In His Eyes

28|From Paris with Love

 The stone cold floor that I laid had no effect on me anymore. On the first night, I was loosing my mind and freezing to death at the same time. But when I woke up, my worries came flooding in that made me more dead on the inside. I dreamt about Robert, how he came here and saved me from this place.

I cringed to myself, It was so real. I really thought he was here, only to find out that was only in my head. In a way, I was glad to find out it was only a dream, I already knew what Robert's fate would be.

He would be added to the list Hagen had to put down, and in the distant future, my name would be too on that list.

I sometimes think to myself, how many days have I been here in this cold metal room. I couldn't remember, from the floor that I laid. I saw the trays of food untouched in the doorway. I counted the trays and it was three, damn. Only a few more days then I would die, after all, the human body can only survive a week without food and water. Surely this would be another way to go.

For a short time, I closed my eyes and tried to remember my life before all of this. When I just roamed the islands freely without a care in the world. With the old Hagen by my side and a smile on our young faces. I know it was pathetic for me to remember those kind of things, but it's the thoughts that gives me comfort.

The sound of metal doors screeching awoke me from my reverie. I sat from the floor and faced the array of guards that came, they surrounded the room as Hagen walked towards me. I didn't look at his face, I was done with him. If he was just going to kill me then get on with it already, It's over.

A second passed and the guards left all but Hagen. And once I heard the door slam shut, I closed my eyes.

     “I'm sorry,” I opened my eyes instantly. I couldn't believe what he said. “And I'm not going to kill you. I spent years finding you and how could you ever think that I'm going to kill you?!” He breathed, his voice getting brittle by emotions.

     “I love you, Nikolaj. We are partners, we were made on the same breath. That is why I am going to give you another chance—” He exhaled a shaky breath. “—And another chance, and another again until you see I am beholden to you for the rest of my life. I wouldn't want another life ever again if you just...see that I love you dearly.” I felt my eyes sting from the emotions that worked there way around me and still, I stared at the ground away from his gaze.

Because once I see him, those bright blue eyes of his crying. I'm afraid I would succumb to whatever he needs.

     “I know you are unhappy, believe me I am too. And I also don't like the person that I have become. So I'm gonna give you another chance, Nikolaj. You're free to go.” And that was my cue, I looked at him and saw that he was a mess. He didn't look at me as I stood up. I walked slowly to the metal door and what surprised me was that he didn't retaliate, Hagen just stepped aside and opened the door for me.

As I walked through, I could've sworn I was making the wrong decision. Something pulled me to stay, something out of my reach. But I guess I was more powerful in a way.

I walked slowly to the hallway I walked a thousand times fade from me. And a few more steps, I held the doorknob in my hands, twisted it and felt the sun on my face.

A few minutes later, I sat on the leather seat of Hagen's private jet. Only a female steward and two pilot was with me. I still couldn't believe this was real. I pinched myself several times just to make sure I was not dreaming. It was real, I was free but where do I go now? Back to New York? I don't think I could ever come back there. Not a chance, I would only put them in more danger.

Somehow, I felt a wave of certainty on my departure. Hagen gave me back my finance that consisted of three black cards that had millions of dollars in them. He sent his guards as representatives to give me the ownership of the golden islands back by just signing a paper. I knew it belonged to me by history and that was fine by me. I was content by the fact that the manor still stood.

     “Where to?” I heard the steward say politely, the smile on her face made me question on whether or not she knew the things that circulated around these island. I blinked several times and asked myself for the second time. I wonder, where could I achieve a smile like that.

     “Sir?”

     “Paris” I blurted out. “Paris?” she repeated, sounding not sure about my sudden decision. Yes, Paris. I've never been there and besides, I think it'll be a great place to start. Fresh air, new view, new people.

     “Alright then. We leave in ten minutes” She nodded before returning to the cockpit. I looked out the small window and saw the house that made me who I am stand before me, proud and strong. It was a manor centuries in the making. And somehow, out of all the impressive details I could look at, I found myself staring at Hagen from his bedroom. He looked so broken, so devastated but at the same time, so was I.

     I got distracted when then flight steward walked towards me and laid a box in front of me. It was wrapped in gold and seemed to collect dust. I looked at the F.A and she nodded towards the house. “Mr. Kensington wanted you to have it. He said to only open it when you have a space in your heart to forgive him” I was a lost for words. That was something new to me, maybe perhaps he was sorry but then again, I'm still in ruins.

Once the plane began to depart, I closed my eyes and felt the world around me go to sleep. This was it, no more strings attached, I was free, I was free.

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A/N: Happy New Year! 🎉 Hope this will have to suffice as In His Eyes will come to and end. 😊 Love you!