Chapter 346: Only Ever See You
Her words hung in the air like an unspoken storm, and Clifford felt his chest tighten. He struggled to find the right words, anything that could ease the burden she seemed to carry.
"Kelly..." His voice cracked slightly as he pulled back just enough to meet her tearful eyes, his hands cupping her face. "Why are you saying this? Please, don’t say this."
Her watery eyes searched his, as though seeking solace and strength in his unwavering gaze. Slowly, she reached up, her trembling fingers brushing against his hand that cupped her face. Her touch was delicate but filled with an aching sincerity.
"Because I care about you too much to let you hope for something I might not be able to give," she whispered, her voice breaking under the weight of her emotions.
Clifford’s heart clenched, every word she spoke etching itself into his soul. He opened his mouth to protest, to tell her that he didn’t care about promises or guarantees, but she continued, her trembling voice cutting through the crashing waves in the background.
"I can’t promise you forever," she said, her gaze holding his like an unbroken thread. "Because our lives... they aren’t permanent in this world."
Her words hung heavy in the air, and Clifford felt a deep ache settle in his chest. But then her lips curved into the faintest, bittersweet smile, and her fingers tightened slightly over his hand.
"However," she continued, her voice soft yet firm with resolve, "I promise that as long as I live, I will only look at you. My eyes... they’ll only ever see you."
Clifford’s breath caught in his throat, and he felt a surge of emotions he could barely contain. The vulnerability in her words, the raw honesty in her promise... it was more than enough.