Page 128 of Darkest Deception

My eyes drop to my hand where I am wearing one of his gifted rings on my middle finger. It’s a silver band with small rectangle emerald-cut diamonds all around it. It looks gorgeous against my slightly pale complexion.

I run my hand through my golden hair, a smile touching at my lips, recalling how Helia noticed when I only cut just two inches off my hair.

“You won’t let me go, right?”

My head snaps to my left, where the door of the kitchen is. Helia stands there with a grin on his face, dressed in an all-black suit, hands in his trouser pockets as he leans against the doorway, his black hair falling into his eyes.

“What?” I whisper, slowly standing up from the stool.

He rests his head on the doorframe, the sharp edges to his face more prominent, dangerous, and haunting.

“I love you. You know that, right?”

My hands grab hold of my blue wide-legged jeans. I suddenly feel hot under the long-sleeved jumper I have on.

“Do you love me, Emerald?”

I open my mouth, but no words come out.

Helia pouts in front of me. I look down at the floor.

“I’ve done so much for you, laid the world at your feet.”

I gasp when his voice comes from behind me. I turn around and see him standing there, looking through my fridge.

I look back to where he was, and he isn’t there anymore.

What…?

“I gave you a part of me as you gave me a part of you. I know you never gave anyone that privilege, so I gave you something in return.” He straightens and looks at me.

His eyes…they are filled with love.

For me.

“There will be no one after you for me. Never was before you either. Do you believe me?”

I nod, biting my lip as tears start to gather in my eyes. I do.

I do so much to the point I believe I can look past his sins and mine.

He made mistakes, and so did I.

“I will love you obsessively.” Helia’s right next to me now, grabbing my hand and lifting it to his lips.

“Believe me, still?”

I nod, a smile spreading on my lips.

“Love me?” he pleads, his eyes waiting.

Yes. Yes.

Yes, I love you.

I open my mouth to say just that when I blink, and he vanishes.

He’s not here.

---