Have you ever stood by the coast? Where the sand meets the water? Watching as wave after wave, the salty water comes to shore, just to get a touch of the cool sand before slipping away.
Have you ever wanted to hold it? Keep the water within your grasp for just a second longer? But it slips away just as fast as it comes. Away for your grasp. Away from you.
Have you ever wanted to prevent it? Prevent the water from meeting the shore for just a second longer? Wanting the sand to dry up and the shells to sparkle just for a bit more time before the waves wash everything away once more?
But that can never happen. No matter how much you try to stop the waves, they'll always come, washing away everything as they do.
The waves are untamable.
And like these waves, was time.
We all surf around, riding days like surfers ride the waves. It can't be tame nor can it be controlled. You can't hold onto a moment a second longer nor can you stop another moment from happening. Like the waves, time is an experience. Untamable.
And with that, Xavier felt her slip away. He wanted to hold on, but he couldn't. He wanted to prevent the pain, but he couldn't. He wanted to keep her in his arms forever, he wanted to stop the sorrows of her life, but he wasn't in control. No one was.
She was leaving him like the waves leave the shore, but unlike the waves, he didn't know if she'd ever come back.
* * *
"How is she?" Jordon asked Xavier, seating himself next to the man who had been crying a river since the moment he'd gotten there.
It had been a few hours since Raine was brought into the hospital and Xavier had been waiting for any sense of reassurance, while Jordon handled everything else.
If Charles' death had failed to make a frenzy on the news networks, the arrest of Killian Hawthorne, also known as Edwardo Tenzinini the ghost mafia boss on the world's most wanted list, had done the job just right.
But if that wasn't enough news for the media to feast on for a couple of days, Xavier's name, alongside Thorn Inc's name had been dragged into the situation as well.
With the additional arrest of Brooks Smith, who had public ties with Thorn Inc, the media hadn't failed to find a way to drag Xavier into this big mess.
But Xavier didn't give a damn about any of it. What pissed him off the most was the fact that Raine had been dragged into the situation.
Speculations about Xavier's mystery girl had been arising every day. But as soon as a picture of a woman getting transported to the hospital with Xavier by her side showed up online, the media was taking no chances in trying to find the identity of the girl that had been a part of the scandal.
News reporters had been camping outside of the hospital for hours, trying to sneak their way in for an exclusive story.
Thankfully, Jordon was on the job, setting up high security at every entrance of the hospital, to be sure that no one got in to make such a critical situation into Friday night's gossip.
"I don't know," Xavier replied, wiping off the tears. "They've taken her in for hours. No one's saying anything though."
"I'm sure she'll be fine," Jordon assured, patting Xavier's back. "There's a situation, though."
"If it's about the company, then I don't give a fuck." He stated.
"It's not just about the company, Mr. Thorn." Jordon sat down next to him. "The media's gotten a hold of Raine's name. They made it public along with anything they could find on her past. They're making it into a nasty story and even though I understand you do not care about your representation by the media, due to the fact that this concerns Raine, I thought I should inform you."
"What are they saying about her?!" Xavier stood up, anger radiating off his body.
"I..." Jordon began, unclear as to how to break the news to Xavier. "They've been calling her a gold digger. Apparently, someone from the company confirmed that Raine and Brooks had a secret relationship and that she's been a part of the mafia as well. They've been saying nasty things about her affair with Brooks and that she was stealing money from the company and that the only reason she was with you was for the money and fame. There are even stories that you arranged the kidnapping of Raine after you found about the affair but it backfired on you because the mafia got involved."
"How dare they?! That's complete bullshit!" Xavier heaved with angry. "Call for a press conference immediately! I will not hear a word against Raine! I don't give a damn about the stories regarding me, but Raine's name should be clear. I will not allow them to tarnish her reputation for their own entertainment."
"Are you sure you'd want to do a press conference now, Mr. Thorn?" Jordon asked, looking at the door to the emergency room where Raine was being operated on.
