Dangerous Desires

31

Mark placed a supportive hand on Arsenio's shoulder. "Love hurts, man. It always does. But sometimes, that pain is the only way to find happiness in the long run. For both of you."

Arsenio let out a bitter laugh. "Happiness, huh? I used to think having it all meant having a family and a career, but now I'm not so sure." He paused, his expression softening as he looked down at Tenebroso. "I do have the most important part, though."

Mark followed his gaze, his eyes meeting the baby's innocent face. "Yeah, you do," he agreed. "And he's a damn lucky kid to have a Dad who cares as much as you do."

Arsenio managed a small smile. "Just hope I don't ruin him," he muttered. "I'm not really the best role model, am I?"

"Hey, no one's perfect," Mark reassured him. "You'll make mistakes, but it's all part of being a parent. The fact that you're thinking about how you'll affect him already shows you're on the right track."

Mark looked at me, torn between staying with Arsenio and checking on me. He could see the sorrow etched on my face and his heart ached for me. "You mind if I go check on her for a minute?" He asked Arsenio, nodding in my direction.

Arsenio's eyes followed Mark's gaze to where I sat on the wall, still weeping. He nodded, his expression laced with guilt and concern. "Yeah, go ahead. She needs you more right now."

With a firm nod, Mark released Arsenio's shoulder and made his way towards me. He approached me slowly, his footsteps quiet on the pavement. "Hey," he said gently, coming to stand beside me.

Mark's heart twisted in his chest, seeing my tears streaming down my cheek. Without a word, he reached out and lifted me from the wall, pulling me into a warm and comforting embrace. He held me close, his strong arms encircling me in a protective hold. He said nothing, simply letting me cry against his chest as he stroked my back gently. 

Mark held me tightly, his heart aching as he listened to the soft sobs that shook my body. "It's gonna be okay," he whispered, his voice gentle and reassuring. "You're strong, Indira. You'll get through this, I promise."

"I'm scared that when I do move on he will be hurt," I sobbed loudly.

"Hey, hey, listen to me," Mark murmured, his voice steady and grounding. He pulled back slightly and gently lifted my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. "You can't control how he feels about you moving on," he said gently. "You have to focus on what's best for you. And if that means finding happiness with someone new, then so be it. He'll have to deal with his feelings."

Mark's fingers lingered on my chin, his touch warm and soothing. "You deserve to be happy, Indira. Don't let your fear of his reaction hold you back from finding love and joy in the future."

"I don't want to hurt him," I buried my head into his chest.

Mark stroked the back of my head, his fingers gently carding through my hair. "I know you don't," he said softly. "And he probably doesn't want to hurt you either. But sometimes... sometimes, hurting each other is inevitable. It's part of life, and it's definitely part of love."

Mark held me tighter against him as I shook, his hand rubbing soothing circles across my back. "It's okay," he murmured, his voice a comforting rumble in his chest. "Let it out, just let it all out."

Mark stumbled slightly, caught off guard by my sudden movement. But he quickly regained his balance, dropping down to his knees beside me on the sidewalk. He wrapped his arms tightly around me again, pulling me even closer to him. His voice was still gentle but firm. "Shh, it's okay. Just breathe, slow and deep. I'm right here with you."

I looked up at him crying "Love hurts,".

Mark's heart ached as he watched me staring up at him, tears streaming down my face. He nodded, his expression filled with empathy and understanding. "It does," he agreed quietly. "Love can hurt like hell. It can tear you apart and leave you feeling raw and vulnerable. But it can also be the most beautiful and powerful thing you'll ever experience."

"I loved him all this time and he fell out of love with me," I realised the truth properly, I was putting Arsenio first before anything not realising how much it would hurt me.

Mark's eyes softened as he listened to my realization. He knew this was a difficult pill to swallow, admitting that I had loved someone deeply who no longer returned those feelings. He let out a slow breath before speaking gently. "It's tough, I know. Loving someone who doesn't feel the same way is one of the hardest things a person can go through. But I promise you, you'll get through this. You're strong, Indira. Stronger than you think."

"Promise me you won't leave me- I can't do this alone. I can't do this for my baby if you leave,".

Mark's heart ached in his chest and he pulled me into a tight embrace, his voice filled with determination. "I promise you, Indira, I'm not going anywhere. I'm here for you, and I'll be by your side every step of the way. You're not alone, I swear it."

He held me close, his arms strong and comforting. "I'll never leave you, no matter what happens. I'll be here to support you, to help you with anything you need. You and your baby will never be alone."

Mark pulled back slightly, just enough to look directly into my eyes. "I swear on my life, I'll do everything I can to help you get through this. You're not alone. You've got me, and you've always got me. You and your baby are not alone, Indira. Remember that."

He gently wiped away the tears that continued to fall on my cheeks, his touch tender and caring. "You're strong, you're capable and you're going to get through this. But you won't do it alone. I'm right here, and I'm not going anywhere."