LOGINShare
008: I'm Sorry
Last Updated:
2024-12-16 07:09:17Morning sunlight seeped through the thin hospital curtains, casting a faint glow on the pale walls. Elodie's eyes fluttered open, and the sterile scent of antiseptics greeted her senses. For a moment, she stared blankly at the ceiling, disoriented. Then, the events of the previous night rushed back like a tidal wave.
Her heart sank as fragmented images surfaced: her trembling fingers clutching Williams’ shirt, his hesitant touch, and the kiss—oh, the kiss. She pressed her palms against her face, her cheeks burning with shame. “Why did I do that?” she whispered, her voice trembling. “What was I thinking going into his room?” Sliding off the bed, her legs wobbled as she stood. Her hospital gown felt like a weight of embarrassment draped over her. She glanced around, searching for her clothes. Her only thought was to leave the hospital, in case Williams returned. The idea of facing him after last night was unbearable. She found her clothes folded neatly on a chair. She changed quickly, her hands shaking as she buttoned her blouse. Just as she reached for her bag, the door creaked open. She froze. There he was—Williams. He stood in the doorway, his presence filling the small room like a thunderstorm about to break. His dark eyes flicked to her, cold and unreadable. “I forgot my jacket,” he said curtly, stepping inside. His voice was clipped, devoid of warmth. Elodie’s heart hammered in her chest as he crossed the room. He picked up the jacket from the table, slinging it over his shoulder. Without sparing her a glance, he turned to leave. Relief began to wash over her, but it was short-lived. Williams stopped abruptly by the door. His shoulders stiffened, and when he turned back, his expression was a storm of disdain. “How could you?” His words lashed out like a whip, sharp and cutting. Elodie blinked, her breath catching. “W-what do you mean?” “You’re a married woman, Elodie,” he spat, his voice laced with mockery. “Throwing yourself at me like that... how brazen can you be?” Her lips parted in shock, but no words came. He stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. “Is that what you do now?” he sneered. “Desperate and cheap.....ready to betray your husband without a second thought? Though I shouldn’t be surprised. It’s who you are, isn’t it?” The words hit her like a physical blow. Her hands trembled, but she clenched them into fists, trying to steady herself. She looked down, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m not married anymore,” she said, her throat tight. The room fell into a suffocating silence. Williams blinked, his expression faltering for the briefest moment. “You’re divorced?” he asked, his tone unreadable. Elodie nodded, her gaze fixed on the floor. His lips pressed into a thin line, and his eyes narrowed as he quickly masked his moment of surprise. Without another word, he turned and strode out the door. “Williams, wait,” Elodie called out, her voice trembling. She rushed after him, catching his sleeve just as he reached the hallway. He stopped but didn’t turn around. “I—I just wanted to thank you,” she stammered, her grip loosening. “For everything you did last night. For helping me.” Williams glanced over his shoulder, his expression impassive. “Don’t mistake my actions for concern, Elodie. I helped because I had to, not because I wanted to. I would have done the same thing even if it was some other girl.” Her chest tightened, but she forced herself to continue. “I was hoping we could at least reconcile as friends. I don’t expect anything else. Just... maybe we can start over as friends.” He let out a bitter laugh, finally turning to face her. His gaze pierced through her, cold and unrelenting. “Start over?” he echoed, his tone dripping with derision. “Do you honestly think I’d want anything to do with a divorced and discarded woman?” The words were cruel, each one cutting deeper than the last. Elodie’s breath hitched, her hands falling to her sides. She felt her heart shatter. Her lips trembled, but she managed to whisper, “I’m sorry. I never meant to hurt you.” Williams scoffed, his eyes hard. “Save your apologies. They mean nothing now.” Without another glance, he turned and walked away, his footsteps echoing down the corridor. Elodie stood rooted to the spot. She wanted to scream, to chase after him, to make him understand, but her legs refused to move. Shame and despair crashed over her like a relentless tide. Biting her lip, she turned away, her vision blurred. She wiped her cheeks with the back of her hand and whispered to herself, “I deserve this.”
