MELISA

"Sebastian Vale, I dare you - don't you dare close your eyes!" I burst into tears, not knowing what to do. I felt pain - so much pain - and I couldn't even begin to understand what kind of emotions were flooding through me at that moment. I hugged our son - yes, our son. I had kept him hidden for years in the province with my best friend. Sebastian thought I had given him up, told people he was gay. I hated that lie? but he didn't know the truth. I was afraid - afraid he wouldn't be a good father. Afraid he'd hurt our son out of anger. I hated myself for thinking Sebastian could be a monster, a demon, void of empathy and love.

But at that moment, I realized he wasn't. He saved our son. He sacrificed himself for him.

I held our child tightly, crying outside the Emergency Room.

"Mommy? who is that guy?" he asked, his small voice trembling.

I cupped his face gently and brushed the hair from his eyes.

"He's your father, my love."

He hugged me tight, trying to comfort me. God? his face looked just like Sebastian's.

I spent years trying to keep him safe from his father, afraid that Sebastian would reject him - afraid that his desires, his darkness, would make him incapable of love. But now... now I'm not so sure anymore.

He tried to make me smile. He tried to make me laugh. He was always there, protecting me, making sure I felt like I was his priority. And yet? I didn't listen to him. It shatters me to pieces, realizing that the psycho who kidnapped me - the one who told all those lies about the Vale family - was wrong. None of it was true.

It's so hard to admit it. And now, with everything that's happened? Now that I have the chance to see our son, to hold him - I can't help but wonder: Why didn't I listen to Sebastian? Why didn't I believe him?

Fuck. I hate myself for this.

I hate that he was the only one who ever truly tried to protect me from everything - from everyone. And I pushed him away.

I pray - over and over - that God is listening. Just one chance? one miracle. To see him open his eyes. To hold him again. To feel his hand in mine, to kiss him, to touch his face - I want nothing more than that. Please? just let him come back to us.

But God? God doesn't seem awake. It feels like He's not listening to my prayers anymore. It's late at night, and I'm still whispering his name, still holding onto the image of his face. I don't want to forget him. I'm crying again. "Melisa?" I heard his voice. I turned - and there he was, wearing his favorite hoodie. I smiled through my tears.

He hugged me. He held me. He touched my face and gently wiped my tears.

"I'm sorry, my love. I'm really sorry."

I sobbed, overwhelmed with joy and pain.

"I'm so happy you came back to me," I whispered.

But he said nothing. His face remained still? neutral. I clung to him. "Always remember, I'm always watching over you," he said softly. I nodded, tears streaming down my cheeks. I reached to hug him again - But he was gone. I looked around. The room was getting darker. Colder. I gasped for air, trembling. Was it a nightmare? No.

I saw Sebastian. I'm crying again. It's been three years since he died - But the memories are still so fresh, like yesterday. Suddenly, a knock at the door. It was our son.

"Mom, I have to go to school now," he said, slinging his backpack on. "Say hi to Dad for me when you visit the cemetery." I kissed his forehead as he rushed out the door. I spoke with Andrew after Sebastian died. All of the properties were entrusted to me, but I've decided to transfer everything to our son. I've already changed his last name to Vale - because that's who he is. His blood is Vale. Now, standing at Sebastian's grave, I lay down the red and white roses.

Red - for my love.

White - for my sorrow.

"You know, my love?" I whispered, my voice soft. "Our son is growing up. He's turning into such a big boy, and he looks just like you. Every time I see his face, it's like seeing you all over again. It doesn't hurt as much anymore. I don't feel as alone as I used to. But still? I wish you were with us, Sebastian Vale. I will always, always love you." I kissed the cold stone of his grave and walked back to the car. Andrew - the butler - is still with us. He's getting older now. The mansion is our new home. And maybe? maybe this is the end of our dark love story - A woman who fell for a madman.

But perhaps that's not quite the story at all.

They did love each other.

But hatred consumed them.

Lack of trust broke the bond.

And in the end? they weren't happy.