Stefan's POV

One good thing about rain is that there is no one and I mean no one on the road. It's totally deserted. And we are in the middle of the road dancing our asses off. I forgot how much Hope loved rains. She couldn't wait for the first monsoon rain.

"Stefan... Thank You " she says. I nod my head 'Your Welcome'.

She is giggling and doing random stuff. She is dancing a little and then when she is tired, she stops. She looks up in the sky reveling in the rain drops. I know that look.

She is asking for a wish.

She looks really beautiful. I am wet as hell too. I walk up to her slowly and turn her to me by her elbow.

I can't wait an longer. Fuck Conner. I crash my lips on her and hold me to me by her waist. Our lips move in sync. I ask for entrance and she happily gives me one.

She is not confused about this. That's a step ahead.

Our tongues fight for dominance but I eventually win. I devour her lips slowly and feel all of her. I can't remember the last time I felt like this. Or kissed her like this. I was such an idiot.

She deserved the world. I promised her the world yet she kept her vows and I kept on breaking them one by one. She did the right thing though. Leaving. That opened my eyes. I still would've been a douche if it wasn't for her.

I will admit that living without her. Not knowing where she is was hell. I thought she replaced me. Imagine my shock when I met Conner. I thought that even after finding her I thought I lost her. All over again.

I was determined to have her. And now it's not too far. As much as she dreads to admit it. She still loves me. And I love her. If I hadn't been an asshole to her or would've not changed then she would still be with me. By my side.

I love her. And that's all that matters. We pull away after sometime panting. We both take in some well needed air but keep out foreheads touched. We lean on each other and look into each other's eyes.

"I love you " I blurt. Way to ruin the moment Stefan.

She looks up at me wide eyed, shock evident in them. She tries to pull away but I tighten my hold on her waist, so she can't move away.

She struggles bit gives up when she realises she can't move now. And says,

" No you don't. You are just in love with the idea of being in love with me. You unfell for me the moment you decided to give your job the first priority. That's harsh I know bit it's the truth. You are just not used to living without me. And you have been living alone for the last 5 years. You'll be fine."

I am enraged by the time she finishes. She is arguing about my love but she never said anything about her being in love. Meaning there's hope.

"I know what it was. I love you okay? And the last five years? Were hell. I know because I endured them without you. "

" please don't "

" please don't what? "

" please don't make me fall in love with you again just to break my heart again. I can't be there again. I am trying to protect myself. "

" just.... Please, I love you. Okay. I would die before I treat you like that again "

There's a moment of silence which she breaks," Let's go inside "

" okay"

We both go around the shop and in through the back entrance. I hold the door open for her and when she walks in I smack her butt.

She gasps and turns around.

"A real gentleman holds the door open for his lady then smacks her butt when she walks " I say to try to lighten the mood.

Her laughter rings in the air. How I wish I was the reason for it quite often.