Chapter 152: Don’t Leave Me, Sweetheart

Chapter 152: Chapter 152: Don’t Leave Me, Sweetheart

~Third- POV~

He had tried to make Frederick see that they were supposed to face things together, but Frederick had shut him down and turned his ultimatum back on him.

Don’t expect me to come chasing after you...

The words kept replaying in his mind, over and over, cutting through him like a blade.

Frederick’s cold tone echoed in his head. If he packed his bags and left now, Frederick wouldn’t stop him. He would be back at his place on campus, completely alone, while Frederick went to Eva’s house without him.

A choked sob escaped Reynold’s throat. He wiped his eyes roughly with the back of his hand before looking down at the engagement ring on his finger.

His pride told him to walk away, but the thought of leaving Frederick’s side, of allowing Eva to come between them, made his chest tighten.

He cried for another minute, the hurt becoming almost unbearable. Then, through his tears, a bitter realization struck him.

Frederick had spent years chasing Eva, enduring her games, her distance, and her pride. Yet now, when he was the one threatening to walk away, Frederick had looked him in the eyes and said he wouldn’t chase after him.

What was the point of staying if Frederick considered him someone not worth chasing? Why had he put a ring on his finger? Why had he promised him marriage and a future if he could so easily tell him to leave?

Was he really worth so little in Frederick’s eyes? Was Eva still somehow more important to him than his own fiancé?

Reynold swallowed hard, fresh tears blurring his vision. He was terrified of losing Frederick, but he couldn’t remain there, pretending those words hadn’t hurt him. If he truly meant so little to Frederick, he needed to find out for himself once and for all.

He needed to know where he stood.

With that decision made, Reynold turned and grabbed his backpack. He quickly packed his laptop, iPad, phone, charger, and other essentials. Then he walked into the walk-in closet, changed out of his silk pajamas, and put on a fresh, tailored outfit.

Meanwhile, inside the bathroom, Frederick ran a hand through his damp hair and leaned his forehead against the shower tiles. Regret was already settling heavily in his chest. He shouldn’t have shouted at Reynold. He shouldn’t have allowed his temper to get the better of him.

Suddenly, the sound of hurried footsteps came from the bedroom.

Frederick turned off the shower and stood still, listening. He heard the closet door open, followed by the unmistakable sounds of someone gathering belongings.

His expression changed.

Reynold is packing.

Reynold grabbed his phone charger and shoved it into his backpack before zipping it closed. He swung the backpack onto his shoulders, then quickly picked up his wallet. With everything he needed, he turned toward the stairs leading down to the bedroom entrance.

Just as he was about to take the first step, the bathroom door burst open.

Frederick stepped out, completely naked, water still dripping from his muscular body. His broad chest rose and fell rapidly as he took in the sight of Reynold standing near the stairs with a backpack over his shoulders.

Without hesitation, he hurried toward him and stepped directly into his path, blocking his way out.

"Sweetheart, stop!" Frederick pleaded, his eyes wide with an unfamiliar panic. "Are you seriously leaving me right now?"

Reynold refused to look at him. He kept his gaze fixed on the floor as tears streamed down his cheeks.

"Frederick, let me go. You never actually cared about me, so leave me alone!"

"Let’s talk about this, please, sweetheart." Frederick took a step closer, reaching out cautiously. "Please, just stop."

"I have nothing to say to you!" Reynold shouted, his voice cracking as he finally looked up at him. "Just let me go! You already said you wouldn’t chase after me, so let me leave!"

"I’m not letting you leave, Reynold!" Frederick’s voice cracked, his usual authority giving way to desperation. "Please, sweetheart. Don’t leave me. Just talk to me."

Reynold glared at him through his tears, his heart breaking all over again.

"You chased Eva for years! And you stood right there and told me to my face that you wouldn’t chase after me! Now you expect me to stay here and be happy about it? Get out of my way!"

He shoved both hands against Frederick’s broad chest, trying to force his way past him toward the stairs.

But Frederick was far too strong. Rather than move aside, he caught the strap of Reynold’s backpack, pulled it off his shoulder, and tossed it onto the nearest side table.

Before Reynold could react, Frederick bent down, wrapped his arms around his waist, and lifted him completely off his feet, throwing him over his shoulder.

"Put me down, Frederick! Put me down right now!" Reynold screamed, kicking wildly and pounding his fists against Frederick’s back. "I hate you! Put me down!"

Frederick ignored his protests. Without saying a word, he turned and carried Reynold back into the bathroom, shutting the door behind them.

"Put me down!" Reynold continued screaming, his voice echoing against the marble walls.

Frederick carried him into the large, glass-enclosed walk-in shower. Once they were beneath the showerhead, he finally lowered Reynold to his feet.

The moment his shoes touched the floor, Reynold turned his back to Frederick and wrapped his arms around himself. His shoulders shook as quiet sobs escaped him. He was so hurt by Frederick’s earlier words that he couldn’t bring himself to look at him.

Frederick stood behind him, completely naked. He hesitated, his hands hovering near Reynold’s trembling shoulders. Seeing him cry like that made Frederick’s chest tighten. He wanted to pull him into his arms, but he wasn’t sure Reynold would let him.

Taking a slow breath, Frederick stepped closer, his voice soft and filled with regret. "I’m so sorry, sweetheart. I’m truly sorry for hurting you and speaking to you that way. I never should have treated you like that."

Reynold’s sobs gradually eased at the sincerity in his voice. He wiped his tears with the back of his hand. He still didn’t turn around, but he stood still, listening.

"I know my words hurt you," Frederick went on. "I lost my temper, and I made you feel as though you had to fight for a place that was already yours. I never wanted you to feel unwanted, or to question where you stand with me. You’re my fiancé. You’re the man I want to spend my life with. I should have reassured you instead of making you fight for my attention."

His voice dropped. "I hate that I made you cry like this. Please, look at me, sweetheart. Let me explain. Don’t shut me out. Look at me, and let me make this right."

Slowly, Reynold turned to face him. He looked up into Frederick’s eyes. "Will you really not chase after me if I leave you?"

Frederick looked down at him, his expression serious. "I will. I just did, when I stopped you from leaving. I never want you to walk away from me."

Reynold’s lower lip trembled. He lowered his gaze, his voice barely above a whisper. "You yelled at me because of her, Frederick..."

"I’m sorry I yelled, but it wasn’t because of her. I raised my voice because you gave me an ultimatum." Frederick brought his hands up to cup Reynold’s flushed cheeks.