Make sure to have the playlist playing with these 4 songs (in this order) Don't be gone too long, Almost is Never Enough, Never let you go, and The truth untold ❤️

Eleanor sighs as she recrosses her legs, closing her booklet on her lap. "Mila, we are just wasting time here if you don't speak to me."

I blow out a bubble big enough to touch my nose. "I have answered every question you threw at me. What more do you want?"

Eleanor scratches the back of her head, twitching her bun. "One-word responses aren't really answering. Mila, we don't need to waste each other's time. It's been months since our first session, and you have made no effort to open up. I feel like you're holding back — the reason, I'm not sure."

I roll my eyes.

Since when can everyone read me like a fucking textbook? I didn't even want to attend these weekly sessions with Eleanor. I'm only here because Isabela threatened to kick me out if I don't make an effort to be happy-- whatever the hell that means. Eleanor is delightful and all, but I don't understand how a therapist is supposed to help me.

My problems are far beyond being fixable.

It's not like I don't want to discuss the root of the problem, but how am I supposed to disclose all the horrible things I've done to Eleanor? Then what? I go to jail for the garden of corpses I've created all my life? It's just better to keep everything bottled up inside-- I'm used to it.

Eleanor taps her pen on the notepad, shaking her leg. "Let's change the subject. Have you been sleeping, Mila? Is the new prescription I prescribed working?"

My finger plays with the engagement ring around my neck. Good question. The nightmares are a daily thing. It's a wash and repeat of when Asiel found out the truth, but the terror ended with his death. Sometimes I think sleeping through months because of my coma caused this side effect. But I have been getting four hours of sleep, so an improvement is a win.

"Yeah." I yawn, covering my mouth with my palm. "The medication is doing its job right now. Thank you."

She smiles. "You're welcome. Let me know if anything changes. Sleep is the most important thing for our bodies."

"Okay."

Eleanor scribbles on her notepad. "How about work? I know you've been jumping around, but you have been working at the boutique for a few months now."

My face scrunches up with boredom. "It's okay-- I mean, it's work after all. I've been promoted from a store clerk to an assistant stylist mainly because the head of the company has a hard-on for me. Though, I'm pretty hardworking. Life is a continuous cycle of the same thing."

"How about your colleagues? Are they nice?"

I purse my lips. "Umm... I wouldn't know. I don't hang out with them. Unless it's mandatory, I rather minimize my interactions with people."

She cocks her head. "Why is that?"

I blow out a breath, slumping down on the chair. "I've told you numerous times-- I don't like people. I don't like being around them, and I hate them."

To my disarray, Eleanor scribbles away on her notepad in rapid succession, her eyebrows marring with thought. She kept quiet, reading over her notes while licking her lips. A bubble of nerves settles in my gut, unloading uneasiness into my bloodstream.

"You know what, Mila?" Eleanor's moss-colored irises pierce into mine. "I don't think you hate people at all. Quite the contrary, really. I believe you don't want to be around them because you're scared of hurting them. You have so much guilt inside you and it's keeping you from living your life."

A bitter knot forms in my throat. "Fuck you." My eyes fall to my hands in my lap. God, I really am an open book. "I don't want to be a bad person. I don't want to hurt anyone else."

Eleanor unclasps her legs, resting her palms on her knees and inching closer. "You always emphasize to me how much of a bad person you were. On how you ruined people's lives without an ounce of remorse. Are you still that person now?"

"N-No," I mutter. "I strive to be someone better. Someone worth living, but I can't erase what I've already done. Anything good I do won't be enough to outdo all the bad I caused."

She smiles, sticking her pen in her bun. "Well, yes, but we have to learn from our mistakes. I think you've achieved that, Mila."

I almost burst into laughter. Murdering people for over a decade isn't something I can just let go of. No lesson will be enough justification for that. Life is better off alone-- there's no one else I can harm but myself.

"Have you gone out recently? Like recreationally? Perhaps a night out? Around town?" Eleanor asks, her lips cocking up on the edge.

"No. Not really."

One end of her smile tips further up. "I'm going to give you some homework, Mila. You need to go out. Get away from your thoughts. Have fun. You deserve it."

