Three Years Paralyzed, Watching Him Love Her

Chapter 5

"Aurelle!"

His voice dripped with barely contained rage.

"You're disabled now. Without me, who else is gonna look after you?"

"If you don't come back, I swear, I won't want you anymore."

His threats were nothing new. Every time I stood my ground, he pulled out the same tired card.

In the past, maybe I would've caved, but not this time.

"Oh, fine then. Don't want me."

The words hung between us, leaving Ruslan struggling to hold onto control.

His voice cracked, a mix of disbelief and frustration.

"Aurelle, do you even know what you're saying?"

"I know exactly what I'm saying. My paralysis is already cured. But even if I were still paralyzed, I wouldn't stay with you."

The silence on the other end was heavy, almost suffocating.

Ruslan was frozen, clearly unable to process what I'd just said.

After what felt like an eternity, he finally stumbled out, "Aurelle... you've really recovered? You can stand again?"

"Well… that's… that's good news!"

I couldn't help but let out a sharp laugh, the sound almost bitter in the quiet.

"Good? You're actually happy for me?"

Before I could finish, Ruslan cut in, his voice defensive and quick.

"Of course! Who else but me would want the best for you?"

His words sounded sweet, but a cold chill crept down my spine.

"Ruslan, if I didn't know about all the disgusting things you've done, maybe I'd believe you. Honestly, it's a miracle you haven't won an Oscar for that performance."

The silence stretched on, and I could almost hear him gripping the phone harder, his hand shaking with rage. But he held it together.

"Aurelle, I don't understand what you're talking about."

"Really? Let me break it down for you."

"You put hidden cameras in the house to spy on me. You planted tracking software on my phone. And worst of all, you poisoned me with neurotoxins to keep me paralyzed..."

With each accusation, my voice turned colder, sharper, the words cutting into the silence like knives.

I could practically feel him trembling on the other end.

When I finished, the silence was so thick, I thought I might choke on it.

Finally, he spoke, his voice defensive, laced with guilt.

"That's not true, Aurelle. Listen to me, it's not like that. I did all of that because I love you! I love you so much, I couldn't control myself. I just wanted you to stay with me forever."

"I was so scared, scared those men outside would take you from me. You're amazing, but if you were paralyzed, they wouldn't care about you..."

Before he could finish, I cut him off, my voice as sharp as ice.

"Are you sure it's because you love me, or because you were terrified I'd find out about your affair with Thea? You crippled me to make sure I couldn't walk away from you."

The words hung in the air, and for a moment, he was silent, struggling to process everything.

"Aurelle, so you already know about me and Thea?"

I didn't say anything. No need to confirm it. The silence was enough.

His voice faltered, and he stammered, "It's all my fault. I was blinded by lust. I made a huge mistake. But honestly, aren't all powerful men like this? Compared to others in my circle, I'm practically a saint. If it bothers you, I'll change."

His voice grew more pleading.

"Aurelle, I'll change for you. Just come back, and I'll do whatever you want."

I let the silence hang for a moment before answering, my voice cold and final.

"No."

I could hear his composure snap. For a brief moment, I heard desperation in his voice.

"Then what will it take for you to forgive me?"

His words hit a nerve, reminding me of the child he was so obsessed with.

"If you cut all ties with Thea and refuse to acknowledge the child she's carrying, then I'll forgive you. I'll come back."