The evening sun cast golden streaks across the floor as Vicious returned home, carrying a magnificent bouquet of roses, each flower perfect and fragrant. Deep red roses for passion, soft pink for tenderness, interspersed with delicate white baby's breath and lush greenery, wrapped in shimmering gold paper and tied with a satin ribbon.
Behind him, Lily followed quietly, her expression calm but slightly nervous. Vicious dark eyes softened as he looked at Thalia, his usual commanding presence replaced by hesitation, guilt, and longing.
"Thalia…" he began, his voice low, almost vulnerable. "I… I brought these for you. And… I brought Lily."
Thalia didn't respond. Her arms were crossed, her posture rigid. She barely glanced at him. Without a word, she turned and embraced Lily, leaving Vicious standing awkwardly in the doorway.
He stepped closer, holding out the enormous bouquet. "Please… just take them," he murmured.
Thalia's fingers brushed the petals, and for a moment, the tension faltered but then she yanked the flowers from his hands and tossed them aside, some of the petals scattering across the floor. Vicious jaw tightened, but he said nothing, allowing her silence to speak volumes.
Guiding Lily to her room, Thalia let the door close behind them.
Inside her room, Lily's eyes softened, filled with sisterly concern. "Thalia… listen," she said gently. "… he truly The boss loves you. I can see it, even in how he struggles. His anger, his possessiveness… it's messy, yes. But his heart… it's yours. You should forgive him not because he deserves it, but because you deserve peace."
Thalia sank onto the bed, burying her face in her hands. "I… I don't know if I can, Lily. Everything he's done… the jealousy, the humiliation, the way he treats me sometimes like I'm… fragile. I can't forget it all."
Lily sat beside her, squeezing her shoulder. "I get it. I do. But love isn't perfect, Thalia. And he… he's scared of losing you. If you don't give him a chance, all that fear and passion will just hurt you both even more."
Thalia exhaled slowly, letting Lily's words sink in. "Maybe… maybe you're right," she admitted softly.
Later, Thalia decided to find Vicious. She opened his room but it was empty. Panic crept in as she searched the house, finally noticing the storeroom door slightly ajar. A faint scent of alcohol and Drugs hit her, and she gasped, her heart skipping a beat. She walked out immediately.
Vicious emerged from the shadows moments later, his tall frame silent as he followed her.
"You're never going to talk to me, are you?" His voice was low, resigned. "Fine. I don't care if anything happens to me."
Thalia's heart softened. She took a step closer. "I… I'm sorry," she whispered, and then, instinctively, she embraced him, letting her warmth and forgiveness seep into him.
"Come on… don't do that," she murmured, voice tight. Vicious continue "This place… it brings back memories. It's where I get locked up when I make mistakes… no ventilation, sometimes no food…"
Thalia pressed closer. "Come on… let's get out of here," she whispered, holding him tight.
Vicious lifted his gaze, dark eyes searching hers. "Do you… forgive me?"
Thalia nodded, heart softening. "Yes… I forgive you."
He pulled her close, arm wrapped around her waist. "And… what about my feelings? Could we… not give this a try?"
Thalia was silent for a beat, the intensity of the moment pressing down on her. Finally, he sighed, releasing her and stepping back, giving her space.
"Are you okay?" she asked softly.
Vicious didn't turn immediately. Then, his voice carried a rare honesty: "You want the truth? Yes… the woman I love rejects me. I'm hurt. Goodnight, Thalia."
Thalia's heart fluttered. "Um… Vicious… what about giving it a trial?"
He went to her spinning her around, surprise flickering in his eyes, then his lips curved into a rare, tender smile. "Thank you, mi amore." He leaned in, planting soft, lingering kisses on her cheeks and temple.
"Tomorrow we can talk about it," Thalia interrupted gently, stepping back. "You need to freshen up. I'm not comfortable with this tonight. Goodnight." She hurried off, leaving him standing there, a mixture of longing and amusement on his face.
Later, Vicious went to his room. He bathed slowly, dressed in his pyjamas, applied deodorant, and finally walked toward Thalia's room again this time, the grand bouquet held in his hands, a silent, visual promise of apology, devotion, and love.