The first light of morning spilled into the mansion, painting the walls in soft gold. I woke slowly, the weight of last night pressing gently on my heart.
The ring on my finger glinted in the sunlight, a constant reminder of what had changed overnight. I curled my fingers around it, smiling softly. Somehow, it felt unreal that the man who had once frightened me, who had ruled my life with a dangerous hand, now wanted to protect me forever.
A faint knock at the door made me sit up.
"Come in," I called, my voice still husky with sleep.
He entered without hesitation, a cup of tea in his hands. His eyes, dark and unreadable as always, softened when they met mine.
"Morning," he said, setting the cup down on the bedside table.
"Morning," I whispered back, brushing a strand of hair from my face.
He studied me for a moment, his gaze lingering on the ring. "You're awake earlier than I expected."
"I didn't sleep much," I admitted. "I… kept thinking about everything."
He stepped closer, hands sliding gently to rest on my shoulders. "I kept thinking too," he murmured. "About how you survived. About how strong you've become."
I felt my chest tighten at the sincerity in his voice. "I was terrified," I confessed. "But having you there… it made me feel like I could survive anything."
He smiled faintly, brushing a thumb across my cheek. "And you did. You proved me wrong in the best way."
Silence stretched between us, but it was not uncomfortable. It was quiet. It was peace.
Finally, I broke it, teasing lightly, "So… does this mean breakfast is your job now, since you proposed?"
He chuckled, the sound low and warm. "I suppose so. But only if you promise to let me."
I smiled, leaning into him. "I promise."
Outside, the mansion stood calm, the sun rising over gardens that had once been battlegrounds. Inside, two people stood together — no fear, no chaos, just a fragile, perfect kind of peace.
And for the first time, I felt like I could truly breathe.