Chapter 43. She Is Here

I grabbed her wrists gently, holding them still.

“Look at me, Aria.”

She didn’t.

“Aria... please, look at me.”

When she finally did, her face was streaked with tears, her lips trembling.

I cupped her face in both hands.

“I will fix this. I promise. But not by letting you go to him. You shouldn't be his toy anymore.”

“You fool! I don't want you to die, can't you understand,” she whispered, punching my chest weakly.

I didn’t argue but smiled back at her.

“Thanks for caring for me.”

I leaned in and kissed her desperately like it could be the last time.

Her breath caught, her fists still resting against my chest, slowly uncurling. I thought she would push me away, but she didn't.

Then—CRACK.

The door splintered.

I turned sharply.

“Get back!”

As the door burst open, two armed men were standing at the door, their guns raised.

I launched forward before they could