Morning sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. Aurora stirred, her hand resting on her growing belly. Damian was lying beside her, his arm draped protectively over her waist. She smiled softly, enjoying the peaceful moment.
Just as she was about to shift closer to him, Damian’s phone buzzed on the nightstand, shattering the calm. His eyes blinked open, groggy and reluctant, but he reached for the phone. “Hello?” he answered, his voice deep with sleep.
Aurora watched him, her smile fading as she noticed the way his expression changed. His brows furrowed, his jaw tightened, and his lips pressed into a thin line.
“What do you mean?” Damian’s voice was sharp now, all traces of sleep gone.
Aurora sat up, concern filling her. “Damian, what’s wrong?”
He didn’t answer immediately, still listening to the person on the other end of the line. “Fine,” he said finally. “I’ll handle it.” He hung up and placed the phone back on the nightstand with a heavy sigh.
“Damian?” Aurora pressed, reaching for his hand. “What’s going on?”
He looked at her, his dark eyes filled with a mix of sadness and frustration. “It’s about my father,” he said quietly.
Aurora blinked, sitting up straighter. “Your father?” she repeated, her voice tinged with confusion. “What about him?”
Damian ran a hand through his hair, his gaze dropping to the floor. “He’s gone, Aurora,” he said, his voice low. “There was an accident. He didn’t survive.”
Her breath caught in her throat, her hand flying to her mouth. “Oh my God,” she whispered, her eyes wide with shock. “Damian, I… I didn’t know. I’m so sorry.”
Damian nodded, his jaw tight. “I didn’t want to tell you while you were recovering,” he admitted. “But now, I have to prepare for the burial.”
Aurora’s mind raced as she processed the news. She hadn’t been close to Damian’s father. In fact, the man had made it clear that he didn’t like her. But the thought of his death still hit her like a punch to the gut.
“I know he didn’t like me,” she said softly, her voice trembling. “But I never wished him harm. Never.”
Damian moved closer, pulling her into his arms. “I know you didn’t,” he said, his voice steady and comforting. “That’s just who you are, Aurora. You have a good heart.”
Aurora leaned into him, resting her head against his chest. “You must be feeling so much right now,” she murmured. “Are you okay?”
Damian kissed the top of her head, his lips lingering there for a moment. “I’m fine,” he said, though the weight in his tone suggested otherwise. “Right now, I just need to focus on making sure everything is handled properly.”
Aurora pulled back slightly, looking up at him. “What can I do to help?” she asked earnestly.
He gave her a small, sad smile. “You just being here is enough,” he said. “But I don’t want you to worry about this. Focus on yourself and the baby. I’ll take care of everything.”
She frowned, her fingers lightly tracing circles on his arm. “Damian, I’m here for you,” she said firmly. “You don’t have to carry this alone.”
He sighed, cupping her face in his hands. “You’ve been through so much already,” he said. “Let me handle this, Aurora. Please.”
She searched his eyes, seeing the pain he was trying to hide. Finally, she nodded. “Okay,” she said softly. “But if you need anything, promise you’ll tell me.”
“I promise,” Damian said, leaning down to kiss her forehead. “Thank you.”
Aurora closed her eyes, savoring the warmth of his touch. “Your father may have been hard on me,” she said quietly, “but he raised a strong man. You’re going to get through this, Damian.”
His lips twitched into a faint smile. “I hope so,” he said.
They sat in silence for a while, Aurora resting her head on his shoulder as he held her close. Despite the sadness hanging over them, there was a sense of comfort in their shared presence.
After a while, Damian shifted, gently laying Aurora back against the pillows. “Rest for a bit,” he said. “I have to make some calls.”
Aurora nodded, watching as he stood and grabbed his phone. As he moved to the door, she called out softly, “Damian?”
He turned back to her.
“I love you,” she said, her voice filled with sincerity.
His expression softened, and he walked back to her, pressing another kiss to her forehead. “I love you too,” he said.
Damian left the room, his mind already turning to the tasks ahead. As he walked down the hall, he pulled up the contact list on his phone, ready to make the necessary arrangements for his father’s burial.
Aurora lay back, her hand resting on her belly as she stared at the ceiling. Her heart ached for Damian, knowing how much he must be hurting, even if he didn’t show it.
“I’ll be here for him,” she whispered to herself. “No matter what.”