Kleia woke up the next morning with a heavy heart. She felt conflicted, emotions, pulling her into two opposing directions. On one hand, she couldn't forget what Vito had done to her, kidnapping her, keeping her locked away from her life. On the other hand., she couldn't deny a strange connection growing between them.
She was pacing her room, knock at the door . " come in" she said reluctantly.
The door open and Vito stepped inside , is expression unreadable. " good morning" he said, his voice, low and measured.
Kleia cross her arms, leaning against the windowsill. " what do you want?"
" I thought we could have breakfast together" he said, his gaze fixed on her.
She hesitated. Part of her wanted to say no, to resist him at every turn, but another part, the part she hated to admit existed was curious.
"fine" she finally said
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Is there a small table in the dining room?, the morning sunlight streaming through the tall windows, the atmosphere with stand, but not hostile, a delicate balance between resistance and understanding.
Vito poured her a cup of coffee before speaking " I want you to know something kleia. I never intended to hurt you."
" you keep saying that" she replied, absentmindedly. " actions speak louder than words, Vito. You took me from my life."
" I know" he admitted " and I'll regret it if you can't forgive me. But I've never regretted bringing you here."
Kleia looked up at him, her expression, conflicted " why me? You could have anyone. Why so much for a stranger?"
" you're not a stranger anymore" he said simply " and from the moment I saw you, I knew you were different. Your... real genuine. In my world, that's rare"
His words sent a shiver down her spine. She wanted to dismiss him, accuse him of manipulation, but his sincerity was undeniable.
" this doesn't change anything" she said quietly." you still don't have the right to decide my future."
" I know" Vito said, surprising her " that's why I'm giving you a choice"
Kleia blinked, unsure if she had heard him correctly. " what do you mean?"
" I'll arrange for your safe. Return home." he said. " no strings attached."
Her heart skipped a beat " you're serious"
" yes" he said, his expression solemn. " but I need you to think about what you want. If you leave, you'll never see me again"
Kleia stared at him, her mind racing. She had dreamed of this moment for weeks, but now that it was here, she fell an ache in her chest that she couldn't explain.