Related chapters
UNBREAKABLE BOND 001: Prologue
Elodie stood before Williams, her white wedding dress gleaming in the soft afternoon light. She could barely breathe, every fiber of her being screaming for her to stop, to choose him. But she forced herself to stay rooted, her decision set like a stone wall between them. “Please,” Williams said, his voice cracking as he stepped closer. His desperation was palpable, his words heavy with anguish. “Don’t do this. Don’t marry him. I love you, Elodie. You’re my life.....how am I supposed to live without you?” Her chest tightened painfully, her heart pounding against her ribcage like it was trying to escape. She clenched her fists, her nails biting into her palms as she fought to hold herself together. One more minute. Just one more minute, and she’d be free of this moment, free of the pain in his voice that was breaking her apart piece by piece. His hands reached out, trembling as they gripped her arms. “Say something,” he pleaded. His voice was raw, filled with a desperation she’d n
Last Updated : 2024-12-06UNBREAKABLE BOND 002: Three Years Later
Elodie changed into her regular clothes after finishing her long shift at the diner. Her legs ached from standing all day, and exhaustion weighed heavily on her. But she had no time to rest. Her rent was overdue by two months, and her landlord had given her only twenty-four hours to pay up or face eviction. No matter how tired she was, she had to head to her third job. When she got home, she let out a deep sigh, the familiar warmth of her small apartment offering little comfort. It was quiet, a stark contrast to the noise and chaos of her life. After a quick shower, she sat on the edge of her bed, staring blankly at her phone. Her body begged for sleep, but her mind wouldn’t let her relax. Tonight was going to be hard, and she knew it. The sudden ring of her phone startled her. She picked up quickly, recognizing her boss’s impatient voice. “Why aren’t you here yet?” he barked. “Good evening, sir,” she replied, trying to keep her voice steady. “I’m on my way to the festival.
Last Updated : 2024-12-06UNBREAKABLE BOND 003: Meeting Again
EARLIER IN THE DAY “I love you, Williams.” “You are my soulmate.” “Take your stupid ring. And don’t ever come near me again.” _______ Williams’ eyes shot open, his heart racing as fragments of the dream lingered in his mind. He sat up, his breaths heavy, and wiped the sweat off his forehead. Reaching for his wallet on the nightstand, he pulled out a small, worn photo tucked inside. His fingers traced the edges, the image a cruel reminder of a past he couldn’t escape. His grip tightened as his emotions surged. He stared at the picture, bitterness welling up in his chest. “Why are you still in my dreams, Elodie?” he muttered through clenched teeth. In a sudden burst of frustration, he tore the photo into tiny pieces, letting them scatter onto the floor. It had been over two years since she walked out of his life, yet the pain felt fresh, as if no time had passed. Her betrayal, her cutting words...they haunted him. No matter how hard he tried to bury the memories, they al
Last Updated : 2024-12-06UNBREAKABLE BOND 004: Mascot
"Why did the mascot run away?" Mandy, the girl with Williams asked, her tone laced with curiosity. Her wide eyes darted between the crowd and the retreating figure. Williams frowned, his sharp gaze following where the mascot had disappeared. He didn’t usually concern himself with trivial matters, yet something felt off. The image of the clumsy mascot colliding with the cake lingered in his mind, and an inexplicable pull urged him to investigate why. The murmurs of the crowd grew louder, a ripple of gossip spreading through the air. Meanwhile, the man holding the ruined cake turned on the mascot, his face red with anger. Elodie stood frozen, her heart pounding like a drum. Her vision was obscured by the frosting smeared across the mascot head. Trapped and humiliated, she realized there was only one way out. With trembling hands, she slowly lifted the oversized head, revealing her flushed, tear-streaked face. “I-I’m so sorry,” she began, her voice trembling as she faced the furi
Last Updated : 2024-12-06UNBREAKABLE BOND 005: Let Her Go
“I’ve never seen this person before.” Elodie smiled bitterly as Williams' words replayed over and over in her head. "You deserved that and more, Elodie," she told herself. As she made her way home, she recalled how she was misdiagnosed of cancer three years ago and told that she had less than a year to live. She remembered how hard she fought to get a divorce from Bryce, and the betrayal of her uncle, Greg Richards, which left her cheated and without a penny. Life had become much harder since then. Now, she scraped by, living paycheck to paycheck, her once grand aspirations replaced by the desperate need to survive. "None of this compares to the pain I caused Williams," she told herself. "It's a good thing he's found someone who makes his happy." When she finally reached her tiny apartment, she collapsed onto the sagging bed, staring at the cracked ceiling. Memories came rushing back—the laughter she and Williams had shared, his earnest dreams. Now, someone else had resto
