Thane nodded slowly, knowing Elera was right. He just had to be patient and let things happen on their own terms. "But it's hard, Elera," Thane said, his voice laced with frustration. "I feel like I'm stuck in limbo, waiting for Hana to make up her mind."
Elera squeezed his arm. "I know it's hard, Thane. But you have to trust that Hana will come around when the time is right. And in the meantime, maybe you should focus on getting to know her better as a person." Thane raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, Thane, that you're so used to getting what you want, when you want it, that you maybe haven't taken the time to really understand Hana's thoughts and feelings," Elera said gently. "Maybe it's time to change that."
Thane thought about Elera's words, realizing that she was right. He had been so caught up in his own desires that he hadn't taken the time to really listen to Hana. "Thanks, Elera," Thane said, feeling a sense of determination. "I think I need to do that."
Elera smiled and stood up. "I'm glad you're willing to try, Thane. And remember, patience is a virtue." Thane nodded, watching as Elera left the room. He knew that he had a long road ahead of him, but he was willing to do whatever it took to win Hana's heart.
Thane couldn't shake off the feeling that he had been selfish. He had been so focused on getting Hana to fall for him, to want him physically, that he hadn't stopped to consider her feelings."Damn it," he muttered to himself, feeling a twinge of guilt. "What's wrong with me?"
He thought that he could manipulate Hana, to get her to do what he wanted. He could used his charm, his good looks, and even his wealth to try and win her over. But why? Why had he felt the need to do that?
Thane sighed, realizing that he had been motivated by his own desires. He had wanted Hana's body, and he had been willing to do whatever it took to get it. "That's not love," he told himself, feeling a sense of disgust. "That's just lust."
Thane knew he needed to change his approach. He needed to start thinking about Hana's feelings, about what she wanted and needed. But how could he do that when he was still struggling with his own desires?
Thane got out of bed and began to pace around the room. He knew he needed to find a way to overcome his own selfishness, to start thinking about Hana as a person, not just a conquest. As he paced, he stumbled upon an idea. He would start by listening to Hana, by asking her what she wanted and needed. And then, he would do his best to give it to her, It wouldn't be easy, Thane knew. But he was willing to try. For Hana's sake, and for his own.
Thane's doubts crept in like a thief in the night, stealing his confidence and leaving him feeling uncertain. What if Hana never fell for him? What if she always saw him as a monster, a creature driven by his baser instincts?
He thought back to their conversations, to the way she had looked at him with a mix of fear and revulsion. He had tried to convince her that he was different, that he was capable of change, but what if she never believed him?
Thane's mind raced with questions. What if he was doomed to be alone forever, never able to escape the darkness of his own making? What if Hana was the only one who had ever seen the real him, and she had rejected him because of it?
He felt a pang of despair, wondering if he would ever be able to escape the shadows of his past. Maybe he was destined to be a monster forever, never able to find redemption or love.
As the doubts consumed him, Thane realized that he needed to talk to Hana. He needed to know if she saw any good in him, if she thought he was capable of change. He took a deep breath and went to find her, his heart heavy with uncertainty. When he found her in the garden, he didn't know what to say, so he just stood there, looking at her.
"Hana," he said finally, his voice barely above a whisper. "Can I talk to you?", She looked up at him, her expression guarded. "What is it, Thane?" Thane took another deep breath before speaking. "I just wanted to know if you think I'm capable of change. If you think I can ever be a better person."
Hana looked at him for a long time before responding. "I don't know, Thane. I really don't know." Thane nodded, feeling a sense of disappointment wash over him. Maybe he was doomed to be a monster forever.
Hana looked at Thane, and for a moment, she felt a pang in her heart. She saw the uncertainty in his eyes, the desire to change, and something inside of her shifted. Maybe, just maybe, this man wasn't beyond redemption.
"Okay, Thane," she said finally, her voice softening. "I'll give you a chance. But you have to let me go back to my university. I have final exams to take, and I can't just leave my life on hold." Thane's face lit up with hope, but then his expression turned serious. "I can't just let you go, Hana. Tyson's threat still stands, and I can't guarantee your safety."
Hana sighed, understanding his concern. "I know, but I can't just hide here forever. And besides, I have to take my exams. It's important to me." Thane nodded thoughtfully, then said, "Alright, I'll let you go. But on one condition: my men will watch over you, and they'll report back to me. That way, I can make sure you're safe."
Hana hesitated for a moment, unsure if she wanted to be constantly watched. But then she realized that it was a small price to pay for her freedom. "Okay, deal," she said finally. Thane smiled, looking relieved. "Good. I'll arrange for my men to escort you back to your university and keep an eye on you."
Hana nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Thane. Maybe, just maybe, this was the start of something new for both of them.