Chapter 5

The tension between us was palpable, marked by a silence that seemed to stretch endlessly. His eyes, black as obsidian, never stopped watching me.

Finally, Edward broke the silence. "I can tell you're different, but what exactly are you?" His voice was curious, yet clearly cautious.

With my wand still discreetly at my side, I responded firmly but without hostility, "I could ask you the same, though I already know the answer. You're a vampire, aren't you?"

Edward nodded slowly, surprise evident on his face but showing no fear. "What are you?"

"I'm a wizard," I revealed, carefully watching for any change in his expression. Edward seemed to assimilate the information without being disturbed, which allowed me to relax my stance.

Edward furrowed his brow, clearly puzzled by something else. "It's strange, I can't read your thoughts."

"It's Occlumency," I explained briefly, maintaining my neutral tone. "It's a skill some wizards develop to protect their minds from intruders." I said, smirking. I thought about how I had perfected this technique during my days serving Voldemort, a secret I had no intention of sharing with Edward.

With a mix of curiosity and a hint of jealousy, Edward inquired, "What are your intentions with Bella?"

My thoughts about Bella were complicated, but for some reason, I felt compelled to give him an honest answer. "I care about her a lot, more than I had anticipated. It's complicated, because of our differences, but... I can't deny what I feel now."

Edward nodded, seemingly pondering my words. Then, with an air of resignation tinged with palpable sadness, he began to share his own story with Bella. "I left her to protect her. Everything I did was for her good, even though it might not seem like it. We both ended up broken after that, months of deep darkness and pain. But even so, Bella risked everything to save my life. After that, she decided to move on with her life without me."

Intrigued by his story, I asked, "Why did you believe that leaving her was the best option?"

"Because my world is dangerous, filled with threats she shouldn't have to face. I thought by distancing myself, I would protect her," Edward explained, his voice laden with remorse.

"I just want to protect her, Draco. No matter who she's with, she deserves someone good, someone who can truly make her happy," Edward concluded, looking into the distance before adding with a tone of forced acceptance, "She is no longer a part of my life, and that is something I have to accept. Yet, her happiness and safety are everything to me."

Edward turned and sped away at great speed, disappearing almost instantly into the darkness of the alley. I took a moment to reflect before vanishing, reappearing in my flat.

In the following days, I was immersed in deep thoughts. I ignored several calls from Bella and replied to her messages with evasive answers. I needed time to decide what was right.

During those days of reflection, I often found myself looking at the dark mark on my arm, the permanent reminder of my past as a Death Eater. What could I possibly offer Bella? I had made too many mistakes, I was too broken. Bella deserved better, someone free from the shadows that followed me.

I knew in my heart that staying away from her forever was the right thing to do, not only to protect her from my past but to give her the chance to find true happiness without the burden of my mistakes. When did everything become so complicated?

It was a Friday night when I finally decided to confront Bella. I went to the cafe where she worked, arriving just as it was closing. I found her alone, cleaning up the last tables.

"Bella, we need to talk," I began, my voice tremulous but firm.

She turned towards me, and I could tell she was upset with me, though her anger faded as she noticed the seriousness of my expression. "Draco? What's happening?"

I took a deep breath. "I think... we should end this. It's for the best for both of us," I said, each word weighing heavily on my heart.

"Why? Did something happen?" Bella asked, her confusion mixed with a hint of pain.

"There are things about my past, things I can't fully explain to you, that could put you in danger. I can't allow that to happen," I explained, feeling each word cut through me.

"Draco, talk to me. Can't we try to work it out?" Bella insisted, her voice full of plea.

"I'm sorry, Bella, but it's better this way. Please try to understand," I said finally, the decision clear but the pain even sharper.

Bella looked down, tears beginning to form in her eyes. "If I can't make you change your mind, just go," her voice was a mix of frustration and anger.

"I'm so sorry, Bella," I said, feeling miserable. Without waiting any longer, I turned around and left the cafe, leaving behind a stunned Bella and broken hearts scattered on the floor of the small establishment.

I walked under the moonlight, with a mix of relief and agony. I knew I had made the right decision, but that didn't mitigate the pain. Despite being willing to face any challenge for Bella, my past had made the decision for me.