Chapter 38 - Viktor emerges

Elsa stood with her back to Jack, her arms crossed. "You shouldn't be here, Jack. You should stay away from me." Jack's face fell, shock and heartbreak written across his features. "Elsa, what's going on? Why are you pushing me away?" Elsa turned to face him, her eyes flashing with anger. "You said it yourself, Jack. In the hospital. You told me to stay away from you. So why are you here? Why are you going back on your words?" Jack took a step closer, his eyes pleading. "I was hurt, Elsa. I was scared. I didn't mean what I said." Elsa's expression remained unyielding. "You meant it. You meant every word. And now you're just making things worse by coming here." Jack's face reddened, his voice rising. "So you're just going to shut me out? Without even giving me a chance to explain?" Elsa's voice was firm. "There's nothing to explain, Jack. You made your feelings clear. And now I'm making mine clear. Stay away from me." Elsa's facade crumbled, and she burst into tears. "You were ri