A SPOT FOR HOPE (MXM) BOOK 2

CHAPTER 1

Niclas Gillis as Hope Dream

HOPE

I didn't really know what to expect when I returned here.

In the back of my mind, I couldn't shake the thought that no one would actually wait for years for someone like me. But in my heart, I clung to the faintest hope that Henerson would keep his promise—

That once I was healed, I'd have a place to return to.

But...

"It's been a while."

I should have known better.

His eyes no longer held the same longing they once did when he looked at me. Even his familiar smile felt different. And though I'm standing before the man I've known for years...

I can't seem to recognize him.

It's like I'm standing in front of a stranger.

I felt uneasy under his cold gaze, and my eyes quickly dropped to the floor.

"Who brought you here?" Henerson asked, walking toward the edge of the terrace, a bit distant from me.

Something about his presence felt off, and I instinctively stepped back.

"I-I can just leave—"

"I didn't say that," he cut me off, laughing to himself. I slowly looked up to meet his cold stare, and I froze.

Who is this?

"So, who was it?" he asked again.

I didn't answer.

The way he looked at me made it clear he didn't want me here. It felt as if whoever helped me would be in trouble, so I kept silent.

Staying here is pointless. I clenched my fists and took another step back.

There are so many things I want to tell you right now. But I guess it's better to keep them to myself.

Because the person I wanted to listen- the person who would have cared... isn't this Henerson anymore.

"I'll be going now."

It felt like a part of me was breaking inside as I started to walk away, but before I could reach the doors, a hand grabbed my wrist and pulled me roughly.

A gasp left my lips as he gripped my hand to face him.

"Did I say you could leave?" My chest tightened as I stared at him with wide eyes.

"L-let me go—"

"Was it Rale?"

I tried to pull my hand away, but damn, he was too strong.

"Hope—"

"Henerson!" I shouted in frustration, and his eyes widened. "Let me go," I said firmly, but unlike before, he didn't listen obediently.

Whenever I said no, Henerson would immediately back down, but now a cold smirk spread across his lips, and my eyes welled up with tears.

"You haven't changed." He brushed his thumb on my cheek and I moved away immediately from it.

It hurts...

"You've changed a lot, Henerson," I replied, feeling the fear growing inside.

"Have I?"

I nodded, trying to control my emotions, but I was close to breaking down.

"Did I disappoint you?" he asked, and I nodded without hesitation. "I'm sorry to hear that."