"Shattered Vows: A Tale of Toxicity"

17. Grave

Amelia's eyes were swollen and red from crying, her left cheek marked with red lines as she hastily packed her clothes into a suitcase. The air in the room felt thick with tension as William entered, his expression a mix of concern and confusion.

"Why are you packing your clothes, Amelia?" William's voice was gentle, but there was an underlying worry.

Amelia paused, her hands trembling slightly as she zipped up the suitcase. "I can't live with you, William," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.

William's brows furrowed in disbelief. "Leaving me because I slapped you? Is that it?"

Amelia's eyes welled up with fresh tears as she nodded, unable to meet his gaze.

William's jaw tightened as he processed her words. Without a word, he strode over to the mirror, his steps heavy with determination. He stared at his reflection for a moment, his fists clenching at his sides.

Then, with a sudden burst of anguish, he raised his right hand and slammed it against the mirror, the glass shattering into a web of cracks. Blood trickled down his hand from the impact, staining the shards below.

Amelia gasped, her hands went to her mouth in shock. "William, stop!" she cried, rushing to his side.

But William seemed oblivious to her pleas as he continued to pound his hand against the broken mirror, his actions fueled by a mixture of guilt and self-loathing.

Finally, with one last resounding crash, he withdrew his hand, panting heavily as he stared at the destruction before him.

Amelia gently took hold of his injured hand, her touch tender as she examined the cuts and bruises. "Let's get you cleaned up," she said softly, guiding him to the sofa.

She retrieved the first aid kit, her hands steady as she carefully tended to his wounds. As she worked, William watched her with a mixture of remorse and longing, his heart heavy with regret.

"Please, Amelia," he whispered, his voice filled with desperation. "Don't leave me. I can't bear to lose you."

Tears pricked Amelia's eyes as she finished bandaging his hand, her heart aching at the sight of his pain. She reached out and gently cupped his cheek, her touch feather-light against his skin.

"I don't want to leave you, William," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I can't stay if things don't change."

William's eyes searched hers, his gaze filled with a mixture of love and determination. "I'll do whatever it takes to make things right," he vowed, his voice unwavering.

Amelia nodded, a glimmer of hope flickering in her eyes. "I want to believe you, William," she said softly. "But actions speak louder than words."

With a nod, William reached out and took her hand in his, his grip gentle yet firm. "I'll show you," he promised, his voice filled with determination. "I'll prove to you that I can change."

And as they sat together on the sofa, their hands intertwined, Amelia dared to believe that perhaps, just perhaps, there was hope to mend their broken relationship after all.

                                 ~~~

The air inside the office felt stale, a reflection of William's restless mind. It had been fifteen days since he promised Amelia that he would change, that he would become someone worthy of her love. And today, he intended to make good on that promise.

Determined, he glanced at the clock on his desk. It was time. With a swift motion, he reached for his phone, dialing Amelia's number. Meanwhile, he discreetly observed her through the home CCTV system. Amelia's face lit up as her phone buzzed, a signal that William was calling.

"Hello?" Amelia's voice, filled with curiosity, echoed through the phone.

"Get ready within an hour. I'll pick you up," William commanded gently.

"Where are we going?" Amelia inquired eagerly, unable to contain her curiosity.

"It's a surprise," William replied with a hint of mystery before abruptly ending the call.

Turning his attention to his secretary, James, William confirmed, "You've prepared the flowers, right?"

James nodded, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Yes, sir. They're already in your car."

Satisfied, William made his way home. As he pulled up in front of the mansion, he called her once again to let her know he had arrived. Moments later, Amelia emerged through the door, Seeing her  William stepped out of the car to greet her, his heart pounding with nervous excitement.

"Let me help you with that," William offered, gently assisting Amelia into the car and ensuring she was safely buckled in.

With a sense of purpose, William began to drive, the anticipation building with each passing mile. After driving for two hours, he finally brought the car to a stop. As Amelia looked around, confusion etched across her face.

"It's a burial place," Amelia observed, her voice tinged with surprise. "But this isn't where your parents are buried. Why are we here, William?"

With a solemn expression, William met Amelia's gaze. "This is where your mother is buried," he revealed quietly. "I know your father never told you, and even your aunt was unaware. But I found it. For you."

Amelia's eyes widened in disbelief as William led her to her mother's grave. Overwhelmed with emotion, tears streamed down her cheeks as she knelt before the headstone, her grief pouring out like a long-dammed river.

William placed the flowers he had brought at the foot of the grave."Mother," he whispered softly, "I promise to take care of your daughter. Rest in peace."

With a small, sinister smile, he helped Amelia to her feet, offering her his unwavering support. Together, they left the gravesite, the weight of the moment hanging heavy in the air.

Suddenly, a strong gust of wind swept through the cemetery, rustling the leaves and scattering the petals of the flowers William had placed on the grave.

As William was driving back home from the cemetery, Amelia's tears flowed uncontrollably. William glanced at her with concern, his felt a sense of satisfaction at the sight of her grief.

"Don't cry, Amelia," he said softly, reaching out to gently wipe away her tears. "I promised your mother I'd take care of you, so she can rest in peace."

Amelia's sobs continued, her emotions sad and overwhelming. She clutched a handkerchief tightly, her breath fastening as she struggled to compose herself.

William took her hand in his, offering silent comfort as they sat in the car, he acted as if he understood the pain of losing a loved one.

"Stop crying, Amelia," William said gently, his voice tender and reassuring. "Your mother would want you to be strong."

Amelia nodded, her tears gradually subsiding as she leaned against William's shoulder for support. Exhausted from the emotional turmoil, she closed her eyes and fell into a peaceful sleep.