Xavier glanced back at the door himself. He was waiting for the moment he could see her again. He wanted to hold her and listen to her laugh. But the circumstances were such, and disappointment was all he got from waiting. He had faith in her though. Faith that she'd come back to him. Faith that's she'd fight her way through hell and back to come to him. Because she loved him.
She loved him.
The words that Xavier had spent a lifetime craving for, had been the last she'd uttered. And he wanted to respond to them. He wanted to tell her that he felt the same way. And he was determined.
Xavier knew in that the moment, that if she was laying on the hospital bed fighting for her life, he'd do that same. He'd fight for her. He'd fight for them. And he'd fight for their love.
"Yes." Xavier nodded firmly. "My girl's going to be just fine. And when she wakes up, I don't want any of this shit. I want to start a new life with her and it will be free from all of this negativity. It will be free from the memories of the past. I want a fresh start. We need a fresh start."
"Alright then." Jordon nodded. "I'll set up a press conference at the hospital."
"Good." Xavier nodded. "I want Raine's name clear and I want the world to know the truth about us. She's been hiding all her life, but all of that ends from now on. She doesn't need to hide anymore. She's free. She's finally free..." He whispered. "But I just... She just needs to survive this... She needs to survive this one last time and I swear to god, I won't let anyone hurt her anymore."
"She will." Jordon convinced him. "She's a fighter."
* * *
"Good morning and welcome to today's breaking news! Just as the sun rose this morning, new bits of information have been coming out on the Edwardo Tenzinini case which has been linking with Thorn Inc, more specifically the CEO himself, Xavier Thorn." The news reporter spoke. "However, while there has been a myriad of stories and theories as to what had been going in this complex case, we've gotten in touch with Xavier Thorn himself to find out the truth about this enthralling situation. So, Mr. Thorn, what would you like to say to the country today?"
"Firstly, I'd like to thank you for allowing me to come here to clear up the numerous misunderstandings that have been circulating in the media for the past couple of days. I'm personally a strong believer in privacy and I've been consistent in keeping my life out of the limelight. While there exists no way for me to avoid it, I've learned to ignore it." Xavier spoke out. "However, when someone I deeply care about, someone I love gets affected by the situation, I find it my responsibility to clear up the situation and that is exactly what I'm here to do today."
"There's been stories of an office romance and a mystery girl that you've been spotted with on various occasions. What would you like to say about that?" The reporter asked.
"Is there a mystery girl?" Xavier rhetorically questioned. "No, there isn't. Raine Woods is no mystery girl and nor is she some office fling. She's the girl who holds my heart in her hands. She's the girl who has saved my life. And she's also the girl who is in the hospital at this current moment, fighting for her lives while the rest of the world slams accusations on her."
"Raine Woods has an interesting background. From sources, we've found out that she's a runaway from California, who also has ties with Charles Hadleigh, the victim of a murder that took place just a couple of days ago."
"Yes. It is true that Raine ran away from California." Xavier stated. "And I'd like to ask the crowd why that is such a bad thing." He directed his attention to the camera. "We've always seen people that run away from situations as weak. But I think we fail to realize that running away is a courageous act. You have to accept that whatever situation you are in, is wrong. You have to accept and realize that you deserve better. You have to pick up your entire life and move it somewhere else. And you have to leave everything that you once had, behind... Running away is an act of courage, not of weakness. It takes guts to act on a tough situation and fight your way through a tunnel of darkness and into the light. You shouldn't be afraid of running away from hell, you should be afraid of staying there."
The words caused a silence in the room and across the nation.
"I am proud that Raine ran away. She realized that she was in a situation that was not only tough but something she didn't deserve. She had to pick up all of her pieces on her own and take whatever she had, which was nothing, to somewhere new, all alone. She had to say bye to the memories of her past life, the memories of her parents, of her childhood, knowing that she probably might never be able to come back." Xavier announced. "Raine was a victim of verbal and mental abuse by her aunt. And although there are many victims that continue their lives suffering through it, Raine was strong enough to get away."
