Chapter 42: Running with a ghost

I stare at Enzo. There is nothing else for me to do but stare. The nickname he has had for me since they assigned him as my guardian means ‘my reason’. He wasn’t being dramatic or making shit up when he said he loved me. Enzo wasn’t lying when he said it’s been since the beginning. He has spent years pining for me while I could only feel anger and spite. He found in me a reason to live while I sought a reason to die while honoring my family.

“Don’t” he warns me and my eyes focus on him. “Don’t do that” But his warning falls on deaf ears. How can I not blame myself for my stupidity?

“I’ve been so blind…” I start and He sighs heavily.

“You have had other things to deal with, Ivy,” he says looking conflicted.

“Five years, Enzo. Five years.” I exhale angrily. For someone trained in the art of meticulous observation, I have been incredibly blind.

“And I would have waited for five more.” He runs a hand through his hair and drops his head back on the bed frame. “Ivy… You don’t have to