Charlotte's POV
Kimi's definition of love didn't just resonate—it shattered me, scattering shards of memory, each a fragment of my father. Losing him when I was seven had ripped a gaping hole in my heart, a wound that never truly healed. After that, my mother seemed to vanish, barricading herself behind cold indifference. Her cruelty left a trail of scars, each one a festering reminder of her venom.
"Your father died because of you," she had spat. "He never loved you." Those words, a constant refrain in my mind, poisoned my self-worth like acid.
Hearing Kimi speak of love felt like a painful echo of what I'd lost with my dad—an irreparable connection, broken beyond repair.
"But what about my internal mess?" I whispered, voice fragile as glass. "How can you love someone like me—someone who despises herself?"
Kimi's face was a study in intense thought. I reached out, gently touching her arm. When she turned to me, her eyes locked on mine with unwavering warmth. Then, simply, she said, "Yes."
"Why?" The word tumbled out, desperate and raw. How could she? How could anyone truly love someone so fundamentally flawed, so broken? How could she possibly love me?
"We all carry our own battles, our own imperfections," she said softly but firmly. "Charlotte, I promise you—my love will never falter. Nothing could ever make me hate you. I know we've only just met, but I am committed to being by your side. Please, let those walls you've built come down. Let me share your pain. I'm here to shoulder it with you. I won't hurt you, I swear. You deserve all the good things, and I love you despite what anyone else might say. My love for you is real."
Tears streamed down Kimi's face as she spoke, her unwavering gaze holding mine like an anchor. My heart pounded so fiercely I could feel it in my throat. A cold shiver ran down my spine as my mother's voice echoed in my head—sharp, accusing. My hands trembled despite the warmth of Kimi's touch.
I leaned in, surrendering to the moment—but as our lips met, a storm of doubt crashed inside me. Even as the kiss deepened, my mother's poisonous words echoed like a siren in my mind. Abruptly, I pulled back, breath shaky, tears blurring my vision.
I wanted to stay—to bask in her affection—but fear gripped me. I was terrified my demons would hurt her, that my darkness could consume her light. Her very existence felt threatened by being with me.
I had to protect her—from myself.
Clenching my fists, I made my decision. No matter the cost, I would keep her safe—even if it meant keeping her at arm's length.