Xavier's words weren't what the people had expected, but they were words that the people needed to hear.
The news report cleared her throat, resuming her questions. "I'm sorry to hear about that." She replied. "But we still have much confusion about what exactly went down in these past few days. How was Thorn Inc involved? How were you involved? And how was Raine involved?"
"Thorn Inc has no concerns with the case. And my relations towards this case is strictly based on my relationship with Raine. And as for Raine, her involvement, in this case, evolves from her parents. Eden and Addy Woods were respected members of the technological world, who have helped keep our country safe. However, they became the victims of Killian Hawthorne, Lyzo Corp's CEO, also known as Edwardo Tenzinini. I am not yet authorized to release specific information about his deeds, but the FBI will be releasing a statement soon. As for Raine, she was a victim of abuse from her aunt who became a caretaker for her after the death of her parents. She received further abuse by a man named Malin Hadleigh, the son of Charles Hadleigh, who forced to marry Raine and attempted to sexually assault her."
"I'm not here to give all of the details regarding this case. You should get them soon enough." Xavier resumed. "But to clear things up, I'd like to announce that Brooks Smith was a member of the mafia and a fraud that violated both the privacy of Raine and I as well as the policies of Thorn Inc while he worked with Killian. He had no relationship with Raine other than a false friendship which Raine, unfortunately, fell for. A further statement about Killian and his true identity shall be released soon. In addition, Malin was responsible for the murder of Charles Hadleigh and has physically abused Raine while he held her hostage. Furthermore, at the arrest of Brooks and Killian, he attempted to murder me as well. Unfortunately for me, Raine took that bullet and save my life, yet leaving me in immense pain."
"Although this was her story to tell, she's fought with the world long enough to survive. But I don't want that for her. I don't want her to just survive, I want her to live. And I'm here to fight her battles for her. Because she deserves that. I am not, and never will be worthy of her. But I hope that one day, I can make her just as happy as she makes me. She's the love of my life, and I'm nothing without her." Xavier sighed. "I hoped that this message was able to clear up the misunderstandings and confusion that has been revolving, and I ask out of respect for Raine, that members of the press steer clear of the hospital and respect our privacy in a difficult time. Thank you."
* * *
As soon as the press conference came to an end and Xavier had stated everything he wanted to, he quickly dismissed all of the reporters and left the room.
They had had the conference in one of the lounges on the top floor of the hospital since they wanted to maintain peace for the rest of the hospital patients and visitors. And while Xavier was up clearing up the mess that had been made, Jordon was waiting outside Raine's room.
"Did someone say anything?" Xavier asked, rushing up to Jordon who was patiently waiting on a chair. "How's Raine?" He begged to know.
"Mr. Thorn, the surgery is still going on," Jordon replied.
He wanted to give him the good news and relieve him from the pain he was feeling, but there was nothing Jordon could do. No one could do anything but wait for a response.
"Nothing?" He asked, deflated to which Jordon could only nod.
"You need rest." Jordon began. "You haven't slept in days."
"The only thing I need is Raine." He said, glancing at the door to the emergency room. "You should go home though. You've been running around all day."
"I'm just doing my duty," Jordon replied. "I'm not leaving you by yourself."
"I'm not alone, the rest of the security guards are waiting outside." Xavier defended. "Go home Jordon, it's an order."
"But Sir, Iâ"
"I'll call you with any news on Raine. Go get some rest."
Jordon nodded, unable to deny his stubborn boss. Taking one last look at him, he turned to leave, informing the rest of the security team to keep a close eye on Xavier and make sure that none of the media people got into the hospital for exclusive pictures.
By now, the world knew exactly who Raine was and what she meant to Xavier.
