Page 16 of Stalked By the Doctor

But I have to. For his sake. Even if it destroys me.

The tears come harder now, wracking sobs tearing from my throat. I bury my face in my hands, curling in on myself.

How did it come to this? All we wanted was to love each other. Why does that have to be wrong?

I know what I have to do. No matter how much it hurts. No matter if it breaks me beyond repair.

Paul's career, his future, his happiness—that's all that matters now. Even if it means losing the only good thing I've ever known.

The only man who was able to reach the dark, hidden places inside me and fill them with light. The only person who has ever seen me.

I take a shuddering breath and steel myself, wiping the tears from my cheeks.

It's time to do what needs to be done. To give Paul up. It's the only way I can truly love him the way he deserves.

The way I always have.

With all of my broken heart.

I close my eyes, remembering the warmth of Paul's embrace. The safety I felt in his arms. The way he looked at me like I was the sun, the stars, his entire world.

A tear slips free as flashes of our time together assault me.

The night we stayed up late, curled on the couch, talking for hours about everything and nothing.

The morning after we first made love, waking up with my head on his chest, his heart beating under my ear.

The smile that lit his face when I surprised him at the hospital, bringing coffee and donuts for him and his staff.

The kiss that melted my bones, filled with tenderness and passion and a love so deep it stole my breath.

A sob catches in my throat. I can't do this. I can't give him up. Paul is my heart, my home, the best thing that's ever been mine.

How can I walk away from that? How can I leave behind the man who holds my soul in his hands?

I'm not strong enough. The thought of losing him crushes me into pieces too small to survive on my own.

But Paul's career is everything to him. He's worked and sacrificed for so long to achieve his dream, and I won't be the one to stand in his way. To drag him down.

He deserves so much more than that. So much more thanme.

I have to give him up. No matter the cost. No matter if it breaks me.

For Paul, I would do anything. Even if it means letting go of the love that gave me wings.

The tears fall faster now, a deluge I'm powerless to stop. But underneath the heartbreak and sorrow, a flicker of peace ignites.

Because this is right. This is love—sacrificing for the good of the other person. Putting their needs first.

And Paul's needs come before my own. Always.

I take a deep, steadying breath and wipe my face. My heart may shatter into a thousand pieces, but I'll be damned if I don't do this with grace.

Paul deserves nothing less. Our love deserves nothing less.

It's time to say goodbye.

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