"I don't think I deserve to live," I mumble under my breath, but catch the way Eleanor's eyes widen in concern.

"Mila, it's not healthy to have those kinds of thoughts."

I snort. "I don't mean I don't deserve to physically live, but that I don't deserve to live a life. I don't deserve to do mundane things like hang out with friends and laugh until I'm spilling milk out of my nose. Why do I deserve to have a life when so many others lost theirs? It's so fucking stupid. You should give up on me."

Eleanor sighs, squeezing a tissue out from the box and extending it towards me. I'm crying? My hand touches the damp moisture on my cheeks. Fuck! God, I wished I could be an emotionless robot again. Why do I spend every day and night weeping?

"You can't think like that, Mila. You have grown so much-- I know. It's something you refuse to see, but you have. Are you aware that ever since you started, you've never been late or skipped a session? Most people would quit after less than five. The fact that you came here by yourself is already a very brave thing to do. It shows that you really want help. You have come a long way. It's time, Mila."

I sniffle. "For what?"

"To forgive yourself."

I tilt my head to the side, glancing at the window as I drill my tongue into the side of my cheek. How do I even start? I'm buried in guilt up down to my fucking toes. It's a never-ending stream. I feel the only way to truly forgive myself is by taking the cowardly way out-- but I can't. If I even try or breathe the idea, someone would stop me.

The timer goes off. "I'm sorry to say our session is done for today." Eleanor closes her notebooks and sticks her pen in her bun. "Just try to do the homework, okay? It will do you some good to let loose."

Salmon pink swirls blend in with the chalk-blue sky. Orange fuses with the pink, giving the radiating brilliant golden sun a brighter, richer hue. Gray, smokey clouds dance the waltz in the sky, swaying side to side. It's beautiful-- here, in France. But bittersweet bugs ruin it when I imagine what things could be-- Asiel and I admiring the sunset together.

Using my pen, I doodle random figures in my notebook to fill my newfound state of boredom. I wonder how Turbo is-- he's probably the only thing that doesn't know my true self. Hopefully, Asiel gave him to a good home.

The door slams shut, stealing my attention from my notebook. "God, I hate having to wear this wig!" Isabela exasperates, tearing the short red bob off her head. "It's so itchy and ugly. Why do I have to be engaged to a fucking psychopath?"

"The world works in mysterious ways."

Isabela's lips curl into a smile. "Looks like someone went to therapy today. I brought your favorite— strawberries and sushi."

My eyebrows perk up with excitement. "Why thank you! Food is the only cure for my misery. At least for a few minutes."

Isabela unpacks the bags and stalks over to hand me my snacks. "How was it?"

"Emotionally draining," I coldly replied, shoving a strawberry into my mouth. "You should buy whipped cream next time."

Isabela sighs, resting her arm on her waist. "Stop trying to change the subject. Did she give you any homework?"

"No," I reply with my mouth full of strawberries.

She raises her newly waxed eyebrows and lifts her sunglasses to emphasize the 'I know you're lying' look. God. When did she become so sassy? It has to be from me. Oh god... I'm rubbing off on someone— that's bad.

"What?"

"You have a tell when you're lying," Isabela says, puckering her lips.

"I do not!"

She narrows her eyes. "After living with you for two years, I can tell a lot of things about you. I can't believe Asiel never once picked up on it."

The mention of his name immediately dissolves my need to eat and I rise from the couch like an immature child and head to my room. Isabela's pumps click behind me and I already dread having her following me.

Never get roommates guys— it's not worth it.

"I'm heading to bed," I mutter, slamming the door until she hooks her foot in the doorframe.

"Sorry. I know it's painful to speak about him, but you need to make an effort. If you aren't willing to go after him, then you have to search for happiness somewhere else." Isabela's brown irises flicker with sympathy. "Starting with yourself, maybe."

I groan. "I had enough therapy sessions for today. Just let me cuddle with my muñeco and eat ice cream until I'm full of sugar. Please."

"No."

"No? Bitch, I'm older than you."

Isabela licks her lips. "And bitch, I'm more emotionally stable than you."

