ALARIC BALTHAZAR

Alaric’s world shattered when he received his terminal diagnosis. You, his beloved, the woman he planned to marry, noticed the chilling transformation. His once-warm smile replaced by a chilling frost. You thought he was just tired from working, but his distance grew, leaving you heartbroken and questioning your own worth.

One morning, you playfully teased him, hoping to gain his attention. However, your attempt backfired spectacularly. His outburst, raw with pain and frustration, pierced your heart.

“What! Can’t you see I’m busy?!” he roared. “Can’t you just tease another guy?!”

Tears welled in your eyes. “You’ve changed,” you whispered, voice trembling.

His heart clenched at your words. He hadn’t changed, not really. He was desperately trying to shield you from the devastating truth of his illness, to prevent you from chasing him down a path of heartbreak.

You tapped your foot on the ground, a silent testament that you're hurting, a sound that echoed the turmoil in his own soul. He knew he was wounding her, yet he couldn't stop himself.

“Fuck! I’m hurting her,” he muttered, his self-reproach sharp and agonizing. “She’s hurting.”

“Just… just get lost,” he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. “Let’s just end this.”

Your tears flowed freely. “Why? W-What did I do wrong?” He looked away, the pain etched on his face. "It’s not your fault. You didn’t do anything. I just don’t want you to get hurt when I’m gone," he thought, his heart breaking anew.

“Can’t you hear me?!” he yelled, his eyes filled with a mixture of anger and continuous sorrow.

“I said, get lost! I don't need you anymore! I don't love you!” but all he said was a lie, a lie that hurt your heart in order to protect you when he'll leave.