed but didn’t interrupt.
He sat down beside me, staying silent for a few seconds before turning his head toward me.
“Then show him you’re really sorry. Not with words, Elijah. With action.” He crossed his arms. “I have an
idea.”
I stared at him, confused.
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“What idea?”
“I’ll go to him and tell him you’re sick in your cell. That you’re almost dying, dehydrated, I don’t know.” He shrugged. “He’ll come running. And you’ll be hiding there. When he comes in, lock the cell and talk to him. No escape. No excuses.”
My eyes widened.
“What if it doesn’t work? What if he just doesn’t care?”
He rolled his eyes.
“I doubt it. That man loves you.” He nudged my shoulder. “Now stop drowning in this depression. Cry when you’re 100% sure it’s over. But until then… get up and fight. You still have a chance, Elijah.”
Fox stood and pulled me up with a firm but careful tug.
“But not today,” he said, locking eyes with mine. “Let him rest today. Let him think about everything. Tomorrow, as soon as you wake up, take a shower, eat something, and go straight to the cell. I’ll handle the rest.”
I nodded slowly, still feeling like my body weighed a ton.
“Try to rest today, okay? Come on, you need to eat something and drink water. You barely had anything. You need to be healthy when you face the Reaper again.”
I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. I looked at Fox with a tired expression.
“How can you be so positive?”
He gave a small smile.
“Because I’ve been through something similar. Had a huge fight with Tony, believe it or not. It was over something stupid, but we went days without talking. But I fought for him, Elijah. I chased after him, surprising him with my actions. When you want something, whether it’s a dream or a person, you have to move and go after it. Don’t wait for it to fall in your lap.”
I stayed quiet, absorbing his words.
“You’ll learn from this mistake, but don’t torture yourself forever. We all mess up. You, me… even him.” He paused. “Think about it. On your first day here, he forced you… You forgave him, didn’t you?”
I nodded slowly.
“So why wouldn’t he forgive you too? He just needs time. Give him space to process what he’s feeling. I’m almost sure that man has never loved anyone before.”
He took a deep breath before continuing.
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“He’s never been one to show emotions, always in control, always calculating. And suddenly, he finds
himself in love. Then the only person he allowed himself to care for… doubts him. It’s complicated, Elijah. Complicated for someone who doesn’t even know how to deal with what he’s feeling.”
I sat there, staring at the floor.
“Tony was the same,” he went on. “Always a brute. Harsh, closed off. Learning to be gentle was hell. But he did it. For me. Because he loved me. And I was patient.”
He looked at me with serious eyes.
“What I’m trying to say is, be patient. He needs time to think. Tomorrow we put the plan into action. And when you’re face–to–face with him, say everything. Spill your insecurities, your fear, and your guilt. But above all, tell him you love him. That you’re willing to change, to fight, and that you need him to help you
do that.”
I nodded again, my throat tight, my heart heavy, but with a thin thread of hope.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, letting the air fill my lungs slowly, calming my racing heart.
“Thank you, Fox,” I said softly but sincerely.
He let out a small laugh and patted my shoulder twice.
“No need to thank me. We’re friends. And I’m going to help you.”
That simple gesture warmed something inside me.
I felt lighter.
I wiped my face, clearing away the last traces of tears.
“I’m ready to fight for him.”
He smiled.
“That’s what I like to hear.”
I won’t give up on him.
Fox is right:
I’ll fight for Dante with everything I am, even if he doesn’t want to listen.
Even if, locked inside that cell, every part of me screams to run… I’ll stay..
Because I know he wouldn’t hurt me.
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I’ll do whatever it takes to make him listen.
To make him see my regret.
I want us back to how we were before.
I need him.
I want his kisses, the warmth of his touches, and the firm way he holds me like I’m the only thing that matters.
I love him.
Above everything.
Above pride.
Above fear.
And when we’re together again, I promise I’ll never let him go.
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