Cinderella: A Fractured Fairytale

Twenty-Five

Eric's POV

Chapter 25

***

I sat in the silent dimness of the sitting room, staring at the floor as my mind whirled and spun.

She chose me. Why did she choose me?

The darkness pressed in on me, and I battled the despair forcing itself in on all sides, trying to choke me.

Suffocating me.

It had been there, ready to spring for a long time. But why had it chosen now? Couldn't I have a single moment of happiness?

I love her. That was the only thing I knew for sure. I love her and I want the best for her.

So what is best for her?

Am I?

Would she be happier with someone else? Am I not enough? What if I can't give her what she needs?

What if I end up turning out just like my father?

The thought haunted me, had haunted me for quite some time now. Was I hopeless to even try? Was there any way I could avoid a dark future?

A quiet, hesitant set of footsteps padded their way into the room, and I looked up slowly.

"Eric?" Ana's voice was tentative.

I looked away. I should never have told her about my feelings for her...

She sat down beside me, trying to catch my gaze. "Eric, what did I do wrong? I'm sorry. I don't know why but I know you're not okay."

My heart ached. She thought this was her fault! It wasn't. It was mine.

All my fault.

Why had I ever dared to hope she could be mine? Now everything would be so much more painful -- for both of us.

I opened my mouth to break her heart, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. How could I hurt her? She had never done anything to hurt me.

But this was for her greater good. I had to do it.

I opened my mouth again, but all that came out was, "Why did you do it?"

"What?"

My voice was hoarse. "Why did you turn down the chance to become royalty?"

She stared at me. "What a question! Eric, I don't want to marry a prince and live in a big, empty palace that's too spacious, with too much money to know what to do with. I..." Her voice faltered. "You're more than enough for me."

My head jerked up and I stared at her for a moment.

This was going to be ten thousand times harder than before. I couldn't do it. Not now. I'd do it later. I couldn't hurt her like this.

I would hold on to her for a little while longer... maybe I'd find a way to deserve her.

Then I'd never have to hurt her.

"Oh, Ana." My voice broke and I turned sideways to embrace her, stroking her hair and holding her close.

I never wanted to let her go. For both our sakes I hoped I would never have to.

Because I wasn't sure I could live without her.