Imara Diversifies The Beastmen World

Chapter Forty Six: This Too Shall Pass

I kept my eyes closed, letting the pain of what had happened wash over me. Harvey's hand gently tilted my chin up, his touch tender and grounding. "My love, look at me, please," he said softly, his voice warm and steady.

I met his gaze, unable to hide the ache coursing through my heart. "I did the right thing," I whispered, more to myself than to him.

He bent down and kissed my forehead. "Yes, you did, my love," he affirmed, his voice full of conviction.

I held my hands up, silently asking for comfort. Harvey understood without a word, lifting me into his lap and gently rocking me. His presence was a balm, soothing the edges of my turmoil.

"Tell me," he murmured, his voice tender. "What did you really want?"

I smiled faintly, touched by his kindness. But I replied, "I don't want to talk about it. It's in the past now."

Harvey's expression stayed calm, but his concern was clear. "I just want you to get it out," he said gently, "so you don't carry it and suffer later."

I looked into his eyes, meeting his unwavering gaze. "This time, I'm stronger than that," I said, though my voice wavered. A tear slid down my cheek, and I quickly wiped it away.

"Just let me sleep it off," I murmured. "I'll be out later."

Harvey didn't look convinced. "Are you sure you don't want to talk about it?"

I sighed, the weight of the situation pressing down again. "I just thought we were better than that. Maybe I'm being selfish, but I just knew they were coming with us. And I was wrong. I—" My throat tightened, emotions threatening to overwhelm me. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, forcing myself to concentrate.

"I wanted us to be together as a family, as friends," I continued. "And now I realize I was asking more of them than I should have. Yes, I knew they wanted more, but I can't—I refuse to make decisions that don't benefit my intimate family. It just isn't smart or safe for any of us."

Harvey listened intently as I fiddled with my fingers, my gaze dropping.

"I respect their decision," I said quietly. "They respected mine. And that's their right. I won't let my emotions override that. It wouldn't be fair or kind to them."

My voice broke slightly as I added, "Yet here I am, not wanting to let them go. It feels cruel to them in a way. And yet, I can't help wondering how they could just walk out like that. I thought we were more than that."

I exhaled deeply, trying to push the thoughts away. "It hurt my feelings, but now I know better."

Harvey shifted slightly, drawing me closer. "Imara," he said softly, "they didn't walk out because they don't care. They left because they care too much. But their emotions are theirs to handle—not yours. You did what was right for you, for us, and for them. Remember that."

His words grounded me further, but I wasn't finished. "And I refuse to cry about them to you again," I said, my voice firm. "You, my lovely man, deal with so much for me. You deserve better than that."

Taking a deep breath, I straightened my posture. "So, head up, Imara," I said, more to myself than to him. "Move on."

Harvey's intense gaze met mine, his blue eyes filled with admiration. "You never cease to amaze me, my love. Your strength and wisdom in handling this show just how remarkable you are. Remember, you're never alone in this. We're a team, and I'm here to support you, always."

I allowed myself to rest my head against his chest, taking comfort in the rhythmic beat of his heart. But I wasn't ready to let it all go just yet. After a moment, I shifted in his arms.