"Says the girl engaged to a psycho killer! Fuck off!" I spat, resting my head against the door. Seconds away from popping off. "She said I need to go out, okay? You fucking happy? She wants me to socialize, which I did— with you. So homework completed."

Isabela slips her foot out of the doorframe, letting the door fall shut, and I think for a moment she's given up. Peace, at last? The soothing breeze of gentle wind disappears when Isabela storms in, pushing me into the wall with her force.

"Your sleazy boss invited you to that party, remember?" Isabela cocks her head. "For an important gallery showing to promote your clothing line to the clients attending."

"Yeah?" I reply with an attitude. "What about it?" Isabela sighs, handing me a shopping bag. "What's this?"

She smiles, laying her hand on my knee. "Mika, the world is beautiful. Maybe it's time you give it another shot. It's a masquerade. You won't have to disclose or get personal with anybody. It's a good way to immerse yourself with others. Baby steps."

Guilt gnaws at my insides. "Thank you, Isabela, but I-I don't know. It's scary to let people in. I don't want to commend someone to their death sentence again."

Isabela grips my hand. "Look at me! I'm doing just fine."

One tear escapes my eye as I lightly laugh. "You got sold to the Moltisanti family because of me."

"But I escaped him because of you." Isabela points out. "You always see the bad side of the coin, but you helped a lot of people out. What about the other Angeles from Paraiso? They were able to thrive because of you. Stop being afraid, Mika. Even if it's only for tonight."

"I-I don't know," I stutter.

First steps are the hardest to take. It's like I'm launching myself down the cliff with a yarn rope wrapped around my body-- it seems impossible from my point of view. The homework is stupid, even if I go to the party, I wouldn't have any fun. Where's the strong Mika? Oh, I forgot-- she's buried under piles of debris.

"Just do it," Isabela says, squeezing my hand. "Don't think too hard. Overthinking is one of my pet peeves. It stops us from doing what we should do lik-."

"When you were afraid to leave Damien's house," I finish her sentence. "That's genuinely scary. If he finds us, we might as well be dead, but going out is something so insignificant."

Her lips tilt into a slight grin, causing her to force my lips into a smile. "We all have problems. We shouldn't be comparing nor minimizing their meaning of them. Face your fears, Mika. If it goes horribly, then you don't ever have to go again."

I sigh, collapsing to the mattress, banging my head against the soft, cushion surface. "Fine. Just leave me alone to get ready then. I'll stay for an hour. That's it."

Isabela claps her hands. "Yay. I brought you a dress that might bring out the old, happier you."

"Gee, thanks," I reply with sarcasm, dismissing her with a flick of my wrist.

"You know what I mean! Now, change! The party starts in an hour, and I'm driving you there."

I roll my eyes. "You aren't my mom. I'm going to go. You can just chill here."

She vigorously shakes her head. "No. I want to be there. It's a big step for you, Mika."

I squeeze another hairpin into my half-up and down bun, securing it in place. A few hair strands frame my face, spiraling into a long curl. Lastly, I apply a fresh coat of pale pink gloss, lining my lips with a glittery spark.

I would do a bold red lip, but with the red dress— I think it's too much. Isabela picked the perfect dress that represents the Mika from three years ago. There's a deep cut in between my breasts, showcasing how perky they're without a bra. The red fabric ends mid-length of my thigh and is soft and velvety. I throw on a pair of my black arm-length gloves to complete the outfit.

Isabela is already anxiously waiting in the car. She has her feet on the dashboard, sucking on a lollipop while 7 rings blast through the speakers. My stiletto clink against the pavement as I reach the passenger side of the car and go in.

She nearly choked on the lollipop as her eyes urgently devours my frame. "Fuck, Mika. I don't know what hurts my ego more. That you're hot, or that you didn't even fucking try!"

I shrug. "You're cute, Isabela."

She blows a raspberry. "I don't want to be cute. I'm tired of being cute! I want to be hot! Okay? Is that so hard to ask?"

"Well." I dab the edges of my lips to wipe the excess gloss off. "It feels incredibly inappropriate to say you're hot since you're a minor. Find some friends your own age, then maybe they will tell you what you want to hear."

