231 Hellbound with you (1/2)

Meanwhile, downstairs.

Xavier was wearing a serious expression as he sat across Zeke in the vast living room.

”So, the wedding will still be on even after what just happened?” Xavier asked as he looked intently at Zeke.

Zeke elegantly twirled the wine glass in his hand as he mumbled, not bothering to look at Xavier. ”You think anyone would be able to change Alex's mind?”

”I don't know what's going on anymore,” he shook his head in disbelief before he shot a disapproving gaze at Zeke.

”I think you should be honest with him, Zeke. No one can save Abigail from dying. Her disease isn't something anyone can cure, not even you. And is he serious? He's actually okay with you using her as a guinea pig for experiments?” he blabbered on but Zeke remained silent. ”Alex is too optimistic. Even if the surgery is successful, her body will not last long. She will still die, sooner or later.”

”Yes, she will die, sooner or later,” Zeke finally looked at him. ”Unless…”

…

Back in Abi's room, the sound of a blow dryer echoed inside the room. Alex was carefully drying her hair as Abi closed her eyes, enjoying this blissful feeling.

His hand was so gentle as he held every strand of her hair, treating them so delicately and she loved it. She loved the feeling of his fingers combing her hair. She loved this peaceful moment with him.

”Alex?” she called out, throwing her head back on his lap to look at him. ”Are you okay?”

Alex stared at her for a long while before he turned the blower off. He pulled her and made her sit between his legs. And then, he hugged her from behind, kissing her neck.

”You're not going to ask me anything, still?” his deep voice sounded anxious.

”D-do you want me to… ask? W-would you… tell me everything if I do?”

A long silence went by before Alex spoke again.

”I don't know. I'm afraid things will only get worse once you… know.”

”Is it really that bad??”

”Yes. I don't want to burden you with more than what I have already given you from the moment since you chose to be with me. I told you before, my world is hell. You don't deserve to live in it, and yet, here I am… dragging you into it.”

Abi moved to look at him. His breathtaking face looked grave. ”No, actually… even if I let you go, it's too late now, Abigail.”

”Because… I… I was already hellbound with you since the day I chose to live with you?”

Alex fell silent and his lips slowly curved up. ”I think… those words perfectly describe it,” he smiled, shaking his head before he became serious and caressed her face.

”What happened today didn't make you change your mind, right?” he continued.

”Change my mind?”

”About the wedding, Abigail.”

It was Abi's turn to smile and shake her head. ”I will marry you, Alex. As long as you want me, nothing can change my mind.”

”Even if I turned out to be someone horrible or even more than that?”