The Taste of Seduction

She continued rambling devastatingly as she could not comprehend why things seemed a little different this morning. She knew it was not the first time Cole had beaten her but he was always there to pet her in the morning.

Looking toward Marcus, "did you sleep here? Did you arrest my boyfriend? Who are you? Why did you even barge into our lives? You have ruined me," she screamed hysterically as she pushed away Marcus' hand holding her while trying to get up from the bed to look for Cole.

Marcus, his expression filled with pain and unwillingness, took hold of Diana's trembling body and forced her back into bed while speaking softly to her, offering her a sense of reassurance.

"Diana, I'm deeply sorry for what you've endured. Cole chose to leave on his own accord after we had a conversation. I made him understand some facts about life as well as the danger that could happen if this continued. If I had not come rushing in yesterday, we would have lost you to his fury and jealousy"

He continued piously, "after a long night of talk, he realized that he needed help and should get it from professionals, so he left you a letter written in hands that speaks of his passions, pains and difficulties. Although, he would loved you to wait for him, he said he had no idea of what he was doing and treatment would take longer than anyone knows if at all it is treatable"

Tears welled up in Diana's eyes as she struggled to comprehend the situation. "But why, Marcus? Why would he just walk away like that?"

Gently squeezing her hands, Marcus spoke with compassion, "He left because he finally recognized the gravity of his actions, the pain he inflicted upon you and how much it has affected you"

Diana's voice quivered with a mix of skepticism and vulnerability, "The letter? Can I see it now? I need to know if his words are genuine. I want to know what he thinks of me and what he wants to do"

Understanding her need for validation, Marcus nodded, walking to the sitting room to bring her the blood letter and handed it to her. Diana held the letter in her hands, her heart pounding with a flurry of emotions. Uncertain of what she would find, she slowly unfolded it and was shocked by the redness of the letter which seemed to be blood.

Turning to ask Marcus, "is this blood?" she asked in a quivering tone.

"Yes, he cut his thumb to use his blood to demonstrate what he really feels and the pain he felt after realizing what he did to you" Marcus said with a straight face.

Nodding gently, she turned her gaze back to the letter to understand what Cole was thinking. As she absorbed the contents of the letter, tears streamed down Diana's face. The sincerity of Cole's remorse was evident in his words. It was a side of him she had never witnessed before, and it left her grappling with conflicting emotions.

Looking up at Marcus, her voice filled with vulnerability, Diana expressed her doubts, "How can I trust this, Marcus? Can I truly believe that he's genuinely sorry?"

Marcus, his gaze unwavering, offered words of wisdom and support, "Trust is earned, Diana. It takes time to rebuild, and it's okay to have doubts. Only you

can decide if you're ready to forgive and give him a chance. Your safety and well-being are paramount."

Tears welled up in Diana's eyes as she struggled to comprehend the situation. "But why, Marcus? Why would he just walk away like that?"

Marcus responded by gently patting her head, signaling her to rest. "I can't say but you do deserve the best and I would take care of you well as he suggested. But until we see him, we can not say"

Wiping away her tears, Diana acknowledged Marcus's unwavering care.

"Marcus, I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't stepped in," she said softly, her voice filled with genuine gratitude. "Thank you for saving me. I can't express how grateful I am."

Marcus nodded, his eyes filled with empathy and understanding. "You don't have to thank me, Diana. It was the right thing to do. No one should ever have to endure what you went through. I couldn't just stand by and watch."

Diana's heart warmed at his words, feeling a sense of comfort and safety in his presence. She could see the genuine concern in his eyes, giving her a glimmer of hope for a brighter future.

As they engaged in small talk, Marcus shared that he had applied for a leave for the week, both for her and himself. He wanted to ensure she had the time and space to rest and recuperate, knowing that healing went beyond physical wounds.

"You need time to heal, Diana," he said softly. "I made sure to make them understand the situation and that you needed time and support during this period. I was also granted a leave since I can continue the work collaboration I was working on, Sophia," he continued with a warm smile, keeping her relaxed.

"You don't have to face this alone." he added with a handsome smile.

Marcus went above and beyond throughout the day to provide Diana with comfort and care. He made her favorite soothing tea with expertise that reflected the demeanor of a tea master. His warm smile reflected his genuine concern for her well-being as he handed her the cup.

Diana sipped the tea, feeling its comforting warmth seep into her body. She looked up at Marcus, gratitude gleaming in her eyes. "Thank you, Marcus," she whispered, her voice filled with appreciation. "You've been so kind to me, taking care of me like this. I don't know how to express how grateful I am."

Marcus gently sat beside her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Diana, it's my honor to be here for you. Seeing you safe and at ease is the greatest reward for me. You deserve all the care and support in the world."

They shared a tender moment, their eyes locked in understanding. It was as if words were unnecessary in that instant, for their connection spoke volumes.