Part 100
Alex doesn't watch him the way she used to.
The anxious edge has melted into something gentler, almost domestic.
She hums quietly as she makes breakfast — his favorite tea, toast cut into perfect halves — and when she carries the tray into the living room, she finds him sitting by the window, light spilling across his face.
He looks peaceful.
When he turns and gives her a small smile, it steals her breath for a moment.
It's not forced, not guarded. It looks real.
That's all she's ever wanted — that smile without fear behind it.
"Morning," he says softly.
Her chest tightens. Morning.
No hesitation. No resentment. Just a simple word that feels like forgiveness.
She sits beside him, close but not too close, and sets the tray down.
"You're getting stronger," she says. "Your color's coming back."
He nods. "It's… thanks to you."
The words hit her like sunlight.
She laughs quietly, a hand covering her mouth. "Don't say that. You make it sound like I did something hard."
He shakes his head. "You did what no one else would."
For the first time, Aura believes him completely.
The fear that used to gnaw at her — the thought that he might hate her, might try to run — feels childish now.
He's here. He's staying.
She doesn't check the locks that morning.
Doesn't glance at the door, doesn't count the keys.
She just watches him eat. Watches him breathe.
And tells herself, this is love when it finally stops hurting.