The Black Dahlia (Cartel Series #1) ✔️

64. Healing

Alejandro

As I stood in the garden looking at the beautiful site in front of me but all I could feel is pain and betrayal.

In that serene garden, amidst the beauty of nature, my eyes gazed upon a scene that should have brought peace to my troubled soul. Yet, beneath the façade of tranquility, a storm raged within me, a tempest of pain and betrayal that threatened to consume me whole.

Every flower, every blade of grass, seemed to mock me with their vibrant colors and graceful movements, reminding me of the life I once knew, now shattered and broken. The betrayal cut deep, like a knife twisting in my gut, leaving behind a gaping wound that refused to heal.

As I stood there, surrounded by beauty but drowning in sorrow, I couldn't help but wonder how something so pure and innocent could coexist with the darkness that now consumed my heart.

The chill in the air cut through me like a blade, penetrating deeper than the mere temperature could explain. It wasn't just the weather that sent shivers down my spine; it was the icy grip of unresolved emotions, lingering like a shadow over my every thought.

Part of me wanted to bury those feelings, to pretend they didn't exist, to leave the wound untouched in the hopes that it would eventually fade away. But denial could only offer temporary relief, and deep down, I knew that ignoring the pain would only prolong the agony.

Despite my best efforts to steel myself against the hurt, I couldn't deny the ache that gnawed at my soul, a constant reminder of the betrayal that had shattered my world

A week has elapsed since the day I regained consciousness in that sterile hospital room, a mere two days following her departure. Initially, I sought to shield myself from the pain of her absence, burying thoughts of her deep within. Yet, despite my efforts to come to terms with her leaving, the ache in my heart persists, mingling with a potent brew of emotions, including an overwhelming anger that simmers beneath the surface whenever her memory intrudes upon my thoughts.

She left because she wanted to. She never belonged here, but I thought that everything I had done for her would make her stay. I thought she would stay beside me, but I was so wrong about her.

"Alejandro..." I turned around and faced my mother. A tender smile graced her lips

"What are you doing out there in cold? Come inside dinner is ready " Approaching me with purpose, she enveloped my arms in her gentle grasp.

"Come on, I made your favorite dish" my mother dragged me inside the house and led her as a smile crept on my face.

My family is the only one who is helping me to stay sane, or else I am very close to losing my mind.

Each step I take feels like an arduous journey through a landscape of pain, my body protesting with every movement. The ache is relentless, forcing me to pause, to catch my breath, to steel myself against the discomfort that courses through me. And yet, amidst the physical anguish, it's the silent communication between my mother and I that cuts the deepest. With each tightening grip of her fingers around my arm, with each glance exchanged, laden with unspoken anguish

"I am fine" I said to her

Strangely, my family doesn't blame Gabriella for leaving me. It feels like they've accepted it, and they don't blame her for anything. But I do.

It doesn't matter what they think about her; I definitely hate her for leaving me. I risked my life for her—I took two bullets for her, and I even found her father's murderer. Yet, she still left. When Sandra told me about Gabriel, at first it was quite shocking to discover that someone presumed dead was actually alive. However, my shock turned into immense anger when I realized that Gabriella chose his brother over me.

I know I shouldn't feel this way, considering he is her brother, and they say blood is thicker than water. But despite that, I can't shake off this feeling of betrayal.

After all I did for her, she chose her family over me. She couldn't even wait for me to wake up to tell me a proper goodbye. I don't blame her for choosing her family over me, but she should have at least stayed by my side until I woke up. Instead, she seemed to be in a hurry to leave me, as if I were an unwanted thing in her life that she wanted to get rid of as soon as possible. It's as though I've become nothing more than an inconvenience in her life, something she's eager to discard without a second thought.

She left.

After dinner, I retreated to my study to unwind. Due to my injury, I've been confined to my home, which has led to feelings of resentment. Despite being surrounded by my family, I occasionally feel suffocated. It's not that I don't love them, but at times, the closeness feels overwhelming.
I feel caged in my home. I feel caged to my own feeling.

And the biggest thorn in my life right now is Carlos. He hasn't left my side for a single second since I woke up in the hospital. He won't allow me even a moment alone with my thoughts, and I understand why he's doing this – to prevent me from dwelling on her. The only time he leaves my side is at night when we all go to sleep.

I walked over to the shelf that housed my limited edition alcohol. Pulling out a bottle filled with golden liquid, I began drinking straight from it. Sinking into the sofa with the bottle in hand, I hadn't even made it halfway through when the door to my study creaked open, and Carlos stepped inside

He eyed the bottle in my hand and I arched a brow, daring him to comment. I didn't have a death wish so I controlled myself from drinking even when I craved it. Now, nearly a week after my surgery, I figured it was safe to indulge.

"You shouldn't be drinking," I sensed he didn't catch the warning in my eyes. Deliberately, I took another sip from the bottle, emphasizing my defiance.

"You shouldn't be drinking, you are still healing..."

"I am fine," I said sternly, reminding him who the real boss is here. He nodded, finally understanding the warning.

"The cartel wants to schedule a meeting with you," he said.

"Fine, arrange a meeting with them day after tomorrow," I replied as I took another sip from the bottle.

"Are you sure? You still have not recovered properly..."

"I am fine. Schedule the meeting. They deserve to know the whole truth, and I also need to make a few changes."  I interrupted him mid-sentence, and although he nodded in acknowledgment, he made no move to leave the room, standing there as though he were keeping watch over me.

"You should leave; it's late" I hinted indirectly, suggesting he should leave me alone. He let out a deep sigh and turned around, heading for the door.

I sighed as he left me alone. Finally I am alone with my own thoughts.  I changed myself for her but at the end she left me. But soon I will be back to unfeeling, cold man I was before.

I shouldn't have fallen for her. I shouldn't have any feelings for her. Feelings makes you crazy. They make you do things that you didn't even imagine in your dream. Feeling, once revered, now appear as harbingers of chaos, guiding me down paths I never dared tread. It made me a crazy obsessed man for a woman who was a enemy and then she left me. Feelings brought pain to me and it's high time I stop feeling.

She left me because she wanted to, I wouldn't swallow my pride and go behind her like a lovesick puppy.

                                                               

Hey, my lovely readers,
I hope you liked today's chapter. Don't forget to leave your genuine comments.