IMDD CHAPTER 254 (Patreon)

Gage's eyes fluttered open to a sight that felt like a glimpse into a dream world—a world where his deepest desires had come to life. There he was, with Eva by his side and a small child peacefully sleeping between them. The view was heartbreakingly beautiful, so serene, so… perfect. In that moment, an emotion so intense filled his heart to the point that he was rendered motionless.

But as reality began to weave back into his consciousness, something bitter edged into his heart. He knew that this picture-perfect scene was not truly his reality. This was not his… but another man’s family.

His fist clenched, and with a sense of reluctance and a quiet movement, Gage carefully extricated himself from the bed, mindful not to disturb the peaceful slumber of Eva and the child. As he stood, about to walk away from this ephemeral snapshot of a life he longed for, Eva's hand suddenly reached out, her fingers wrapping around his wrist in a gentle, yet firm grasp.

Their eyes met, and in that gaze, a world of unspoken words and emotions unfolded. Gage's expression was hard as he opened his mouth as if to speak, but then his eyes fell on Gaia. The sight of the child, so innocent and unaware, obviously prompted him to close his lips.

Without letting go of Gage's hand, Eva also slowly rose from the bed

As she stood, Gage's actions took a sudden turn. With an unexpected but controlled motion, he pulled her towards the door.

He opened the door and stepped through.

Gage paused as Eva closed the door behind them with a soft click. She then turned to face Gage, and stared at his still form. She couldn’t help but notice that his back or maybe his shoulders seemed broader compared to seven years ago.

"We need to talk," she finally said, breaking the silence.

Gage turned to face her, his expression severe and a storm of emotions playing across his features. "If it’s regarding the child’s kidnapping, you don’t need to worry about anything like this happening again once I leave," he said, his voice carrying a note of finality, as if he had already made up his mind.

Eva's gaze held steady, meeting his with a resolve that matched his intensity.

Then she moved and blocked Gage's path. "No, I’m not going to let you leave," she declared firmly.

Gage pinned her against the wall. His movement was swift, immediate and just… intense. "Didn’t you get the most important point of what I just said? I am the reason why your daughter was kidnapped. So you should get rid of me, push me away like you always do, Eva. For you and your daughter’s sake –”

“I don’t think so.” Eva cut him off. “If you stay with us, such a thing will not happen again. Because you’re here now to protect Gaia.”

For a moment, Gage faltered at her words. Then, something shifted in his eyes, a storm of emotions brewing, darkening. “You might be right, I can protect her… but not you… do you understand, Eva?” His voice was a strained hiss, his jaw clenched tightly that the muscles in his face twitched with the strain, and the hand cupping her face trembling with the effort of restraint.

“You can protect me. You always protect me,” Eva insisted, her voice was filled with certainty.

"You overestimate me, Eva. You don't know... you don't have any idea how many times I've tried." The atmosphere around them grew heavier, almost suffocating. "No matter how powerful I might be, I will always fail to save you... do you know why? Because I am... your curse, and you, mine.” Something in Gage's eyes seemed to blaze. His jaws clenched so tightly as though they’re on the brink of shattering. It was as if every fiber in his being was fighting an internal battle, struggling not to unleash whatever it was currently raging within him. “So if you don't want to die... for the sake of your child, listen to me. Push me away, run away from me like you always do while you have a chance. Grab this opportunity now while I'm sane, while I still have this pity for your child that I am willing to let you go."

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