Chapter 405: The final choice

Chapter 405: The final choice


Every time Ryan went out in search of supplies, or just to check that the Lens' gold was safe, Anna looked forward to his return, and after seven months, on a day of heavy rain, she was staring at the cave entrance, waiting for him, when Maxwell appeared in front of her. She tried to disguise her concern, but he knew her too well.

Anna stepped back, looking at him suspiciously.

“How did you get past the Firecolds?” Suspicion was louder in that question than the sound of the rain.

“I think they consider vampire meat to be disgusting.” He answered nonchalantly. “I've been watching you, Anna.”

“Well then, stop! Have Naya and Angelina shrunk in size so that you still worry about me?”

“How spiteful, Anna. That doesn't suit the fun woman I used to know. But I guess being rejected by a Lens is something to be ashamed of, right? I realized that you didn't tell them that I refused to take you back when you came to me...”

“It wasn't shame that made me stay silent, Max. It was the fact that I didn't want our children to know that you didn't need any consolation when Tayme and Adam were taken from us, simply because you didn't care.”

“Inside, I swear I'm shedding tears because of your generosity. Although that doesn't explain why fucking you would console me for these losses.”

Anna rolled her eyes.

“What have you come here for?”

“I came to advise you.”

“Save your advice for those who need it.”

“If you don't give Ryan a good reason to stay here, the next goodbye between the two of you could be permanent.”

“What are you talking about?”

“He came to see me before he left. He always does. And this time, he said that if he comes back and you stay away, he'll turn himself in to the Firecolds. Ryan is feeling tired and purposeless.”

“It was his choice for us to just be friends.”

“That was a long time ago, when he was still blinded by grief, Anna. He was still grieving when you approached him.”

“And why are you interfering in this matter? Didn't you start hating me after we entered the Cave?”

“I never hated you, Anna. Nor could I. When I look at you, I still see the lost young woman who gave me her own son so that I could take over his paternity. I could never look at you and not see the woman I loved most and who gave me three sons and a daughter.”

“You don't act like there's any love left in your heart.”

“Everything has become more complicated. I can't accept you back into my life because losing you once was the greatest pain I've ever faced and I couldn't do it again.”

Anna bowed her head thoughtfully. She needed that reconciliation with Maxwell. She had loved him dearly once. But her heart was set on Ryan at that moment. As much as she felt that her ex-husband was willing to give her a chance again, it wouldn't be fair. She couldn't extinguish the flame of desire for Ryan. She couldn't live with that love choking in her throat any longer.

“Do you think I should get closer to Ryan?”

Maxwell took a deep breath, his eyes dark. He understood that she had made her choice.

“You won't feel lonely with him by your side. I understand that Tayme said horrible things to you, he called you jealous before he left and that marked you. Don't let those words said in a moment of pain serve as an obstacle to your happiness. You have always been a woman who has shown great strength in the face of difficulties, but the time has come for you to let someone else be strong for you and heal your wounds. And you've made a good choice. Ryan is the perfect candidate.”

“I'll think about your advice, Max. I'm grateful for your words. Lately I've felt like a burden in the lives of everyone around me.”

“I know.”

“Donald and David?” Anna asked, trying to lighten the gloomy mood.

Maxwell looked mysteriously at Anna.

“They're fine. I need to talk to Ian and since I know you're not going to invite me in...”

“Not on a rainy day.”

“...Can you pick him up?”

“Of course.” She said and left.

Maxwell looked at the wall next to him.

“You've managed to convince even me that you still love Anna.”

“Maybe I do.”

“I don't doubt it. But you're going to punish her anyway.”

“I will.”

“I thought you loved Ian as if he were your son.” Maxwell said after a while.

“I do.”

“We're all living in a world of many renunciations. It's Ian's turn to give up. I didn't think I'd live to see that day come.”

“You're a vampire. It's eternal. If anyone would see that happen...”

Maxwell smiled sadly.

“That's no longer an advantage.”

Baron touched Maxwell's shoulder and as soon as David and Donald approached with their red eyes, he greeted them quickly.

“You'd better not be here for this conversation.” David said seriously.

“Ian can get irrational.” Donald explained in a friendly tone. 

Baron nodded and disappeared through the wall.