Chapter 99 I’ll Be Your Strength

Chapter 99 I’ll Be Your Strength

Will’s P.O.V. 

The next morning, she feels impossibly light in my arms, and that scares me more than anything else. Like she might slip away if I don’t hold her tightly enough. She is awake but silently staring out of the window, her hand placed on her belly.

I understand how much this must be shattering her. I’ve seen her cry quietly in the shower after every period. I knew how badly she wanted our child. 

And when that wish finally came true… it was taken away from her in the cruellest way.

My heart breaks as I watch her fragile expression. She isn’t crying now. But somehow, this silent pain feels even worse.

I want to make her feel better, but I’m clueless. I don’t know what I should do or say at this moment.

Then I carry her to the bathroom, my grip is careful and protective, as if she’s made of glass.

I help her out of her shirt before settling her into the bathtub. I ease her back against me once I join her, the warm water rising around us. 

She leans into my chest instinctively.

I pour water gently over her hair, making sure the temperature is just right. My fingers move carefully through her scalp. I wish I could erase all the pain from her mind like this.

I wrap one arm around her, holding her close. 

“I can’t live like this, Will.” She finally speaks up, breaking the silence. Her voice feels so hollow that it kills me. “I feel so numb. Like something inside me is gone.”

I feel a sharp pang in my heart, but I keep my voice calm, for her. “Love,” I murmur, resting my chin against her temple, “what you’re feeling… It’s normal. After everything you’ve been through, this numbness, it’s your mind trying to protect you.”

She shakes her head weakly. “It hurts so much.”

“I know. And it will hurt for a while. I won’t lie to you.” My hand moves slowly through her wet hair again. “But time will heal every wound. Not all at once. Not today. But it will.”

She turns her face slightly, her eyes unfocused. “What if I never feel okay again?”

I tighten my arms around her. “Then I’ll stay with you until you do. As long as it takes.”

I entwine our hands, our tattoos joining together. “Look at this, we survived. Both of us. We were dragged through hell, and we’re still here. Together.”

She exhales shakily.

“I don’t care about anything else,” I continue in a gentle tone. “Not the world, not what happened, not the past, not what comes next. I don’t want anything anymore… except you.”

She leans back fully against me, her body finally relaxing just a little, trusting me to hold the pieces together.

And I make another silent promise, I will be her strength until she finds her own again.



After the bath, I wrap her in a towel, make her wear the glasses, and guide her out. I dress her in one of my shirts and take her to the dining area. I pull out a chair and help her sit, watching closely in case her strength gives way again.

She looks so small like this.

I sit beside her just as the maid enters with a bowl of soup and a glass of water. She places them on the table, gives a quiet nod, and leaves us alone.

Iva hardly glances at the food. “I’m not hungry.”

I expected that.

I pick up the spoon anyway, my tone soft. “Just a little. For me.”

She shakes her head faintly. “I don’t think I can.” 

I turn toward her fully. “Love, your body needs strength. You need strength.” I pause, then add gently, “Please. For me. A little.”

Her eyes flicker to mine, conflicted, exhausted. After a moment, she gives a slight nod.

I lift the spoon to her lips, waiting patiently. She hesitates, then takes a small sip. I don’t rush her. I wait between each spoonful, watching her closely, ready to stop the moment she needs me to.

After a few bites, her hand lifts weakly. “Will.” She gestures toward the bowl. “You… you eat too.”

My throat tightens.

“I’m fine.” I give her a small smile. 

She shakes her head slightly. “Please.”

Even like this, even broken, hurting, she’s thinking of me.

I let her feed me one spoon, then another, her hand trembling as she does. My eyes are fixed on her. My heart is so full. 

This woman. I fucking love her so much. My life without her is nothing. 

I just pull her into my arms, holding her against my chest and press a kiss to her temple. I feel so blessed to have her in my life.

My lips rest against her skin as if I can somehow pour my strength into her. “You don’t have to take care of me. Not right now. Right now, it’s my turn.” 

She shakes her head. “No. You’ve also gone through so much. I know you also need me. But I’ve nothing left in me to give you right now. I’m sorry.” 

“Iva, please. Don’t be sorry. I understand. And your presence is enough to heal me. I don’t want anything else.” I caress her face with my thumb.

“Why isn’t your presence enough for me? Why am I not strong like you? I feel so weak.” A tear trickles down her cheek.

I press my forehead against hers. “You don’t have to be like me, Iva. You don’t have to hold yourself together the way I do. Let me be strong for both of us right now.”