Chapter 98

• "Father used to beat mother and I sat in the corner of the dark room, hearing those loud cries, feeling scared. I wanted to take my mother away. So, I.. joined the underworld at the age of 17. But, a year after it, father died and we began to face money problems, to escape our desperation for money, I.. I involved myself more in it and for the sake of money, I did illegal things too and we moved to New York but.. When I found out that you guys also came, I was so surprised, I thought that I left you behind and we can never meet again as you can live a normal life again, without even knowing about my existence but I was wrong. You guys moved here because some people want to sell you. That time, I saw someone taking you away and mother's words echoed in my mind that I have to protect you and before I knew it....I... I took a life. The first time I killed a person.. was for your sake. I was devastated, I felt like my body was stained in blood and that guy is glaring at me. I couldn't sleep, I couldn't eat. But, soon I recovered from that trauma because of Merlin who even after hearing it, stayed by my side. She even encouraged me to go deeper in the Mafia world, I never knew she was doing this for my despair not for the sake of our future. When mother came to know about it, she... she killed herself saying that I am a disgrace to her. She.. killed herself because of me.. I am the reason of her death... I felt so heartbroken and after destroying my life, Merlin cheated on me too. I was left with the incapability to think and feel. I then devoted my life to fulfill the promise I made to mother; to marry you. But, I can't do it, not unless I convert my depraved money into money earned with virtue. A year before our marriage, I told Aunt that I'll come back to fulfill my promise.
• I just lost my ability to think and when Juliette met me, she told me that you'll never agree to marry me, she said a lot of things that caused me to question my choice to marry you. Her words are so misleading and I strayed from my path and caused this mess. I'm sorry, I never want to do this injustice to you, I never want to blind myself in the possession of money. I have made a lot of mistakes and I can't even penance for those crimes I committed. That's why when I broke you, I wanted to at least make this mistake of mine right. I just don't know what you'll think of me after knowing I have killed people, I have done illegal businesses and that I am the reason for my mother's death… I was so afraid to tell you but Sophie I need you by my side. I am nothing without you.." I said as tears brimmed in my eyes, blurring my vision. My lips began to shake as my whole being was shuddering in dread to see her reaction. I didn't dare to lift my gaze and met hers. A silence fell upon the room and I felt my heart heavy because of her lack of response. I closed my eyes as a tear fell directly on the ground. I pressed my teeth against themselves to stop myself from crying. The absence of sound crushed my heart miserably as I was left with the inability to think nothing but thoughts of despair.
• But, then Sophie's grip on my hand tightened as she moved her head and rested it on my shoulders. My head shot up as I turned and saw her smiling, her eyes were closed and seemed so... peaceful. She was liberated from any stress.