WHEN THE DEVIL MEETS (BOOK1)

𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 7

RUI

Locked away in that desolate room, I couldn't help but feel a mix of terror and curiosity as Ruvik stepped inside, holding a tray of food. His appearance was striking – with yellow eyes that seemed to hold centuries of wisdom, white hair and eyebrows that contrasted against his olive skin. He wore a simple turtle neck t-shirt and jeans, an enigma of power and vulnerability.

How long had it been since I last saw him? 460 days? Time had lost all meaning in this confined space, and his sudden presence left me shaken.

"I... I brought you lunch," he said softly, his voice betraying a hint of nervousness. "Rui, I'm sorry. I never wanted things to turn out this way."

I couldn't find the words to respond. The fear and anger I held for him were at odds with the faint glimmer of hope that he might have changed.

"I know I hurt you, and I don't deserve forgiveness," he confessed, his gaze lowering in shame. "I thought I was protecting you, but I only caused you more suffering.”

Setting the tray down, he took a cautious step closer, and I instinctively backed away. I couldn't forget the torment I endured because of him.

"I won't force anything upon you," he whispered, his voice tinged with regret. "You're free now. If you want to leave, I won't stop you. I won't be your captor any longer."

His words were unexpected, and I felt a glimmer of surprise. Could it be true? Was he truly willing to let me go?

I'll do whatever it takes to make amends," he vowed, his eyes searching mine for any sign of acceptance. "If you want me gone, I'll leave. But if you're willing to give me a chance, I'll strive to become the person you deserve."

I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. The hurt he caused me was deep, and I couldn't simply forget it. Yet, as I looked into those enigmatic yellow eyes, I sensed his sincerity.

The memories of our time together flooded back, both good and bad. Despite everything, I couldn't deny that a part of me once cared for him. But trust had to be earned, and he had a long way to go.

With a heavy heart, I shook my head, unable to speak. The fear held me back, making me doubt his intentions, even as he seemed remorseful.

As he walked away, leaving the tray of food behind, I couldn't help but feel conflicted. The sight of him stirred emotions I thought were long buried, but I knew that my heart couldn't be swayed so easily.

The days continued to pass, and I found myself pondering his presence. Did he truly want to change? Could I find it in me to forgive him and give him a chance?.

Ruvik's apology had been genuine, but it didn't erase the pain he had inflicted upon me. The promise of change felt hollow, and I couldn't find it in my heart to trust him yet. The fear of being hurt again held me back, no matter how much he claimed to want redemption.

I could only hope that someday, somehow, I would find my way back to the people and the life I once knew, even if the journey seemed impossible. And if Ruvik truly wanted redemption, he would have to do more than just apologize; he would have to prove himself worthy of trust and forgiveness.