Goodbye

I have to do this to protect you. I can't bear to see you in danger anymore," he said, with a firm tone.

"But you're hurting me right now," Beatrix cried, her face buried in his chest.

He held her tightly, his voice shaking as he spoke, "I understand. I never wanted to cause you pain. I'm so sorry, Beatrix. Please believe me. I never intended to hurt you."

Beatrix pulled back from him and stared at him in shock, as tears streamed down her face as she shook her head in disbelief. Every fiber of her being felt torn apart by the weight of his words

"I love you, just know that" he whispered as

he gently held her face and planted kisses on her cheeks. His breaths came out in ragged gasps, and he pulled away from her, releasing her hands from his shirt and standing up straight. 

Beatrix could only continue sobbing, her mind overwhelmed by the tumultuous emotions swirling inside her.