Chapter 2: Regret
Elaine had followed Kim's instructions and made her way to the VIP room of the club. When she knocked on the door, there was no response.
Surprisingly, the door was unlocked. Inside, she found no one—no guards or anyone else. The sight that greeted her was shocking. Yet, amidst her shock, she realised her own emotional turmoil was even greater.
"D-Dante?" Elaine stuttered, almost breathless, as she caught sight of Dante standing in the corner.
"What are you doing here?" His eyes met hers as he uttered the question. A faint smile crossed his lips before he threw himself towards her. The suddenness of his action left Elaine stunned, but she didn't resist his embrace.
"I'm sorry... I-I don't want to marry her..." His words faltered, weighed down by the complexity of his situation. "But," he paused, his voice growing more intense, "I have no choice... They won't grant me my inheritance if I-I don't marry that bitch!" The anger and frustration in his voice were evident, heightened by the evident effects of alcohol on him.
Elaine offered her understanding, her presence having meant more than words. "I understand," she reassured him, her voice steady despite the swirling emotions within her.
And then the moment of truth arrived. His eyes locked onto hers, and with a mixture of certainty and vulnerability, he spoke the words that had been lingering between them. "I love you." The confession hung in the air, laden with the weight of their unspoken feelings.
Elaine's eyes welled up with tears, and in that fragile moment, she found her own courage to admit the truth that had been residing in her heart. "I love you more," she whispered, her voice breaking with raw emotion.
In a heartbeat, the atmosphere shifted. He brushed away the tears from her cheeks, his touch stealing her breath. And then, their lips met—a collision of emotions and desires that had been suppressed for far too long.
The taste of his kiss was a mixture of longing and urgency, a declaration of feelings that had remained hidden for far too long. Their mouths moved together in a dance of desire, each kiss deepening their connection.
In that dimly lit room, time seemed to stand still as they explored the depths of their feelings. His hands found their way to her waist, pulling her closer as if afraid to let go. Elaine's fingers tangled in his hair, her touch a testament to her own yearning.
Eventually, they pulled apart, their breaths ragged, but their eyes locked in a silent promise. Without a word, he took her hand and led her to the bed in the middle of the room.
The weight of his impending marriage and the pressure of his family's expectations were temporarily forgotten. Tears fell from both eyes as they realized the depth of their forbidden love.
They knew that their time together was limited, but in that moment, all they could think about was the passion and love they shared.
They were willing to risk everything for a taste of this pure bliss, even if it meant facing the consequences that awaited them beyond the confines of their secret rendezvous.
The next day, Eliane looked over at the man sleeping beside her. He was innocent, yet dapper, and so incredibly handsome.
Even when he was sound asleep, his attractive features couldn't be hidden by his thick eyebrows, a pointed nose, and thin lips.
Irish's long, black, curly hair, shoulders, and bronzed skin were all illuminated by the morning light as it peaked through the hotel's thick velvet curtain.
His skin was flawless, and the muscles that lined his broad, strong shoulders were rigid and defined. His powerful form was perfectly outlined by the light for a brief period of time.
He was breathing normally while sleeping, in sharp contrast to Elaine, who scowled and curled up in thought.
After a while, Elaine's eyes gently shifted away, landing first on the bright white sheet covering her body before returning to the still-asleep man's face. Her gaze finally fixed on the ground-level clock. It was 5:35.
For the past five minutes, she had been staring at this man, trying to make sense of the suddenness of his presence in her life. Everything about him was familiar, from his chiselled features to his peaceful expression. She watched him as if she were looking at him for the last time.
She felt perspiration on her forehead and was short of breath. Inhaling deeply, she wiped the sweat from her face and got out of bed. Wearing her dress, she made her way towards her life.
Dante was still sleeping; he looked like an angel in the morning light. She couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for leaving him behind, but she knew she had to follow her own path. Leaving a last kiss on his forehead, she stepped outside. The cool breeze brushed against her face, and for a moment, she felt a sense of freedom.
The man, who had been a life to her, now seemed like a distant memory as she embraced the unknown future that lay ahead.
Meanwhile, Dante opened his eye the moment the door closed. He lay straight, looking at the ceiling. Tears started falling from his eyes. The emptiness that engulfed the room overwhelmed him, and he couldn't help but wonder if he would ever see her again.
The weight of her absence settled heavily on his chest, and he whispered her name into the empty space, hoping against hope that somehow she would hear his silent plea to come back to him.
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Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone