Chapter 102 CHAPTER 102

Chapter 102 CHAPTER 102
Ethan Hartley

"You're going to have everything you want. Don't worry."

I lean back against him again, feeling the hug close around me. My heart slows down. My body relaxes.

I give thanks in silence for this second chance.

For the fact that I am still here.

For the fact that I didn't leave.

And for not leaving him behind.

I let out a light sigh.

"Giant baby…"

He laughs but doesn't answer, and this playful silence draws a smile from me.

"Let's go see the sea."

Biel kisses my neck.

"Right now?" he asks carefully. "Wouldn't you prefer to rest a bit and go later?"

I hold his hands resting on my stomach and intertwine our fingers.

"I've already rested so much," I say lowly. "I know I still need rest, especially because in a few days I go back to chemo. But I wanted to see the sea with you. To lie on you, watching the waves."

He kisses the top of my head.

"All right. You know I do everything for you." He takes a short pause. "But I'm warning you now: I'm going to carry you."

I let out a laugh.

"I wouldn't expect anything less."

I step down from the bed carefully and put on my shoes. Biel does the same. I go over to the wardrobe, grab a small bag, and place a sheet inside. Then, I stop by the small table and grab my sketchbook and a pencil.

"Ready."

He smiles and extends his hand. I hold it without thinking, intertwining our fingers. Biel takes the bag, and we leave the room. We head down the stairs slowly, with him supporting me firmly. I lean my entire body against him, trusting.

We find my parents talking with Angela in the living room.

"We are going to take a walk on the beach," I announce.

My mother smiles immediately.

"Of course. Just don't come back late."

I look at her, finding it strange. I thought I would hear a speech about resting. My father notices my look and laughs.

"Son, we are calm. We know Gabriel is more protective than the two of us combined."

They laugh, looking at Biel.

"Hey, that's not true," he protests, feigning indignation. "I'm just taking care of my boyfriend."

The laughter increases, and I can't help but laugh along.

"Love, don't laugh at me," he complains, but he is also smiling.

Angela stands up.

"Have fun and come back early," she says sweetly. "You are still recovering, sweetie."

I nod, smiling.

"I need to go. My driver is arriving," she continues. "Lunch was wonderful, Clara. Next time, it will be at my house."

Seeing my mother and Angela getting along so well makes me feel light. Biel pulls me gently outside, drawing another laugh from me. He opens the car door, helps me get in, and then walks around, placing the bag on my lap. We put on our seatbelts, and he starts the engine.

I turn on the sound system. By coincidence, Numb by Linkin Park starts to play.

He faces me in the exact same instant.

"No, love… no."

I open with a huge smile and begin to sing. Or rather, scream.

"No! Stop! My ears!" he dramatizes.

I let out a gasp of laughter and keep singing until we reach the beach. He turns off the sound.

"Thank God we arrived," he says, theatrically. "Love, I love you very much. But do not sing Linkin Park."

"Don't be dramatic, giant baby," I reply, laughing. "I sing very well."

He snorts.

"Right. Very well indeed."

I give him a light pat on the shoulder, and we both laugh.

We step out of the car and, without warning, Biel picks me up in his arms. I laugh out loud as he walks until he finds a spot with shade. I don't take my eyes off the sea. The smell of salt invades everything. I missed this so much… For a time, I thought I would never see the sea again.

We find a good spot. He places me on the ground carefully. I spread the sheet, and we place a little sand on the edges so it won't fly away. Biel takes off his shoes and sits down first. I do the same and settle between his legs, resting my back against his chest. Ahead, the sea opens up, immense, blue, and alive.

"Ah… I missed this so much, love," I say, closing my eyes as I feel the wind on my face.

"I missed it too. We can come every day, whenever you want."

I hold his hand and kiss the finger where the ring is.

"Thank you for being patient with me." I lift my gaze. "I'm happy for everything you achieved."

He kisses my cheek.

"I achieved it thanks to you."

We stay in silence for a few seconds, listening to the sea.

"I only ask one thing," he continues. "Never lie to me again, not even to protect me. We are partners. I am going to be with you until God keeps us. And my priority is you."

I sigh.

"Sometimes I feel guilty…" I confess. "I didn't want you to lose anything because of me."

He holds my hands and rests his chin on my shoulder.