Isabela shifts the car into drive. "You're right. I'm tired of hanging out with old people." She hides her smirk with her fingers as she speeds down the streets.

Conversation disappears, replaced by pop music on the radio. My nerves buzz underneath my skin. I didn't realize how nerve-wracking this would be. It should be something so simple, but I'm trembling like a leaf. How do I merge into a group?

Before I know it, the car stops moving and parks in front of the venue with a security guard outside. Sweat clams up my hands, causing me to wipe it on my dress. The venue is booming with people.

What am I going to do?

Isabela interlocks our fingers as an act of reassurance. "You got this, Mika. It's a piece of cake. You're going to be the most beautiful person in there. People are bound to gravitate towards you."

She brings the icy surface of the metal mask against my face and I turn around for her to tie the strings. I catch my reflection in the window, almost petrified by the design of the mask. It's adorned with white big pearls with three big diamond jewels on top. White feathers hang on the left seam of the mask.

"You got this. I'll be here waiting for you." Isabela hugs the living daylights out of me.

Sucking in a deep breath, I swing open the door and stalk up the grand stairs. The security guard asks for proof of my invitation and I showcase my letter. He smiles, complimenting my outfit as I step into the venue.

Dazzling lights hang on the Cathedral ceiling with paintings from centuries ago. People line up in front of portraits, observing all the new art pieces this venue is promoting. All tables are covered in white cloths, silverware, and a large white bouquet in the middle.

It's breathtaking.

Other than admiring the painting, guests were using the dance floor to its full length. A few guys and girls ask me to dance, but I respectfully decline. I don't fit here. Everyone is such high class, even with my fortune— I can't relate to them.

Anxiety creeps up my spine. Shit. I forgot to take my medication. My hands tremble against my frame. It's hot— incredibly hot. I grip the table, sealing my eyes shut as I try to fight the attack. The music, the people, my insecurities— it's all too much.

Quickly, I wove through the crowd until I slip through the balcony doors. I clutch onto the railing, gasping for oxygen. As I count from one to ten, I inhale and exhale slowly through my nose. I knew it was too early.

I shouldn't have come.

My eyes flutter open, staring at the bright yellow tint moon in the sky. Stars frame the sky like cake decorations, complimenting the friendly moon. Nights in Paris are something else.

In another life— maybe I could've been here with him.

"Hello?" a deep, calm voice pipes out from the silence, causing me to stumble back.

He closes the door, showcasing the way his tuxedo fits on his frame. It's simple— black with a black undershirt and tie, even his mask matches. It's almost impossible to see his features from the lack of lighting.

"Hi," I reply.

"May I join you?"

I bob my head, ignoring the way my heart races in my chest. "Yeah. Sure. I don't own the balcony."

He treks towards the balcony, leaning his arm on the railing. His large emerald irises admire the brilliance of the sky. Reminds me a lot of— no. It can't be. A small hint of a grin curls on his lips— too similar. There's a tattoo on his ring finger, something small, like initials or symbols. His brown curls flop on his head in a perfect chaos.

"The sky's beautiful tonight. I think tonight is the most beautiful it's been since I came a week ago. I don't usually look at the sky," he pauses to lick his lips. "It always feels empty. Maybe something's special about tonight."

My face warms up. "Paris is always beautiful. It reminds me of good memories and things that... could've been."

His smile falls. "To be honest, I dread the thought of coming here. I once promised someone incredibly important to me that I'd come here with them, but things happened, and I couldn't fulfill the promise anymore. It just felt wrong to come here without them. But it's true— what people say, Paris is beautiful."

Tears burn in the back of my eyes and I have to inhale through my nose to keep them inside. Why do I want to cry? I grip the railing until my knuckles turn white.

"A-are you okay?" He asks, placing his arm on my lower back. "Is something bothering you? Is it me? I'm sorry. I should've known you didn't-."

He was always cute when he rambles.

I shake my head, moving away from his comfortable touch. "No, no. It's not you. I'm sorry— I just need to go."

Before I could slip back into the ballroom, I feel a grip on my arm, holding me back. I'm taken aback, a gasp escaping my lips, causing his hold to fall.