Xavier rubbed his face, exhausted by the crazy day he had just experienced. He headed down to the waiting room looking for a cup of black coffee.
Black coffee.
That's where it all had started.
The bitter drink that had given him the greatest gift of all time.
Love.
He fell in love with her just as fast as she fell into his arms the first time they met.
Xavier sat down in the waiting room, shutting his eyes and throwing his head back against the wall. Scenes of him with Raine flashed before his eyes and he wanted to stay in those moments forever. Her laugh, her touch, her eyes, her lips. He wanted to kiss them forever and take all her pain away. But memories were all he had now.
"Hi."
The sound of a young voice broke Xavier out of Raine's spell. He lifted his head and looked up to see a boy with soft brown eyes, reminding him of Raine's.
"I'm Luke." The boy said, smiling softly with ambition.
Xavier stayed quiet, staring at the boy with sad eyes.
"What's your name?" Luke asked disregarding Xavier's cold behavior.
"Xavier." He responded quietly, almost in a whisper. His voice was hoarse from crying.
"Hi, Xavier." The boy waved."Can we be friends?"
Xavier breathed out, looked around the waiting room in hopes of finding the boy's parents so that he could get rid of him. Unfortunately, the room was empty, which meant that he was stuck with him.
"Please?" Luke asked with the cutest puppy dog eyes, similar to the ones that Raine made when she wanted something.
A faint smile appeared on his lips and he couldn't help but nod at the boy that looked so hopefully up at him.
A grin grew on Luke's face and he jumped up into Xavier's lap.
"Yay!" He cheered. "Now that we're friends, can I wipe your tears off?"
He had even realized his tear stained face until Luke mentioned it. Xavier almost never cried, but that was because he'd never lost something that was so important to him. He nodded at Luke and instantly, Luke's tiny hands made their way up to his face as he wiped away the tears, his face furrowed in concentration.
"There!" He cheered when he'd gotten rid of the last tears. "All better."
"How old are you?" Xavier asked.
He was small, very small. The innocence in his eyes said it all.
"Three and a half." He smiled. "Almost four."
Xavier nodded slowly, wrapping his hands around his waist and seating him properly on his lap so that he was facing him.
"So Luke, what are you doing here? Where are your parents?"
"Daddy's inside with Mommy," Luke answered. "Mommy wasn't feeling good." His voice weakening a bit.
"I'm so sorry," Xavier said, instantly feeling guilty.
"It's ok." Luke shook his said. "Mommy's gonna get better real soon! And Daddy said that once she'd better, she's going to go get me a brand new baby sister!"
A smile made its way onto Xavier's face. A baby sister. He had no doubts that Luke would make the best big brother. Although he'd known him for only a few minutes, he could tell how compassionate Luke really was. He'd been able to wipe his tears and made him feel alive. Even if it was brief, he couldn't be more thankful.
"A baby sister huh?" Xavier asked playfully. "You're gonna have to take care of her really well."
"Oh, I will!" Luke nodded with determination. "Daddy told me that I have to protect her from all the boys."
"Oh really?" Xavier chuckled. "Then you better do your job right. Make sure no one hurts her."
"Yeah!" He said, clapping his hands together. "Why are you here? Are you getting a baby sister too?"
"No." Xavier shook his head, laughing.
"Then are you getting a baby girl like my Daddy?"
That caused Xavier to freeze. A baby girl. Maybe he had never dreamed of having children but now that Luke had said it, he couldn't help but envision a beautiful baby girl that he would cradle in his hands. She'd have Raine's chocolate eyes and his nose.
Everything he never thought he'd want was now all he wanted. He wanted it all. He wanted Raine and he wanted a future with her. He wanted her as his lover, his girl, his wife and he wanted her as the mother of their children.
But his wants meant nothing. Because as he was dreaming up a world where they were together and everything was perfect, she was laying in the room next door fighting for her life. Her life that she had risked for him.
