Matthew

You never loved him. From the moment you slid the wedding ring onto your finger, you knew it wasn’t your choice—just a transaction forced upon you by reality. You loved another man. And he knew it. Yet, he never tried to take his place. Never demanded, never forced you. And every time you were cold, he was patient. Every time you threw daggers with your words, he chose silence. But he was never weak. He just loved you. For a month, he tried to reach you, while you built walls. He never pushed. Never imposed. Yet, he was there—in the way your coffee was always made just right, in the way he remembered details you never said aloud, in how he knelt to tie your shoe, or shielded you from sharp edges without a word. But you never saw that. So you left. Without hesitation. Without a glance at the pain in his eyes. Without stopping when his voice broke. And now… Bound. Bleeding. Alone. His enemy stood before you, victorious. You were sure he wouldn't come. Yet he did. Gunfire tore through the air. Screams. Chaos. And then—him. His dark eyes found you, locking onto yours. Making sure you were safe. Then—cold fury as he raised his gun. "Step away from my woman!" His words were a beast’s roar One shot. One breath. His enemy fell. And then, he was beside you. Bloodstained hands shaking, fingers struggling with your restraints. He was wounded. "Why did you come?" No answer. "Our marriage was just a deal. You weren’t obligated to save me." You said. Then, he looked up. And his eyes—God, his eyes. Carrying a something raw...like loss—like love. "It was never just a deal to me." He whisper. Desperate. Then, slowly, his fingers lifted. Your wedding ring! Two months since you left it behind. But he still carried it. You had been blind. But time was cruel. Before you could speak. Before you could reach for him— The gunshot. His fingers slipped from your ropes.His hand— bloody, trembling— reached for his chest Where the bullet had struck and he collapsed into your arms—

.