Chapter 915 Brandon and Bradley
The Hotel
Brandon escorted Bradley back to the hotel, his mind elsewhere the entire journey.
Theodora's suicide attempt was something he hadn't anticipated. He'd left abruptly, without giving her a proper explanation. This was undeniably his mistake—he had hurt two people.
Self-reproach etched across Brandon's face as they traveled. Bradley, normally so composed that people mistook his quietness for muteness, had been uncharacteristically emotional throughout their journey, crying and begging Brandon not to leave.
Upon reaching the hotel, Bradley suddenly fell silent. Perhaps during their trip, he'd noticed Brandon's genuine concern for Theodora.
As Bradley calmed down, he realized he'd become what he despised most—unreasonable and demanding.
"Bradley, Theodora is like a sister to me from the orphanage where we grew up," Brandon had been explaining the entire way. "I've never even been in a relationship before, and there was really nothing between us—we didn't even hold hands, I swear."
"Theodora returned home saying she wanted to try dating me, even talking about marriage. I hadn't realized my feelings for you then, so I agreed..." Brandon continued anxiously, afraid of Bradley misunderstanding.
Bradley remained silent in the elevator. Only after entering their room did he speak. "Brandon, you should go. I'm sorry for being so emotional. You should be there for her."
Bradley suddenly understood how unfair this was for Theodora—Brandon had abruptly left her and married another man. Having experienced suicidal desperation himself, he sympathized with her, feeling guilty that his existence had caused Brandon to abandon her.
Brandon stared at Bradley, unsettled by his sudden calmness. His emotions were like a rollercoaster—crashing one moment, eerily calm the next.
This alarmed Brandon. Connor had specifically warned him about Bradley's bipolar disorder and severe depression, cautioning that the most dangerous times were when his emotions fluctuated drastically. Brandon had kept Bradley confined at home precisely because he feared another suicide attempt, never imagining Bradley would unhesitatingly jump from the second floor.
"Go, I'm really fine," Bradley smiled reassuringly. "I was just being irrational. Perhaps these three months have spoiled me."
He had mistakenly believed Brandon truly loved him. But how long could love last? Three months seemed enough. With only days remaining before the three-month mark, Bradley felt he had few regrets left.
"Get some rest," Brandon said, ruffling Bradley's hair.
Bradley nodded with a smile. "Will you come back?"
If Brandon went to Muskow, would he return?
"What a silly question. Of course I'll come back," Brandon sighed, embracing Bradley. "We're legally married."
"Then go quickly," Bradley replied calmly. "Don't keep the young lady's family waiting too long."
People who empathized too much with others only hurt themselves. His sudden composure masked his shattered heart.
Brandon coaxed Bradley into the bedroom to rest. "You've been on a plane for so long. Get some sleep, okay?"
Bradley nodded, watching Brandon leave the bedroom and close the door.
The moment the door shut, his world collapsed. He slumped onto the bed, completely drained—like an extinguished lamp, a soulless zombie, a ship lost at sea without a lighthouse.
Feeling the room's silence, Bradley stood up beside the bed.
Emberlyn had beautiful scenery, with the tranquility he loved. He had chosen it as his final destination because Emberlyn was the first country to legalize same-sex relationships.
As a confused teenager who felt like an outcast, Bradley had learned about a country where same-sex love was legal, accepted without societal judgment. He had countless fantasies of strolling along Emberlyn's riverside with someone he loved, admiring the night lights and scenery.
Yet here he was, still alone.
Standing by the window, Bradley absorbed the night's beauty—boats traversing the river, vibrant lights, bustling pedestrians. The locals seemed to love bicycles, with more cyclists than cars on the busy streets.
Bradley felt this could be a fitting resting place, somewhere to end everything. He took a deep breath, feeling sorry that his death might trouble the locals.
Let him be selfish one last time, allowing his soul eternal freedom.
After showering and changing into his favorite clothes, Bradley left the bedroom, intending to end his miserable, lonely life. But just outside the door, he encountered Brandon returning with takeout dinner.
Brandon froze, struck by Bradley's appearance—so beautiful it made his heart tremble.
"You didn't leave?" Bradley's voice quavered.
"I never said I was going," Brandon replied softly, placing the dinner on the table. "I was just explaining my relationship with Theodora. I've already contacted her parents and explained the truth about our so-called engagement. Theodora wanted to try being together for a year, agreeing to marry if neither of us found love by then. But I found the person I love before our deadline, so our agreement is void."
Bradley stood numbly, feeling foolish, wishing the ground would swallow him. He had been ready to end everything, yet Brandon had returned—like a light suddenly illuminating the entrance to hell, forcibly halting his plans.
"I've also contacted friends in Muskow to console Theodora. She's just upset and acting out—she wouldn't truly harm herself," Brandon said, able to distinguish between dramatics and genuine suicidal intent. He was terrified of losing Bradley.
After setting down dinner, Brandon embraced Bradley, pretending not to see through his intentions. "Dressed so nicely? Why didn't you dress like this when we got married?"
Bradley stammered, unable to form words, mortified.
Brandon sighed softly. "Bradley, I know you're exhausted, barely holding on. For my sake, can you endure a few more years? If it becomes unbearable, I'll go with you—wherever you want: the ocean, mountains, or a rooftop."
Bradley pushed Brandon away in panic, staring at him in fear. "What... what are you saying?"
He wasn't afraid of his own death but terrified of Brandon suggesting they die together.
Brandon's eyes reddened as he spoke deliberately, "Could you bear to leave me alone?"
Bradley clenched his fists, head lowered. "I can't promise how long I can hold on, Brandon. If you truly care, try to keep me here—keep me where you can see me."
He was uncertain how long he could persevere. If Brandon loved him enough, perhaps he could continue a while longer. If Brandon ever stopped loving him, then he would be free.
"Alright. From now on, you're not leaving my sight—for meals, sleep, bathroom... showering, brushing teeth, working—everything must be under my watch. We absolutely cannot be separated," Brandon whispered, holding Bradley tightly.
Bradley's tears soaked Brandon's shoulder before he finally mumbled, "Okay."
"Promise me you won't break your word."
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