"What happened?" Luke frowned. "You're crying again. Did I hurt your feelings? I'm sorry." He pouted.
"No." Xavier shook his head, wiping his face. "You didn't hurt my feelings. You just reminded me of someone."
"Someone inside there?" Luke asked, pointing to the emergency room.
"Yeah." Xavier nodded. "She got hurt. It was my fault."
"She'll be ok." Luke confidently said.
"How can you be so sure?"
"Cause you love her," Luke shrugged.
"How do you know that?" Xavier asked, taken aback.
"Mommy always says that if you love someone, they'll never leave you," Luke answered. "And you love her because you're sad because she's hurt. But don't worry. She won't leave you. She might be mad cause it was your fault that she got hurt, but I know just the trick to make her forgive you!"
"And what's that?"
"Give her a kiss," Luke said. "Daddy loves Mommy. But whenever Mommy's mad, Daddy kisses her and then she forgives him," He explained. "Fix it with a kiss."
"Is that so." Xavier smiled.
Yeah! It's mine and Daddy's little secret!" Luke grinned. "But you'll have to say sorry for hurting her."
"I will." Xavier nodded.
"Great. Then don't be sad. Everything gonna is ok."
"Can I hug you?" Xavier asked.
"Well, Mommy said don't hug strangers but since we're friends now, yeah!"
And with that being said, Luke wrapped his small arms around Xavier's chest and engulfed him in a hug. Xavier didn't know the last time he felt that amount of comfort.
Just as they were coming out of their hug, there was a soft knock on the door.
"Anyone here for Raine Woods?" The nurse asked.
"Me," Xavier answered, setting Luke back onto his chair and standing up. "How's Raine? Is she safe? Is she going to be ok? Can I see her?" He rapidly asked.
"Dr. Thompson can give you more information on her vitals." The nurse said. "She waiting for you in her office."
Xavier nodded, looking back at Luke. "Wish me luck?" He asked the little boy who was staring at him with wide eyes.
"Good luck!" Luke exclaimed, giving him a high five.
Xavier weakly smiled before leaving the waiting room, fast on his heel to find the doctor.
* * *
"Dr. Thompson?" Xavier rushed into the office. "Raine, how is she?! Is she going to be alright?!"
"Mr. Thorn, please have a seat." The middle-aged lady pointed at the chair.
Xavier quickly sat down, his heart beating so fast, he was afraid the doctor could hear it from across the desk.
"Raine..." He said.
"The surgery was a success." The doctor announced, causing the worry to flush out of Xavier's body.
In an instant, he felt like the happiest man in the world. Success. That was just what he wanted to hear. She was fine. She was alive. And she was still his.
"However," Dr. Thompson began, "She's still in a critical state."
"What do you mean?" Xavier asked impatiently.
"We removed the bullet from her body successfully, however, she was hit in the thoracic cavity which is a critical area. Thankfully, the bullet missed her lungs but it still did a lot of damage. She's had a lot of internal bleeding so we'll have to keep her in the ICU for a week to make sure the bleeding has stopped and that there are no other unknown damages her body faced. We can give precise answers after she wakes up."
"Can I see her?" He asked. He didn't know how long he could wait without seeing her. He just needed to touch her and know that she was fine. He just needed to feel her.
"Yes." The doctor replied. "You've got permission to see her, however, I insist you put no strain on her. She's very weak and any pressure may cause great damage to the recovery process."
"You have my word that no pressure or stress shall come her way," Xavier said with determination.
* * *
The heart was the strongest muscle in the human body. Yet why did it hurt the most?
The sight of Raine in the hospital bed, with tubes attached to her body, was a sight he'd seen once before, yet nothing could prepare him for the immense amount of pain he felt seeing her that way again.
He had vowed that he'd protect her but he always failed.
He couldn't help but feel guilty. He had promised her that Malin would never get her, that Killian won't ever hurt her, that he'd be there for her. But all this time, she was the one protecting him.