He gnaws at his lips. "F-fuck. I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. I don't know what came over me. I wasn't thinking."

My lips curl into a half grin. "It's totally fine."

He scratches the nape of his neck. "It's just— I'm worried. It feels like something is holding you back. I've heard it's nice to talk to a stranger, and I'm willing to lend an ear, but if you don't want to, I completely understand. I'll back off."

Should I really be talking to him?

Does he realize it's me? Or is God toying with me again?

Our masks throw any person off. He couldn't tell— I do because I admire him for hours in the middle of the night as he slept. His entire body was a faint memory— it feels unreal to have him in front of me again. Maybe it would be okay. For this night only. I'm sure God would understand.

I take a deep breath, fidgeting with the ends of my dress. "I-I just don't do well in large crowds. Well, I don't do well around people in general. My anxiety spikes up. That's why I rushed out here. My psychiatrist told me that it's because..."

I wanted to fucking curl up into a ball, but I continue, "I'm scared I might hurt others, which is why I stay away from them. I'm starting to think she's right."

"A psychiatrist?" An exasperated noise croaks from his throat, followed by a soft smile. "That's good. I commend you for getting help. I have my own psychiatrist too. But can I ask why you're scared of hurting people? Nobody's perfect. People tend to hurt others without realizing it all the time."

It chafes at my heart to make eye contact with him, so I admire my hands. "Yeah, I'm the definition of imperfections. There's someone I hurt... I hurt them very badly. So bad— I don't think they could ever forgive me, and I don't blame them because I haven't forgiven myself."

"How can you be so sure?"

Tears stick to my eyelashes as I try to blink the sensation away. "Because of the gravity of things I've done— it's just unforgivable. There's no coming back from that." I pause, nibbling on my bottom lip. "It's been so long, but I miss them every day. So much."

"W-what if they miss you too?" He stammers, leaning on the railing, keeping an inch of distance between our hands.

I snort. "Why the hell would they miss me? They wouldn't. They are better without me. They told me they didn't ever want to see me again."

"I don't know." He shrugs his shoulders, shifting his hand closer, grazing against my skin. Flutters erupt in my gut. "Human emotions are complex."

My lips quirk into a half smile. "They really fucking are. I wish they were simpler. Even now, no matter how much I hurt them, I can't help but be selfish and relive all the memories we had together. I don't think there's been a day where I haven't thought about them. I just... want them to be happy."

My heart spikes up as he drapes his hand over mine. "E-even if I'm not, as long as they're happy. That's all I ask for. The only wish I've ever made on a dandelion."

It becomes impossible to breathe when he shifts his body to face me, trailing his finger under my chin to glance into his eyes. His puppy-dog emerald eyes lost their signature glow.

"It's my turn to share," he says, dragging the pad of his thumb over my bottom lip. "My story is different. Quite the opposite, actually."

My heart pounds to the sound of blaring drums. "W-what happened?"

"Someone incredibly important to me--hurt me. They hurt me in ways I never thought I could come back from. I was blinded by anger and sadness— I didn't even give them a chance to defend themselves. I didn't even get to tell them that I forgive them," his voice trembles. "I worry about them daily. I stay up late wondering if they smiled today or ate dinner. Am I selfish for thinking of them?"

My eyes widen at his words.

Forgive them?

Am I hearing him, right?

I let out a small, pained laugh. "I think you're too nice, actually." I break away from his touch, instantly missing it. "You should be careful. Someone can use your niceness against you."

"Am I though?" He mutters, his eyebrows furrowing. "Despite everything, I can't help but want them to live the life they deserved. They shouldn't have to pay for their sins for the rest of their lives. I thought I accepted we weren't destined to be with each other, but then I got the best news."

His irises glisten with tears as he sniffles, wiping the tip of his nose. "Maybe this is our chance to start over. Maybe this was God's way of granting us a new life where we could be together. I don't know if they still want that— I just wished their life turned out differently. I hoped the world could've been kinder... to her."

To her.

Tears course down my cheeks, and I wanted to rip my mask off to wipe them, but I couldn't break the illusion. With these masks, we are just two individuals that ran into each other... No lingering legacy from our past.

