Chapter 23 (1/2)

”Wha.. You... You... love me?”

Iris stared at Edmund in disbelief. All her life, she was told she didn't deserve anyone's love. Her aunt had beaten it into her mind that she was an unwanted, worthless freak. But here he was, looking into her eyes, smiling and claiming he loved her. She couldn't comprehend it.

”Yes,” Edmund confirmed, still smiling. ”I do love you. Why is it so hard for you to believe it Iris?”

Iris felt a bit overwhelmed. Edmund had expressed his love for her in the simplest way possible. She didn't know how to respond. Frustrated, Iris replied, ”But why?! I'm a freak! No one wants me. How can you say you love some worthless freak like me?! I-I don... I don't...”

Edmund placed a finger on her lips as he stood up and stopped her from saying anymore. He wiped away her tears and cupped her cheeks lovingly, ”Shhh... You are worth more than everything to me. You are not a freak. And if loving you will make me one then I'd gladly be called a freak for the rest of my life. My love for you is as real as a river flowing to the sea. I just can't help falling in love with you.”

Overwhelmed with emotions, Iris jumped at him and hugged him tightly. As she cried into his shoulder, Edmund gently stroked her hair and spoke with a soothing voice, ”You'll never be alone Iris. You are loved, you are wanted. You are priceless to me. I love you and there's no power in this world that can make me say I don't. No matter what crisis you face in your life, even if the whole world is against you, I'll be there for you. That, is a promise of a lifetime. And I never go back on my word.”

Iris was wailing as he finished speaking. There was someone who cared for her, who loved her. Sniffing, she spoke with her mouth hiding in his shoulder, ”Yes...”

”I'm sorry? I didn't hear you.”

”YES!!...” Came a muffled cry.

”Yes what.”

”Yes, I love you too, Edmund.”

His felt over the moon. In that moment, Edmund forgot all about his revenge. Iris' words kept repeating in his mind. He tightened the hug and savored the feeling of her body against his. He could feel her heartbeat against his c.h.e.s.t. Iris had reciprocated his feelings.

Mustering immense willpower, he broke the hug but immediately felt the emptiness. He grabbed Iris from her waist and brought her closer. Cupping her rosy cheek, he rubbed it with his thumb as Iris leaned in to his hand.

Looking into each other's eyes, they leaned forward while slightly parting their lips.

Edmund could feel her warm breath against his mouth. His lips brushed hers, softly, delicately, just long enough that he could inhale her breath, feel the warmth of her skin, and the feeling lingered even after they parted.