Her Best Second Chance

Chapter 37: 4th of July

Arzhel's POV
*The measure of a man's strength is in the gentleness with which he treats the women in his life.*

Thursday, July 4th, would forever alter my fate. As I grip the steering wheel, driving to Montego Bay, anxiety and uncertainty gnaw at my chest. My mind is racing with unsettling thoughts, making focus impossible.

The unknown terrifies me. I've dreaded this day since then, fearing I might lose her forever. My heart races, and fear and reluctance twist in my gut, tempting me to turn back. But the slight chance of seeing her warm brown eyes again propels me forward, despite my apprehension.

My phone buzzed, snapping me out of my self pity. Solayne's name flashed on the screen, accompanied by a photo attachment. A small smile creeps onto my lips as I open the image, revealing Nerissa's and her bright smile at the airport. She is just updating me as she took Nerissa with her to drop a friend off at the airport. I trusted her completely with my child, so I didn't rush to respond.

Gazing at the photo before the light changes, a mixture of emotions swirled within me. She has no idea how much she means to me and how grateful I am for her help with my daughter, freeing up time for my hectic schedule. It's why when she'd mentioned moving out, my mind had reeled. Selfish or not, having her around brought me peace.

I click off the photo focusing ahead as I drive off, memories flooding my mind. Our daily routine, coming home to her every night and waking up to her every morning had become a comforting constant. She even helped me sleep better, calming my restless nights.

As I pulled into the parking lot, my mind settled on the daunting task ahead. Having Solayne nearby made me feel content, but today's reality weighed heavily on my chest. I hadn't told her where I was going; the truth was too complicated, and lying wasn't an option.

With a deep breath, I stepped out of the car and signed in. The elevator ride seemed endless, my heart racing with each passing floor. I stepped onto her floor, my footsteps echoing down the hallway. As I approached her room, I slowed, pausing outside the door. I peered through the window, my heart racing with anticipation.

Her machines beeping steadily, a reassuring rhythm that signaled her heart still beat. Mother sits beside her, and a nurse stands in the far corner watching her.

Paralyzed, I stood before the door, my heart weighed down by uncertainty. The thought of her awakening, only to hate me, suffocated me. My jaw throbbed from the pressure of my bite, and my lip stung, the metallic tang of blood lingering.

Guilt and longing twisted within me, a toxic knot. I knew I was responsible for all this, and the burden crushed me. Turning away, I made the agonizing decision to leave, I couldn't bear the thought of losing her too. The pain was already unbearable but watching her slip away before me again 'No' I lost her once before, I can't lose her again for good this time.

As I turned to leave, Dr. Moore's gentle voice stop me. "Mr. Delgardio." I paused, my back still to the room,

"It's time," she said, her words laced with compassion.

I slowly turned, meeting her apologetic gaze. My eyes drifted back to her motionless figure, and the weight of three agonizing years bore down on me.

Summoning what little strength I had, I stepped into the room, my hands buried deep in my pockets. My mother's sorrowful eyes locked onto mine, filled with empathy and pain.

"Zel," she whispers, her trembling voice cracking.

I stand frozen, unable to move or speak. My gaze locks as her words barely registers "Whatever happens, it's going to be alright," she soothed, her gentle hand on my chest.