Three Years Paralyzed, Watching Him Love Her

Chapter 7

As the days passed, the chaos of life gradually pushed the sadness out of my mind.

Meanwhile, my colleagues began to notice my knack for design. Compliments became a regular thing, and some even started seeking my advice. I shared everything I knew, eager to help without hesitation.

Life had settled into a rhythm, work, home, repeat. I had even bought an apartment just a few blocks away, making the walk between the two a breeze.

Soon enough, a promotion came my way, and no one batted an eye. My talent and hard work spoke for themselves.

To celebrate, my colleagues threw me a party. I'm not really one for big gatherings, but their excitement was contagious, and I found myself actually enjoying it.

But one evening, as I was heading home, fate had other plans.

"Aurelle…"

The voice was soaked with pity, and so familiar I didn't even need to think. My body reacted before my mind did.

I took a quick step back, putting some space between us. I didn't need to ask, but I did anyway. "How did you find me?"

Ruslan's face twisted into a more pitiful expression, and he pouted like a child.

"I don't want a divorce. I'm not signing those damn papers."

The mention of the divorce papers hit me hard, and I remembered sending them from the office earlier.

He must've traced the return address to find me.

For a split second, I completely forgot that was even an option.

Snapping back to reality, I shot him a cold look. "Fine. Don't sign them. We'll settle this in court."

That was all it took to set him off. His anger flared.

"Aurelle," he snapped, his voice rising, "Why are you making such a big deal out of this? Why are you so heartless?"

I let out a sharp laugh, bitter and cold.

"Heartless?" I shot back. "You think this is heartless?"

"You controlled me for seven years, suffocated me, made my life miserable. If I wanted revenge, I'd have taken it by now. The fact I haven't says everything about how merciful I've been."

"Do you remember when I found out you drugged me? I've never hated anyone more than I hated you in that moment. You were the first, and probably the last."

Ruslan crumbled before me, tears streaming down his face. His voice broke as he sobbed, "I'm sorry. It's all my fault. I was wrong. I was the one who was cruel, the shameless one."

He started slapping his face, as if punishing himself. His cheeks were already turning red from the blows, and the alcohol smell hit me, he was clearly drunk.

Then, in a desperate move, he pulled me into a tight hug, gripping me like his life depended on it. His breath reeked of alcohol.

"Aurelle," he slurred, his voice trembling, "I'm an orphan. I don't have anyone but you. Please, don't leave me. I'm so lonely…"

I could feel the wetness of his tears and snot soaking through my shirt, but all I felt was disgust.

I pushed against him, but his grip was too strong. After a few moments of struggling, I gave in, my body exhausted from the fight.

"Ruslan," I said flatly, "Stop pretending. You've got the tolerance of a tank. This is pathetic."

The moment I said it, his tears stopped, as if someone had flipped a switch.

Then, in an unexpected burst of defiance, he bit my ear.

"Aurelle," he growled, his words slurred, "You're not going anywhere. Not in this lifetime."

"This place doesn't suit you," he continued. "You're coming back with me. I've already bought the tickets. Whether you like it or not, you're coming with me this time."