DAMIEN
Flashback:
I stood quietly in the doorway, mindful of my presence as I watched Valerie sleep peacefully in the bed. The soft glow of the sunlight filtering through the curtains cast a gentle halo around her. Her chest rose and fell with each steady breath. There was a serene expression that graced her features. The very same features that attracted me towards her all those years ago.
Strands of red hair were splayed across the pillow like red fire. In that tranquil moment, all the chaos in the world seemed to fade away, leaving only the pure, quiet beauty of her presence.
I took a small step forward. The urge to protect her, to always be there for her, overwhelmed me. I knew she was unaware of my gaze, but that made the moment all the more precious.
Valerie began to stir in h
