The Devilish Assassin Meets The Angelic Detective

No one knew how long they stayed like that, just hugging each other silently. Though it was hard and painful, James had no choice but to accept the fact that Elle would not become his woman.  She loved someone else. He tried his best to win her heart for the past two years but Elle's love for Erick was too strong. He couldn't replace him. It was Erick all along… only him in her heart. However, James didn't regret it. He didn't regret taking care of her in the past two years. He gave her all his time, and everything he had just to help her recover. He was still glad and thankful that God allowed him to be with her, and to be by her side in those difficult times. Those two years were like borrowed times... one of the happiest years in his life. He was able to show her how much he cared for her… how much he loved her. No regrets! His only mistake was being so greedy and selfish that he almost broke her heart by trying to separate her from Erick. After what it seemed like ages, James finally released Elle from his embrace. He broke his silence and started to speak up. "So I guess, I have to give up now… and to let you go." James mumbled with a bitter smile on his face. He was still holding Elle's shoulders with his both hands. "I don't hate you, Elle. I understand. You are just being honest to me and to yourself. I know we can't force our hearts to love someone. So don't expect me that I will be able to forget you that easily. It will take time, Elle… before I could finally move on from this heartbreak." James took a deep breath before continuing. "I love you… you know that. You're the only woman who can make my heart beat so fast like this… even for just a mere contact with you. You teach me how to love… unconditionally. And now I am giving you that freedom. Don't feel guilty because you feel indebted to me… Don't pity me. I choose to love you… It's my own choice and I will never regret that." Elle was just listening to him. Then suddenly James leaned closer, planting a kiss on her forehead. Was it a goodbye kiss?  Elle just closed her eyes. She was glad that James was not making things difficult for her now. He understood and respected her feelings. After that, Elle heard James speaking once again. "I will be happy to be your friend. Allow me to help you. Use Skull Gang power. We could still work together against the Dark Knight Organization." James said with determination in his voice. "You are not taking advantage of me. I'm doing this because I want to help you. I will not ask for any return. Please don't refuse…" James gave her a pleading look. "But… how can you move on if we will continue working together? You will just have more pains… you will just be hurt." Elle was uncertain about this thing. 'It is better than not seeing you at all.' James thought to himself. "Don't worry about that. I will settle and sort my feelings. Don't feel uncomfortable around me. As you said, just treat me as your good friend. I will be happy with that." Elle paused for a moment. She was thinking if she should accept his help or not. After a while, Elle nodded her head. "Okay. We will still work together. I promise I will catch the Dark Lord for you. He's the mastermind for the assassination of your father. It's the only way I could return the favor." James smiled faintly. "Thank you… my dear friend." Elle let out a soft giggle after hearing that. Because of her heart to heart conversation with James, the heaviness in her heart was lifted. She raised her hand and wiped away his tears. "I hope this is the last time you will cry because of me. I want you to find your happiness too." James caught her hand and said, "Don't do that. You are giving me another false hope if you are treating me like this." "Okay. I won't." Elle said while looking at him helplessly. James chuckled seeing her reaction. "I'm just kidding." "So how are you and… him?" James couldn't help but ask her. "We're okay now. We cleared the misunderstanding. He knew all along that I was Elle the moment he saw me." Elle smiled at that thought. "Seeing you smile like this, I know you are very happy. Then I should be happy for you too. I think I owe him an apology. I hide the truth that you are alive. If he loved you that much then he must have suffered a lot for the past two years, thinking that you were dead." Elle nodded, "Yeah… but he said he could forgive you. He doesn't hate you, instead he is grateful to you for saving my life back then." James chuckled with amus.e.m.e.nt. "Well, that's expected to the kind and unselfish detective. No wonder you fell in love with him… because of his kind-hearted nature. Tsk tsk tsk…. If I had known this then I should have acted as a good boy not a total jerk." "You are not a total jerk...just some kind of an arrogant CEO." Elle corrected him. There was a glint of humor in her eyes. Then the two of them started laughing. They finally lightened the mood. Now, they could talk like usual and even crack some jokes. "By the way, will you still use your identity as Aliyah?" James asked her. "Yes, I will. It's better this way. I can move freely. Anyway, next week, I will go to City X. Erick and his team found the hideout of Alfonso Ramirez. I think the Bio-weapon facility is located there." Elle informed James about this vital information. "I am planning to infiltrate the facility and look for the antidote. Lu needs it," Elle added. "Okay. I will send someone to accompany you. Bring Sherlock… oh, why don't you bring Black Shadow? He is quite capable too." James suggested. Elle: "..."