Chapter 106: ~Hellbound~

'I know why you won't let me hurt him,' Derek finally whispered, his voice heavy with the weight of his realization. 'Because you love him.'

His words struck a chord within him, and he felt a lump form in his throat. He couldn't deny the truth in his statement, but it was more complex than he could ever understand. My history with Paul was twisted and painful, filled with both love and torment.

"Why don't you want me to hurt him?" Derek asked after a brief pause, his voice filled with a mix of curiosity and concern. He wanted to understand my motives, to unravel the complex web of emotions that bound me to Paul.

"I know he physically assaulted me," I repeated, my voice steady, "But believe the fact that he wasn't like that before. I know that he has wronged me. But, I do not want him to be tortured. I saw him very closely. He had a lot of difficulties as well."