Beyond The Lie

Chapter 62: The End of Us

Adeline.

His eyes searched mine, filled with a deep sadness. His voice was firm, his words laced with conviction. "I know I hurt you. But I'd rather hurt you now than destroy you later."

I stood there, frozen, as Eryx's words hung in the air. My voice was barely above a whisper as I spoke, trying to make sense of the emotions swirling inside me. "You didn't destroy me, Eryx. The lie did. And I'm not asking for another lie."

Eryx's eyes locked onto mine, filled with a deep concern. "Even if what we want is the truth, it's going to hurt you, Addie. People will hurt you to get revenge on me."

I felt a spark of anger ignite within me, but I tried to keep my tone even. "And? So?" I asked, my words laced with a hint of frustration.

Eryx's gaze faltered, and for a moment, I saw a glimmer of fear. "They'll hurt you, Addie... like Lena did. Do you think that's okay?"

My anger flared, and I felt my voice rising. "No! Of course not! But using that as an excuse to push me away is ridiculous, Eryx. Do you think people will kidnap me every day?" I threw up my hands, exasperation etched on my face. "This conversation is starting to make no sense!"

Eryx's expression turned grim, his eyes clouding over. "Not every day, Addie. But there are people out there who want to see me hurt, and when they find out about you... it'll be easy for them."

I felt my anger boil over, and I closed my eyes, trying to suppress the emotions threatening to overwhelm me. My chest heaved with each breath, and I could feel my heart pounding in my ears. I threw up my hands, exasperation written all over my face. "Fine, Eryx! Continue making excuses. I get it. You have a tough life, many enemies, and you can't have a woman in your life because they'll hurt her. So, you're planning to live a single life forever? Okay, understandable. Fine. Great!"

I turned to walk away, but my feet seemed rooted to the spot. I spun back around, my anger boiling over. "You know what? I just don't want to regret not making an effort in this. And now I won't. I've put in the effort, told you everything. My part is clear."

My voice cracked with emotion as I shook my head. "I thought there was something worth fighting for in what we had. But...it's just...your fears, your doubts, they're making it hard. And that's totally fine. I've overcome more crap than this. And I'll get over this too."

I took a step closer, my eyes blazing with frustration. "It's not like I won't find another love or something. Everyone's life is complicated, Eryx! It's not easy peasy! We just have to learn to balance. But you're not even willing to try."

My chest heaved with each breath, and I could feel my heart pounding in my ears. I was angry, frustrated, and hurt all at once. "You're just giving up, Eryx. And that's what hurts the most."

I turned to walk away, but my feet seemed rooted to the spot. I spun back around, my eyes blazing with anger and hurt. "And another thing, Eryx," I spat, my voice venomous. "You didn't have to follow me here to congratulate me. If you wanted to stay away, then do it! Stay out of my life, for good this time!"

I took a step closer, my chest heaving with emotion. "I don't know why you came here, and frankly, I don't care anymore. You're just making things harder than they need to be. You're complicating something that was already complicated enough."

My anger boiled over, and I felt tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. "Just leave me alone, Eryx! I'm done with the games, done with the lies, done with the hurt. You've made it clear that you don't want me, so just...fuck off! It's over, Eryx. Really, it's over. Goodbye!"

I turned and walked away, my heart heavy with pain and my eyes stinging with tears. I could feel Eryx's eyes on me, but I didn't look back. I just kept walking, one step at a time, until I was sure I was leaving him and the heartache behind.