Chapter 52: I know The Truth

Asher’s point of view

Scarlett sat by the pool; her feet dipped inside the water; she was staring at the water, seeming to be lost in her thoughts. My stomach twisted at the thought of her lie….

Did she think I wouldn't recognize her even if she changed her face, from the moment my eyes met hers, my heart recognized hers by beating so hard against my chest, by now I was sure that my life was meaningless without her, it felt like I've been walking on a circle without reaching my destination, before I met her I was breathing but now I was alive, the thought of her saved me from that forest, I could have died a long time ago but each time her eyes flashed in my mind, I'd fight for survival so I'd see her once again.

I've realized that I didn't just love her but it was something more than love, she has become my reason for living, she has become my life and I want to spend the rest of my life with her, she brings the best out of me and she has brought nothing but colors to my dark world.

I didn't want to play hide and seek with her, so I'm going to tell her the truth, that I know she's Scarlett, the woman who held my heart in her palm...

I exhaled deeply before I strode towards her; she turned to me as soon as she sensed my presence…

“Scarlett, we need to talk... “I stood by the pool, a few steps away from her, her borrows furrowed; she rose off the ground and walked over to me, her wet feel leaving a trail on the ground.

“What happened, Mister Black? “Her tone was laced with confusion; I leaned closer to her, invading her space, and her lips parted as our eyes locked.

“I do not want to play this game with you, Scarlett; I know the truth about your real identity. “My voice dropped to a whisper, husky with emotions, her eyes widened.

“What... What are you talking about? Mister Black? “She stammered, averting her gaze from mine, I lifted my hand to her face, gently making her look into my eyes.

“You know what I'm talking about, Scarlett. “My voice was low.. “I recognized you the first day I laid my eyes on you. Had you wanted to change something about you , then you should have changed your heart, but even if you did, I'd have recognized you still. “I pulled back the strands of her hair behind her; she tried to avert my touch.

“I don't know what you are talking about? “She lied through her teeth. She tried to walk past me, but I wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her closer to me; she tried to shrug out of my embrace, but I didn't let her.

“Then why is your heart beating so hard against your chest? Why aren't you looking me in the eyes? “I retorted, my gaze never leaving hers. I honestly thought I could play along in her game, but I couldn't; I couldn't stay away from her; the past five years have been hellish for me without her; I can't spend another minute away from her.

“Mister Black.. “

“Don't call me that, Scarlett. “I cut her off before she could finish her sentence; I'm not playing that game, especially with the woman I loved. “And stop playing this game with me; I know you are Scarlett Blackwood. “Scarlett swallowed, her eyes now glittering with unshed tears, her lips pressed together in a thin line.

“Scarlett, why are you hiding yourself from me? “My voice cracked with emotions; I've been trying to understand through the whole week we spent together, but I'm failing to understand why.

“Because once I accomplish my mission, I'm going away from this city; I want to leave everything from my past and move on... “Scarlett’s words were like someone was twisting a dagger into my heart. She can't just leave, and I'm not going to allow her.

“What about us? “I swallowed the lump forming in my throat; there's no fucking way I am going to let her go; I belonged to her, and she belongs to me; that's the end of it.

Scarlett let out a chuckle, tears now streaming down her cheeks; my lungs constricted. “There was never us, Asher. “Scarlett’s voice was laced with emotions, I swallowed painfully hard.

“We just got trapped in Scarlynn’s sick game, that's all. There was nothing between us, and I don't think there'd ever be..”Her words were too much for me to bear; I was well aware that she was just trying to fool herself; she loved me as much as I loved her.

“I admit we got trapped in Scarlynn’s sick game, but you made the mistake of stealing my heart, and there's no fucking way I'm ever going to let you go, Scarlett. “More tears streamed down her face...

“Asher, you deserve so much better, and I don't deserve you; you deserve much better than a woman like me; please don't make it harder as it is, and let's just pretend we never met. “Scarlett’s voice breaks with sobs, her eyes now red tears streaming down her face..

“I can't pretend I never met you, Scarlett; I can't convince my mind and my heart; trust me, I tried, but it didn't work; I can't live without you, okay? I can't imagine my life without you. “My voice was a little bit louder than before, and I couldn't help it; just thought alone of living without her scared the hell.

Scarlett pushed me away from her, her lips trembling as she fought back her tears. “Do you think it's easy for me to want to leave everything behind? No, it's not but I'm not a good woman for you, can't you see how broken I am, don't you know what happens when the glass breaks, it harms everything around it, and I do not want to hurt you, I don't want to to get stuck with broken goods, I want you to be happy... “Scarlett ran her hands through her hair, busting into sobs...

“And you think I'd be happy without you? “I swallowed the lump forming in my throat, a sharp pang cutting through my chest..”Scarlett, I don't care how broken you are; all I know is I love you, and I want to be with you. I'd rather die in your arms than live without. “ I walked over to her, cupping her face into my hands. “And I know you feel the same way; please just give me a chance to show you how much I love you. “I'd never thought I'd beg a woman ever In my life, but with Scarlett, it was different. I just wanted her to be mine, not because I wanted to own her or make her my obsession, but because I wanted to belong to her too.

Scarlett pushed me away and ran away from the pool area, her sobs echoing in the quiet place.

My eyelid burnt with unshed tears; I'd show her just how much. I'm not going to give up on her, on us, and our love.