I'll Never Let You Go

Chapter 2: Shadows in the Park

The early morning sunlight cast a soft glow over the park as Christian made his way to meet his dad, Detective Lucky Lee. His heart raced with anticipation, grateful for this brief respite from the suffocating grip of his abusive relationship with Wesley. Before leaving home, Christian meticulously applied makeup to conceal the fresh bruises marring his skin, a routine he had become all too familiar with.

As he stepped out the door, Christian felt Wesley's arms encircle him from behind, his breath hot against his neck as Wesley planted kisses along his skin. "I'm sorry about last night," Wesley murmured, his voice laced with false contrition.

Christian forced a nervous smile, his stomach churning with unease. "It's okay, Wes," he replied softly, his words tinged with self-blame. "I should've been home on time."

Wesley's grip tightened, his fingers digging into Christian's skin with a possessive force. "You know I only get upset because I love you," he insisted, his tone shifting from apology to manipulation in an instant. "I just want what's best for us."

Christian's heart sank as he listened to Wesley's familiar refrain, the seeds of doubt planted deep within his mind. Despite the facade of affection, Christian couldn't shake the feeling of dread that gnawed at him, knowing that Wesley's love came with a heavy price—one that left him battered and broken time and time again. As they made their way to the park, Christian couldn't help but wonder if this brief moment of solace with his dad would be enough to sustain him through the darkness that awaited him at home.

The early morning sunlight cast a soft glow over the park as Christian made his way to meet his dad, Detective Lucky Lee. His heart raced with anticipation, grateful for this brief respite from the suffocating grip of his abusive relationship with Wesley. Before leaving home, Christian meticulously applied makeup to conceal the fresh bruises marring his skin, a routine he had become all too familiar with.

As he stepped out the door, Christian felt Wesley's arms encircle him from behind, his breath hot against his neck as Wesley planted kisses along his skin. "I'm sorry about last night," Wesley murmured, his voice laced with false contrition.

Christian forced a nervous smile, his stomach churning with unease. "It's okay, Wes," he replied softly, his words tinged with self-blame. "I should've been home on time."

Wesley's grip tightened, his fingers digging into Christian's skin with a possessive force. "You know I only get upset because I love you," he insisted, his tone shifting from apology to manipulation in an instant. "I just want what's best for us."

Christian's heart sank as he listened to Wesley's familiar refrain, the seeds of doubt planted deep within his mind. Despite the facade of affection, Christian couldn't shake the feeling of dread that gnawed at him, knowing that Wesley's love came with a heavy price—one that left him battered and broken time and time again. As they made their way to the park, Christian couldn't help but wonder if this brief moment of solace with his dad would be enough to sustain him through the darkness that awaited him at home.
Christian and Detective Lucky Lee strolled through the park, the gentle breeze carrying the scent of cherry blossoms in the air. It was a beautiful day for spring, and the vibrant colors of the blossoms seemed to breathe life into the world around them. As they walked, Christian found himself momentarily forgetting the turmoil of his personal life, his heart lifting at the sight of the delicate pink petals dancing in the breeze.

"Isn't it beautiful, Dad?" Christian remarked, a genuine smile tugging at his lips as he gazed up at the cherry blossom trees.

Detective Lee nodded, his expression softening with paternal pride. "It sure is, son," he replied, his voice warm with affection. "Spring has always been my favorite time of year. It's a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there's always hope for new beginnings."