The following morning the house was too quiet
Emma walked barefoot across the wooden floor
She had not slept well
Too many thoughts kept her awake
She stepped into the kitchen
Damon was already there
Cooking
Or at least trying
You are burning the eggs
She said softly
He looked up
Smirked
Maybe I like them burnt
You are strange
She said as she took the spatula from him
Let me do it
He stepped aside
Watching her move around the kitchen
She was barefoot in his shirt
Hair messy
Eyes tired
She looked more beautiful than anything he had ever owned
Emma flipped the eggs carefully
I had a dream last night
It felt too real
Tell me
I was standing in a church
Alone
Then I turned around and saw you
But you were bleeding
And you said I ruined you
Damon walked over slowly
Stood behind her
That was not a dream
That was fear talking
I am scared Damon
Scared of how real this feels
Scared of what I might lose
He placed his hand on her waist
You are not losing me
Not yet
She whispered
Later that day they visited Emma's family house
Her father was not there
But her mother was
She opened the door slowly
Her eyes widening when she saw Damon behind her daughter
Emma
Mother
They stood awkwardly until her mother stepped aside
Come in
They sat on the old couch
Emma glanced around
The house had not changed
It still smelled like dried flowers and forgotten memories
Her mother served tea
And sat across from them
So
You really married him
Yes
Do you love him
Emma hesitated
Then nodded
I think I do
Her mother sighed
Your father made mistakes
But I hope this is not one of them
It is not
Damon said firmly
I will protect her
Always
Emma's mother studied him for a long time
Then nodded slowly
Alright
They left after an hour
Emma was quiet in the car
What are you thinking
Damon asked
I do not know
Maybe I am realizing that I want something real
And I am afraid to admit it
Admit it to who
To myself
Damon reached for her hand
You do not need to be afraid of wanting something real
You already have it
That night she cooked dinner for them both
They ate in the dining room
Soft music playing in the background
Damon stood after dinner
Held out his hand
Dance with me
Emma laughed
There is no dance floor
There is space
And music
That is enough
She took his hand
They danced slowly
Her head resting on his chest
His hand on her lower back
The world faded again
Nothing existed except the space between their hearts
After the song ended
She stepped back
Looked into his eyes
Do you ever regret any of this
Only the pain you had to suffer to get here
He brushed her hair back
And you
No
Because every day I am learning to breathe again
With you
He kissed her forehead
Then her cheek
Then finally her lips
It was not fast
Not wild
But slow
Careful
Precious
That night they lay in bed again
Closer than before
Damon
Yes
Do you believe in forever
I used to think it was a lie
But now
I want to believe it
With me
Yes
Only with you
Emma rested her head on his chest
And this time
Sleep came easily
The next morning a knock echoed through the mansion
Damon opened the door
A man in a black suit stood there
A message sir
From the board
Damon took the envelope
Opened it
His eyes darkened as he read
Emma walked over
What is it
Trouble
He handed her the paper
It was a legal threat
Someone was trying to remove Damon from his own company
Who would do this
Emma asked
Someone who wants everything I built
And maybe
Someone who knows my weakness
Emma
Yes
I need to keep you safe
She shook her head
I am not going anywhere Damon
Whatever this is
We fight it together
He pulled her into a tight embrace
Thank you
Later that night Damon met with his legal team
Emma sat outside the meeting room
Alone
She scrolled through her phone
And saw a message
It was anonymous
Leave him
Or he will lose everything
She stared at it
Hands trembling
Heart pounding
Someone was trying to use her to get to Damon
But she refused to be a pawn
When Damon came out
She showed him the message
He stared at it
Eyes cold
It begins
He said
Then let it
Emma replied
Because I am not leaving you