Claiming His Heart (English Version)

Chapter 34

Lucy felt a storm of emotions swirl inside her as she absorbed the story Drake’s parents had just shared. Every word pressed down on her heart like a weight she hadn’t expected. The pain he had endured was unimaginable. Losing the woman he loved so dearly, the grief so sharp it had nearly consumed him, and the guilt he had carried for years afterward. She could feel it in the air, heavy and almost tangible, the remnants of a tragedy that had reshaped the man she loved.

Her gaze flicked to Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, noticing the sorrow etched into their faces. Mrs. Anderson’s hands trembled slightly, betraying the composure she tried to maintain. Her lips quivered as she attempted a bittersweet smile, the kind that held both pride and heartbreak. Lucy’s chest ached in empathy, and she squeezed Mr. Anderson’s hand in silent support, feeling a surge of protectiveness. Not just for Drake, but for the family who had suffered alongside him.

“The police arrived too late,” Mrs. Anderson continued, her voice catching slightly. “Our son tried to get Thalia to the hospital, but her body couldn’t take it. She had already lost too much blood… she was dead on arrival.”

Lucy’s stomach knotted. She gripped Mr. Anderson’s hand tighter. Each detail felt like a knife through her chest. She could hardly imagine a love so deep that someone would sacrifice everything to save it. Thalia had literally given her life for Drake, and now Lucy’s heart twisted with the realization that she was standing on the threshold of loving a man whose heart had been shattered by such a loss.

Mr. Anderson gently rubbed his wife’s back, offering quiet support. Lucy felt a wave of resolve wash over her. She refused to let despair take hold again, not if she could help it. She would be there for Drake, as constant and unwavering as a lighthouse in a storm.

“Our son blamed himself completely,” Mrs. Anderson went on, her voice heavy with sorrow. “He nearly lost control… no one could stop him. At that time, he even tried to end his life. He couldn’t accept that she was gone. Thankfully, his friends and his sister were there to stop him. It was unbearable to watch. Days passed, and he wouldn’t even speak to us properly. He drowned himself in alcohol, he lost all energy, all will to live… He didn’t even attend Thalia’s wake or funeral. For a long time, he mourned alone, sulked, withdrew from life. Even now… he can’t go near her grave. He can’t face it. Even after three years, he remains trapped in the past.”

Lucy felt her chest tighten. Her eyes stung, and her throat constricted, but she refused to cry. Not yet. She needed to anchor herself in purpose. “…I can be the one to help him heal,” she thought. “…I can be the person who helps him find joy again, who reminds him that life doesn’t end in grief.”

Mrs. Anderson’s voice softened, laden with hope. “I want you to help our son, Lucy. Heal his broken heart. Help him forgive himself. If Thalia were here… this is what she would want. She would want him to move forward and find happiness again.”

Lucy’s lips pressed into a determined line. Her eyes sparkled with resolve. “I will, Auntie,” she said softly but firmly. “I won’t fail you. Anyone who loves someone will do everything to protect and heal that person. Just like Thalia did for him. I will help him move on, help him heal. I love your son that much, and I will never stop chasing his heart until he accepts me.”

Mrs. Anderson suddenly stood and pulled her into a tight embrace. Lucy felt the warmth and strength of her support and returned it fully, feeling an unspoken bond forming in that moment. “Thank you, hija. Don’t worry, you have our full support. Never give up on him. Never stop loving him, and never leave him.”

Mr. Anderson joined the embrace, patting her shoulder gently. “Don’t lose hope either, hija. We believe in you. We trust you to help him. You’re the one who can remind him that life is still worth living.”

Lucy’s heart swelled with courage and purpose. She straightened herself, letting a quiet confidence settle into her bones. She now had more than just her love. She had the faith of the people who loved Drake most, and that faith made her feel unstoppable.

When his parents left, reminding her once more to care for Drake, Lucy took a deep breath and headed upstairs. Every step was deliberate, each movement filled with anticipation. She gently pushed open Drake’s door and peeked inside. The room was dimly lit by soft afternoon light streaming through the curtains. Drake lay beneath the covers, still pale, but calmer now, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm.

Lucy approached quietly, perching on the edge of the bed. Her gaze lingered on him, taking in the faint pallor of his skin, the subtle tension in his muscles, the way his eyelashes rested against his cheeks. Despite the lingering traces of grief in his demeanor, he was alive, and he was hers to care for.

“I know what happened to you was painful,” she whispered, her voice a soft caress. “And I know the grief you carry isn’t easy to bear. But it doesn’t mean the world has ended. Thalia saved you so you could meet someone else… someone who will love you for the rest of her life. Don’t close your heart. Even if the wounds run deep, they can heal. Don’t lock yourself in the past… there’s someone who loves you. Me.”

She brushed a stray lock of hair from his forehead, her fingers lingering slightly. She drew in a deep breath, feeling her heart hammer in her chest. “I will not give up on you, Drake. I will not leave you. I will stand by you until you can open your heart again.”

Hours passed with Lucy by his side. She adjusted his blankets, whispered small reassurances, and occasionally teased him to coax a faint smile from his weary expression. When he finally stirred, blinking against the soft light, his eyes found hers.

“You’re still here,” he said, voice hoarse but tinged with disbelief.

“Of course, Drakey,” she replied, smiling warmly. “I couldn’t leave you. I know you’d miss me too much.”

He groaned, a soft exasperation underlined with amusement. “Ugh, I’m getting tired of your face.”

Lucy leaned closer, a teasing smile dancing on her lips. “Remember, Mama says I’m going to marry you.”

“In your dreams! Don’t listen to her. It’s too soon for that,” he muttered, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

“Oh, watch out. I’m not just dreaming. I’ll make it happen, my love. Your choice or mine, period,” she said firmly, yet playfully, letting her confidence show.

“Are Mama and Papa gone already?” he asked cautiously, his eyes narrowing in suspicion.

“Yes, they’re gone. They left me in charge, with their blessing. Oh, and they said they want twins,” she added with a mischievous wink.

Drake’s eyes widened, a mix of exasperation and disbelief crossing his face. “s**t! No way! Don’t get any ideas. I’m still stronger than you!”

Lucy tilted her head teasingly, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Don’t worry, Drakey. Just a little warm-up… are you ready to rumble?”

“f**k! You’re insane! Get away from me!” he hissed, though a reluctant smile threatened to break through his annoyance.

Lucy laughed softly, a triumphant, lighthearted sound that warmed the room. She didn’t care that he protested; she had made up her mind. She would stand by him, care for him, tease him, and eventually, somehow, break through the walls around his heart. Not today, perhaps, but soon. Very soon.

And in that quiet afternoon, with sunlight spilling across the bed, Lucy knew one thing for certain: she would never stop loving him.