Chapter 79 I’m here for you!
After three weeks,
At night, Alice lies with her back turned to me, and I wonder how to ease her pain. Although her physical wounds are gradually healing, the wounds within her remain as raw as they were. She remains quiet, hardly even talking to me, just keeps staring at the ceiling or out of the window.
Despite my attempts to seek help from so many doctors and therapists, none seem to offer her any solace. My heart aches to witness her in such a state. I feel so helpless.
I pull out of Alice’s thoughts as I hear her sobs. My emotions are close to overflowing, but I gather my composure.
“Hey, baby, I’m here for you. Please don’t cry.” I whisper, embracing her from behind.
“I’m not feeling good, Alexander.” She hiccups. “I have lost myself.”
“You’re going to be okay, my love. I promise I’ll guide you to rediscover yourself.” I assure her, caressing her hair from behind.
She turns to face me, her eyes brimming with tears. “I’m sorry.”
“Why are you apologising?” I inquire, my brows furrow in confusion.
“You’re putting in so much effort, and I’m not even trying.”NôvelDrama.Org copyrighted © content.
I gently place my hand on her cheek and wipe away her tears with my thumb. “Love, you don’t have to apologise for struggling. Healing takes time, and I understand that it’s an arduous process. But please know that I’m here for you, and I’ll never give up on you. We’ll find a way through this together.”
She sniffs, her voice choked with emotion. “I don’t know if I can ever be the same person I was before. I don’t know if I can reclaim my passion or find joy again.”
I hold her face in my hands, looking deeply into her blue eyes. “Alice, you are a survivor. You have faced unimaginable pain, but you’re still here. That strength within you is still burning, even if it feels dimmed right now. We’ll fan that flame together, and you’ll find your way back to yourself.”
Alice’s voice trembles as she speaks. “I’m scared, Alexander. I’m scared that I’ll never escape this nightmare, that I’ll never be able to live a normal life again.”
I hold her tightly, enveloping her in a comforting embrace. “I know it’s terrifying, but remember this: you are not alone in this. Love, I am here, holding your hand every step of the way. We’ll face your fears together, and we’ll create a new future-a future filled with healing, love, and happiness.”
A glimmer of hope flickers in her eyes. “I want to believe that, Alexander. I want to believe that there’s hope for me.”
I press my lips gently against her forehead, pouring all my love into that simple touch. “There is hope, Alice. As long as we have love and the will to fight, we can overcome anything. I believe in you, and I’ll never stop fighting for your happiness.”
She wraps her arms around me, seeking solace and strength in our embrace. “Thank you, Alexander. Thank you for loving me, for staying by my side even when I’m broken.”
I hold her even closer. “You don’t have to thank me, Alice. Loving you and supporting you is the most natural thing in the world to me. I’ll always be here for you, no matter what.”
I sigh in relief as she finally stops crying, thankful that she’s able to release the burden she’s been carrying.
“Alexander, I’ve been wondering about something.” She utters as I lay down cuddling her.
“What is it?”
“If I hadn’t agreed to be your submissive from the beginning, would you have treated me forcefully like your brother did?”
My heart sinks at the question, knowing the depth of pain and fear behind her words. I pull her closer, needing her to feel my love and reassurance.
“No, Alice. Never.” My voice is firm. “I could never force you into anything against your will. We never forced a woman, Alice. Therefore, I didn’t even have the slightest clue that Edward would do something like this with you in my absence.”
I consume with guilt, and tears trickle down my cheeks as I apologise to her. “Love, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have left you that day. You had to endure so much pain because of me. Forgive me.”
She shakes her head, her touch gentle as she wipes away my tears. “No, it wasn’t your fault, Alexander. I forced you to leave me, and God punished me for this.” She shut her eyes and shed silent tears before resting her head on my chest.
I embrace her and place a tender kiss on her hair. Regret gnaws at me; I wish I had never left her that day.
Soon, the effects of the medicine take hold, and she drifts into sleep in my embrace. I gaze at her, hoping that God will bring back my joyful Alice.
Even in her sleep, her face carries the remnants of the pain she’s endured. It fuelled my determination to remain by her side, no matter what challenges lie ahead.
***
We make our way to the kitchen, hand in hand, after doing our morning business.
I watch Alice as her delicate fingers skilfully crack eggs into a bowl, her concentration visible in the furrow of her brow.
Finally, she is showing her interest in doing something. I smile with relief to see this.
I chop vegetables beside her while talking to her. “You know, Alice, I have missed your cooking so much. Finally, I’ll get to enjoy it.” She responds with a small smile.
As I take out tomatoes from the fridge, I hear her gasp and immediately turn to look at her. My heart sinks to notice blood beads on her finger. She cuts her finger accidentally.
Fuck! I should have taken care of her. She isn’t a good condition; she needs my proper attention.
I rush to her, and after taking her injured hand in mine, I gently examine the cut, my touch tender.
“I’m so sorry, Alice,” I speak, my voice filled with regret. “I should have been more careful, more watchful.”
She shakes her head. “It’s not your fault, Alexander. You didn’t know that I would get so lost.”
“Come with me.” I lead her to the hall and order a maid to bring a first aid box.
I clean and bandage her finger, my touch is as gentle as a feather.
Then I place a soft kiss on her finger before clasping her hand and looking at her. “I hope it’s not hurting you?” I enquire, my voice laced with concern.
“Alexander, this pain is nothing compared to my emotional scars.” My heart aches upon listening to her words.
“I promise I’ll heal all your scars, my love.” I place a soft kiss on her forehead.
A tear slips down her cheek, and I wipe it away with my thumb, offering her a reassuring smile.