(Dmitri’s Thoughts)

When the door finally closes as Nikolai takes her home, the emotion I’ve been holding suddenly poured out.

“I am sorry, Avery. I am sorry. I don’t deserve you. I can’t let you suffer anymore,” I bow down almost kissing the ground, I feel wrecked, damaged beyond repair.

I cry my heart out until I almost pass out. Then two warm hands embrace me and collect me from the ground. He lets my head rests on his lap as he strokes my hair and cries with me.

He says nothing but his empathy goes with me. He hugs me tighter as I gasp for more air.

“I don’t...