L̸͟͞o̸͟͞c̸͟͞k̸͟͞e̸͟͞d̸͟͞ A̸͟͞w̸͟͞a̸͟͞y̸͟͞❀

Chapter 40

                  ❇ꎇꀤꈤꍏ꒒꒒ꌩ ꃅꀤꌗ❇

Amy was stunned when she heard the door creak open.

Could it be?

And then, there he was—Richard, standing right in front of her! Was she dreaming? The room seemed to blur around her, the familiar walls of her childhood home fading into a haze as her mind struggled to comprehend the reality of his presence.

“Amy,” he called softly, stepping closer. His voice was like a melody she had longed to hear, a sound that had echoed in her memories but had felt so distant for so long. She straightened up, her heart racing as he approached, each step he took sending a jolt of electricity through her veins.

With a tender touch, he caressed her cheek, his fingers warm against her skin, grounding her in this moment. His voice was filled with warmth, wrapping around her like a comforting blanket. “My little girl,” he murmured, gazing deep into her tear-filled eyes. The affection in his gaze was unmistakable, a mixture of love and sorrow that made her heart swell and ache all at once.

"R-Richard," she sobbed, wrapping her arms around him with desperation, "I don't want to be alone anymore! Don't leave me please!" Her voice trembled with each hiccup, the weight of her fear pressing down on her chest like a heavy stone. She buried her face in his chest, seeking solace in the warmth of his presence, as if he were a lifeline in a stormy sea. The tears streamed down her cheeks, each drop a testament to the turmoil swirling within her.

Richard, sensing the depth of her anguish, tenderly stroked her hair, his fingers weaving through the strands as he embraced her waist. He could feel her body shaking, the tremors of her sobs reverberating against him, and it broke his heart to see her in such distress.

"Shh, my darling. I'm right here. I promise I won’t leave you," he whispered softly, his voice a soothing balm to her frayed nerves. The sincerity in his words wrapped around her like a warm blanket, offering a flicker of hope amidst the darkness that threatened to engulf her.

As she attempted to express her remorse once more, her words tangled in her throat, choked by the weight of her emotions. Richard gently silenced her with a finger pressed to her lips, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that conveyed his unwavering support. "You don’t have to say anything right now," he murmured, his gaze softening as he brushed a tear from her cheek. "Just breathe. Let me hold you."

She nodded, the simple act of surrendering to his embrace providing a momentary reprieve from the chaos in her mind. The rhythm of his heartbeat against her ear became a steady anchor, grounding her in the present. With each breath, she felt the tension in her body begin to ease, the storm within her slowly subsiding as she focused on the warmth of his arms around her.

He lifted her effortlessly, cradling her in his arms as he moved through the dimly lit basement.

With a gentle push, he opened the hidden passage, the creaking of the door echoing in the stillness. The light from the hallway spilled into the darkness, illuminating their path as he stepped into the familiar surroundings of their home. He could feel her trembling slightly, a mix of fear and relief, and he tightened his grip around her, reassuring her that she was safe now.

Once they reached their room, he carefully laid her down on the bed, the soft sheets cradling her as if they were welcoming her back. But instead of releasing him, she clung to him tightly, her fingers digging into his shirt as if afraid he might disappear. He could feel the tension in her body, the remnants of the fear that had gripped her moments before.

"I'm not going anywhere, my dear. I simply want to set you down," he said, his voice smooth and reassuring, but she shook her head in defiance, her resolve unyielding. The mere thought of him leaving her side sent a shiver of panic coursing through her veins. She couldn't bear the idea of being apart from him, even for a moment. Clinging to him tightly, her fingers curled into the fabric of his shirt, her attachment was serious , a silent declaration of her need for him.

A smirk of triumph crept onto his face, a flicker of satisfaction that he couldn't suppress. He was glad that her face was buried in the crook of his neck, shielding her from seeing the expression that betrayed his delight. His plan had unfolded beautifully, each step executed with precision. By keeping her close yet maintaining a careful distance, he had orchestrated a delicate balance that worked in his favor.

Just look at her now! The way she clung to him, her breath warm against his skin, spoke volumes. She relied on him completely, her trust evident in the way she melted against him, as if he were her safe haven. She craved his presence, the comfort of his embrace, and the security that came with it. The world outside faded into insignificance; all that mattered was the connection they shared in this moment.

With a newfound sense of belonging, she tightened her grip, her heart swelling with a mixture of love and possessiveness. She finally understood, that she was his.