chapter 8
1174 Words
Chapter 8 – A Fragile Day
The afternoon sun stretched across London’s river, soft golden light bouncing off the ripples like scattered jewels. The world looked alive—families strolling with ice creams, children running ahead with laughter, an old couple walking slowly hand in hand. To Adrian, all of it blurred into the background. His focus, as always, was on her.
Elena.
Her long dark hair caught the breeze, brushing against her face. She tucked a strand behind her ear with fingers that trembled ever so slightly. Her skin glowed pale under the sunlight, but her lips carried that stubborn, mischievous curve he had fallen for. Dressed in a simple white blouse and a flowing skirt, she looked like she had stepped straight out of a dream.
Adrian reached out, slipping his hand into hers. Her fingers were colder than usual. He squeezed gently.
“You’re quiet,” he murmured. “That’s rare. Usually, you’re lecturing me about something.”
Her laugh was soft, like glass chiming. “Maybe I’m saving my energy for a bigger argument later.”
He smiled, but his heart twisted. Saving her energy. She was joking, but he had begun to notice the way her words carried double edges now, like her body was betraying secrets she wouldn’t admit.
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Adrian’s POV
We strolled along the riverside, and though her hand rested in mine, her steps were lighter… almost fragile. Every time she slowed down, I slowed with her. I didn’t want her to notice that I noticed. She hated being pitied.
I kept stealing glances—at the way her chest rose faster than normal, at how she pressed her lips together when she thought I wasn’t looking. She wanted to appear strong, but her eyes… her eyes carried shadows.
I hated myself for the fear gnawing at me. Because what if I couldn’t protect her from this? What if she was slipping away, little by little, and I was powerless to stop it?
“Let’s sit,” I said, pointing to a bench near the water. “I’ll buy us coffee.”
Her brow lifted, teasing. “Coffee again? Adrian, I’ll start suspecting you’re addicted.”
“No,” I smirked, brushing my thumb across her knuckles. “I’m addicted to the way you look at me when I hand you a cup.”
Her cheeks flushed. She rolled her eyes, but the smile tugging her lips was real. “Hopeless flirt.”
Hopelessly in love, I wanted to say.
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Elena’s POV
I hated how my body betrayed me. Every step with Adrian felt like a secret battle. The burning in my chest, the dizziness creeping up, the weight in my limbs—it was all there, yet I fought to hide it.
I wanted him to see me the way he always had—alive, glowing, untouchable. Not like this. Not fragile. Not fading.
He sat me down on the bench, his hand brushing my hair back as if I were made of glass. My heart clenched.
“Don’t look at me like that,” I whispered.
“Like what?” His voice was gentle, but his eyes burned.
“Like I’m breaking.”
Silence stretched between us. The river rushed by, children’s laughter in the distance. For a moment, I thought he’d push, demand answers I wasn’t ready to give. But instead, he leaned down, kissed my temple, and smiled as if nothing was wrong.
“I’ll be back with that coffee,” he said. “Don’t run away.”
“I might,” I teased faintly. “Depends on who offers me better company.”
“Impossible,” he smirked, and walked toward the café nearby.
I watched him go, tall and steady, carrying the kind of strength I sometimes wished I could steal for myself.
And in that moment, sitting alone with the river singing beside me, I felt it again—that sharp wave of exhaustion. My hand pressed against my chest. I closed my eyes, steadying my breath. Not now. Please, not now.
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Adrian’s POV
I returned with two cups, her favorite hazelnut latte in hand. She looked up at me with that smile—so light, so deceptively strong—and for a heartbeat, I convinced myself I was imagining her paleness.
I handed her the cup. “For my queen.”
Her lips curved. “Careful, Adrian. If you keep spoiling me, I might expect a crown next.”
“You already have it.” I tapped my chest. “Right here.”
Her laughter made people turn their heads. God, I lived for that sound.
We sat there, sipping coffee, trading silly jokes. She teased me about my tie being crooked; I teased her about glaring at strangers who dared to glance my way. For a little while, it almost felt normal.
Almost.
Until her fingers slipped around the cup too loosely. It nearly fell. I caught it, heart hammering.
“Elena?” I whispered.
Her eyes fluttered shut for a second. “Just… dizzy. It’ll pass.”
It didn’t pass.
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The Collapse
We had barely taken a few steps down the riverside when her body swayed. My arm shot out, catching her before she hit the ground.
“Elena!” My voice cracked. She was too light in my arms, too fragile.
Her lashes fluttered, and she whispered, “Adrian… I’m fine… just tired.”
“Fine?” My chest heaved. “You nearly collapsed, and you’re telling me you’re fine?”
People stared as I lifted her, carrying her toward a quieter spot. My hands trembled as I held her close, as if my grip alone could anchor her to this world.
She rested her head against me, smiling faintly despite her weakness. “You’re making a scene.”
“I don’t care,” I snapped, voice breaking. “I don’t care what anyone thinks. All I care about is you.”
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Elena’s POV
In his arms, I felt both safe and guilty. Safe because his warmth wrapped around me, his heartbeat steady against my ear. Guilty because I knew—deep down—I couldn’t promise him forever.
“Adrian…” My voice was weak, but I forced the words out. “Don’t… don’t be afraid of me.”
“Afraid?” He looked down, eyes fierce and wet. “Elena, I’m terrified. Terrified of losing you.”
I touched his cheek, my fingers trembling. “Then don’t lose me now. I’m still here.”
His jaw tightened, and he kissed my forehead like a vow.
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Adrian’s POV
She was still here. Still mine. But for how long?
I carried her all the way back to my car, ignoring her protests, ignoring the stares. She needed rest. She needed care. She needed me.
And I swore to myself, no matter what this illness was, no matter how much she tried to hide it—
I wouldn’t let her fade away in silence.
Not Elena.
Not my Elena.
💔💔
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- Writer
