Chapter 58: Chapter 58

Sierra pov.

As I slowly pulled away from Henry, I took a moment to observe his face, and then shifted my gaze down to William, who stared back at me in shock, clearly taken aback by my recent actions.

"From now on, I choose Henry as my mate. It's time for you to leave," I uttered, my voice filled with determination.

After uttering those words, I turned to walk away, but William caught hold of my hands, standing up to face me.

"You can't be serious," he said, his voice quivering with the threat of tears.

I gently pulled my hands away from his grasp, distancing myself from him as I turned to face him squarely.

"I'm not joking, William. I'm serious. I don't want you in my life anymore. I've made a colossal mistake, and now I want to make things right. I'm sorry, William, but I can't continue living this way. Please, just go away," I pleaded, tears streaming down my face, unsure if I was making the right choice.

"Sierra, please," William implored, but Henry stepped in, blocking his path.

"She's made her decision. Why don't you just let her be?" Henry interjected, his voice firm and resolute.

Though Henry shouted at William, I remained silent. After a while, William turned away, heading toward the door. But before he left, he paused and looked back at me.

"I still love you, Sierra. I don't know what's going on, but I'm going to find out," he declared, his voice filled with determination.

And with those words, he walked away. I stood there, tears cascading down my cheeks, consumed by a whirlwind of emotions.

Once I heard the sound of the door closing, I turned around and saw only Henry standing there.

"Sierra," he called out to me, approaching me cautiously, but I halted his advance.

"Please, just stay there. Right now, I need to be alone," I requested, my voice choked with sorrow.

I spun around and raced up the stairs, seeking solace in the refuge of my room. As I closed the door behind me, I made my way to the edge of my bed, collapsing under the weight of my despair. Tears poured from my eyes, and I felt utterly shattered, adrift and yearning for someone to find me in the depths of my desolation.

I gaze at the wall of my room, my eyes fixated until they meet the sight of a picture. It captures a moment of pure joy, my mother and I smiling together during my time at Moonhowler. The memories flood back, reminding me that it was the most remarkable day of my life, the day I claimed first position as the year's finest artist.

With a sense of longing, I walk over to the picture, gently cradling it in my hands. As I peer at the image, I am overwhelmed as if the entire world stands still, leaving me with nothing but tears streaming down my face.

"Why did you have to leave, Mom?" I cry relentlessly, not wanting the tears to cease. "Who could have done this to you?"

After what seems like an eternity of weeping, darkness envelops me, and I find solace in slumber.

As I awaken, I realize I am no longer lying on the floor but nestled in my bed, covered by a warm blanket. As I attempt to rise, I notice a hand at my side, and I turn to find Henry sleeping soundly by my desk, his arm resting gently on the edge of the bed.

A smile graces my face, and I am tempted to reach out and touch his cheek. However, I resist the urge and withdraw my hands.

I release a deep breath, closing my eyes momentarily, seeking solace in the stillness, unsure of my next move, consumed by fear.

In the darkness, Henry stirs, gradually waking up. He stands, his eyes meeting mine, calling out my name.

"Sierra, are you okay?"

Swiftly, I wipe away the tears from my eyes, turning to face him, offering a smile.

"Yes, Henry, I'm fine. And what about you? Are you alright too?"

I can sense his concern as he gazes at me. He turns, switches on the lamp, and then directs his attention back to me.

"You know, if you continue like this, you'll only burden yourself with unnecessary blame. It's late; you should be resting. I'm here, and I promise, I won't leave your side, no matter what."

I turn to him, locking eyes, then avert my gaze, finding the courage to speak.

"Are you saying all this because of what I said earlier to William?" I said, still not looking at his face. "I'm sorry, Henry. If you think all that was true, I just made it up. And the kiss, I only did that to make him jealous. I'm sorry."

He held my hands as he stood and moved to the bed, sitting close to me. My eyes kept looking at him as I didn't pull away, only to just look at him more.

"I know, Sierra. You don't need to apologize for anything. I'm just happy that, for once, you're at peace in your mind. No matter what, I will always make sure to be with you."

I smiled as I looked at him. His face was so soft, his eyes were just so calm, and his words made me feel safe.

"Thanks, Henry. I'm just glad I was able to make friends with you, and I know that we are going to get along well."

He smiled and laid down, lifting the blanket to cover me.

"Just take some rest now. I think I'll just go to the living room and leave you to have some rest."

Just as he was about to leave, I held his hands, making him turn and look at me.

"Please stay, Henry. I don't want to be alone."

He smiled and sat back down on the chair, holding my hands softly. I felt calm, and I smiled, knowing that I had nothing to be afraid of.

Just then, my eyes started closing, and I started feeling sleepy. I turned around and smiled, hoping to sleep well.

Just then, I heard a soft whisper from Henry.

"I will keep loving you, Sierra. I will keep loving you."