IMDD CHAPTER 211 [SEASON 3] (Patreon)

“You had once told me that I didn’t love you. That I was only obsessed with your body. I know it was my fault that you thought that way so this time I held back, rejecting your advances, because I wanted your love, not to awaken your lust. And it was one of my best decisions because I saw how much you wanted me, that you truly wanted me and not because I seduced you or because of the unnatural lust that mating with me gave you.” A happy smile suddenly tugged at the corner of his lips. “I can’t even believe that you truly wanted me to… to be the father of your child. You don’t know what that did to me, Eva.” His smile then became pained. “You don’t know how much you made me happy, even though I know all too well, it’s never going to happen. Because a cursed one like me could never... ever...” he shuddered and paused. 

"Ever give life to another.” He continued, voice barely audible. “Someone like me can't create. I only destroy." He looked up at Eva's face, peaceful in slumber, so contradictory to the tumult inside him. 

Tears pooled in his eyes, the kind of tears borne from a love so raw that it threatened to tear one apart. "I've played the role of puppeteer for so long, manipulating threads of destiny, always ensuring they lead back to you.”

His hands, trembled slightly. "I wanted so much to be your savior, your protector. But instead, I became your captor. My love for you twisted into an obsession that made me do unspeakable things. Yes, Eva… If you knew everything that I had done in the past…” A rueful smile tugging at his lips even as a solitary tear traced its way down his cheek. “...you wouldn't see an angel, Eva. You'd discover a puppet master, a master of deceit, a monster wearing a man's face.”

His shoulders began to shake as he pressed his face into her hand. “I already knew I couldn’t have you… that deal… I should’ve known it had always been a losing bet. Just something that was meant to punish me and break me over and over again until I finally give up… But I was so stubborn. I couldn’t give you up, no matter the pain, no matter the agony… I was so selfish… forgive me for dragging you into my hell…” His voice broke, tears cascading down her hand, pooling on the floor like raindrops from a heartbroken sky. “Forgive me, for the countless times I bound you in this never-ending nightmare…” 

Pulling back, he drank in the serenity of her slumbering face, lips finding her hand in a gentle kiss again. “But dawn is here, Eva.” With a tenderness that belied his torment, he stroked her face.  “Yes, you’re finally going to be free from all this… from me. And don’t worry… because once you wake up… you won’t remember me… you’ll forget about all this chaos, all this pain.” He bent and kissed her forehead. “And I will… also… forget you…” His tears fell on her cheek. “I wish I could at least keep my memories with you in this lifetime. But I can’t…” he said, wiping away his tears on her cheek with his thumb. “You’ve shown me kindness, love, something I never thought I deserved... You deserve the world, Eva. A world I can't give you. So, I'll step back into the darkness where I belong, so the sunlight you so rightfully deserve will shine upon you."

A smile, tinged with pride and melancholy, brushed his lips. “Forge ahead, my Eva. Your strength, your fire, it's unmatched. Rise as the badass queen I know you are, and let the world crumble at your feet.” 

Drawing a heavy breath, he let his emotions surge, crest, and ebb. Leaning in, their foreheads touched in a silent communion. “I won't utter the words you dread. So, instead of a goodbye, please… be happy, Eva.” 

With a shaky exhale, Gage leaned down, capturing her lips with his for the very last time. It was a slow, lingering kiss. He tasted the salt of his tears and the sweetness of her lips, savoring every second, every sensation. 

Drawing back from the kiss, Gage's eyes bore into Eva's closed ones. His hands, trembling ever so slightly, cradled her face. Words failed him for a moment, the vastness of his emotions stifling any attempt at speech. 

"Please know that even if my mind forgot you forever, my heart would love you for more lifetimes than the stars in the sky."

And with that, he turned and walked away, leaving behind the woman he loved and the hope of a future he could never have.