Demian fell silent. For a moment, he couldn't find the right words. He was used to facing resistance with anger or commands, but Valerie's calm cool and rational left him unsteady.
Valerie turned her gaze away again. "So if you want to come closer," she said lightly but firmly, "bathe first. I'm trying to take care of myself… and your child."
Demian stood there for several seconds, then finally turned toward the bathroom without a word. The door closed softly, but the echo of Valerie's words lingered in the air.
On the bed, Valerie lay down slowly, one hand still resting on her belly. She didn't cry. She wasn't angry. Just tired and for the first time, she chose to protect herself, even if that meant keeping her distance from Demian.
