Chapter 40

Aiden

The weight of her gaze bore into me, each moment feeling like a crushing weight upon my chest. Those eyes, once so full of warmth and affection, now held a pain I had inflicted. Regret gnawed at me, twisting my insides as I realized the depth of the wounds I had caused her. It was my words, my actions that had driven her to this desperate state, and I was terrified for her.

She asked for something I couldn't give, something that would only push her further away, rending her soul even more fragile. Yet, the touch of her skin against mine ignited a desperate longing within me, urging me to lie, to deceive her, in a feeble attempt to shield her from the harsh truth. I cursed myself for wanting her, for trying to absolve myself of guilt when none existed. Time couldn't be rewound, promises made couldn't be unspoken, and the truth would only inflict further wounds upon her already battered heart.

The love that once bound us felt like a distant memory as I watched her bend down and pr