The car door closed behind them
The city lights still blinked outside the window
But the silence inside the car was louder than anything
Damon still held her hand
Firm
Like he forgot to let go
Emma stared at his fingers wrapped around hers
Warm
Human
Not cold like his words always were
She spoke quietly
Who was she
He did not answer right away
His jaw shifted
Eyes locked on the passing streetlights
Veronica
She used to be someone I trusted
Used to be
He nodded slowly
Until she decided trust was a weakness
Emma looked down at their hands again
Why did she say those things to me
Because she knew it would bother me
And because she wanted you to doubt everything
Emma exhaled softly
I don't know how to be in this world Damon
I don't know these people
Their smiles
Their games
You don't have to
But I am your wife now
At least
In front of them
You're more than that
He said it so quietly
She almost missed it
Her heart paused
Then started again faster
She looked at him
But his eyes were still forward
His hand still wrapped around hers
Why did you hold my hand back there
Because I needed to remind her
That you're not like her
And you're not alone
Her throat tightened
But she nodded
The rest of the ride passed in silence
But it was different this time
Not distant
Not cold
Something quiet
Something growing
When they reached the penthouse
He opened the door for her
Walked beside her
Not ahead
Emma stepped out of her heels and walked barefoot to the kitchen
Damon stood at the counter and poured two glasses of water
She took hers
Thank you
He nodded
You looked tired
She said gently
He didn't lie
I am
Long day
Long life
She looked at him then
Really looked
For the first time without fear or defense
His eyes were the same color as the ocean during a storm
But beneath the gray
There was something deeper
Why did you agree to marry me
She asked
He took a sip of water
Because it made sense
She tilted her head
No
I mean
Really
He leaned against the counter and looked at her for a long moment
Because I thought marrying someone who needed me less than they needed peace
Would be safe
No emotions
No distractions
Just an agreement
Is that still what you think this is
I don't know anymore
Emma placed her glass down
Then why did you come back to me after the party
Why didn't you stay and talk to her
Because I made a choice
And I don't break my choices
Even when they're difficult
Especially then
The air between them thickened
Like a string pulled tighter and tighter
She stepped closer
Do you regret marrying me
He met her eyes
No
The word was soft
But final
He stepped forward too
And for the first time
They stood close enough to hear each other breathe
She looked up
You never smile Damon
He almost smiled at that
Almost
Then his fingers reached up slowly
And tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear
Not all smiles are for the world to see
Her skin tingled where he touched it
Then he stepped back
The moment broke
But it didn't vanish
It stayed in the air
Lingering
I have meetings tomorrow
He said quietly
But I want you to come with me
To your meetings
He nodded
Just one
A small foundation I support
Why me
Because it matters
And I want you to see what matters to me
She nodded slowly
Okay
The next morning arrived with golden light pouring into the penthouse
Emma dressed simply
White blouse
Soft skirt
Hair in a low twist
Damon was already in the living room waiting
Black suit
Silver cufflinks
Expression unreadable
He glanced at her once
You look ready
She followed him into the car
This time
There were no cameras
No lights
Only them
The car stopped in front of a small brick building
Children's laughter echoed from inside
Emma looked confused
Damon walked ahead
Opened the door
Inside was a therapy center
Walls painted with soft colors
Drawings from children hung everywhere
Doctors moved quietly
Nurses smiled
Children laughed despite the pain in their eyes
Emma froze
Damon stepped beside her
Years ago
My sister needed a place like this
But there wasn't one
She turned to him
You have a sister
Had
Her breath caught
He walked further inside
A small boy with a bald head ran up and hugged Damon's leg
Emma blinked
Damon smiled
Genuine
Soft
Rare
Hi Jack
The boy looked up
You came back
Always
He whispered
The boy ran back to his room
Damon turned to Emma
This place is named after her
Samantha's Hope
Emma felt something shift inside her
That's beautiful Damon
He looked at her
Pain behind his calm
People only see the billionaire
The cold face
But this is what I protect
She reached out
Touched his arm
You're not as cold as you pretend to be
Maybe I'm colder than I want to be
They stood there for a long time
In the soft quiet of healing and memory
Emma saw him then
Truly saw him
And she knew
This marriage
This agreement
Was changing
Not just her
But him too
From something cold
Into something real
And that scared her
More than anything else