She went to Charles alone to save him, she suffered through the blackmailing alone so he won't be worried, she tried to get him to leave so Killian wouldn't hurt him, and finally, when they thought it was all over, she jumped in front of a bullet so he wouldn't get shot.
Why?
Why had she so easily sacrificed herself for him? He didn't deserve it. He didn't deserve her.
She was the purest light while he was the darkest star. She was the freshest flower while he was just a thorn.
All his life he had wanted nothing but to escape the harsh reality of his life.
He had grown up in front of the media. He had watched his father prioritize his work more than his son. He had watched the world mock him on tabloids. He had felt the betrayal of his own loved ones. Watches as they shattered his heart and trust and left him bleeding and broken.
Hope was something he wasn't used to. He hadn't ever hope for anything as much as he'd hoped for Raine.
He had hoped to spend all his days with her and he had hoped to keep her in his arms all night. He had hoped to go on adventures with her, see the world with her, and grow old with her.
He wanted to tell her. Tell her that he was mad about her. Tell her that she was the only thing on his mind every night before he went to sleep and that she was the only sight he wanted to see when he woke up every day.
He wanted to tell her that she was it for him. She was his life, his world, his everything. The protector of his heart, but most importantly that he loved her.
He was in love with her.
In love with her smile. In love with her chocolate brown eyes. In love with her luscious lips. In love with the way she giggled when he tickled her in bed. In love with the way she held his hand as they slept. In love with the way that she stood up to him, fought with him, and demanded kindness from him. In love with her in every way it was possible to love.
"Raine..." He whispered, taking her cold hand into his own before leaning down and kissing it. "Raine I know this might be too late but I... I don't know if you can hear me right now, but I have to say this."
His fingers raked her hair and he pressed his lips onto her forehead, ready to confess what he had been waiting to confess more than ever.
"I love you, Raine. I love you so freaking much. I can't imagine a day without you. You make me want to wake up every morning so I can see you before anyone else, and falling asleep with you in my arms is better than any dream. You are my dream, Raine. You're my cool morning and my peaceful night, you're my small smiles and my bright light... You're my reason to breath and I hate myself for never telling you before. I love you, Baby. I love you my Little Rose. I love you my everything. Just please, please wake up. I need you so much and I love you so much. I can't be without you. I need you, Raine. I need you as much as the night sky needs the moon. I love you, Raine. I love you."
His eyes were shut but tears still fell from them. But the salty drops of water and salt that fell from his eyes, were all she needed.
The doctors may have saved her life, but he had saved her soul. Medicine may have healed her wounds, but his love had healed her heart.
Just as a teardrop fell onto her cheek, her eyes flinched and her hands began to tremble.
"X...Xav...Xavier..."
Her voice was soft, barely a whisper but Xavier couldn't miss it. Instantly, his eyes shot open and happiness surged through his body at the sight of her eyes opening slowly and her lips whispering his name.
"Xavier..."
"Raine!" He responded, crying hysterically. "You're awake! Raine... Baby..." He kissed her face a million times, unable to contain his happiness. "I love you, Raine. I love you with all my heart. I love you will all of me and Baby, don't you dare put your life in danger because of me. I can't live without you. I love you so much."
"I love you too." She softly whispered. "I love you, Xavier."
"I love you my Little Rose."
_____________
A/N: Hey Guys!! Finally updated without making you guys wait for too long! I hope all of you enjoyed this emotional chapter! Raine's alive! I'd never kill her LOL. And finally, Xavier has confessed his feeling!!
I only have 2 more parts left to this story which is crazy! But I am so excited for you guys to read the rest of the story and get prepared for a sequel that will be coming up shortly as well!! Please vote, vote, vote! And share your thoughts in the comments! I look forward to reading each and every one of them! Also, let's get Forever Raine to 100K reads soon!! Love you guys!
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