Evander's POV
"The only person I have ever felt… whole around. So please, don't think for a second that you have caused me pain." I said in a firm tone.
Yes, I was hurt before thinking that she had left me when I was at my most vulnerable state, but after knowing the truth, I was the culprit here.
Tears welled in her eyes, and she looked away, trying to hide them. But I gently cupped her chin, guiding her gaze back to mine. "You are everything to me, Claire," I said, my voice raw with emotion.
She didn't respond with words. Instead, she stepped closer, her arms wrapping around me in a tight embrace. I froze for a moment, the warmth of her body against mine soothing and torturous at the same time.
"I am not leaving you," she murmured against my chest, her voice muffled but resolute.
My heart ached at her stubbornness. I wanted to push her away for her own safety, to shield her from the mess that I was, but her words— her presence— made it impossible.
