Devil's Devotion

chapter-4

Two Years Ago

RENÈE

We arrived at the beach party just as the sun began to dip below the horizon. The sky was painted in shades of pink and orange, casting a warm glow over the sand and the dancing waves. The sound of laughter, music, and crashing waves filled the air, creating an electric atmosphere.

Hazel and Mia waved enthusiastically as we approached. We quickly found ourselves caught up in the party's excitement, chatting and laughing around a bonfire. The flames danced and flickered, casting playful shadows on our faces as we shared stories and toasted marshmallows.

"Come on, let's dance!" Hazel urged, grabbing my hand and pulling me towards the center of the crowd. Mia and Crypto followed, and soon we were all moving to the rhythm of the music, our laughter blending with the sound of the waves.

I felt a sense of freedom and joy as I danced with my friends, my worries melting away. Crypto stayed close to me, his protective presence a comforting constant. We moved in sync, our connection palpable.

As the night went on, I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. I glanced around and noticed Alex, the fun-loving party guy, staring at me from across the bonfire. His gaze was intense, and it made me uncomfortable.

Crypto noticed too. His jaw tightened, and his eyes darkened with anger. Without a word, he grabbed my hand and led me away from the crowd. The suddenness of his actions left me startled and confused.

"Crypto, what's going on?" I asked, struggling to keep up with his pace as we walked along the beach, away from the party.

He didn't answer, his grip on my hand firm as he led me to a more secluded spot. When we finally stopped, he turned to face me, his expression a mix of anger and frustration.

"Why was he staring at you like that?" Crypto demanded, his voice low and angry.

"Who? Alex? He's just being himself. There's nothing to worry about," I replied, trying to calm him down.

Crypto's eyes were filled with rage. "I don't like it. I don't like him looking at you."

"Crypto, you're overreacting. It's just a look. He doesn't mean anything by it," I said, placing a hand on his chest to reassure him.

But my touch only seemed to enrage him further. He grabbed my shoulders, his grip so tight it made me wince. "You're mine, Renèe. Do you understand that?"

"Crypto, you're hurting me," I said, my voice trembling.

He didn't seem to hear me. His jealousy and anger had taken over. When I tried to push his hands away, he shoved my back forcefully. "Don't tell me what to do!" he shouted.

I stumbled, fear flashing in my eyes. "Crypto, please, you're scaring me. Calm down."

He advanced on me , his face twisted in anger. "No one gets to look at you like that. No one!"

In a moment of rage, he slapped me across the face. The sound of the impact echoed in the night, and my head snapped to the side. I staggered, holding my cheek in shock.

"Crypto, what have you done?" I whispered, tears welling up in my eyes.

Realization hit him like a tidal wave, and his expression shifted from anger to horror. "Renèe, I... I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to..."

But the damage was done. I backed away from him, my eyes filled with hurt and betrayal. "I need to go," I said, my voice barely audible.

Crypto reached out for me. "Renèe, please, don't go. I'm sorry. I lost control."

I shook my head, tears streaming down my face. "I can't do this, Crypto. Not like this."

With that, I turned and walked away, leaving Crypto standing alone on the beach, consumed by regret and self-loathing. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore was a stark contrast to the silence that now lay between us.

Tears welled up in my eyes, not from the physical pain but from the deep emotional wound.

No one had ever hit me before, nor even raised their voice in such anger. The sting of the slap was a brutal awakening, shattering my sense of safety and trust. I've always been strong, confident, and untouchable. To be struck by someone I cared about, someone I thought cared about me, was a profound and devastating blow.

The tears that spilled from my eyes were not from pain but from the shattering of the trust and security I've felt with him.

Crypto

My anger had subsided the moment I saw Renèe's tears. Regret washed over me like a tidal wave. I tried to apologize immediately, but she had already turned away, her face a mask of pain and betrayal.

The next morning, I stood by Renèe's locker, a bouquet of roses in hand. When she approached, I stepped forward, his voice earnest and contrite. "Renèe, I'm so sorry for what happened. Please, can we talk?"

Renèe didn't even glance at me. She simply walked past, her silence cutting deeper than any words could.

I tried again, this time with a large teddy bear, one I knew she would normally find adorable. I waited outside her classroom, holding it awkwardly.

When Renèe emerged, I offered the bear to her. "Renèe, please. I know I messed up. Let me make it right."

She paused, looking at the bear for a moment before meeting his eyes. Her gaze was cold and distant. "No, Crypto. It's too late," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. She walked away, leaving me standing there, the bear hanging limply in my hands.

Undeterred, I made one last attempt. I knew how much she loved chocolates, so I bought a box of her favorites and waited by her car after school.

When Renèe appeared, I stepped in front of her. "Please, Renèe, just hear me out. I'm really sorry. I'll do anything to make it up to you."

Renèe took the box of chocolates from my hand, looking at it briefly before handing it back. "No, Crypto. Some things can't be fixed with gifts. You hurt me," she said, her voice filled with a mix of sadness and determination. She got into her car and drove off, leaving me standing there, defeated .

Renee

Someone knocked on the door, and moments later, I opened it. I looked surprised to see crypto standing there. His eyes met mine, and he could see the hurt that still lingered.

"Renèe," he began, his voice trembling with emotion. "I know I've hurt you deeply, and I can't take back what I did. But please, just hear me out one last time."

Tears welled up in his eyes as he fell to his knees in front of me, his hands trembling. "I'm so sorry, Renèe. I was wrong, and I can't stand the thought of losing you. You're everything to me. Please, forgive me."

For a moment, there was silence. I stood there, looking down at him, my expression a mix of sadness and contemplation. I could see the sincerity in his eyes, the regret etched in his features.

After what felt like an eternity, my heart softened. I took a deep breath, letting go of some of the anger I've held onto. "Crypto, what you did hurt me more than you can imagine. But I can see how much you regret it. I... I forgive you."

Crypto looked up, his eyes wide with relief and gratitude. He stood up, gently taking my hands in his. "Thank you, Renèe. I promise I'll never hurt you again. To make it up to you, I've planned something special for your birthday."

I raised an eyebrow, curious. "What do you mean?"

"I want to take you to New York," he said, a smile breaking through his tear-streaked face. "A trip, just the two of us. It's my way of making up for everything and giving you the birthday you deserve."

My eyes widened in surprise. "New York? Really?"

Crypto nodded. "Yes, it's all arranged. I want to show you how much you mean to me and make some new memories together. Will you go with me?"

A smile slowly spread across my face, and I nodded. "Alright, Crypto. Let's go to New York."

Crypto pulled me into a gentle hug, holding me close. "Thank you, Renèe. I promise, I'll make this trip unforgettable."