Chapter 143: Chapter 143

After I delivered those sentences, no one talked to us. Our breath is the sole remaining sound, and we have a sense of who will speak next. Even though I'm not sure what to say following that statement due to the fact that I can't see his face, I'm not confident whether I should continue. Perhaps he was just swept away, or maybe he perished in the heat created by the two of us.

Nonetheless, he had already spoken in the midst of my thinking, bringing my mind back to the present.

"Aren't you exhausted?" he asked.

I won't be able to hear him if the surroundings are busy, but because it's just the two of us and we seem to be side by side, his voice is clear.

"What do you mean?"  I responded to him.

"From then till today, nothing has changed for us in the amount of years that has gone. It remains the same."

"Explain what you're trying to convey, since I'm not grasping anything you said." I spoke with him directly. Furthermore, I arched my body and leaned against the headboard.

I locked my gaze on the wall. Indeed, I get what he is trying to express. I just refuse to accept that he is not as readily convinced as he was before. I assumed he was just moping. I got it wrong.

"I thought at the time that I wanted to recompense you for the time you lost. I want you to feel how much it hurts because you abandoned me in the middle of the war when I was defending you. You vanished as though I were blinking."

“…” I did not respond.

However, notwithstanding the fact that he did not get a word from me, he did not stop to explain what he was thinking and feeling with his smokey voice.

"Even so, all my preparations came crashing down when I saw and heard your presence. All of that has changed, and all I want to do now is bind you so you don't escape my grasp or so I can lock you up," he chuckled.

"You may face legal action on the basis of your setup with me." I was making a joke with him.

"Am I insane if I say I'd rather that happen than lose you to me once more?"

My mouth was opened. I felt the need to tell him that I was already aware of what my parents had done to their family, but I was unable to speak.

Someone seems to be objecting to my assertion, claiming that now is not the appropriate moment to make such a statement.

"When I learned Athen was my daughter, I resolved never to let you leave again. However, we have no idea when the possibility will really entice you, since this life does not seem to be for us."

My back straightened because of what he implied. My heartbeat raced.

"W-What are you pointing to?" I'm unwilling to actually stop myself from stuttering.

“Luna. Both of us are harmed by the relationship we are pushing. I choose to just let you go —-"

"NO!" I scream.

I no longer allowed him to continue with what he intended to say.

“Luna—”

"NO!" As I gathered my breath, I was once again holding back what he was about to say.

"It is because I am afraid."

I have no idea why I said it. I want him to understand why I always drive him away. I was terrified that I would suffer throughout my lifetime. I constantly remind myself that I don't deserve him or whether my choice is correct, but it's the only thing I know how to do.

Am I being self-centered if I remark I just want him to be mine? Perhaps Leilani was correct when she said that I have no right to seek the satisfaction of others if I have yet to find happiness for myself.

"What do you doubt? I already emphasized that I am always happy to guide you with whatever fears you may have, however..."  I could hear him laughing incessantly. "Surely, Luna, giving up is fair, isn't it?"

Warm tears welled up in my eyes as I wept continuously due to my itchy throat as a result of what he stated.

"But, I don't want you to be sick of me."

"That is the crux of the matter. You don't want to wear me out, but you also don't want to have to catch me every time I stumble." Due to the sound of the cover, I heard him standing in the background. "Do not fear; I will not release my grip on your hand until you tell me to. I'm returning home next week. Let us solve this once and for all... and agree on everything."

I was taken aback when he added "agree on everything." What issues must be resolved? Will he leave me or will we mend fences?

Luna! Wake up!

"I shall await your arrival at the airport. Athens and I will be anticipating your return. "

I made no additions to what I said since he had already hung up. My phone died when I glanced at it. I waited a few more minutes, hoping he might call, but when I heard a knock, I calmly peeked at the door.

"Are you there, Mommy?" Athen inquired of me outside. I hurriedly dressed and headed to the door.

"What is it?" I smiled at her freely, but she just yawned. My smile became wider, and I lifted her. "Are you sleepy?"

"Yeah, but Mark said daddy would be home soon; do I still have to wait?" She rubs her eyes and speaks quietly. Perhaps Mark had already informed her about Adonis's impending return.

"You still have seven more days to sleep." As I went down the stairs, I shut the door.

I immediately heard Leilani's shriek as I descended.