Last Updated : 2024-12-10UNBREAKABLE BOND 006: Into His Arms
In a split second, the soft expression on Williams' face was gone, replaced by the same cold distance he had shown Elodie earlier. Gathering all the strength she could muster, Elodie mumbled a "thank you." Afterward, she got up and quietly walked out of the room. She staggered into the hallway outside the storeroom, her body trembling and her thoughts a chaotic mess. The dim lighting made her feel even more vulnerable. Her uniform clung to her damp skin from the sweat of fear, and her breaths came in shallow gasps. She glanced back briefly and saw Williams. His tall, commanding figure loomed in the doorway, watching her. She wanted to thank him properly, to say something more, but the words stuck in her throat. “I should go,” she murmured under her breath, more to herself than to him. “Elodie,” his deep voice stopped her in her tracks. She froze, gripping the wall for support as she turned halfway to look at him. His face was unreadable, his eyes shadowed by the low light, b
Last Updated : 2024-12-10UNBREAKABLE BOND 007: The Fractured Pieces
Elodie’s body trembled as Williams pulled away from her, her weight pressing into him like a burden he wasn’t sure he could bear. Her skin was clammy, her breaths shallow. He hesitated, his jaw clenched, his heart waging war with itself. She murmured his name softly, her voice a frail thread that pulled at the edges of his resolve. “Don’t,” he whispered under his breath, his tone both pleading and commanding. But when her fingers weakly touched the skin of his shirt, something inside him broke. Against his better judgment, he leaned closer. His lips brushed her forehead, hesitant, as if testing the limits of his restraint. Then, in a moment of weakness, he gave in. His mouth found hers, and for a fleeting moment, the world dissolved into the warmth of their shared breath. The kiss deepened as he kissed her passionately before he abruptly pulled away, breathing heavily as though surfacing from deep waters. His hand pressed against her face, cradling it for a moment before he shoo
Last Updated : 2024-12-16
Latest chapter
UNBREAKABLE BOND 008: I'm Sorry
Morning sunlight seeped through the thin hospital curtains, casting a faint glow on the pale walls. Elodie's eyes fluttered open, and the sterile scent of antiseptics greeted her senses. For a moment, she stared blankly at the ceiling, disoriented. Then, the events of the previous night rushed back like a tidal wave. Her heart sank as fragmented images surfaced: her trembling fingers clutching Williams’ shirt, his hesitant touch, and the kiss—oh, the kiss. She pressed her palms against her face, her cheeks burning with shame. “Why did I do that?” she whispered, her voice trembling. “What was I thinking going into his room?” Sliding off the bed, her legs wobbled as she stood. Her hospital gown felt like a weight of embarrassment draped over her. She glanced around, searching for her clothes. Her only thought was to leave the hospital, in case Williams returned. The idea of facing him after last night was unbearable. She found her clothes folded neatly on a chair. She changed qui
UNBREAKABLE BOND 007: The Fractured Pieces
Elodie’s body trembled as Williams pulled away from her, her weight pressing into him like a burden he wasn’t sure he could bear. Her skin was clammy, her breaths shallow. He hesitated, his jaw clenched, his heart waging war with itself. She murmured his name softly, her voice a frail thread that pulled at the edges of his resolve. “Don’t,” he whispered under his breath, his tone both pleading and commanding. But when her fingers weakly touched the skin of his shirt, something inside him broke. Against his better judgment, he leaned closer. His lips brushed her forehead, hesitant, as if testing the limits of his restraint. Then, in a moment of weakness, he gave in. His mouth found hers, and for a fleeting moment, the world dissolved into the warmth of their shared breath. The kiss deepened as he kissed her passionately before he abruptly pulled away, breathing heavily as though surfacing from deep waters. His hand pressed against her face, cradling it for a moment before he shoo
UNBREAKABLE BOND 006: Into His Arms
In a split second, the soft expression on Williams' face was gone, replaced by the same cold distance he had shown Elodie earlier. Gathering all the strength she could muster, Elodie mumbled a "thank you." Afterward, she got up and quietly walked out of the room. She staggered into the hallway outside the storeroom, her body trembling and her thoughts a chaotic mess. The dim lighting made her feel even more vulnerable. Her uniform clung to her damp skin from the sweat of fear, and her breaths came in shallow gasps. She glanced back briefly and saw Williams. His tall, commanding figure loomed in the doorway, watching her. She wanted to thank him properly, to say something more, but the words stuck in her throat. “I should go,” she murmured under her breath, more to herself than to him. “Elodie,” his deep voice stopped her in her tracks. She froze, gripping the wall for support as she turned halfway to look at him. His face was unreadable, his eyes shadowed by the low light, b
