Claudia's patience wore thin. "York, you can spin whatever tales you want, but I’ll never believe you again. If you truly feel you owe me anything, then disappear from my life completely!"
They stared at each other, their faces inches apart.
The cold detachment in Claudia’s eyes was torture for York.
He forced himself to stand there, to not run away.
His eyes bloodshot, he stared at her and said, word by word, "If that’s what you want, I will respect your choice. I’ll give you your freedom."
Claudia scrutinized his expression, still finding it hard to believe.
Her voice was firm. "York, I want you to swear. Swear that you will never disturb me or my family again. Swear that you will never harm anyone close to me. Swear that you will never come near me for the rest of your life!"
After she finished, they stared at each other in silence for what felt like an eternity.
The air around them was so still it seemed to have frozen.
When his vision of her began to blur, York gently closed his eyes and, with all the strength he could muster, nodded.
A tear fell as he moved. He held onto Claudia’s hand with one hand and raised the other in the air.
He began to swear, his voice trembling.
"I swear on my life," he said, "to never disturb you or your family, to never harm anyone close to you…"
His voice broke with a sob.
He paused, gazing at Claudia, hoping, praying she would tell him to stop.
He waited and waited, only for her to say, "Continue."
A sharp, excruciating pain shot through York’s chest. His body swayed, and he stumbled back a step.
He met her cold gaze again and choked out the rest. "I swear I will never willingly approach you again. If I break this oath, may I meet a grim end."
Silence fell once more.
They locked eyes for another long moment.



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