I shook my head. My blood ran hot through my veins. Not because of his touch, but because of his careless behavior towards himself. “They aren’t there because you workout too much. They’re there because you’re careless! Because you don’t even care if you’re hurt! You do this on purpose, don’t you, Ace? I told you to stop this, but you didn’t listen. Why do you do that? Why do you hurt yourself like that?”

His gray pools were intense. “Once you’re in my arms forever, it won’t happen again.”

“Why?”

“Because you’ll be always there to keep me sane and in check.”

I didn’t understand it. Why would he hurt himself to keep himself sane?

He loses himself so much into his work out that he doesn’t even care if he’s hurt or not. And only I can keep him sane?

He cupped my cheeks. His eyes now held desperation. “Give us a chance, Rosebud. Give me a chance to be a part of your life. Give me a chance to hold you in my arms for the rest of my life. Just one chance, baby. I promise, I’ll make it worth it. I know I hurt you. But I’ll spend my whole life making it up to you. I promise I’ll spend myself whole just to bring a single smile to your lips. I’ll never make you cry again. Just,” he gulped, “give me a chance. I love you so fucking much, my Rosebud. Without you in my arms, I had spent the seven years in living hell. I can’t do this anymore. Please forgive me. I beg you. Just give me a chance, Rosebud. Just one chance.”

A tear rolled down my cheek. With my heart thudding inside my chest, I fisted my hands into balls. Fierce emotions slammed into my chest in hefty waves.

“Will you forgive me, Rosebud? Will you give me a chance?” he asked again, his eyes searching mine for answers.

FORTY-SEVEN: I LOVE YOU

Running my palm over the smooth fabric one more time, I took a deep breath and opened the door. With every step, the lower part of my gown flared more, providing a feel of a princess ascending the staircase towards the prince charming of hers.

But for me, my annoying best friend stood there, not even looking at me. She was too busy applying her dark red lipstick holding a small mirror before her face. The light blue mermaid gown looked stunning on her. It revealed her perfect curves. With her honey blonde curls resting over her shoulders, she had a natural makeup on.

Her eyes snapped up to me, and her jaw dropped.

“Holy shit!” She glanced up and down my whole structure. “This is the first time I’m ashamed to be straight as a stick. Damn! Achilles is a lucky ass!”