UNBREAKABLE BOND 005: Let Her Go
“I’ve never seen this person before.” Elodie smiled bitterly as Williams' words replayed over and over in her head. "You deserved that and more, Elodie," she told herself. As she made her way home, she recalled how she was misdiagnosed of cancer three years ago and told that she had less than a year to live. She remembered how hard she fought to get a divorce from Bryce, and the betrayal of her uncle, Greg Richards, which left her cheated and without a penny. Life had become much harder since then. Now, she scraped by, living paycheck to paycheck, her once grand aspirations replaced by the desperate need to survive. "None of this compares to the pain I caused Williams," she told herself. "It's a good thing he's found someone who makes his happy." When she finally reached her tiny apartment, she collapsed onto the sagging bed, staring at the cracked ceiling. Memories came rushing back—the laughter she and Williams had shared, his earnest dreams. Now, someone else had resto
UNBREAKABLE BOND 004: Mascot
"Why did the mascot run away?" Mandy, the girl with Williams asked, her tone laced with curiosity. Her wide eyes darted between the crowd and the retreating figure. Williams frowned, his sharp gaze following where the mascot had disappeared. He didn’t usually concern himself with trivial matters, yet something felt off. The image of the clumsy mascot colliding with the cake lingered in his mind, and an inexplicable pull urged him to investigate why. The murmurs of the crowd grew louder, a ripple of gossip spreading through the air. Meanwhile, the man holding the ruined cake turned on the mascot, his face red with anger. Elodie stood frozen, her heart pounding like a drum. Her vision was obscured by the frosting smeared across the mascot head. Trapped and humiliated, she realized there was only one way out. With trembling hands, she slowly lifted the oversized head, revealing her flushed, tear-streaked face. “I-I’m so sorry,” she began, her voice trembling as she faced the furi
UNBREAKABLE BOND 003: Meeting Again
EARLIER IN THE DAY “I love you, Williams.” “You are my soulmate.” “Take your stupid ring. And don’t ever come near me again.” _______ Williams’ eyes shot open, his heart racing as fragments of the dream lingered in his mind. He sat up, his breaths heavy, and wiped the sweat off his forehead. Reaching for his wallet on the nightstand, he pulled out a small, worn photo tucked inside. His fingers traced the edges, the image a cruel reminder of a past he couldn’t escape. His grip tightened as his emotions surged. He stared at the picture, bitterness welling up in his chest. “Why are you still in my dreams, Elodie?” he muttered through clenched teeth. In a sudden burst of frustration, he tore the photo into tiny pieces, letting them scatter onto the floor. It had been over two years since she walked out of his life, yet the pain felt fresh, as if no time had passed. Her betrayal, her cutting words...they haunted him. No matter how hard he tried to bury the memories, they al
UNBREAKABLE BOND 002: Three Years Later
Elodie changed into her regular clothes after finishing her long shift at the diner. Her legs ached from standing all day, and exhaustion weighed heavily on her. But she had no time to rest. Her rent was overdue by two months, and her landlord had given her only twenty-four hours to pay up or face eviction. No matter how tired she was, she had to head to her third job. When she got home, she let out a deep sigh, the familiar warmth of her small apartment offering little comfort. It was quiet, a stark contrast to the noise and chaos of her life. After a quick shower, she sat on the edge of her bed, staring blankly at her phone. Her body begged for sleep, but her mind wouldn’t let her relax. Tonight was going to be hard, and she knew it. The sudden ring of her phone startled her. She picked up quickly, recognizing her boss’s impatient voice. “Why aren’t you here yet?” he barked. “Good evening, sir,” she replied, trying to keep her voice steady. “I’m on my way to the festival.
UNBREAKABLE BOND 001: Prologue
Elodie stood before Williams, her white wedding dress gleaming in the soft afternoon light. She could barely breathe, every fiber of her being screaming for her to stop, to choose him. But she forced herself to stay rooted, her decision set like a stone wall between them. “Please,” Williams said, his voice cracking as he stepped closer. His desperation was palpable, his words heavy with anguish. “Don’t do this. Don’t marry him. I love you, Elodie. You’re my life.....how am I supposed to live without you?” Her chest tightened painfully, her heart pounding against her ribcage like it was trying to escape. She clenched her fists, her nails biting into her palms as she fought to hold herself together. One more minute. Just one more minute, and she’d be free of this moment, free of the pain in his voice that was breaking her apart piece by piece. His hands reached out, trembling as they gripped her arms. “Say something,” he pleaded. His voice was raw, filled with a desperation she’d n
