My engagement with Jared is tomorrow, and a whirlwind of emotions has engulfed me. As I sat alone, an overwhelming wave of despair crashed over me. I pressed my hands against my chest, feeling my heart race, and tears began to cascade down my cheeks. Panic churned within me—I wanted to flee, but where would I go? What was driving this fear? I clutched my chest tighter, as more tears flowed freely, every sob echoing my inner turmoil.
Suddenly, a series of sharp knocks broke through my spiraling thoughts.
"Knock knock."
I quickly wiped my eyes and called out, trying to steady my voice. "Who's there?"
"It's me, Damon. Open up." His voice was both familiar and comforting. I moved to the door, opening it with hesitance. As he stepped inside, his eyes lingered on mine, searching for something beneath the surface.
"How are you doing?" he asked gently, settling closer beside me.
"You've been crying," he observed, concern flooding his voice. His hands found my shoulders, and in that moment, the world around us faded into silence.
"Nothing," I managed to respond, though I felt a tempest of emotions roiling beneath my calm facade. I yearned to voice everything that weighed on my heart, but the words tangled in my throat.
"I like you, Damon. No, I love you." The confession slipped from my lips before I fully realized its weight.
His expression shifted from surprise to contemplation, and he looked down, grappling with the enormity of my revelation.
"Elara… we really can't. Our relationship and everything…" he struggled, avoiding my gaze.
"Do you have feelings for me too?" I pressed, desperation lacing my words. "Elara, please…" He hesitated, but I wouldn't back down. "I want you to answer me now. Please say something!"
"I do love you, Elara. I do," he admitted, his voice thick with emotion. "It drives me mad to see you with someone else—I can't bear it."
A rush of joy surged through me, and without thinking, I kissed him. My heart soared as he reciprocated, igniting a fierce heat between us. His hands enveloped mine, anchoring me in place, while his other hand caressed my cheek, sending shivers down my spine. As his lips journeyed to my neck, I gasped, overwhelmed by the intensity of the moment.
"Elara," he murmured, his breath warm against my skin.
"We shouldn't," he said, inching away, yet I felt resolute.
"I don't care, Damon," I declared, my voice steady. "I'm supposed to spend the rest of my life with someone else, so why not?"
"Elara…" he pleaded, his eyes filled with conflict.
But he pulled away entirely, leaving a chasm between us. I stumbled back to my bed, collapsing onto the sheets as fresh waves of sobs wracked my body. The tears fell like a deluge, mourning not just the choices I had made but the impending marriage that loomed over me. I cried for all that had happened, for all that would never be, and for the conflicting desires that tore at my heart.