Breathe
by;michimichiro
Chapter 21
As we sat in Zia's car, a heavy silence enveloped us both. I could sense the anger radiating from Zia, knowing that she was still seething after witnessing the confrontation with Zyke. Minutes passed in silence until Zia finally broke the stillness with her words.
"Eli, am I that replacable? It's only been a matter of days since you asked me to leave your house, and now there's already another woman hovering around you?" Zia's voice trembled with a mix of anger and heartache as she looked at me, her eyes filled with tears.
I gazed into Zia's tear-filled eyes, feeling a surge of empathy for her pain. I reached out, pulling her into a tight embrace, understanding the weight of Zia's emotions at this moment.
"It hurts me to see you like this, Zia. I never intended for you to feel replaced or forgotten. Please understand, it's not about finding a substitute, it's about navigating my healing process," I whispered as I held onto her.
Zia's tears continued to flow as her voice cracked with sorrow. "Can you give me just three months before you replace me in your heart?" she pleaded, her vulnerability shining through.
I clung to her even tighter, offering solace through my silent embrace. Sometimes, words fail to capture the depth of emotions, and in this moment, my actions spoke volumes.
"I want you to know that I'm afraid, Eli. I'm afraid of ending up with someone who won't appreciate you, someone who can't see the remarkable person you are," she confessed, her voice filled with a mixture of sadness and concern.
Gently stroking her hair, I remained silent, understanding that sometimes the solace of presence and touch could communicate more than any words ever could. I wanted Zia to feel my unwavering support, even amid our complicated emotions.
"Eli, please believe me when I say that my love for you hasn't wavered. It remains as strong as ever," Zia uttered between sobs, her words heavy with sincerity.
Letting out a sigh, I met her tear-filled gaze, searching for the right words amidst the tangle of emotions within me.
"Zia, you say you love me, but why does it feel like you continue to hurt me? Why does it seem like I can't find my place in your life?" I asked, my voice laced with a mixture of frustration and longing.
Zia's face twisted with sadness as she locked eyes with me. "I never wanted this to happen, Eli. You have to understand that it's not just you who's hurting. It pains me deeply to see you suffer because of my actions," Zia confessed, her tears cascading down her cheeks.
"You don't want to see me hurt, yet you also refuse to see me happy with someone else. Where do I fit into your life, Zia? No matter what I do, it seems like there's no room for me," I replied, my voice tinged with a mix of sorrow and a plea for understanding.
At that moment, Zia's tears flowed uncontrollably, leading me to hold them even tighter in a reassuring embrace. The world around us seemed to fade into the background as she cried, and for now, my presence was all I could offer in her time of need.
"What do you want me to do, Eli? I'm torn between my love for you and my family's expectations. Tell me, guide me through this turmoil," Zia implored, her voice filled with desperation and anguish.
As we wept in my arms, I held her even tighter, understanding that sometimes the healing process required patience, understanding, and time.
I remained silent, fully aware of the complexity of Zia's situation. I could sense that Zia loved me deeply, but there must be a significant reason holding her back from choosing our love wholeheartedly.
"Zia, please tell me what you want me to do," I gently pleaded, my voice filled with a mix of concern and longing.
"I want you to stay with me, right here by my side, Eli. Please don't leave me hanging. I need you in my life," Zia responded earnestly, her voice pleading and filled with vulnerability.
She let out a sigh, mulling over her words before finding the courage to address an uncomfortable truth. "I understand that I may sound selfish, but the thought of seeing you with someone else is unbearable for me. I can't bear the idea of losing you, Eli," Zia added, her voice tinged with a hint of desperation.
In response, I sighed, searching for the right words to convey my concerns. "What about Clint? What about your family? Can you give them up because of me, Zia? Can you leave the world you are in for the sake of our love?" I delicately posed the question, my voice filled with longing and apprehension.
"I left them once before, Eli, so I can do it again now. My mind is made up, and I am ready to fight for you, to fight for our love," Zia declared with unwavering determination.
At this moment, I locked eyes with Zia, taking in the weight of her commitment. "Zia, do you think I'm worth the sacrifices you're about to make? Am I worth the risks you're about to face?" I asked, my voice filled with vulnerability.
Zia nodded, her eyes filled with conviction, and she gently kissed me on the forehead. "You are worth fighting for, Eli. So, prepare yourself, because our battle won't be an easy one," Zia declared with determination.
"Honestly, Zia, I'm afraid. I'm afraid that maybe in the end only one of us will continue to fight this battle. How can I be sure that you will stand by my side until the very end?" I asked, my voice revealing my innermost fears.
Zia appeared taken aback by my question, her smile now tinged with sadness. "I don't want to make any promises I can't guarantee, but I will do everything in my power to fight alongside you, Eli," Zia answered, their voice filled with sincerity.
"Zia, perhaps what you witnessed earlier has shocked you. I want you to take your time and carefully consider your decision. Don't worry, because I promise to stand by your side until the moment you don't want me anymore," I reassured her, my words carrying a mixture of understanding and unconditional support.
"You don't believe what I'm telling you?" Zia asked, her expression filled with concern.
"I believe in you, Zia. All I want is for you to think it through thoroughly because I don't want you to make a hasty decision that you might regret later," I affectionately replied, my voice filled with sincerity.
Zia nodded, her hand gently caressing my face. "You are the only person I want to spend my life with, Eli. Please hold on a bit longer, because together we can overcome any challenge that comes our way," Zia proclaimed.
I nodded, reciprocating her affection with a tender kiss on the lips. "I love you so much, and I want you to remember that. Don't worry, from now on, I won't hide from you. Zia, I want you to share every detail of your life with me. Let's promise each other that there will be no more secrets between us," I said.
"Thank you, Eli. Thank you for always being there for me," Zia gratefully responded, her eyes gazing at me with love and appreciation.
Zia's loving gaze went unnoticed as she leaned in, capturing my lips in a passionate kiss. After months apart, I savored the sweetness of Zia's kiss, feeling as though we were suspended in a blissful moment. Time stood still as we drowned in our shared embrace, entangled in a love renewed and reignited.
