Page 144 of When We Fall: Part Two
He took up a spot on the edge of my bed and stared at his hands.
“I’ve been thinking about this for a long time,” he started.
My heart hammered hard at the prospect of what he was going to tell me.
He exhaled. “I-I’m calling off the wedding.”
“What?” I asked. “I-I don’t understand. You don’t want to marry me?”
He was quiet for a moment before his words came out softly. “I don’t.”
My heart shattered at his words.
“Why?” I croaked out.
“I just… don’t.” His shoulders sagged forward. “It’s not a good time.”
“I-Is there ever going to be a good time? A-Are you breaking up with me?”
“I’m not… I’m not breaking up with you. I just think we need time. My parents just died. Fox is gone. I think we both could use some time to work through things.”
I sniffled. He was right.
“OK,” I said, wiping hastily at my tears.
He still hadn’t looked at me.
“Enzo?”
“Yeah?”
“Do you still love me?” I whispered.
“Yes,” he answered softly. “I do. I will always love you, Rosalie.”
“You don’t come see me?—”
He looked over at me, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “It’s hard to look at you.”
My bottom lip trembled.
“I failed you. I failed Fox. I failed us all. I’m not in a good place mentally right now. I know I’m a piece of shit. I’ve not been there for you when you needed me most, but I’m the reason you’re hurting. It’s hard to face you.”
“I love you.” I reached for him. Surprisingly, he took my hand and pressed his warm lips to my knuckles.
“I love you, too.” He kissed my hand again. “I do, Rosalie. So damn much. I just… please. I need time, OK? I think you do, too.”
“I’m lonely,” I said. “I need you?—”
“I’ll send Cole up. He was ordering dinner. I’m sure he’s done by now.”
“I want you, Enzo?—”
“Fuck, Rosalie,” he said a little too loudly, releasing my hand. He stood and smoothed down his shirt. “No. OK? Just… I’ll send Cole.”
He didn’t say another word. He walked out of my room, leaving me to another fresh wave of tears.
It seemed to be the new story of my life.
