Chapter 2 - Shattered Dreams

James hastened to reach his beloved's side, slowly kneeling to enfold her in his arms. His hands, his fingers, and his whole body trembled violently as tears streamed down his face. 

"Elizabeth, please wake up. Don't leave me alone. I plead to God, let the one I love live. It would be better for me to lose my life than for my lover to lose hers. Let me take her place and return to You," James wept, his tears like melting ice when the season changes.

James bowed his head and uttered a heartfelt prayer that seemed to rise up to the heavens. His words were so sincere that it felt like a final arrow shot from his bow, vibrating the throne of the Almighty and asking for mercy to give the two soulmates one last chance to speak to each other.

Elizabeth, who had been lying still in James' lap, suddenly seemed to gain some strength and stretched out her hands, lightly touching James' cheek with her fingers which were now directionless. Confusion and sadness engulfed him.

"James, what a beautiful speech," Elizabeth stammered in awe. James could hardly believe the miracle before him, his eyes wide with wonder. 

"Elizabeth..." James uttered, his voice quavering with emotion. Tears streaming down his face, he reached out and took her hand in his. "Just stay with me a little longer. I'm going to call an ambulance and they'll take you to the hospital." 

Elizabeth gave him a faint smile and shook her head. "Shh..." she whispered softly. "James, it's okay. Please, just hold me." 

James nodded and enveloped her in his arms. He felt the warmth of her body against his and he vowed to himself that he would stay by her side for as long as she needed him. "I promise," he murmured. "I'll hold you as long as you need me to."

Elizabeth, her voice soft and weak, said, “I want you to promise me that you will live a meaningful life, be kind and compassionate to others, and take care of yourself, even if I am not here. No matter how hard it may be, never do anything without purpose. Do this for me, so I can be sure that you will stay safe and happy.”

James, his eyes filled with tears, nodded solemnly and replied, “I promise. I will never do anything without meaning. I will live a meaningful life and be kind and compassionate to all.” “Elizabeth, I will make any promise you wish,” James declared, his voice shaking. “I will even bring the moon before you or move a mountain, if it will make you happy.”

Hearing James' words, Elizabeth's smile grew wider. Accompanied by the twilight of the rain, he who was about to be taken from her showed a face as elegant as an angel. As if he himself was sincerely resigned to his fate if he had to go right then and there.

"No James, you don't have to do that," Elizabeth said, her voice thick with emotion. "For me living with you has been like a beautiful dream. You've done more than enough for this wilted flower, thank you so much for taking me to a paradise garden full of happiness." This time Elizabeth's tears were seeping out of the corners of her eyes. Her breath began to wheeze and choke because of the crying. With everything she had, Elizabeth continued her words. "Promise me, James..." She stuttered as if she could no longer hold back the death that had come to take her away.

James sobbed, his tears streaming down his face. He reached into his pocket, pulling out an envelope with the symbol of a hospital printed on it. It was a medical letter, containing the results of the examination. Elizabeth looked at him with a look of relief, knowing that the contents of the letter would bring hope and peace to James. She breathed her last, her spirit returning to the Most Merciful. 

James was overwhelmed with grief as he realized his beloved was gone forever. His tears broke the silence as he wept, mourning the loss of his soulmate. He clutched the medical letter tightly in his hand, hoping it would bring him some comfort in this harsh moment.

***

The next day, after Elizabeth's funeral, it began to rain again. All of Elizabeth's relatives, friends and parents had gathered to pay their last respects and to provide her with a peaceful and eternal final resting place.

As everyone sobbed and wept, James remained silent with a blank stare; not a single tear came out of his eyes. His face was pale and sad, but there was no sign of tears. Instead, his chest was filled with vengeance and anger, and his tears had dried. As one by one the black umbrellas left the cemetery, so did James.

James had no parents since he was a small child; a tragic car accident had taken both of them. His relatives lived far away, so the only family he had left were Elizabeth and the baby she was expecting. Now he was alone, sobbing in a silent, desolate grief.

"Come on, James," said William Baines, Elizabeth's father. "It's time to go back home. You need to rest."

“William is right, James," added Victoria Baines, Elizabeth's mother. "You need to take some time to grieve. Even though it is difficult and painful, you must let Elizabeth go.”

James remained motionless, not uttering a single word. His expression displayed a deep sadness as he gazed upon the grave of his beloved partner. Despite the emotion that seemed to envelope him, he could not shed a single tear. The sky seemed to respond to his sorrow, as it unleashed a torrent of rain which replaced the tears that he could not shed.

"It would be great if Papa and Mama could come back soon," James said softly. "I still want to be here a little while longer."

William and Victoria looked at each other with a heavy heart. They had finally made the decision to leave James alone in the middle of the funeral. 

"He's been through so much," Victoria said softly. 

William nodded in agreement. "I know. I wish we could do something," he said. 

They watched as James knelt down over Elizabeth's tomb. He spoke of his love for her, their unborn child, and his vow to avenge her death. His voice broke with emotion as he rose to leave the cemetery. 

William and Victoria looked at each other silently, their hearts filled with sorrow and compassion. They knew they couldn't take away the pain James was going through, but they could offer him their support. As James walked away, they silently vowed to stand by him in his time of need.

He called for a taxi to take him to Ye Olde Friar, an old bar that was renowned throughout the City of London. It had been in existence for almost five centuries, boasting a thick medieval ambience. Unbeknownst to many, it also served as a clandestine bank for the underworld and an information center. 

The rain had since abated, leaving behind a bone-chilling chill. James stepped out of the taxi and walked up to the door of Ye Olde Friar, umbrella in hand, his expression solemn. He slowly turned the doorknob, almost as though he felt that it was a portal to the past.

All eyes were on James as he entered the bar, La Order Friar. This seemingly innocuous establishment was actually a gathering place for all sorts of nefarious characters: businesspeople, mobsters, gangsters, and even government officials and law enforcement officers. Everyone who was connected to the darker side of life was sure to be found at La Order Friar. 

The bar's patrons, who were mostly long-time customers, were familiar with James' face. Five years ago, he had been the leader of a powerful gang, but then he disappeared without a trace after the gang's dissolution. 

“Well, well, look who it is,” said Freddie Antonio. “Allfather, it's been a long time since we've seen you. Where have you been all this time?”