"What's your name?"

His words pull me out of my mind haze.

My eyebrows perk up. "Huh?"

"What's your name?"

A knot clogs my throat. "W-why are you asking?"

"I want us to get to know each other."

My chest heaves with heavy guilt. How can we start over? How do we gloss over what happened between us? I don't deserve to be with him. No matter how badly I wanted to give us one more try, it was wrong.

"My name is A-."

I charge forward, muffling his words with my palm. "Don't say it. Please."

"Why?"

"Because it makes this all real. We can't do this again. All I do is bring pain to you. Let's just enjoy this moment together as strangers that once knew each other."

He smiles, pulling his phone from his suit pocket and a classic, slow song starts. "One dance?"

Goosebumps erupt on my skin when I slip my hand into his hold and drape my other hand on his shoulder. It's hard to focus on anything when I'm a rabbit in his arms— my heart galloping. But it's like we haven't been worlds apart. Our bodies move in sync, gliding to the smooth sound of the music.

"How did you know it's me?" He asks.

He extends his arm to spin me in a circle. "It's impossible to forget you. You live in my dreams and nightmares."

His lips curl into one of those charming smiles. "Here, I thought, I only left you with bad memories. I'm the one that should be feeling guilty— I never let you ex-."

I cover his mouth and shake my head. "We're strangers, remember? Let's not dwell on the past."

Gripping his back, I lay my head on his shoulder, inhaling a hint of his signature cologne. Warmth pools in my gut from his grip around my waist. I missed this. It feels nice to lie in his arms once more, but it's going to be impossible to leave.

The music from inside the venue is faint because of the closed doors. It's only us. Our music, our dancing, our breathing— just us underneath the Paris sky. We dance for what seems like an eternity. I wouldn't be surprised if Isabela left because she thought I was having fun.

Slowly, I lift my face and heave a deep sigh through my nose. Those enchanting emerald eyes bore into my soul. How can I walk away? Why did you come here, Asiel? Why do you want to make my life so fucking difficult?

His eyes fall to my lips as his fingers dances across my chin. A shudder rolls through my body. Let's pretend it's because of the weather. We shouldn't. I should walk away right now and never look back.

But my legs are glued to the pavement.

His finger tugs both of my lips down until he grips the back of my head, and we both yearn forward, desperate for each other— like a few years ago.

We were not fated to be with each other, at least not in this lifetime, but for the moment, none of that mattered.

I grip the nape of his neck, yanking him closer as one of his hand rest on my backside and my cheek. He licks my bottom lip, and I surrender to him, devouring the familiar cherry taste on his lips. Still the same lip balm, huh? My finger runs through his hair, clutching the back of it. Our teeth clash from the passion pro-fusing through us.

The mask's edges dig into my skin, but I don't care. All I want to do is enjoy Asiel's love for a final moment. Just one last time, I wanted to experience how it feels to be loved by someone so extraordinary. God, forgive me. Oh, how I have sinned once again. In another life, maybe you would be kinder to me.

Using all my force, I break apart from the kiss and connect our foreheads, breathing harshly against each other. Our nose glides against each other, causing a somersault to flip in my belly. I love him so much.

Droplet of tears stream down my face as I lean to his ear, my lips trembling. "Je t'aime plus qu'hier mais moins que demain... A tout jamais."

My body yearns for his touch the second I break away from him. I take a mental picture of him— I will cling to this memory forever. When I'm old and gray, I'll relive this memory over and over again.

His emerald irises glimmer underneath the moonlight, filling up with tears.

A part of me wants him to fight for me— to still want to be with me...

But another part knows the heartbreaking truth.

I walk away before anyone of us could utter another word.

It takes an enormous amount of strength to weave my way through the crowd and exit the front entrance. The mask falls in my palm when I tug at a string. Tears decorated my face like sprinkles. It gets worse.

I'm ugly, crying, unable to contain the sobs from wrecking through my body. I don't want Isabela to see me like this. So, I run through the streets like a manic with mascara streaming down my face. Of course, I forgot to wear my waterproof one today.

