Chapter 33: A Hug
**Aldrich’s POV**
Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be fortunate enough to meet someone like Thelma Zane. She was like a rare and priceless jewel, one that had been lost and shattered into countless pieces. Yet even in her brokenness, each fragment of her sparkled with a brilliance that captivated everyone around her. Thelma was not someone who would ever admit defeat, no matter how challenging life became. She faced every trial with quiet resilience, refusing to
retreat.
When we first met, her heart seemed fragile, teetering on the brink of collapse. She carried herself with strength, yet I could see through her mask. Beneath the surface was a softness that left her vulnerable, a vulnerability that only someone truly observant would notice. I was grateful to have gained her trust, a gift I did not take lightly.
As we spent more time together, our bond deepened. I felt privileged when she began to let me into her world, a place she had guarded so fiercely. It was not easy for her to let people in, and that made her acceptance of me all the more significant. Yet there was a lingering anger I carried in my heart.
Why were there people in this world so blind to the treasures before them? Someone had once hurt her deeply, leaving her with scars that were not easy to heal. If I ever discovered who that person was, I would not hesitate to challenge him. He would know the magnitude of his
mistake.
At the same time, there was a part of me that couldn’t help but feel selfishly grateful. Had she been cherished by the person who hurt her, she might never have been free to enter my life. That thought both saddened and relieved me. She was too delicate, too precious to be with someone who did not recognize her worth. Thelma needed love, sunlight, and nurturing care. Without it, she would wither, and the thought of her suffering filled me with an unbearable ache.
It had taken time, but I finally began to see her smile again–a genuine, carefree smile that lit
up
her face and brought warmth to those around her. She seemed happier now than when we first met, and for that, I was thankful. Our weekends became moments I cherished. We would spend time together at the lake, go boating, or try out new restaurants. Some meals were delightful, while others were laughably terrible. But no matter the experience, being with her made everything feel perfect.
One evening, we went to watch the sunset. The golden hues of the setting sun reflected in her eyes, creating a scene so breathtaking that I could hardly tear my gaze away. In that moment, I realized my feelings for her went far beyond friendship. She wasn’t just special–she was extraordinary.
As time passed, my feelings for Thelma grew stronger, almost overwhelming. At first, I
thought it was enough just to see her smile, but soon, I wanted more. I wanted her company every day, her laughter in my cars, her presence beside me. Even my wolf felt the same way, growling softly in agreement whenever I marveled at her beauty and warmth.
“Is there anyone in the world more perfect than her?” I once asked him, to which he responded with a low growl, as if to say, “Not a chance.”
But I knew I had to be patient. Thelma was still healing, and I would never rush her. She had endured too much already, and the last thing I wanted was to add to her pain. Though her past remained a mystery, I suspected there was something significant about her background. My father himself had urged me to protect her, but didn’t need his reminder. Protecting Thelma was something I had already vowed to do.
Still, I made mistakes. During one of her training sessions, I tried to surprise her, hoping to lift her spirits. Instead, I upset her. The weekend passed without a word from her, and I was consumed with panic. She had become so precious to me that the thought of losing her felt unbearable.
Was my presence a burden to her? Had I misread her warmth as affection when it was merely politeness? These doubts gnawed at me until she finally agreed to meet.
We sparred at her secret training ground, and she explained the reason for her anger. It was a simple misunderstanding about the training incident. Hearing her explanation lifted the weight off my chest. When she apologized to me, her voice soft and uncertain, it was as though the world had stilled.
She didn’t owe me an apology. I would never hold her mistakes against her, not when they were so insignificant compared to the light she brought into my life. As long as she didn’t pull away from me completely, I could endure anything.
The garden seemed alive that day, the wind carrying the scent of flowers and the warmth of the sun. Perhaps it was the magic of the moment, or perhaps it was my growing affection for her, but I suddenly found myself pulling her into my arms.
I held her tightly, feeling her warmth against me. Every fiber of my being screamed for more. I wanted to kiss her, to tell her how much she meant to me, to confess that she was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. Yet, as I looked into her eyes, the words caught in my
throat.
She wasn’t ready, and I couldn’t risk scaring her away. My desires would have to wait, no matter how much they burned inside me.
How I longed to be more than her friend. I wanted to be her confidant, her protector, her lover. I wanted to watch every sunset reflected in her eyes for the rest of our lives, But for now, I would wait. As long as I could stay by her side, that was enough. For now.
