19

Elijah's gaze locked onto Charlie's tear-stained face, and regret washed over him. He saw the deep-seated fear, the anguish, and the desperation. Elijah's heart ached, realizing his actions had contributed to Charlie's pain.

With deliberate slowness, Elijah approached Charlie, his movements gentle. He opened his arms, inviting Charlie into a comforting embrace.

Charlie didn't resist. He crumpled into Elijah's arms, surrendering to the warmth and security. Tears flowed uncontrollably, releasing the pent-up emotions.

Elijah enveloped Charlie, holding him securely. His hands stroked Charlie's back and hair, offering solace.

The room fell silent, except for Charlie's sobbing. Elijah's calm presence soothed Charlie's frayed nerves, his gentle touch a balm to Charlie's battered soul.

As Charlie's cries subsided into sniffles, Elijah continued to hold him. He didn't speak, knowing words would only disrupt the fragile peace.

Charlie's breathing slowed, his body relaxing into Elijah's embrace. The tension seeped out, replaced by a sense of safety.

In this quiet moment, Elijah vowed to make amends. He would ensure Charlie's happiness, even if it meant relinquishing his own claims.

The silence stretched, a healing balm to Charlie's fractured heart. Elijah's gentle strokes and soothing presence cradled Charlie, shielding him from the darkness.

As Charlie's sniffles faded, Elijah's hold remained firm, a steadfast promise of protection.

Cloud looked at the man he loves, his gaze lingering on Xander's chiseled features. Xander's eyes seemed distant, as if he was in a hurry. Cloud's heart ached, unable to comprehend why Prince Xander didn't choose him instead of that weakling, Charlie.

Xander's piercing gaze finally settled on Cloud, his expression expectant. "Cloud, what did you want to tell me?" he asked.

Cloud's voice trembled, emotions barely contained. "Oh, Prince Xander, I want to know why you kept rejecting me for that...Charlie." The word 'pathetic' hovered on his lips, but he bit it back, aware of Xander's fierce protectiveness.

Xander's expression softened, his voice firm. "It's because I love someone else, Cloud. I love Charlie; he's bonded to me, my mate. Our connection runs deep. We share a bond that transcends words."

Cloud's face contorted, incredulity etched on his features. His eyes pleaded for understanding. "But, Prince Xander, I've waited for you for so long. Your rejections hurt me. All the times you turned down the invitations, it felt like a personal rejection."

Xander's brow furrowed, confusion written across his face. "How do you know me, Cloud?"

Cloud's eyes gleamed, a mix of longing and desperation. "I saw your photos. Master Clerk said you attended auctions but never bought. He groomed me to be that special someone for you, hoping you'd be interested and buy me. But as time went on, you stopped attending the auctions. I thought perhaps I wasn't worthy."

Xander's mind reeled, lost in thought. He didn't know what to say, unsure how to process Cloud's revelations.

The silence stretched, heavy with unspoken emotions. Cloud's face drew closer, his lips brushing Xander's. The kiss was sudden, unexpected.

Xander's eyes widened, shock freezing him. His heart belonged to Charlie, and Cloud's kiss felt like a betrayal.