Cars honk at me. Lights flash at me. My heart races at the speed of light. The wind whooshes through my hair. My body rests beside a tree, trying to regain oxygen as I wept. My heart crumbles like debris from a burning building.

I didn't think I had the strength to say goodbye.

"Te quiero más que ayer y menos que mañana. Hasta el fin de los tiempos."

(I love you more than yesterday and less than tomorrow. Til the end of time.)

My heart stops.

I crane my neck to face the lord and behold, Asiel with no mask to conceal his identity. "Y-you know French?"

He dabs his red button nose with his sleeve. "I learned because I planned to come here for the both of us."

My face scrunches up with heartbreak. We can't have that anymore. Why did he come here? Can't he tell I'm trying to walk away before I can't anymore? I trek forward, leaving the love of my life behind.

I barely make three steps before he shouts, "Mika!" Shattering the illusion completely. We weren't two strangers anymore. He was Asiel, and I'm Mika. Lovers destined to be parted by a fucking ocean.

Why would he do this?

Why is he calling me? The real me?

My lips quiver as I turn on my heel to face him. His eyes are bloodshot, littering his cheeks with tears. He blows out an exhausted breath.

"I want it to be real, Mika," Asiel's voice cracks. "I want us to be real."

I'm speechless.

I continue to be speechless when Asiel stalks forward, gripping my cheek and colliding our lips again. It tastes salty from our tears, along with the faint taste of scotch on his tongue. My mouth opens when his tongue snakes across my bottom lip. There's no question. I'm his to hold, his forever— I'll do anything for him.

The hollowness within inflates with love

He's kissing me like he never wants me to leave again, and I almost believe it. His intoxicating kisses are like a drug to me, causing my mind to hallucinate with the idea of us.

He breaks away, his hot breath fanning my face as his forehead rest against mine. My belly does somersaults when he interlaces our fingers together. My eyes fall to the tattoo on his ring finger— Mika

"You and me?" I ask, my voice coming out vulnerable.

He bobs his head. "Until our next life... until the end of time, Mika."

The Official End 🥹🥹🥹🥹

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 Okay, but the end always gets me 😭😭everytime I re-read it, I have the urge to cry especially if you were listening to the truth untold and I still want you plays during Asiel's confession

WATERWORKS 😭😭😭

Originally, I wasn't going to write these two chapters and instead leave you guys with the chapters of Mika and Asiel both living but apart from each other. But they would've always found their way back to each other

They're soulmate 🥹🥹🥹

I hope you guys liked this ending, even though a lot of things are left unsaid at least for you readers— just know Mika and Asiel will build up the relationship they once had ❤️❤️💜💜

Thank you so much for going on this journey with me and falling in love with these characters along with me! I'm so foreverly grateful for your votes, comments and never—ending support— Mika couldn't have reached nearly 500k without you guys❤️💜❤️

Thank you for taking a chance on my story and supporting me as a Writer. I swear it means the freaking world to me! Hope you guys stick around for the spin-off which might or might not 🙈 have an appearance of our fav couple

Here's a sneak peek — a blurb for you guys 😝

Strong-willed, badass and bounded by the chains of an arranged marriage, Isabela —- dreams of the freedom to live and love as she chooses.

Being sold to the Italian mafia wasn't exactly on Isabela's to do list...

As she's forced to navigate the ropes of her new lifestyle, she must also resist the urge for her brooding, stoic bodyguard.

Her forbidden fruit.

Her sin.

Her death sentence.
——

Guarding a stubborn, fierce princess wasn't a part of Julian's game plan, but life always like to throw hiccups in your path.

While Julian intended to only guard the princess, he soon forced to hide the desires for a woman he can't have.

His boss's fiancé.

Soon to be Queen.

Unexpected and forbidden, their love can destroy everything they both worked for...

The most dangerous conquest— will their love survive? Or does duty always win?

——-

Hope you guys are looking forward to an enemies to lovers, bodyguard x princess story❤️❤️💜💜

Also one last thing for you guys, I would like your opinion on the new cover since this book is equally important to you and me— do you guys like my new cover or should I stick with my old one?

Vote here

Now, one final thank you!!!

Love you ❤️💜❤️💜❤️