"The only way I'll be happy is if I'm with you. Do you understand that?"

Alick kissed her forehead gently. "Trust me this time," he whispered.

He closed his eyes and kissed her again, murmuring, "Please, don't make me sad."

Annis wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her head against him.

“I Like you so much. What can I do? If one of us has to be sad, I'd rather it be me."

Alick held her waist tightly. “Trust me. Everything will be over soon. We'll have a good life together."

"Can I be with you freely, without any worries?"

"Of course." In a hoarse voice, Alick said, "If I were going to give up on you, I wouldn't be here."

Annis cried harder.

She felt bitter and full of sorrow, consumed by loneliness and despair.

But as she leaned against his chest, she found a measure of comfort.

She loved him deeply and wanted to spend her life with him.

The floodgates opened, and she let her emotions pour out, crying unrestrainedly in his embrace.

Time seemed to blur.

Her legs went numb.

Her eyes were red and swollen.

Her voice became hoarse.

She sniffed and asked, "Does your hand still hurt?"

Alick gave a small nod. “It hurts."

He gazed at Annis with warmth in his eyes. "It would hurt even more if you left me."