Happily Ever After

Chapter 40

(Y/N) POV

When the clock struck twelve, we found ourselves standing by the shore of river Thames. Claude had prepared a small boat adorned with bluebells much like a coffin, a single black rose in his hand.

"I guess this is goodbye, (Y/N)." Alois held my hands with a sad smile. "I'm sorry things had to end this way."

This was it. This was the end. This was the final goodbye.

I couldn't bring myself to utter a word, for if I did, tears would pour out of my eyes uncontrollably. I wanted to send him off with a smile. I did not wish for him to see me in such a miserable state, since it would only make things much harder. Instead, I embraced him as tight as I possibly could, knowing this was the last time I  ever hold him like this.

He gently stroked my hair, relishing this one last moment between us. Stars aligned and hearts intertwined, we always found comfort in each others arms. It was a safe haven for the both of us. It made us feel like we were home. However, that special place of ours would soon be taken away forever.

I was not ready to let go. I was not ready to lose my best friend, my partner, my lover, but alas I had to. One more day... one more hour... one more minute... one more second... If I could give all of my possessions to get him out of this predicament or simply have another moment with him, then I would. One might think that I am exaggerating, but no. A person's soul is priceless. No amount of money, no amount of riches, and no amount of wealth can compare to it. Believe me, I know.

Alois and I broke the hug. He cupped my cheeks, looked at me in the eyes, and pressed our foreheads together. "I love you, (Y/N). I love you from the deepest depths of my bottomless heart. Thank you for coming into my life and being a part of it. I shall never forget the day I met you on that small village. You were an angel in disguise. You made my life much brighter and more colourful than it already was. I cannot thank you enough for everything that you have done for me. I love you always and forever, my dear angel."

"And I love you too, Alois. You were the one who helped me be the woman I am today. You urged me and pushed me into being the best version of myself. Thank you for the wonderful moments you spent with me under sunny skies and starry nights, rain or shine, storm or calm. I shall cherish them forever here in my heart. I'll never forget you, my love."

"No matter where we go, no matter where we are, whether we are together or a thousand miles apart, these lockets will keep us near each other's hearts, no matter how near, no matter how far." Alois pulled out a hear-shaped locket from his pocket. "Remember this, angel?"

"The lockets! You had yours all along. I thought you lost it."

"Of course not. I kept mine hidden all this time." Alois secured the necklace behind his neck. "Now it is back on its rightful place." He gave me a warm smile. "If you ever feel lonely, hold on to this locket as if you were holding onto my hand. It will keep you company during the loneliest of nights."

"Alright. Don't forget to visit me soon. See you in my dreams, love. Make sure you show up like you did last time, but please, don't scare me to death. No more cliffs or spiders."

"Oh that... that might not be my doing. I think it was Claude," Alois said, whispering the last sentence.

"Tell him not to do that again, please," I whispered back.

"I shall make sure of that." Alois winked.

"Goodbye, love."

"Farewell, sweet angel."

I turned back and took slow but steady steps towards the carriage Alois had prepared for me before hand, but before I could, I heard Alois shout, "Wait!" He grabbed my wrist and spun me around. He inched his face closer, lips ghosting over mine, and asked, "Can I have a goodnight kiss before I go to bed?"